Earbuds / Compare
Nothing Ear (3) vs Sony WF-1000XM6
Product A: Nothing
95 of 166 known
Change Nothing Ear (3)
Product B: Sony
100 of 166 known
Change Sony WF-1000XM6
80 of 157 fields differ
- 42 different values
- 38 known for one only
- 30 the same
- 47 missing for both
Biggest differences
Each bar uses the scale of all 138 earbuds.
- Playback per charge with ANC (claimed)A: 5.5hB: 8hSony is 2.5 h higher.
- Battery lifeA: 10hB: 12hSony is 2 h higher.
Weight
0 to 80 g
Weight per bud
A5.2g
B6.5g
All 166 fields
Every value links to where we found it.


General
6 of 8 differ
Series
Model numbers
B173, B173R, B173L, B173C3Reviewsoundguys.com/nothing-ear-3-review-144486Read 30 September 2026Model number B17310Owner's manuald.otto.de/files/a43ba334-6eca-54b3-8512-5edd62424088.pdfRead 30 September 2026Front cover B173. Regulatory section HVIN B173R/B173L/B173C for earbuds and case.
WF-1000XM6, YY29851Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6/spec.htmlRead 30 September 2026Opened maker technical spec page title identifies WF-1000XM6.39Owner's manualnfm.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-NFMSharedLibrary/default/dwf3ccc72f/product-pdfs/069/87/69870889-use-and-care-guide.pdfRead 8 October 2026Original Sony Reference Guide 5-069-559-11(1), ©2026 Sony. Page 1 identifies WF-1000XM6 as model YY2985.
GTIN / EAN
6974434226791, 697443422678412Retailer paged.otto.de/files/55d6413c-1574-5555-87e8-974bc4bfc77f.pdfRead 30 September 2026One-page exact Ear3 branded factsheet, EAN-Codes box: 6974434226784 black and 6974434226791 white. Identifier labels establish EAN, independent of store sku/checksum.13Retailer pageboulanger.scene7.com/is/content/Boulanger/6974434226784_f_0Read 30 September 2026CODES EAN box explicitly identifies white 6974434226791 and black6974434226784.
Not available
Announced
Status
Predecessor
Nothing Ear4Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/nothing/ear-3-in-earRead 30 September 2026RTINGS says the Nothing Ear (3) replaces the Nothing Ear.14Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/nothing/ear-truly-wirelessRead 23 October 2026RTINGS calls the Nothing Ear (3) the successor to the Nothing Ear.
Successor
Not available
Not available
Launch price (US)
Launch price (EU)
Markets
US, DE1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/ear-3Read 30 September 2026The US store sells the product in USD.5Press releasepresseportal.de/pm/157514/6133465Read 30 September 2026Maker release carried by Presseportal explicitly gives Germany availability and EUR pricing.
US, JP, EU2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6Read 30 September 2026Sold in Japan at ¥39,600 on the Sony Store5Press articlegsmarena.com/sony_wf1000xm6_arrive_with_updated_sound_tuning_stronger_anc_-news-71532.phpRead 30 September 2026Available in silver and black for $330 at Sony (US)23Press releasesony.eu/presscentre/sony-launches-wf-1000xm6-truly-wireless-earbuds-the-best-noise-cancelling-with-premium-soundRead 30 September 2026European launch availability.
Colours
Black, Platinum Silver2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6Read 30 September 2026Product color list: B Black, S Platinum Silver, translated from Japanese.4Press releasesony.jp/CorporateCruise/Press/202602/26-0213Read 30 September 2026Japan launch release: Black and Platinum Silver, Japanese retail release February 27, 2026.
Segment
Not available
Not available
Design
1 of 4 differ
Form factor
Bud shape
Use one bud alone
Either bud3Reviewsoundguys.com/nothing-ear-3-review-144486Read 30 September 2026Each earbud can function independently8Owner's manualsupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/sections/38937892085265-Product-FeatureRead 30 September 2026Can I use just one earbud FAQ: either can be used alone after the pair has been paired together.
