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Nothing Ear (a) White Buds - $84.50 (50% off RRP) Delivered @ Optus

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Nothing Ear (a) White Buds - $84.50 (50% off RRP) Delivered @ Optus
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ZackyD on 14/11/2025 - 11:30 optus.com.au (10611 clicks)
Last edited 14/11/2025 - 11:33 by 1 other user

Happy Friday All, I stumbled across this absolute bargain just now.

These wireless headphones are rated very highly and punch way above the price point.

This one particular YouTube audiophile review ranked it above the $399 Sony wf-1000xm5 earbuds in the earbuds over $100 USD price point
https://youtu.be/5jm5HPeJZI4?si=8avUqu0zrn1By_TZ&t=991

It also did well with the OzBargain community in the last discount over a year ago - https://www.ozbargain.com.au/product/nothing-ear-a

Here is my recommendation as I'm all for a slightly better price and to ensure Optus isn't sold out (This will ensure the deal is available for more people longer since JB won't price beat if it's sold out)
.
Hit up JB Hi Fi either online or in person and get them to match/beat Optus.
I had to speak to 2 people online before they agreed to do it as one said it was below cost price in her system and she then said they don't match Optus as you have to be a member to purchase the earphones and their policy is to not match Costco or companies that require membership (This is false as you don't have to be an Optus member, It simply ask if you are an existing member or if you need to setup an account for the purpose of buying the earphones)

The second person finally understood what I meant when I asked them to complete a mock purchase online, He mentioned cost for JB was $145 but I assume that's floor cost and there must be more margin in it for them.

Electrical & Electronics Bluetooth Earphones Earphones Nothing Technology Ltd

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Comments

Search through all the comments in this post.
  • OZBMate8911 on 14/11/2025 - 11:40
    +7

    Great post OP.

    Has anybody tried these versus the Earfun Pro 4?

    • ZackyD on 14/11/2025 - 11:55
      +6

      Thanks mate, You got me curious now that I've read up on the Earfun Pro 4 Plus since I was originally going to buy the Soundcore by Anker P20i for $27.99 but came across the Nothing buds

      Same reviewer ranked the Earfun Pro 4 Plus at a 82 out of 100 above the Nothing Ear (a) at 76.5 out of 100
      https://youtu.be/WjG89fBGE7M?si=lBk7jVB41HuVWOoa&t=685

      But that's based on RRP, I would say with the price being so much cheaper the value proposition flips entirely.

      • snuke on 14/11/2025 - 12:22
        +20

        You may notice in that video, and other more recent ones, the Sony WF-1000XM5 sit above the Nothing Ear (a) with 79.5 vs 76.5. Not sure when or what was adjusted, but your original comment in regards to that comparison seems to no longer be accurate.

        What I would always advise, is to look at the comparisons, and what aspects score higher or lower, as one thing may be far more important to you than another. The WF-1000XM5 have shite call quality, and that is what brings them down, while all other other are far ahead of these Nothings.

        So if call quality is a priority, then the Nothing Ear (3) is what you would look to.
        If it's noise cancelling (my main priority) then its a hard pass on the Nothings.

        Always look into what is important to you.

        • JarrodRebecchie on 14/11/2025 - 13:44
          +4

          You just saved me $84.50. Thanks snuke.

        • Reggie74 on 14/11/2025 - 15:37

          You saved me $84.50 as well as call quality is what I'm after

          • freefall101 on 14/11/2025 - 15:49
            +6

            @Reggie74: I think you misread the post then, as call quality is very good on the Nothings.

            • Reggie74 on 14/11/2025 - 16:15
              +1

              @freefall101: "So if call quality is a priority, then the Nothing Ear (3) is what you would look to". That's what I'm specifically after. But, if this version is reasonable in that regard I would consider

        • elektron on 14/11/2025 - 21:07

          The WF-1000XM5's call quality is excellent after a software update ages ago.

  • zombie hunter on 14/11/2025 - 11:43
    +4

    Nothing here ? Next deal

  • barge-in hunter on 14/11/2025 - 11:47
    +3

    Can’t speak to these, but I have the non (a) version and they’re amazing for conference calls and noise cancellation

  • Cheaplikethebird on 14/11/2025 - 11:49
    +20

    Worth it just as a reminder that I have an existing Optus account that I should request to be deleted.

    • EitherWayUp on 14/11/2025 - 12:20
      +6

      According to OzBargain, Optus’s involuntarily administration is imminent.

