The ANC Earbuds Under $300 Showdown
Tale of the Tape
The Breakdown
Sound Quality
Apple and Samsung both deliver refined, balanced sound profiles that work across genres. Nothing's ceramic drivers offer unique character but can sound harsh at high volumes.
ANC
Apple's latest ANC is genuinely best-in-class—twice as strong as Gen 2 and nearly silent on planes. Samsung's adaptive ANC is smart but not as aggressive, while Nothing's 45dB claim doesn't quite match reality.
Battery
Nothing wins with 8.5 hours of playback plus a 40-hour case. AirPods Pro 3 actually regressed slightly in battery life. Samsung matches Apple at 7 hours but with a slightly larger case.
Features
Apple's hearing aid features and seamless iOS integration are unmatched for iPhone users. Samsung counters with 360 Audio and real-time translation. Nothing's ChatGPT integration is gimmicky but unique.
Value
Nothing Ear 3 at $179 is an absolute steal—you're getting 80% of the flagship experience for $70 less. Samsung sits in the middle, while Apple's $249 price feels steep despite the quality.
The Verdict
Nothing Ear 3
Nothing Ear 3 proves you don't need to pay flagship prices for flagship sound
Nothing has done what seemed impossible—delivered wireless earbuds that compete with $250+ options for just $179. The Ear 3 packs impressive 45dB ANC (that actually works), 8.5-hour battery life that beats both rivals, and LDAC support for hi-res audio. Plus, that transparent design still turns heads. AirPods Pro 3 are technically superior with class-leading ANC and hearing aid features, but you're paying $70 more for incremental improvements. Samsung's Galaxy Buds 5 Pro are solid all-rounders but don't excel in any particular area. For most buyers, the Nothing Ear 3 is the smart money pick—you're getting 95% of the experience while keeping money in your pocket.
Quick Specs
| Spec | Apple AirPods Pro 3 | Nothing Ear 3 | Samsung Galaxy Buds 5 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver | 11mm custom | 11.6mm ceramic | 10mm + 6mm dual |
| ANC | 2x stronger than Gen 2 | Up to 45dB | Adaptive 2.0 |
| Battery | 7 hrs (30 case) | 8.5 hrs (40 case) | 7 hrs (31 case) |
| Codec | AAC, LC3 | LDAC, AAC | Samsung Seamless, AAC |
| Water Resistance | IP54 | IP55 | IP57 |
| Case | USB-C, Find My | USB-C, wireless | USB-C, wireless |
| Extras | Hearing aid features | ChatGPT integration | 360 Audio, real-time translation |