Nothing Ear (a) Black
Score: 81/100
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE Black
Score: 79/100Rankings
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.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE provide solid ANC and a comfortable lightweight design while offering up to 30 hours of total playback at a budget price. They lack wireless charging, have only IPX2 water resistance, and miss physical volume controls. Suited for Samsung users who want affordable ANC without premium durability.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
42.5 hoursbest | 30 hours | |
9.5 hoursbest | 8.5 hours | |
| ↓ lower better | 60 minutesbest | — |
11 mmbest | 11 mmbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 10 minutes | 5 minutesbest |
5,000 Hzbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 59.6 gbest | 100 g |
6best | 6best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Build & Design(2) | ||
IP Rating | IP54 | IPX2 |
Total Weight (Earbuds + Case) (g) | 59.6 g | 100 g |
Battery & Power(3) | ||
Battery Life (Total with Case) (hours) | 42.5 hours | 30 hours |
Battery Life (Earbuds Only) (hours) | 9.5 hours | 8.5 hours |
Quick Charge Time (10 min boost) (minutes) | 10 minutes | 5 minutes |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.2 |
Audio(1) | ||
Supported Audio Codecs | AAC, LDAC, SBC | SSC, AAC, SBC |
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.
If you prefer a unique design and are brand-agnostic, Nothing Ear (a) works; for Samsung users needing tighter integration and stronger ANC, Buds FE is preferable.
Professional reviewers praise the Galaxy Buds FE for their strong ANC, comfortable lightweight design, and solid microphone performance at a budget price, while noting the lack of multi-device pairing, volume controls, and a bass-heavy sound signature as notable compromises.
Everyday users generally praise the comfort, effective ANC for commuting, and the pocket-sized case, but repeatedly mention the limited battery endurance without the case, missing volume controls, and the case's slippery glossy finish as common pain points.