  • aurotaro on 14/11/2025 - 11:51

    how do they compare to airpods pro ?

    • nightelves on 14/11/2025 - 11:56

      Want to know also.

      • ZackyD on 14/11/2025 - 12:02
        +2

        I haven't received them yet but reviews are favourable and that was at the RRP of $169

        Based on this reviewer https://youtu.be/WjG89fBGE7M?si=lBk7jVB41HuVWOoa&t=685

        He ranked the Airpods Pro 3 the highest score but let's remember you're pitting a $400+ product against one that is $84 lol

        • nightelves on 14/11/2025 - 12:11

          That review didn’t have the Nothing Ear

          • grapejuice on 14/11/2025 - 12:48
            +14

            @nightelves: His spreadsheet from https://ko-fi.com/s/9dccc9b9c9

            SCORE EARBUD
            87.0 AirPods Pro 3
            86.0 Technics AZ100
            85.0 AirPods Pro 2, Pixel Pro 2, HUAWEI Pro 4
            84.5 1+ Buds Pro 3
            84.0 JBL Tour Pro 3, 1+ Buds 4, Bose QC Ultra 2
            82.5 Galaxy Buds3 P
            82.0 soundcore L4P, Powerbeats P2, Earfun Pro 4+
            81.5 Technics AZ80, CMF 2 Plus
            81.0 soundcore Lib5, Nothing Ear (3), Earfun Pro 4, Soundcore 4NC, CMF Pro 2
            80.5 Nothing Ear
            80.0 Bose QC Ultra
            79.5 Sony WF-XM5, SoundPEATS H3, SoundPeats A5P, Sony Link Fit
            79.0 Sennheiser M4, soundcore X20
            78.5 Denon PerL Pro, Sennheiser MS, CMF Buds 2
            78.0 1+ Buds 3, Skullcandy 360
            77.5 B&W Pi8, Bose QC Gen2, Edifier Planar, Galaxy FE, SoundPeats 3P+
            77.0 ATH-TWX7, Edifier Stax S10, QCY N70
            76.5 Nothing Ear (a)
            75.5 ATH-TWX9, Noble Rex 5
            75.0 Status 3ANC
            74.0 Beats Fit Pro, Sennhesier Acc
            73.0 Space Ultra, CMF Buds 2a
            72.5 Beats Studio +, Space Travel 2
            69.0 Space Travel

            The best value here is the OnePlus Buds 4 which is $81 on Aliexpress after the -$10 coupon and -$12 when you pay with Paypal Pay in 4. Not counting cashback or gst

            • Maker1 on 14/11/2025 - 13:48
              +3

              @grapejuice: Even the Nothing CMF Buds Pro 2 is $99 at regular price and has the same driver as Nothing Ear (a), but better ANC. Not sure what the big deal is about this model instead of the CMF2, which scores higher in that list too.

              • congo on 14/11/2025 - 14:26
                -1

                @Maker1: CMF?

                • Maker1 on 14/11/2025 - 16:10

                  @congo: CMF is a sub-brand by Nothing supposed to offer more budget options. These buds have the same drivers, though, so they are comparable, but people say the CMF has the better ANC and sound profile is more of a preference between them.

                  • chet on 14/11/2025 - 17:19

                    @Maker1: Can't say anything about the Nothings, but the CMF are really bassy and a little muddy. The in-app EQ helps, but it's still there.

                    They're a great pair of budget buds though.

            • flopsy on 14/11/2025 - 14:33
              +1

              @grapejuice: Same conclusion about OnePlus Buds 4 after a lot of research. At $80~ (both deals + cashback) they seem unbeaten, especially if ANC is a priority.

            • justtoreply on 14/11/2025 - 15:19
              +1

              @grapejuice: That's a lot of effort rating wireless buds. I'm assuming the viewers are paying for it by advertising revenue, but at the same time I'm thinking that amount of money would do better on great wired headphones which aren't defunct after 3 years due to battery degradation

              I must try my partners airpod pros and see how they are vs my unique melody miracles

            • hotphil on 14/11/2025 - 15:27

              @grapejuice: how genuine do you reckon the ones on AE are?

            • crikey on 14/11/2025 - 15:32

              @grapejuice: Thanks, OnePlus Buds 4 look good. Doesn't look like cashback is available though as all the AliExpress sellers I've looked up (the ones under $100 at least) aren't affiliated. Use the usual page to check: https://portals.aliexpress.com/linkchecker.htm

              Also, the Chinese version sold by AliExpress sellers don't have the Google Fast Pair feature that the Global version includes. So they pair just like any regular bluetooth device which requires a few more taps when doing the initial pairing. Hardly a dealbreaker.

