Nothing Ear (a) Black
Score: 81/100
Philips TAA5508
Score: 81/100Rankings
The Nothing Ear (a) are lightweight true-wireless earbuds offering up to 42.5 hours of total playback and 45 dB hybrid ANC. They lack wireless charging and the microphones are mediocre, leading to occasional call quality issues. Ideal for budget-conscious users who value long battery life and customizable EQ.
Philips TAA5508 sport earbuds combine hybrid ANC with wind cancellation, long 31-hour total battery life, and rapid 5-minute quick charge in an IPX5-rated design. The treble is less detailed and codec support is limited to LC3. They target active users needing reliable ANC and endurance.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
42.5 hoursbest | 31 hours | |
9.5 hoursbest | 7 hours | |
| ↓ lower better | 60 minutesbest | 120 minutes |
11 mmbest | 8 mm | |
| ↓ lower better | 10 minutes | 5 minutesbest |
— | 10 metersbest | |
5,000 Hzbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 59.6 gbest | 80 g |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Build & Design(2) | ||
IP Rating | IP54 | IPX5 |
Total Weight (Earbuds + Case) (g) | 59.6 g | 80 g |
Battery & Power(4) | ||
Battery Life (Total with Case) (hours) | 42.5 hours | 31 hours |
Battery Life (Earbuds Only) (hours) | 9.5 hours | 7 hours |
Charging Time (Full) (minutes) | 60 minutes | 120 minutes |
Quick Charge Time (10 min boost) (minutes) | 10 minutes | 5 minutes |
Audio(4) | ||
Supported Audio Codecs | AAC, LDAC, SBC | LC3 |
Driver Size (mm) | 11 mm | 8 mm |
Frequency Response (Hz) | 5000 Hz | 20-20000 Hz |
Microphone Count | 6 | |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Ear (a) for delivering premium-level sound quality, a sophisticated adaptive ANC system, and a highly customizable app, all at a sub-$100 price point. They also note the low harmonic distortion and rapid charging as standout technical achievements, while pointing out the need for manual Fast Pair reconnections and the relatively modest microphone performance.
Everyday users love the earbuds' sleek transparent design, strong ANC for the price, lightweight comfort, and the long battery life provided by the case. Common frustrations revolve around occasional connectivity hiccups with iPhones, the need to re-pair after device power cycles, and the earbuds' microphone not being as clear as desired.
Professional reviewers consider the TAA5508 a solid choice for sport-oriented users, praising its secure fit, adaptive ANC with wind-noise mitigation, strong battery life with quick charge, and clear call performance, while noting that the treble is not as refined as premium competitors.
Everyday users generally express high satisfaction, highlighting comfort, lasting battery, effective ANC during runs, and reliable water resistance, with occasional remarks about the need for sharper high-frequency detail.
“"they stayed securely in ears throughout the run with good bass response perfect for workouts"”
