Compare EarFun Air Pro 4 Plus vs Nothing Ear (3a)

Sound quality is the product's strongest consensus win, with rich, detailed and unusually mature performance for the price. A few reviewers wanted more refinement, but many thought it competed surprisingly close to much more expensive earbuds.

The sound is widely considered capable and enjoyable for the price, with strong energy across music and movies. Listeners seeking finer detail or balance often need EQ, while bass fans may enjoy it immediately.

Soundstage depth is weaker than width. Reviewers described the presentation as relatively flat or merely adequate in front-to-back depth even when the overall stage remained spacious.

Some listeners hear convincing depth and a speaker-like sense of distance. One comparison also credits the sound with more depth than a budget EarFun rival.

The default tuning is usually described as balanced, warm and natural rather than aggressively V-shaped. A few reviewers heard too much brightness or bass, but the overall frequency balance earned positive marks.

Stock tuning often sacrifices neutrality and detail to a dark, bass-heavy presentation, although some hear a pleasing balance. Sound changes between ANC and transparency also bother a few listeners.

There is no dedicated spatial-audio processing, but reactions to that omission are mostly mild. Some reviewers missed the feature, while others felt the natural width and depth made artificial spatial modes unnecessary.

Static spatial processing is often dismissed for adding echo, darkening tracks, or overriding EQ. A few listeners enjoy its immersive effect, especially for certain songs, concerts, films, or games.

Imaging is good for music, with convincing left-right placement and useful spatial cues. For competitive gaming, however, at least one reviewer found direction and distance too imprecise for pinpoint positioning.

Gaming effects stay focused and footsteps can be distinguished to the left and right. The reported directional placement is usable rather than especially precise.

Passive isolation is a useful foundation for ANC. Reviewers who discussed the seal found it capable of blocking a fair amount of outside sound even before electronic cancellation is applied.

A good tip seal gives helpful passive reduction in quieter spaces. It is less reliable against voices and higher sounds, so noisy journeys often still call for ANC.

Bass is one of the sound profile's strengths: deep, punchy and generally well controlled without swamping the mids. A minority found the default low end a little thick or less forceful than expected.

The powerful low end delights bass lovers, especially with electronic music and hip-hop. Many others find the stock bass boomy or overpowering and prefer to reduce it in the equalizer.

Noise cancellation is the main point of disagreement. Some reviewers found it impressively effective on steady low-frequency noise, while several others called it average, confusing to configure, or clearly behind the strongest rivals.

Cancellation usually reduces engine hum, traffic, and travel noise well for the price, but voices and higher sounds often remain audible. Improvements over older Nothing buds vary with fit, and several listeners still want stronger suppression.

Microphone noise reduction works well in ordinary indoor or moderately noisy settings, but heavy wind and busy streets expose its limits. Background suppression can also make the user's voice quieter or less stable.

Wind filtering and voice isolation impress several testers, including a call taken near a hair dryer. Others hear background chatter or find that aggressive suppression makes voices compressed and less intelligible.

Low-latency and gaming performance is generally strong. Game Mode often brought audio close to the action, although Bluetooth still leaves enough delay or directional imprecision to limit competitive use.

Video lip sync and the low-lag mode work well in the reported tests, including on Android and iPhone. Latency is also described as reasonably low without enabling the dedicated mode.

The stage is generally wide and spacious for budget earbuds, helping music feel open and immersive. A few reviewers still found it narrower than premium alternatives or wider than it is deep.

Several testers hear an open, generously wide stage with room around vocals and instruments. Others find orchestral mixes tight or less spacious than competing buds.

Case-hinge confidence is a minor durability concern. Reviewers noted a less-secure lid and wished for a sturdier metal hinge, even though neither described an outright breakage.

The metal hinge is praised for a sturdy, precise feel. One extended test also reports that it stays tight after repeated opening and closing.

The familiar stem design is functional and often described as attractive or understated, but it does not hide the budget materials. Several reviewers liked the clean look while others called it plasticky or generic.

Transparent stems and vivid pink or yellow finishes give these earbuds a distinctive, playful look. Most love the visual identity, though a few criticize the case’s bulky decorative frame.

Low weight contributes meaningfully to comfort. Several reviewers said the earbuds are light enough to forget during long listening or workouts.

The low weight helps the buds feel unobtrusive during longer listening sessions. Several wearers describe barely noticing them in their ears.

Build quality is solid for the price but visibly budget-oriented. Reviewers generally trust the earbuds' durability while noting plasticky materials and a few case or hinge details that feel less premium.

