The Nothing Headphone (1), launched on July 1, 2025, marks the London-based tech brand’s audacious entry into the over-ear headphone market. Priced at $299 (£299/€299/Rs. 21,999 in India, with a launch offer of Rs. 19,999), these wireless, active noise-canceling (ANC) headphones combine a polarizing retro-futuristic design with robust audio performance, co-engineered with British audio pioneer KEF. Designed to challenge premium competitors like Apple’s AirPods Max, Sony’s WH-1000XM6, and Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra, the Headphone (1) stands out with its unique aesthetic, tactile controls, and feature-packed functionality, making it a compelling option for design-conscious audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
The hallmark of the Nothing Headphone (1) is its unmistakable design, which embodies the brand’s signature transparent, industrial aesthetic. The earcups feature a rectangular aluminum frame with rounded corners, topped by a cassette-tape-inspired, semi-transparent plastic oval that reveals internal components, evoking a nostalgic yet cyberpunk vibe. Available in black and white, the headphones weigh 329 grams—lighter than the AirPods Max (385g) but heavier than the Sony WH-1000XM6 (254g). While some reviewers note the design feels bold and eye-catching, others find it quirky or bulky, suggesting it may not blend seamlessly into every setting. The memory foam ear cushions, coated in oil-resistant PU leather, mold comfortably to the head, reducing pressure for extended wear, though the non-foldable headband makes portability less convenient. An IP52 rating ensures resistance to dust and light water splashes, and the included felt carrying case, despite a reportedly subpar zipper, adds a stylish touch.
Audio performance is a standout, thanks to KEF’s expertise. The headphones house custom 40mm dynamic drivers with a high-linearity suspension system and a nickel-plated diaphragm, delivering rich, natural sound with deep bass, detailed mids, and crisp treble. The frequency response spans 20-40KHz, and support for Hi-Res Audio, LDAC, AAC, SBC codecs, and 24-bit/96kHz precision via USB-C or 3.5mm jack ensures versatile, high-fidelity playback. Out of the box, the sound leans slightly warm and bass-forward, but the Nothing X app’s 8-band equalizer allows users to fine-tune profiles for genres ranging from bass-heavy EDM to intricate classical compositions. Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking creates an immersive 360-degree soundstage, though some users find this feature less essential. While the audio quality rivals premium competitors, vocals can occasionally sound muddy on pre-release units, suggesting potential for firmware improvements.
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The Headphone (1) excels in noise cancellation and call clarity. Its hybrid ANC, powered by six microphones, achieves up to 42dB of noise reduction, scanning surroundings every 600ms and adjusting for ear-cup leakage every 1875ms. While slightly behind Sony’s best-in-class ANC, it effectively muffles ambient chatter and traffic. Transparency mode is natural, though not as seamless as AirPods Max. The AI-powered Clear Voice Technology, trained on 28 million noise scenarios, uses four microphones to ensure crisp calls, with reviewers noting minimal background noise even in busy urban environments.
Control is intuitive and tactile, eschewing touch gestures for physical inputs on the right earcup: a clickable roller for volume and play/pause, a paddle for track skipping or scrubbing, a customizable button for functions like voice assistant activation or “Channel Hop” (cycling audio apps on Nothing Phone 3), and a power toggle. These distinct controls enhance usability without needing to remove the headphones.
Battery life is impressive, offering up to 80 hours without ANC and 35 hours with ANC enabled, surpassing many rivals. A 5-minute charge via USB-C yields 2.4 hours of ANC-on playback. Bluetooth 5.3 supports dual-device pairing, Google Fast Pair, and Microsoft Swift Pair for seamless connectivity.
In summary, the Nothing Headphone (1) is a bold, feature-rich debut that blends striking design with strong audio and ANC performance. While its unconventional look and minor sound quirks may not suit everyone, its value at $299 makes it a standout alternative to pricier flagship headphones.