RGB lighting
Not available
Not available
Drivers and sound
8 of 17 differ
Drivers per bud
ANothing Ear (3)
| Type | Diameter (mm) | Count per earbud |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic | 12 | 1 |
BSony WF-1000XM6
| Type | Diameter (mm) | Count per earbud |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic | 8.4 | 1 |
Source1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6/spec.htmlRead 30 September 2026Headphone specification table: 8.4 mm driver unit, one per earbud. GSMArena confirms dynamic transducer.5Press articlegsmarena.com/sony_wf1000xm6_arrive_with_updated_sound_tuning_stronger_anc_-news-71532.phpRead 30 September 20268.4 mm dynamic drivers34Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6/feature_1.htmlRead 30 September 2026Dedicated driver section L2_120: soft surround and rigid dome design. 8.4 mm diameter from specification table. No explicit full-range role published.
Driver type
Driver size
12mm
8.4mm
Drivers per bud
1
1
Diaphragm material
Not available
Frequency response
Min20 HzMax40 kHz1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/ear-3Read 30 September 202620 Hz - 40 kHz
Not available
Impedance
Not available
Sensitivity
Not available
Not available
Sensitivity reference
Not available
Not available
Max sample rate
Max bit depth
Adaptive EQ
Not available
Not available
Personalised sound
Yes1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/ear-3Read 30 September 20268Owner's manualsupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/sections/38937892085265-Product-FeatureRead 30 September 2026Personal Sound Profile FAQ: hearing assessment creates personalized compensation profile.
Not available
Onboard EQ
Not available
Not available
Custom EQ bands
81Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/ear-3Read 30 September 20268Owner's manualsupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/sections/38937892085265-Product-FeatureRead 30 September 2026Personal Sound Profile FAQ explicitly states an 8-band equalizer.
102Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6Read 30 September 20264Press releasesony.jp/CorporateCruise/Press/202602/26-0213Read 30 September 202637Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6/feature_5.htmlRead 30 September 2026L2_410 explicitly gives ten-band equalizer. Game/Movie presets are mentioned but the full named EQ list is not published here.
EQ presets
Balanced, Bass, Treble, Voice8Owner's manualsupport.nothing.tech/hc/en-us/sections/38937892085265-Product-FeatureRead 30 September 2026Equaliser settings FAQ: Balanced, Bass, Treble and Voice.
Not available
Volume limit
Not available
Not available
Spatial audio
2 of 2 differ
Spatial audio
Static Spatial Audio1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/ear-3Read 30 September 2026Music section: Static Spatial Audio creates a 3D soundscape.
360 Reality Audio26Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2985/v1/en/contents/F039_About_360_Reality_Audio.htmlRead 30 September 2026360 Reality Audio is three-dimensional audio in a supporting iOS/Android streaming service.34Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6/feature_1.htmlRead 30 September 2026360 Reality Audio section L2_160: Sound Connect creates personal auditory-characteristic data for spatial rendering.
Head tracking
Yes2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6Read 30 September 202634Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6/feature_1.htmlRead 30 September 2026Head tracking section L2_170: Android 13+ head-tracking-capable phone and supported content/service. Amazon Music excluded for 360 Reality Audio tracking.
Noise cancelling
7 of 11 differ
Active noise cancelling
ANC type
Not available
Hybrid2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6Read 30 September 2026Product ANC feature: two feedback and two feedforward microphones in each earbud.35Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6/feature_2.htmlRead 30 September 2026Multi Noise Sensor Technology L2_210: two feedback and two feedforward microphones per earbud.
ANC microphones in both earbuds
Not available
82Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6Read 30 September 2026Product ANC feature: four microphones per earbud, eight across pair.4Press releasesony.jp/CorporateCruise/Press/202602/26-0213Read 30 September 202635Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6/feature_2.htmlRead 30 September 2026L2_210 explicitly gives four per earbud, eight across pair.
Adaptive ANC
ANC levels
Not available
ANC attenuation (claimed)
Not available
Transparency mode
Adjustable transparency
Not available
Yes2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6Read 30 September 20266Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wf-1000xm6-review-152013Read 30 September 2026Ambient sound adjustable over 20 levels in the app35Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6/feature_2.htmlRead 30 September 2026Ambient sound level section: adjustable ambient level and automatic level adjustment based on environmental noise.
Automatic ANC and transparency blend
Not available
Not available
Conversation detection
Not available
Wind noise reduction
Not available
Yes2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6Read 30 September 2026Streamlined shape and mic grille reduce wind noise35Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6/feature_2.htmlRead 30 September 2026L2_230: streamlined housing and fine-hole flat microphone design physically reduce wind noise.
