.png)
Nothing Headphone (1) Review: Premium Sound and Style Without the Premium Price Tag
A new contender has emerged in the noise-canceling headphone market, offering a compelling blend of design, features, and affordability.
Despite initial skepticism about Nothing’s broader ambitions, the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality products at accessible price points is undeniable. From the lauded Ear (a) earbuds to its increasingly popular smartphones, Nothing has carved out a significant niche in the mid-tier tech landscape. The Headphone (1) noise-canceling over-ears continue this trend, presenting a strong challenge to established players like Sony, Apple, and Bose.
A Distinctive Design Language
Where previous Nothing headphones drew heavily from Apple’s aesthetic, the Headphone (1) establishes a unique visual identity. The headphones feature rounded rectangles with transparent outer ear cups, revealing the internal bass chamber. A subtle red dot on the right ear cup prevents accidental misdirection.
As one reviewer noted, the design evokes a futuristic aesthetic—”like something a Stormtrooper would wear in their bunk between patrols”—yet remains surprisingly wearable in public. Available in both a striking white-and-silver and a more understated black-and-gunmetal colorway, the Headphone (1) offers a style for every preference.
Intuitive Controls and All-Day Battery Life
Beyond aesthetics, the Headphone (1) excels in usability. The right ear cup houses a remarkably intuitive control system: a “rolly, clicky wheel” for volume adjustment and playback control, complemented by a “flicky switch” for track navigation and fast-forwarding/rewinding. This physical control scheme is a welcome departure from the often-frustrating touch controls found on competing models.
“Physical controls are so much better than touch controls in nearly all instances, and these are some of the best and most intuitive controls ever designed,” according to the review.
Further enhancing convenience, the headphones boast an impressive 35-hour battery life—outperforming offerings from Sony, Bose, and Apple. A dedicated button on the right side allows access to voice assistants or Nothing’s AI (for Nothing phone users), thoughtfully positioned to avoid accidental activation.
Comfort and Considerations
The Headphone (1) prioritizes comfort with an L-shaped metal bar connecting the ear cups to the headband, distributing pressure evenly across the head. The synthetic leather and memory foam earpads provide a firm yet comfortable fit for extended listening sessions.
However, a potential drawback is the current lack of replacement earpad availability, despite their removable design. Hopefully, Nothing will address this issue in the future.
The Nothing Headphone (1) represents a significant achievement, delivering a premium listening experience without the premium price tag.