    • cycleri3 on 14/11/2025 - 11:59
      +2

      These are (a) as in budget version. You can't compare it to airpods pro when they are less than 1/2 price as standard airpods.

      • nightelves on 14/11/2025 - 12:01

        I suppose it’s worth it as an upgrade to Airpods though?

        • jrowls on 14/11/2025 - 12:57

          Yes, my original AirPods sound dogshit compared to these.

    • Lord Ra on 14/11/2025 - 12:00

      Why don't you buy these and tell us? 😁

      • mlburnian on 14/11/2025 - 12:04

        I am somewhat of an audiophile, and the AirPods Pro 3 are magnificent. Even my focal elegias sound hollow compared to them. NC is unreal.

        • nightelves on 14/11/2025 - 12:12

          Is it worth upgrading from Pro 2 to Pro 3?

          • BatmanAU on 14/11/2025 - 12:59

            @nightelves: Depends what you are after. I grabbed a pair of Pro 3's to replace my Pro 2's and I actually found them to be worse, so I sold them to my son and grabbed a new set of Pro 2's.

            IMO the Pro 3's were uncomfortable for long periods (plus seemed to get a lot hotter), the sound quality was exactly EXACTLY the same as the 2's, the ANC was a tad better (not by much) and the mics whilst on a call were as crap as the Pro 2's for the receiver. Battery life seemed to be a tad better, but I never ran these flat to compare.

    • hopper on 14/11/2025 - 12:13

      Nothing

    • sauxliu on 14/11/2025 - 12:15
      +2

      If price tag is not an issue of course Airpods Pro especially if you are going to use it with an iphone. Whether it's $200 better though that's for you to judge.

    • Tim Mc on 14/11/2025 - 20:46
      +1

      AirPods 4 ANC sound better, fit better and have better ANC. That said, ANC isn't great and I can't see the battery status of each airpod on my Android phone.

      I just picked up the Nothing Ear (a) from JB Hi-Fi. So these are just my initial thoughts.

      Nothing Ear (a) sounds pretty good (decent bass) and fit ok.

      The app is great (noise cancellation, bass enhancement, equaliser, low lag mode, dual connection, controls configuration). I can see the battery status on my Android phone on the Bluetooth notification item or via the app. Most of the pinch shortcuts on the stem of the earphone are pretty intuitive (e.g. hold to toggle between noise cancellation, transparency, off).

      I do wonder if my ears will start hurting after long term use. I'm switching between small and medium tips. Comply Foam TWo-230-A tips might make the experience better but those cost almost as much as these earphones.

      Pretty happy with them so far. I have tried cheap wireless earphones in the past and they weren't comfortable enough to keep using. These at least fit my ears well and sound ok.

      I wouldn't recommend them if you already have AirPods 4 ANC. Nothing Ear (a) might be better as a daily beater while commuting (I'll find out next week).

      • ZackyD on 14/11/2025 - 20:54
        +2

        @Tim Mc thank you so much for taking the time to give us your initial thoughts mate.
        Getting real world reports like yours is really beneficial for the community and for those who aren't as well versed with tech :)

        Like you I've tried a bunch of $10 to $30 cheap TWS headphones and they've all been underwhelming so I'm looking forward to these Noting Ear a's

        • Tim Mc on 14/11/2025 - 21:10

          I was probably a bit harsh saying that AirPods 4 ANC are better. I can't really tell the difference when listening to certain songs.

          EDIT: The microphone is pretty bad on the AirPods 4 ANC and Nothing Ear (a). It's usable but it's like talking into a plastic cup…

  • Bargainboss99 on 14/11/2025 - 11:56
    +1

    Can you track these ? Do I have to give my details to Optus to buy it ?

    • ZackyD on 14/11/2025 - 11:58
      +1

      You can just get JB to price match/beat it to avoid Optus entirely?
      If that's too much hassle you would just have to provide Optus the usual….

      Email address (Create a fake one for purchases if you value privacy)
      Delivery Address
      Contact Number
      Credit Card details

  • PriceSensitive on 14/11/2025 - 11:59
    +2

    Thanks OP, was able to PM at JB. They rejected it at first but had to push a bit before they caved.

    • ZackyD on 14/11/2025 - 12:04
      +2

      Pleasure!