Measured
7 of 23 differ
Frequency response notes (measured)
Bass amount (measured)
Treble amount (measured)
Deviation from target (measured)
Not available
Not available
Consistency between fittings (measured)
Not available
Not available
Harmonic distortion (measured)
Not available
Not available
Sound leakage (measured)
Not available
Not available
Noise isolation (measured)
Not available
Not available
Noise isolation, best (measured)
Not available
Not available
Passive isolation (measured)
Not available
Not available
Call quality notes (measured)
Speech is intelligible but slightly congested. The earbud microphones reject a broad range of background noise. The case Super Mic captures higher-fidelity audio when held near the mouth.4Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/nothing/ear-3-in-earRead 30 September 2026Public Microphone verdict paragraph distinguishes earbud mic results from case Super Mic, method 2.3. Detailed test settings are locked.
Indoor speech is clear, with good articulation and little reverberation in the review tests.6Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wf-1000xm6-review-152013Read 30 September 2026Microphone section: quiet indoor speech evaluation. The review uses an experimental bone-conduction-aware fixture, so samples may not reflect every human fit.
Mic low-frequency extension (measured)
Not available
Not available
Mic high-frequency extension (measured)
Not available
Not available
Mic speech-to-noise ratio (measured)
Not available
Not available
Latency (measured)
Not available
Not available
Bluetooth latency, worst (measured)
Not available
Not available
2.4 GHz latency, worst (measured)
Not available
Not available
Latency in game mode (measured)
Not available
Not available
Battery life (measured)
ANothing Ear (3)
| ANC | Hours (h) |
|---|---|
| Yes | 5.2 |
| Yes | 5.3 |
Source3Reviewsoundguys.com/nothing-ear-3-review-144486Read 30 September 2026Battery paragraph: 5 h 12 min with ANC on, one charge. Source does not state codec.4Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/nothing/ear-3-in-earRead 30 September 2026Public Travel verdict explicitly says 5.3 h with ANC enabled. 5.2 h is the separate SoundGuys result.
BSony WF-1000XM6
| ANC | Codec | Hours (h) |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | AAC | 8.25 |
| Yes | Not available | 9.68 |
Source6Reviewsoundguys.com/sony-wf-1000xm6-review-152013Read 30 September 20269.68 h row: 9 h 41 min (581 min), ANC on, music peaking at 75 dB SPL, firmware 1.1.0/1.57Measurementsoundguys.com/sony-wf-1000xm6-battery-life-performance-152956Read 30 September 2026581 minutes with ANC on, peaks at about 75 dB SPL8Reviewgsmarena.com/sony_wf1000xm6_review_-news-71510.phpRead 30 September 20268.25 h row: 8 h 15 min, AAC codec, ANC on
Longest tested use per charge
5.3h
9.68h
Battery life with case (measured)
Not available
Not available
Full charge time (measured)
Not available
Not available
Weight per bud (measured)
Not available
Microphones and calls
5 of 7 differ
Voice microphones in both earbuds
42Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6Read 30 September 2026Voice pickup feature: two beamforming microphones per earbud, four for calls across pair.36Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6/feature_4.htmlRead 30 September 2026AI Noise Reduction section: two voice microphones per side, four across pair, combined with bone-conduction sensors.
All microphones in both earbuds
Bone conduction voice sensor
Yes2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6Read 30 September 20264Press releasesony.jp/CorporateCruise/Press/202602/26-0213Read 30 September 202636Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6/feature_4.htmlRead 30 September 2026Bone-conduction sensor section explicitly identifies dedicated sensor.
Mic noise reduction
Call audio bandwidth
Not available
Super wideband2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6Read 30 September 2026Super Wideband calling feature requires a supporting phone.36Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6/feature_4.htmlRead 30 September 2026Super Wideband calling section requires a supporting smartphone.
Mic mute control
Not available
Yes2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6Read 30 September 2026Double tap toggles the mic on or off, enabled in the app36Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6/feature_4.htmlRead 30 September 2026Double-tap microphone on/off section: must enable in Sound Connect, controls headset mic independently of source-app mute.
