When it comes to over-ear headphones, the market is already overflowing with options from giants like Sony, Bose, and Apple. So, when a young brand like Nothing steps into the arena, you might think they’re biting off more than they can chew. But, in their debut offering—Nothing Headphone (1)—the company has not only entered the ring but made some serious punches. Does this first attempt land a knockout, or does it leave us asking for more? Let’s dive in.
Unboxing the Nothing Headphone (1)
Striking Design: Love It or Leave It
If there’s one thing that the Nothing Headphone (1) definitely won’t do, it’s blend in. The transparent earcups reveal the internal components, giving them a futuristic, almost retro vibe—reminiscent of an era when tech was something you could marvel at. It’s bold, it’s unique, and it definitely stands out. But, let’s be honest, this design is not for everyone.
Now, I happen to be a fan of how these headphones look. They’re sleek, fun, and despite being transparent, they manage to maintain a premium feel. But I can imagine those who prefer more understated aesthetics might find them a bit too much. Whether you love or hate them, the Nothing Headphone (1) is undeniably eye-catching.
Comfort: Light on the Ears, Heavy on the Features
The comfort level of these headphones is where Nothing truly shines. At just 329g, they feel light but substantial—like a solid pair of over-ears that won’t leave you with sore ears after a few hours of listening. The earcups, designed with memory foam padding, wrap comfortably around your ears, ensuring a snug fit without any annoying pressure points. I wore them for hours on end, and they stayed comfortable the whole time. A win, no doubt.
But the true beauty lies in the fit—they sit close to the head, making them ideal for those of us with little to no hair (hello, bald community!). The adjustable headband glides easily, and there’s a surprising depth to the earcups that provides good isolation from outside noise, even before you turn on the active noise cancellation (ANC).
Sound Quality: The KEF Touch Makes All the Difference
Now, let’s talk about the audio. When it comes to headphones, sound quality is make or break, and Nothing has delivered here with the help of KEF, the renowned British audio company. The 40mm dynamic drivers housed inside the earcups, tuned by KEF, deliver a rich, balanced sound with a clarity and precision that impresses right out of the box. No need to spend ages tweaking your EQ settings—this is one of those rare instances where the headphones sound great from the get-go.
The bass is deep and well-controlled, adding weight to the sound without drowning out the mids and highs. The sound signature is vibrant, offering plenty of detail without overcomplicating things.
Noise Cancellation: Nearly There
Nothing has made sure the active noise cancellation (ANC) is solid, but if you’re comparing them to the likes of Sony WH-1000XM6 or the Apple AirPods Max, these don’t quite hit the same high notes in blocking out ambient noise. Don’t get me wrong, ANC works well enough to block out the hum of a coffee shop or the chatter of office workers. But if you’re looking for that absolute isolation—especially in a noisy environment like a plane—these might fall just a tad short.
The transparency mode, however, works excellently for calls and casual conversations. It allows just enough outside sound to seep in, so you don’t look like a robot when someone’s trying to get your attention.
Battery Life: No Need to Charge Every Day
Battery life is where these headphones excel. Nothing Headphone (1) promises up to 35 hours of playtime with ANC on, and that’s more than enough for most. 80 hours without ANC? That’s seriously impressive. If you’re in a rush, a quick 5-minute charge gives you a respectable 5 hours of music (ANC off, of course), so you can keep rocking out even when you’re short on time.
Given the fast-charging capabilities, you won’t find yourself scrambling for a charger, and with LDAC and AAC support, the sound quality remains top-notch even when you’re wirelessly connected. If you do prefer a wired connection, there’s the trusty 3.5mm headphone jack or a USB-C port for all your audiophile needs.
Usability: Smart Controls and Extra Features
Nothing didn’t hold back on the usability front. The Roll mechanism, paddle control, and customizable push-button system give you a more intuitive way to manage volume, play/pause, and more. Gone are the days of fumbling for the right touch controls—this is a welcome change for those of us who are all about the physical controls for a seamless experience.
The wear detection automatically pauses your music when you take the headphones off, while the low-latency gaming mode is a nice touch for those who like to game with headphones on. And if you ever misplace your precious cans, Find My Device is there to help you out.
The Case: Big but Tough
Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room—the case. While the headphones are lightweight and comfortable, the carrying case is a bit on the large side. It’s sturdy, sure, and it protects the headphones, but if you’re someone who values portability, you might find it a tad cumbersome. It doesn’t fold into something smaller like the Beats headphones, which would’ve made life a bit easier for those with limited bag space.
But hey, it does the job, and with IP52 rating, it’s resistant to both water and dust. So, if you’re worried about the occasional rain shower or a dusty gym environment, the case has you covered.
The interior is smooth and velvetty, making the case feel premium.
We also love that Nothing put thought into its design, it comes with a little notch on the case for your thumb to fit right in for better grip.
Pricing and Availability
The Nothing Headphone (1) is available in black and white at S$399.
Should You Buy the Nothing Headphone (1)?
With excellent sound, solid ANC, impressive battery life, and a price that’s right in the sweet spot, it’s clear that Nothing is ready to play with the big boys.
Is it perfect? Not quite. The case could be more compact, and the ANC could be a touch better. But when you factor in the great value for money, this debut offering is a fantastic first step. If you’re a fan of the design, you’ll likely find these headphones to be a true gem.
Final Verdict: Yes, if you’re in the market for headphones that are innovative, stylish, and sound great, the Nothing Headphone (1) is definitely worth considering.
