Nothing Headphone (1) Review

Nothing has quickly established a presence in the consumer electronics market with its minimalist and transparent design philosophy. The brand is known for its smartphones, such as the Nothing Phone (1) and Phone (2), as well as a range of true wireless earbuds, including the Nothing Ear and Ear (a). Consistently striving to make technology “fun again,” Nothing blends retro-futuristic aesthetics with competitive performance.

Now, Nothing has entered a new category with the launch of the Nothing Headphone (1), marking its first venture into the over-ear headphone segment. Priced at ₹21,999, it positions itself within the premium wireless headphones market, aiming to compete with established brands like Sony, Bose, and Apple. Featuring a transparent design and KEF-tuned audio, the key question remains: Has Nothing successfully made an impact in the competitive over-ear headphone market? Let’s find out.

Design & Build

The Nothing Headphone (1) is unmistakably a product from Nothing, showcasing the brand’s signature transparent, retro-futuristic design. This aesthetic draws inspiration from nostalgic tech, such as the Game Boy Color and early 2000s transparent electronics. The headphones feature a bold and unconventional design, combining rectangular earcups with rounded edges that evoke the appearance of a stylized cassette tape. Available in white and black, this design is polarizing; while I love its neo-retro vibe, others may find it quirky or too bold for public wear. The transparent earcup covers reveal internal components, a nod to Nothing’s design DNA seen in its phones and earbuds, making the Headphone (1) a visual standout among sleek, dome-shaped competitors.

The build quality is robust, with an aluminium casing for the earcups providing a premium feel, although the driver housing is made of plastic and features a transparent cover. Weighing in at 329g, the headphones are not the lightest in their class, but they do not feel bulky. The vegan leather ear cushions, made of PU, are soft and snug, offering excellent passive noise isolation and comfort for extended wear. I found that I could wear them for 2–3 hours without discomfort, even while wearing glasses, although aggressive head movements may cause slight sliding due to the headband design.

One standout feature is the tactile controls, which set the Headphone (1) apart from touch-driven competitors. On the right earcup, a roller wheel allows for volume adjustment with a satisfying click and doubles as a play/pause button when pressed. Holding the wheel toggles between ANC modes (noise cancellation, transparency, or off). A paddle button enables track skipping, rewinding, or fast-forwarding, while a customizable “Button” can trigger a voice assistant, EQ presets, or Nothing’s Channel Hop feature (exclusive to Nothing Phone (3) users), which cycles through recent audio apps. There is also a power switch and a small, less intuitive Bluetooth pairing button located on the interior of the right earcup. The Nothing X app enables customization of these controls, enhancing user flexibility. Additionally, the headphones feature a 3.5mm jack and a USB-C port for wired listening, though wired mode requires the headphones to be powered on.

However, the design does have some quirks. The symmetrical earcups and subtle left-right markings can lead to mix-ups. The headphones do not fold; instead, they rotate to lie flat, which may impact portability. The included felt-covered carrying case is slim yet sturdy, featuring a moulded inlay and a pocket for the USB-C and 3.5mm cables. An IP52 rating for dust and water resistance adds to their durability, making the Headphone (1) suitable for gym use or light outdoor activities. 

Also Read: Nothing Ear (2) Review

Audio and Performance

The Nothing Headphone (1) features 40mm dynamic drivers developed in collaboration with KEF, a brand known for delivering high-fidelity audio. This partnership yields a balanced, bass-friendly sound signature that performs well across various genres, although some EQ adjustments may be necessary for optimal performance. Out of the box, the headphones are set to a “balanced” mode, effectively managing lows and mids with minimal distortion, even at high volumes.

The Nothing X app significantly enhances the user experience, offering an 8-band parametric EQ, preset sound profiles, and a bass boost option. The headphones support high-resolution audio codecs including LDAC, AAC, and SBC over Bluetooth 5.3, as well as lossless audio via USB-C (up to 96kHz/24-bit) and analog audio through the 3.5mm jack, catering to both audiophiles and casual listeners.

Active noise cancellation (ANC) is one of the headphone’s standout features, with an adaptive mode that adjusts to ambient noise levels and a manual high setting that can cancel out up to 42 dB of noise. However, the transparency mode could be improved, as external sounds can often sound tinny or unnatural when compared to competitive products like the AirPods Max. Additionally, the spatial audio with head-tracking, which is processed on-device for accuracy, adds an immersive experience for movies and gaming.

While the microphone performance, powered by six microphones and Clear Voice Technology, is adequate, it is not outstanding. Calls are clear in quiet environments, but background noise can interfere with audio quality. The headphones support dual-device connectivity, Google Fast Pair, and Microsoft Swift Pair for easy pairing. A low-latency mode enhances performance during gaming and video playback. The wear detection feature, accessible through the app, pauses and resumes playback with a slight delay but operates reliably.

Battery

The battery life is a standout feature of the Nothing Headphone (1). Nothing claims that users can expect up to 80 hours of playback with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) turned off (when using the AAC codec) and 35 hours with ANC on. This performance surpasses competitors like the AirPods Max, which offer only 20 hours of use with ANC enabled.

When using the LDAC codec, battery life is reduced to 30 hours with ANC on or between 45 and 60 hours with ANC off, depending on specific settings. For example, two hours of Bluetooth playback with both ANC and spatial audio activated only reduced the battery by 5%. Additionally, a quick 5-minute charge can provide between 2.4 and 5 hours of playback, making the headphones ideal for users on the go.

The Nothing Headphone (1) features a 1040mAh battery that charges via USB-C, and the Nothing X app offers a precise charge counter for monitoring battery levels. This impressive endurance, along with the option to switch to wired mode if the battery runs low, ensures uninterrupted listening. As a result, the Headphone (1) is an excellent choice for travellers and heavy users.