      That was my exact experience too, They seemed very reluctant to get close to the deal until I pushed.
      Cheers for going the JB route too, Should keep this deal active more longer for others to enjoy :)

  • overthinking on 14/11/2025 - 12:00
    +2

    Anyone know if these are better than Galaxy Buds2 Pro?

  • rollthedice on 14/11/2025 - 12:01
    +5

    I have these and they are amazing. The call quality and bass is immaculate. This price point is an absolute steal.

  • Garbotoxin on 14/11/2025 - 12:04
    +1

    Thanks OP - grabbed a pair as a lot of the reviews seem to favour these. I have a pair of XM4 earbuds from one of the deals here a couple years ago and while they sound great, I just can't get them to be comfortable for hours even with memory foam tips (even with Comply).

    Hopefully these play out better!

  • illz on 14/11/2025 - 12:09
    +2

    Cracka price, love these earbuds. Some of the best bass/sub bass in any price range.

    • ChipsChicky on 14/11/2025 - 15:55

      do these have multipoint?

  • Cheaplikethebird on 14/11/2025 - 12:09
    +2

    Thanks OP. Was able to pricematch from JB easily. First rep, didn't need any convincing they just sent me the pricematch link.

    • ZackyD on 14/11/2025 - 12:16
      +1

      Awesome, Wish all JB reps were that easy going…
      Some reps are amazing but some follow the script like a hawk without truly knowing how the Optus store works.

      They even told me they have a policy to not match the Telstra online store as that requires a membership.
      I think they got confused with being a Telstra member and utilising "Pay with points" but it's the same as Optus in that any one off purchase can be made without having a Telstra service.

      • Cheaplikethebird on 14/11/2025 - 12:19
        +2

        They've probably been hit by a bunch of requests all at once so management in the contact centre probably put out a memo that it's already approved.

        • ZackyD on 14/11/2025 - 12:47
          +2

          Spot on mate, Just bought another pair for my brother and the rep told me management had given them the all clear to do it as a one off today only whilst Optus has stock.

  • Chickenleg on 14/11/2025 - 12:09
    +1

    I’ve been using the non (a) version for a few months as I can’t wear my XM4 earbuds for a long time comfortably (I think perhaps a touch too chunky for my ears). Very comfortable and noise cancelling quite good. Sound is good, very different sound profile to Sony. If I’m being picky, the top end is a little bright for my personal taste but the app does have eq (this version doesn’t have 8 band equalizer though).

  • terentius4 on 14/11/2025 - 12:10
    +1

    Thanks OP. Already own these but got some more. They are a steal at this price

  • bang4buckenthusiast on 14/11/2025 - 12:22
    +2

    Thank you, grabbed one! JB gave every reason under the sun to not price match. Went with OPTUS!

  • antheads on 14/11/2025 - 12:22
    -1

    Can't turn off or turn on these stupid headphones without the case.

  • garygaz on 14/11/2025 - 12:26

    Umm did anyone else get a 'payment failed' page after submitting a buy order, yet the money has still been debited from my account?

    no order confirmed email either

    • lbft on 14/11/2025 - 12:44

      I got the same.

      • garygaz on 14/11/2025 - 13:07

        i've shot their inquiries email address a ticket - don't think there is much else to be done at this point

        • ZackyD on 14/11/2025 - 13:15

          Hi Mate, one of my work mates ordered from Optus 10 minutes ago since the JB chat was too busy.

          He said he recieved an email with the subject line: "Order update: Your order is being processed"
          His credit card was also charged at the same time.

          Take it nothing in your inbox or junk mail?

          • garygaz on 14/11/2025 - 13:30

            @ZackyD: hey - my credit card was charged a $0 transaction and a $169 transaction (bought 2x white). i then landed on the page saying 'transaction failed'. nothing in my inbox nor spam folder.

            i just went through my banking app to 'contact merchant' and said i've either been charged for no transaction or i haven't been sent the order confirmation - and if they could sort that out for me

            • ZackyD on 14/11/2025 - 13:34

              @garygaz: Sounds good @garygaz
              As a back-up you might want to get JB to issue you a unique price match web link.
              I believe it last for 48 hours just in case you need to repurchase and Optus is out of stock.

              Worst case JB's refund policy is really good and they'll take unopened returns back within 30 days of purchase.
              Don't want you to miss out :)

  • OZGE on 14/11/2025 - 12:34

    Tempted, are these good for conference call? I.e. connect to Windows Laptop without lag? Thanks

    • nomadspartan on 14/11/2025 - 12:40
      +5

      Anything over bluetooth is going to be mediocre for conference calls. Best options are the built in mics/speakers, hardwired headset or a headset that connects over a proprietary wireless protocol that can handle the audio bandwidth.

