Nothing Headphone (1) Review: Style Meets Substance
Carl Pei’s tech brand Nothing stepped into the over-ear headphone arena in July 2025 with the launch of the Nothing Headphone (1). Known for its bold, transparent designs and attention to detail, the company aimed to disrupt the premium headphone market—just like it did with its smartphones and earbuds.
The Headphone (1) delivers an impressive combination of standout looks, audio finesse, and useful physical controls. Nothing collaborated with audio brand KEF to tune the drivers, signaling a serious intent to compete with market leaders like Sony, Apple, and Bose.
Here is a detailed, feature-by-feature breakdown of the Nothing Headphone (1).
Design and Build Quality: Transparent and Striking
Nothing stayed true to its design DNA with the Headphone (1). The semi-transparent earcups reveal the inner components, giving users a tech-art vibe that makes this headset stand out from every other model on the shelf. Unlike the minimalist matte finishes common in the market, Nothing’s over-ear headphones look industrial and futuristic.
The headband consists of sturdy aluminum, while the earcups use a soft-touch memory foam that ensures a plush, comfortable fit. Users who wear these headphones for extended periods find them cozy and light enough despite a 329g weight. The sliding mechanism for adjusting head size feels smooth and solid.
Nothing included several physical controls instead of relying on touch panels. A rotating dial adjusts the volume, a paddle skips tracks and answers calls, and a multifunction button activates voice assistants or noise modes. This tactile design choice improves usability, especially when wearing gloves or walking outdoors.
The Headphone (1) also carries an IP52 rating, which provides basic water and dust resistance. You can wear them during a light drizzle or sweaty workout without worry.
Audio Quality: KEF-Tuned and Balanced
Nothing partnered with KEF—a respected name in high-end speakers—to develop the sound signature of Headphone (1). The result delivers a natural, full-spectrum audio experience that leans toward clarity rather than exaggerated bass.
The headphones feature 40mm custom drivers with a wide frequency response range of 20Hz to 40kHz. This setup allows detailed highs, rich mids, and a tight, punchy bass response. Users won’t find overpowering lows, unlike many mainstream headphones that boost bass artificially. Instead, the sound feels clean and studio-like.
Listeners who prefer more bass or treble can use the Nothing X app to adjust an 8-band equalizer. The app also includes several presets, including “Bass Boost,” “Podcast,” “Classical,” and a surround-like “Spatial Audio” mode.
This flexibility means audiophiles can tailor the listening experience to their liking. Reviewers and early users describe the sound as “neutral with a touch of warmth,” ideal for everyday music, calls, and video content.
Active Noise Cancellation and Microphone Performance
Nothing equipped the Headphone (1) with hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that blocks up to 42 decibels of ambient sound. In real-world conditions, the headphones easily silence office chatter, engine rumbles, and background hums.
Commuters and frequent flyers benefit most from the ANC, which rivals offerings from Bose and Sony. The “Transparency Mode” allows ambient sound to enter naturally. Users can toggle between ANC modes with the physical dial, making on-the-go adjustments quick and intuitive.
Nothing focused heavily on call quality, incorporating advanced beamforming microphones that isolate voice from environmental noise. Field tests show that the Headphone (1) handles busy city streets and loud environments without breaking clarity. Voice remains clean and consistent during video calls or phone conversations, making this headset a strong contender for work-from-anywhere professionals.
Battery Life and Charging: Class-Leading Endurance
The Nothing Headphone (1) offers up to 35 hours of playback with ANC enabled and a massive 80 hours with ANC off. This performance places it at the top of the battery-life leaderboard for wireless over-ear headphones.
Charging happens through the USB-C port, and a quick 10-minute charge gives around 10 hours of playback, ideal for last-minute top-ups before travel. Users no longer need to carry a charging case or worry about overnight charging delays.
The headset includes Fast Pair for Android and Swift Pair for Windows, enabling instant device recognition and pairing. These features reduce setup friction, especially for users juggling multiple devices.
Smart App Integration: Simple Yet Effective
The Nothing X app enhances the experience by providing users with control over sound profiles, battery status, firmware updates, and ANC modes. The interface feels clean and responsive, aligning with Nothing’s philosophy of user-friendly minimalism.
The app integrates seamlessly with Android and iOS devices. It includes widgets that let users monitor the battery or switch noise modes from their home screen.
While many brands lock advanced controls behind subscription walls or require logins, Nothing keeps the app free and open, providing all users equal access to features.
Real-World Usage: Comfort, Portability, and Everyday Convenience
Everyday users report high comfort levels. The memory foam cushions don’t apply excessive pressure on the head, and the clamping force remains balanced. The 329g weight may not suit users who prefer ultra-light headphones, but the ergonomic design distributes pressure evenly.
Travelers appreciate the fold-flat design, allowing the headphones to slide into slim bags or laptop cases. Although the headphones don’t include a hard case, the included soft pouch offers basic protection.
Gamers and video streamers will notice minimal audio lag. Nothing prioritized low-latency performance, ensuring good synchronization with video and game content. That makes the Headphone (1) suitable for Netflix marathons or casual mobile gaming.
Latest News and Global Launch
Nothing officially launched Headphone (1) on July 15, 2025, following a preorder window that opened on July 4. The global pricing stands at $299, £299, or €299, positioning it squarely against the Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and Apple AirPods Max.
Carl Pei announced the headphones alongside the Nothing Phone (3), making it a part of the company’s growing hardware ecosystem. Early reviewers from Spain, the UK, and the US gave the headphones strong marks for build quality, ANC effectiveness, and design originality.
In particular, journalists praised the brand’s decision to combine style with function. Critics applauded the clarity of calls, battery life, and customizable EQ settings. Many called it one of the best debut entries in the headphone space in recent years.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Transparent, futuristic design with solid build
- Long battery life (up to 80 hours without ANC)
- Clean, balanced audio tuning with KEF’s touch
- Strong ANC and transparency modes
- Excellent microphone clarity for calls
- Physical controls enhance user convenience
- Lightweight and comfortable fit
Cons:
- Slightly heavy for some users
- No support for high-resolution codecs like LDAC or aptX
- Lack of included hard travel case
- Bass lacks depth without EQ adjustments
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Nothing Headphone (1)?
Nothing delivered a compelling product with the Headphone (1). The company combined thoughtful hardware design, advanced audio performance, and everyday convenience into one striking package. Users who care about aesthetics and functionality will find this headset ideal for daily use, travel, and work.
While it doesn’t cater specifically to high-resolution audio purists, the KEF-tuned drivers provide enough depth and clarity to satisfy most listeners. The customizable EQ ensures you can mold the sound to your preferences.
For $299, the Nothing Headphone (1) offers more than just a fresh look—it delivers real substance, strong features, and dependable performance. If you want headphones that look different and sound great, this should be at the top of your list.