Sidetone
Not available
Yes10Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2985/v1/en/contents/F002_Using_the_Sound_Connect_app.htmlRead 30 September 2026Capture Voice During a Phone Call explicitly described as Sidetone.17Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2985/v1/en/contents/F048_Functions_for_a_phone_call.htmlRead 30 September 2026Capture Voice During a Phone Call (Sidetone function)
Connectivity
8 of 18 differ
Chip
Not available
Connections
Bluetooth
Bluetooth codecs
SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC31Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6/spec.htmlRead 30 September 202622Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2985/v1/en/contents/F055_Supported_codecs.htmlRead 30 September 2026Classic A2DP: SBC/AAC/LDAC. LE Audio: LC3. LDAC requires Priority on Sound Quality. LE Audio requires Low latency setting.
Bluetooth profiles
Not available
A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, TMAP, CSIP, MCP, VCP, CCP1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6/spec.htmlRead 30 September 2026Bluetooth specification table: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, TMAP, CSIP, MCP, VCP and CCP.
LE Audio
Yes2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6Read 30 September 202616Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2985/v1/en/contents/F025_Connecting_with_an_Android_smartphone_using_LE_Audio.htmlRead 30 September 2026Connecting with an Android smartphone using LE Audio: exact WF-1000XM6 function.
Auracast
Not available
Yes2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6Read 30 September 20264Press releasesony.jp/CorporateCruise/Press/202602/26-0213Read 30 September 202638Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6/feature_6.htmlRead 30 September 2026L2_670 explicitly describes Auracast broadcast audio reception and shared listening.
Multipoint
Yes2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6Read 30 September 202615Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2985/v1/en/contents/F034_Connecting_the_headset_to_2_devices_simultaneously.htmlRead 30 September 2026Connecting the headset to 2 devices simultaneously: exact WF-1000XM6 function.38Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6/feature_6.htmlRead 30 September 2026L2_710: two source devices concurrently, including Classic/LE Audio cross-connections.
Multipoint devices
22Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6Read 30 September 202615Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2985/v1/en/contents/F034_Connecting_the_headset_to_2_devices_simultaneously.htmlRead 30 September 2026Connecting the headset to 2 devices simultaneously: exact WF-1000XM6 function.38Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6/feature_6.htmlRead 30 September 2026L2_710 explicitly states two concurrent source devices.
Multipoint with LDAC
Not available
Not available
Paired devices remembered
Automatic switching between own devices
Not available
Fast pairing
Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/ear-3Read 30 September 2026Feature and spec table: Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair.
Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6Read 30 September 20265Press articlegsmarena.com/sony_wf1000xm6_arrive_with_updated_sound_tuning_stronger_anc_-news-71532.phpRead 30 September 202621Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2985/v1/en/contents/F023_Pairing_and_connecting_with_an_Android_smartphone.htmlRead 8 October 2026Google Fast Pair for Android. Microsoft Swift Pair explicitly listed on Sony maker product page.38Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6/feature_6.htmlRead 30 September 2026L2_680 Google Fast Pair, Android 6+, plus L2_690 Windows 10/11 Swift Pair.
Audio sharing
Not available
Not available
Wireless range (claimed)
Wireless receiver
Not available
Not available
Receiver connector
Not available
Not available
Simultaneous 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth audio
Not available
Not available
Latency
2 of 3 differ
Low latency mode
Claimed latency
ANothing Ear (3)
| Connection | Mode | Latency (ms) |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Game Mode with a Nothing phone | 110 |
BSony WF-1000XM6
Not availableLowest claimed latency
110ms
Not available
Compatibility
3 of 4 differ
Platforms
Connection per platform
ANothing Ear (3)
Not availableBSony WF-1000XM6
| Platform | Connection | Microphone works |
|---|---|---|
| Android | Bluetooth | Yes |
| iOS | Bluetooth | Yes |
| Windows | Bluetooth | Yes |
| macOS | Bluetooth | Yes |
Source21Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2985/v1/en/contents/F023_Pairing_and_connecting_with_an_Android_smartphone.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact Android pairing procedure.41Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2985/v1/en/contents/F026_Pairing_and_connecting_with_an_iPhone.htmlRead 8 October 2026Exact iPhone pairing procedure.42Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2985/v1/en/contents/F028_Pairing_and_connecting_with_a_computer_Windows_11.htmlRead 8 October 2026Windows 11, Bluetooth A2DP music support required.43Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2985/v1/en/contents/F029_Pairing_and_connecting_with_a_computer_Mac.htmlRead 8 October 2026macOS 12+, Bluetooth A2DP music support required.44Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2985/v1/en/contents/F047_Making_a_call.htmlRead 8 October 2026Smartphone calls use HFP/HSP and microphones on left/right units. Prefer HFP when both profiles supported.45Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2985/v1/en/contents/F049_Making_a_video_call_on_your_computer.htmlRead 8 October 2026Windows/Mac linked instructions. Select HFP/HSP hands-free speaker and microphone for video calls, not stereo music output. Computer/application compatibility can vary.