      • unison on 14/11/2025 - 13:22
        +4

        Anything that has the microphone facing your ear instead of your mouth is going to be mediocre.

  • ozizoy on 14/11/2025 - 12:35
    +1

    Thanks op

  • emoticon on 14/11/2025 - 12:50
    +1

    Thanks OP, bought one 👍

  • stu ped asso on 14/11/2025 - 13:04
    +1

    Thanks op, got one with JB Hi-Fi price match.

    • chinaman on 14/11/2025 - 20:01

      Did you go in store or online?

      • stu ped asso on 14/11/2025 - 20:12
        +1

        I price matched online and they told me the management gave them green light for today.

  • sasto on 14/11/2025 - 13:10
    +4

    For anyone able to price match with JB Hi-Fi, just saw CBA yello spend $50 get $15 cashback.

    • munnamirjan on 14/11/2025 - 13:25
      +2

      One more options is Samsung wallet gift cards
      8.5%(3.5%+ 5% )with promo code WALLET

    • duwee on 14/11/2025 - 18:19

      Just checking if buying via price match form counts? Only mentions via JB website…

  • cunningdrew on 14/11/2025 - 13:19
    +1

    Yeah bought…. better than money on the 2 in Race 8!

    • cunningdrew on 17/11/2025 - 10:38

      Dammit. The 2 in race 8 won.

  • discountguy on 14/11/2025 - 13:21

    waiting for JB online - 92 ppl ahead of me! :P

    • ZackyD on 14/11/2025 - 13:23
      +2

      Yeah mate, the last rep told me most of the enquiries were related to this deal!
      Guess no one wants to give Optus their hard earned $$$

      Ouch ^_^

      • discountguy on 14/11/2025 - 15:08

        At this rate JB will be out of stock before Optus! :P

        • ZackyD on 14/11/2025 - 15:12
          +1

          Hahaha!

          I had this exact thought in my mind…. I went back to the online chat for a third one as a Christmas present for a friend and the rep told me his past 5 chats were about this deal and he was thinking of getting one himself.

          I'd hazard a guess that Optus's web store stock count is delayed knowing how many technical issues they've been facing lately. Getting something as basic as live inventory tracking is probably too much to ask for. Lol

  • donniedarko3000 on 14/11/2025 - 13:24

    im waiting too - position 96 :)

    • discountguy on 14/11/2025 - 13:31
      +2

      I bailed waiting online and phoned instead. Got through immediately.

      Thanks OP :)

      • donniedarko3000 on 14/11/2025 - 13:34

        Position 50, will call if I dont get matched 1st time!

        • ZackyD on 14/11/2025 - 13:38

          Just tell them their management team had approved it for today only.
          My mate just pasted this OzBargain link and didn't get any pushback.

        • ktks on 14/11/2025 - 13:42
          +3

          Thanks discountguy. Via phone took me 5 minutes all up.

  • ldcan on 14/11/2025 - 13:39

    anyone have any issues with Jb orders? I had two orders failed verification for price match that was sent to my mobile number

  • pencilpurple on 14/11/2025 - 14:12

    Any insights on the difference in quality between these and the Bose QC Ultra

    Purchased Bose to try but thinking might get these instead, savings too good even if they are a little worse. Main use for music at gym and on public transport.

    • congo on 14/11/2025 - 14:29
      +2

      Bose has top tier ANC

    • jaygee on 14/11/2025 - 14:54

      Bose is far suprerior to these. But the bang for buck on this right now it outmatched.

  • Maurlock on 14/11/2025 - 14:13
    +1

    Matched online easily and was able to add a $10 perks coupon, thanks OP 👍🏽

    • ZackyD on 14/11/2025 - 14:14
      +1

      Well done mate, I forgot about the perks coupon so well played.
      Got yourself a steal with the $10 off.

    • dinglejerry on 14/11/2025 - 14:39

      Good tip - can only use the perks voucher once per account right?

      • ZackyD on 14/11/2025 - 14:43

        That's right mate, They send it to you when you create an account using a mobile phone number that isn't already linked to one.

        So if you have a mobile number that you can use that isn't linked you should be able to register again to get a $10 perk voucher.
        I used an elderly relatives mobile in the past as he would never even shop at JB to begin with. Just got him to provide me the verification code they send you.

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