The earbuds often feel solid and more polished than their price suggests. The plastic case divides opinion, with reports of lid play, fine scratches, and a less premium feel alongside praise for durability.

Fit is generally secure and comfortable, with the revised oval tips helping many reviewers get a good seal. Individual ear shape still matters, and a few testers needed to experiment with sizes or experienced fit-related sensor quirks.

Soft tips and revised shaping often deliver a comfortable, secure seal. A few listeners still struggle to fit one ear properly, making tip selection important for both sound and cancellation.

Long-wear comfort is consistently strong. The light earbuds sit comfortably for multi-hour listening, commuting, workouts and gaming without the pressure or fatigue some reviewers experience with other ANC buds.

Many listeners can wear the lightweight buds for hours without soreness or fatigue. Smaller ears and poor seals can make longer sessions less comfortable, so fit remains personal.

The broad ear-tip selection helps accommodate different ear sizes and was repeatedly useful for achieving a secure seal. Reviewers with small ears in particular benefited from the extra sizing choices.

The extra-small option broadens the fit range and helps several small-ear listeners. A wider choice does not guarantee a seal for everyone, and one tester wanted extra-large tips.

Swapping the silicone tips is straightforward. The reviewer who directly assessed replacement found the process very easy.

Tip changes are usually straightforward, though the snap-on fitting can require more force than expected. Some aftermarket tips interfere with closing the case or seating the buds correctly.

Multipoint is usually convenient and reliable, with some reviewers calling switching seamless or flawless. A smaller group encountered stutters or instability, particularly when combining two-device use with LDAC.

Dual-device connection usually works reliably and is useful for moving between a phone and computer. Some tests show a brief handoff delay or require pausing one device before starting the other.

Firmware support earned positive comments when updates arrived during testing and fixed real issues. Reviewers saw the active update cadence as a reassuring sign that EarFun is still refining the product.

Standard warranty coverage and an established update history add confidence for one reviewer. This is reassurance about ongoing ownership rather than a report of a support claim being handled.

Codec breadth is exceptional for the price, with reviewers repeatedly praising the unusually complete set of modern wireless audio options. That flexibility is especially valuable for Android users and audio tinkerers.

AAC, SBC, and LDAC cover familiar listening needs, and codec flexibility is generally welcomed. Missing newer options are treated as a minor limitation rather than a universal dealbreaker.

Value for money is the strongest point of agreement. Reviewers repeatedly say the combination of sound, battery life, codecs and customization delivers far more than the sub-$100 price suggests.

The $99 package is widely praised for combining distinctive styling, useful features, and capable audio. Strong budget rivals mean it is not everyone’s best-value pick, especially when ANC or untouched sound matters most.

The matte finish can resist fingerprints well, but the case is not equally resistant to cosmetic wear. One reviewer specifically found it easy to scratch.

The transparent case is criticized as prone to fingerprints and fine surface marks. Keeping it away from abrasive items may help preserve its appearance.

Volume output is strong enough for demanding listening. The reviewer who assessed it directly found useful loudness around mid settings and plenty of headroom above that.

Output is enough for most listeners and can get very loud in some tests. Others want more headroom, particularly after EQ, while one first-impressions listener found maximum volume uncomfortable.

Clarity at extreme volume is only middling. Reviewers noted that treble can become hot or more aggressive near the top of the volume range even though normal listening stays controlled.

Several listeners praise clean, controlled playback without harshness at higher levels. One reports sub-bass distortion on demanding electronic tracks with the stock bass amplification.

Touch controls are customizable and usually responsive, but they are not universally loved. Some reviewers found them sensitive, fiddly or less satisfying than pressure-based controls.

Touch gestures are described as responsive and usefully customizable through the app. The flexibility helps adapt everyday playback and noise controls to personal preferences.

The accessory package is simple but useful, especially the unusually broad selection of ear-tip sizes. Reviewers liked having enough fit options without unnecessary extras.

Leaving out the charging cable is generally accepted because spare USB-C cables are common. The missing accessory does not substantially hurt these reviewers’ impression of the package.

Android use is a good fit, especially for access to Fast Pair and higher-resolution codec options. Reviewers who tested Android generally found pairing and app support straightforward.

Fast Pair makes Android setup convenient, and Android users are a strong fit for the feature set. Compatibility advantages matter most to listeners who are not relying on Apple ecosystem switching.

Instrument separation is a major sound-quality strength for the price. Reviewers repeatedly heard distinct instruments and vocals with good left-right organization even in busier mixes.

Instrument and vocal separation can be convincing, especially after reducing the bass. Busy arrangements sometimes become congested or lose guitars beneath the low end.