Features that need a specific device
ANothing Ear (3)
| Feature | Needs |
|---|---|
| Latency as low as 110 ms | Paired with Nothing phone devices, with Game Mode turned on |
| Essential Space | Select Nothing devices with the Essential Key |
| Talk to ChatGPT | Pair with a compatible Nothing phone and configure the control in the Nothing X app. |
| Find My and device renaming | Android 10 onwards |
| Super Mic with Dual Connection | Only one microphone system can be active at a time. Dual Connection can slow Super Mic activation. Super Mic is prioritized with Dual Connection off. |
| LDAC high-resolution playback | Connected source must support LDAC. AAC and SBC are the other supported Bluetooth codecs. |
BSony WF-1000XM6
| Feature | Needs |
|---|---|
| Spatial Sound and Head Tracking | Android 13+ phone with head-tracking support and compatible multichannel or 360 Reality Audio content/service. Amazon Music excluded for 360 Reality Audio head tracking. |
| Google Gemini | Android 13 or later |
| audio switch | Android 8.0 or later, connected via Google Fast Pair |
| LE Audio | The Android smartphone must support LE Audio |
| Tencent Xiaowei | Tencent Xiaowei is only available in China |
| Computer Bluetooth audio and calls | Windows 11 or macOS 12+ with Bluetooth A2DP for music. Select HFP/HSP hands-free speaker and microphone for video calls. Application and computer compatibility varies. |
Source2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6Read 30 September 2026Head tracking needs Android 13 or later with head tracking support (JP page)16Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2985/v1/en/contents/F025_Connecting_with_an_Android_smartphone_using_LE_Audio.htmlRead 30 September 2026LC3/low-latency mode requires LE Audio-capable Android source. Gemini and audio switch conditions from their respective sections.34Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6/feature_1.htmlRead 30 September 2026Head tracking L2_170 explicitly sets Android 13+, device support, content/service support and Amazon Music exclusion.45Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2985/v1/en/contents/F049_Making_a_video_call_on_your_computer.htmlRead 8 October 2026Computer video calls require correctly selected HFP/HSP speaker and microphone. Some computer/application combinations may not work properly.
Official licence
Not available
Not available
Battery and charging
9 of 13 differ
Battery per bud
Not available
User-replaceable earbud battery
Not available
Not available
Claimed battery life
ANothing Ear (3)
| Mode | Codec | Includes case recharges | Hours (h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANC off | AAC | No | 10 |
| ANC on | AAC | No | 5.5 |
| ANC off | AAC | Yes | 38 |
| ANC on | AAC | Yes | 22 |
| ANC off | LDAC | No | 5.5 |
| ANC on | LDAC | No | 3.5 |
| Call | Not available | No | 5 |
| Call | Not available | Yes | 19 |
BSony WF-1000XM6
| Mode | Codec | Includes case recharges | Hours (h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANC on | LDAC | No | 5 |
| Transparency | LDAC | No | 5 |
| ANC off | LDAC | No | 8 |
| ANC on | AAC | No | 8 |
| Transparency | AAC | No | 8 |
| ANC off | AAC | No | 12 |
| ANC on | SBC | No | 8 |
| Transparency | SBC | No | 8 |
| ANC off | SBC | No | 12 |
| ANC on | LC3 | No | 7 |
| Transparency | LC3 | No | 7 |
| ANC off | LC3 | No | 11 |
| Call | Not available | No | 5.5 |
| ANC on | AAC | Yes | 24 |
| ANC off | AAC | Yes | 36 |
Source1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6/spec.htmlRead 30 September 2026Call specifications: 5 h ANC on, 5.5 h ANC off. Stored call row is the ANC-off claim.2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6Read 30 September 2026With case: NC on 24 h, NC off 36 h, codec AAC12Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2985/v1/en/contents/F017_Available_operating_time.htmlRead 30 September 2026Available operating time table: LDAC 5/5/8 h, AAC 8/8/12 h, SBC 8/8/12 h, LC3 7/7/11 h (ANC/ambient/off). Call 5.5 h is ANC off. EQ, DSEE Extreme, Speak-to-Chat shorten playback.38Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6/feature_6.htmlRead 30 September 2026L2_540: AAC, 8 h ANC on and 24 h case-inclusive, 12 h ANC off and 36 h case-inclusive. EQ/DSEE off, other features default. Per-codec earbud rows from Help Guide operating-time table.
Longest claimed use per charge
10h
12h
Playback per charge with ANC (claimed)
5.5h
8h
Playback per charge without ANC (claimed)
10h
12h
Total with case (claimed)
38h
36h
Total with case and ANC (claimed)
22h
24h
Talk time (claimed)
5h
5.5h
Full charge time, buds
Not available
Charging guidance
Not available
Not available
Quick charge time
5min2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6Read 30 September 2026Quick charging feature: 5 minutes gives 60 minutes with AAC and ANC on.38Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6/feature_6.htmlRead 30 September 2026L2_550: 5-minute charge for 60-minute playback, AAC, ANC on, EQ/DSEE off.
Earbud playback after quick charge
Charging case
4 of 10 differ
Case battery
Not available
User-replaceable case battery
Not available
Not available
Case charging port
Case full charge time
Not available
Wireless charging
Yes1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6/spec.htmlRead 30 September 202629Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2985/v1/en/contents/F016_Charging.htmlRead 30 September 2026Charging chapter documents commercially available wireless charging pad.38Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6/feature_6.htmlRead 30 September 2026L2_560 explicitly supports Qi wireless charging.
Wireless standards
Not available
Qi2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6Read 30 September 202629Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2985/v1/en/contents/F016_Charging.htmlRead 30 September 2026Charging chapter: use a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad.38Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6/feature_6.htmlRead 30 September 2026L2_560 Qi-certified charger required.
Wireless charging power
2.5W3Reviewsoundguys.com/nothing-ear-3-review-144486Read 30 September 2026Case supports wireless charging at up to 2.5 W13Retailer pageboulanger.scene7.com/is/content/Boulanger/6974434226784_f_0Read 30 September 2026Autonomie/charging cell: wireless charging up to 2.5 W.
Not available
Speaker in case
Not available
Not available
Screen on case
Not available
Not available
Case works as audio transmitter
Not available
Not available
Controls
4 of 5 differ
Controls
Earbud volume control
Gestures
Pinch, Double Pinch, Triple Pinch, Hold, Pinch and Hold1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/ear-3Read 30 September 2026Controls table lists pinch, double pinch, triple pinch, hold and pinch and hold.
Tap, Tap twice, Tap 3 times, Tap 4 or more times, Hold your finger to the touch sensor, Nod your head, Shake your head10Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2985/v1/en/contents/F002_Using_the_Sound_Connect_app.htmlRead 30 September 2026Head Gesture enables nod and shake controls. Touch sensor chapter documents taps and holding.18Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2985/v1/en/contents/F013_About_the_touch_sensor.htmlRead 30 September 2026About the touch sensor: exact WF-1000XM6 function.
Remappable controls
Voice assistant
Not available
Gemini, Google Assistant, Siri, Tencent Xiaowei2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6Read 30 September 2026Maker voice assistant feature explicitly lists Google Assistant and Gemini. Siri and China-only Tencent Xiaowei from manual sections.10Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2985/v1/en/contents/F002_Using_the_Sound_Connect_app.htmlRead 30 September 2026Voice assistant setup. Individual Gemini, Google app, Siri and Tencent sections document device requirements.30Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2985/v1/en/contents/F050_Using_Google_Gemini.htmlRead 30 September 2026Gemini requires supported Android device and Google account.31Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2985/v1/en/contents/F051_Using_Tencent_Xiaowei.htmlRead 30 September 2026Tencent Xiaowei is available only in China.32Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2985/v1/en/contents/F052_Using_the_voice_assist_function_Google_app.htmlRead 30 September 2026Google voice assistant via the Google app on Android.33Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2985/v1/en/contents/F053_Using_the_voice_assist_function_Siri.htmlRead 30 September 2026Siri voice assistant on supported iPhone.