LDAC is valued for giving Android users another high-bitrate option and sometimes a little more body or detail. Its drawback is higher battery use and, in some setups, more connection instability or reduced multipoint flexibility.

Compatible Android listening can gain texture, separation, and upper-range detail with LDAC. Shorter battery life and recording-feature tradeoffs mean it is not always worth leaving enabled.

The earbuds work across a broad mix of phones, computers and portable gaming devices, and reviewers generally had few compatibility problems. Android gets the richest codec options, but basic use remains strong across platforms.

Pairing across Android, iOS, computers, and a TV receives favorable reports. Some platform-specific customization differences remain, so the experience is not identical on every device.

Wear detection is inconsistent across reviewers. Some found it responsive and improved, while others experienced false pauses or fit-related detection problems.

Wear detection is usually useful for automatically pausing and resuming playback. A finicky sensor can occasionally misread fit and interrupt ANC, and it complicates some bench tests.

The Find Headphones function is a useful practical extra for locating a misplaced bud. Reviewers who mentioned it treated the audible locator as a welcome feature in an already deep app.

The audible finder helps one tester locate a bud, but another finds it too quiet for a laundry basket or deep pocket. Its usefulness depends on how well the alert can be heard.

The large preset library gives plenty of quick tuning options, but quality and usability are mixed. Some reviewers liked the choice while others found the presets excessive, poorly organized, or less useful than the manual EQ.

Balanced tuning appeals to bass fans, while the Vocal option can improve spoken-word listening. Other testers find the presets heavy-handed, thin, or less effective than making their own EQ.

The IP55 protection is widely viewed as sufficient for workouts, sweat, rain and everyday outdoor use. Reviewers treat it as a useful durability upgrade, while noting that the earbuds are not meant for submersion.

Splash and sweat protection on both buds and case is appreciated for commutes and workouts. The reported protection is meant for everyday moisture rather than swimming or full submersion.

High-resolution wireless playback is a notable value advantage, with reviewers appreciating access to advanced codecs at a low price. The improvement over standard AAC can be subtle, but compatible sources can extract extra detail.

High-resolution playback is welcomed as an affordable extra rather than a reason to buy a flagship. LDAC-equipped listening is credited with preserving detail and energetic sound on compatible devices.

Midrange performance is generally clear, full and natural, with vocals and instruments staying distinct from the bass. A few reviewers found the mids recessed, thin or less energetic, making this less unanimous than the bass praise.

Vocals can sound warm, clear, and expressive, but excessive stock bass often pushes them back or masks lower instruments. EQ adjustments commonly bring the midrange into better focus.

Physical stability is good for walking, running and workouts when the correct tips are used. Reviewers generally found the buds secure enough to stay in place through movement.

The buds usually stay put during walking, gym sessions, and even running. A poor seal can still require frequent readjustment, and some rivals feel more secure to particular ears.

Portability is good thanks to the light earbuds and generally compact case. A few reviewers thought the case could be slimmer, but it remains easy to carry in most pockets or bags.

Most find the slim case easy to pocket and carry. Others see the clear outer frame as unnecessary bulk and prefer a smaller or differently shaped case.

Overall satisfaction is very high: most reviewers consider these among the strongest sub-$100 earbuds and several gave unusually enthusiastic recommendations. The few reservations center on ANC, calls and budget-feeling materials rather than the core listening experience.

Most listeners recommend these as stylish, capable everyday earbuds at a budget price. Reservations cluster around stock tuning, cancellation limits, case usability, and the usefulness or privacy implications of recording.

Packaging is neat and straightforward rather than luxurious. Reviewers found the unboxing organized and appropriate for the price.

The minimal presentation and helpful pull tab make unpacking pleasant. A thin outer box makes a less premium first impression, but the product itself matters more to that listener.

Transparency mode is useful for conversations and basic awareness, but it is rarely described as class-leading. Reviewers commonly called it decent or good enough, with less natural amplification than premium rivals.

Some hear natural surroundings and hold conversations easily, while others notice hiss, boosted fan noise, or a blocked-ear effect when speaking. The result depends on fit and expectations of naturalness.

Treble is usually clean, detailed and better resolved than on earlier EarFun models, helped by the balanced-armature driver. Depending on listener and volume, it can also sound too bright, too safe or slightly hot.

Highs are often crisp or smooth without harshness, particularly with suitable EQ or LDAC. Other listeners want more sparkle and detail, or find treble adjustments metallic.

The charging case is usually considered compact, practical and pocketable, but opinions on its feel are mixed. Some praised its sturdy design, while others found it slippery, awkward to open, or less premium than the earbuds' performance suggests.

The three-part status light is a useful, popular addition, and many like the case’s rounded feel. Its shallow opening lip, strong magnets, and occasional lid looseness or misplaced buds frustrate others.

Charging is a strong convenience feature thanks to wireless charging and useful quick-charge performance. Reviewers repeatedly liked getting these extras in a budget-priced set.

Fast charging makes short breaks useful for getting back to music or finishing a movie. The lack of wireless charging ranges from an acceptable price compromise to a major disappointment.

Battery life is one of the clearest strengths, with reviewers repeatedly praising long single-charge endurance and generous case reserves. Higher-bitrate codecs and ANC reduce runtime, but the overall result remains excellent for the class.

Everyday endurance is generally useful, and several listeners go days between case charges. ANC, LDAC, and retrospective recording shorten runtime, while some testers find stamina average or disappointing.

Bluetooth performance is usually quick and dependable, with easy pairing and few dropouts in normal use. The main caveat is that demanding combinations such as LDAC plus multipoint can introduce instability.

Connections are commonly described as stable, with successful playback across rooms and floors. Bluetooth 6.0 is welcomed, although its presence alone does not settle conflicting reports about optional audio standards.

The EarFun Audio app is widely praised for its depth, useful layout, and extensive controls. A few reviewers found parts of it unstable or overly busy, but customization is a consistent strength.

Nothing X earns broad praise for its clean layout, dependable operation, and unusually extensive customization. The EQ tools are a particular highlight, although recording-account prompts and some fit-test quirks complicate the experience.

Initial pairing and everyday setup are generally easy, particularly with Fast Pair. The main usability complaint is the large number of ANC and tuning options, which can make the software feel more complicated than necessary.

Pairing and navigating the app are generally quick and simple. Needing to adjust the sound before enjoying it can reduce the straight-out-of-the-box convenience.

Sound customization is a standout feature. The 10-band EQ and personal profiles can meaningfully reshape bass, mids and treble, and several reviewers used them to correct aspects of the stock tuning they disliked.

The eight-band parametric EQ is one of the strongest reasons to buy, offering enough control to tame bass and improve clarity. A minority find adjustments less effective or notice a drop in volume.

Call quality is good for everyday use, with clear speech in quiet and moderate noise. It is not consistently flagship-level, and several reviewers reported weaker intelligibility or voice stability in wind and very loud surroundings.

Calls are often clear in quiet rooms, with some testers rating them exceptionally highly for the price. Results outdoors and in busy spaces are less consistent, ranging from clean speech to distant or compressed voices.

Adaptive cancellation draws mixed reactions: some find its adjustments useful and smooth, while others notice fluctuations or bugs. The highest manual setting can be the more dependable choice.

Quick media clips and call recordings can help with interviews, lectures, and remembering instructions. Others find them unnecessary or troubling, with regional restrictions and conflicting reports about recording alerts adding uncertainty.

Lossless-oriented codec support is impressive for a budget model, but reviewers were careful about its limits. It can improve the available wireless quality with compatible devices without turning Bluetooth into truly wired lossless playback.

Transcription can produce useful, accurate text, with the Pro model particularly praised for names and speaker separation. Subscription requirements and unclear ongoing pricing repeatedly weaken its appeal.

AI translation drew mixed reactions. It can handle basic exchanges reasonably well, but reviewers also found the workflow slow or awkward and questioned how accurately the feature is marketed.

aptX support is repeatedly treated as unusually generous at this price. Reviewers value having it alongside other high-resolution options, though the audible advantage depends on the source device and settings.

There is no low-latency wireless dongle, which limits suitability for serious competitive gaming. Game Mode helps substantially, but Bluetooth remains the underlying connection.

Headwear compatibility has a specific caveat: one reviewer found that wearing a beanie could accidentally trigger the touch controls and pause playback.

The onboard recording capacity is considered impressive for capturing audio without immediately transferring it to a phone. This praise concerns saved recordings rather than a music library for independent playback.

USB-C charging is a welcome practical convenience, especially because it sits alongside wireless charging rather than replacing it.

Auracast is mostly viewed as a welcome future-facing extra rather than an everyday necessity. Reviewers like seeing it at this price even though several had little opportunity to use it.

Pinch controls usually feel deliberate, responsive, and customizable, reducing accidental inputs. Small sensing areas, quiet feedback, and awkward volume gestures create a learning curve for some hands.

The Nothing-phone assistant feature is viewed as a small extra rather than a major reason to buy. Its appeal depends on whether hands-free AI access fits everyday use.