Sensors and health
3 of 9 differ
In-ear detection
Sensors
Not available
IR sensors, Touch sensors, Bone conduction sensor2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6Read 30 September 202627Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2985/v1/en/contents/F008_Location_and_function_of_parts.htmlRead 30 September 2026Parts identify IR and touch sensors. Dedicated bone-conduction sensor from Sony product page.
Heart rate sensor
Not available
Not available
Skin temperature sensing
Not available
Not available
Hearing aid feature
Not available
Not available
Medical clearances
Not available
Not available
Hearing protection
Not available
Not available
Fit and durability
3 of 7 differ
Ear tips included
Ear tip materials
Stabilisers
Ear tip fit test
Dust and water rating, buds
Dust and water rating, case
Not available
Water resistance depth
Not available
Not available
Software
2 of 6 differ
Companion app
App platforms
User firmware updates
Yes20Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2985/v1/en/contents/F056_How_to_keep_the_software_up_to_date.htmlRead 30 September 2026How to keep the software up to date: exact WF-1000XM6 function.37Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6/feature_5.htmlRead 30 September 2026Firmware update section allows background download, with earbuds unavailable during installation.
Finding network
Not available
Google Find Hub2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6Read 30 September 2026Fast Pair feature: Find Hub reports last known location. No UWB precision finding is claimed.38Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6/feature_6.htmlRead 30 September 2026L2_680: Find Hub displays last-known location and can ring earbuds.
Precision finding
Not available
Not available
Live translation
Not available
Not available
Dimensions and weight
4 of 4 differ
Weight per bud
6.5g(0.2 oz)1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WF-1000XM6/spec.htmlRead 30 September 2026Headphone specification table: approximately 6.5 g each including medium ear tip.13Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2985/v1/en/contents/F066_Specifications.htmlRead 30 September 2026Specifications: approximately 6.5 g per earbud including medium tip.
Bud dimensions
Width21.5Height30.5Depth20.75mm(0.8 × 1.2 × 0.8 in)1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/ear-3Read 30 September 2026Buds dimensions: width 21.5 mm, height 30.5 mm, depth 20.75 mm
Not available
Case weight
Not available
Case dimensions
Width55.5Height55.5Depth22.25mm(2.2 × 2.2 × 0.9 in)1Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/ear-3Read 30 September 2026Case dimensions: width 55.5 mm, height 55.5 mm, depth 22.25 mm. Buds and case weigh 71.4 g together, so case_weight_g is left out
Not available
Certifications
0 of 3 differ
Hi-Res Audio
Communication certifications
Not available
Not available
FCC IDs
2AZEQ-B173R, 2AZEQ-B173L, 2AZEQ-B173C10Owner's manuald.otto.de/files/a43ba334-6eca-54b3-8512-5edd62424088.pdfRead 30 September 2026Regulatory section prints right/left/case FCC IDs.
Other certifications
Not available
Not available
In the box
2 of 2 differ
In the box
Earbuds x 2, Charging case x 1, Ear tips x 3 pairs, User guide, Safety and warranty information, USB-C to USB-C cable x 11Maker product pageus.nothing.tech/products/ear-3Read 30 September 2026Page lists these in capitals
Wireless Noise Canceling Stereo Headset, USB Type-C® cable (USB-A to USB-C®), Noise isolation earbud tips (XS (2), S (2), M (2), L (2)), Charging case, Documents19Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2985/v1/en/contents/F004_Included_items.htmlRead 30 September 2026Included items: exact WF-1000XM6 function.
Cables included
ANothing Ear (3)
| Type | Count |
|---|---|
| USB-C to USB-C | 1 |
BSony WF-1000XM6
| Type | Count |
|---|---|
| USB Type-C cable (USB-A to USB-C) | 1 |
Links
Not compared
Product page
Spec sheet
Manual
d.otto.de/files/a43ba334-6eca-54b3-8512-5edd62424088.pdf10Owner's manuald.otto.de/files/a43ba334-6eca-54b3-8512-5edd62424088.pdfRead 30 September 2026Nothing Ear (3) Quick Start Guide and safety/warranty booklet, model B173, manufacturer-authored document hosted by Otto. Official full-guide link was unavailable.
EPREL registration number
Not available
Not available
Warranty
None of 1 known
Manufacturer warranty (source market)
Not available
Not available
Both are also in the API. Back to all earbuds.


















