Nothing Headphone (1) Review: Premium Design, Powerful Sound, and Next-Gen Features

Nothing, the tech startup best known for its transparent and minimalistic smartphones and earbuds, has now entered the premium audio market with its first over-ear headphones—the Nothing Headphone (1). Unlike their budget-friendly roots, this new offering sets its sights high, directly competing with audio giants like Sony, Bose, and Sennheiser.

Nothing Headphone (1) First Impressions

From the moment you unbox the Headphone (1), it’s clear that Nothing isn’t playing it safe. The headphones sport a unique transparent design that continues the company’s signature aesthetic seen in products like the Phone (2) and Ear (2). The design may be polarizing, but it’s undeniably striking—and unmistakably Nothing.

Build Quality and Comfort

Despite their modern, almost futuristic look, the build quality feels top-tier. The ear cushions are soft and plush, offering long-lasting comfort during extended listening sessions. The headphones feel sturdy in hand and wear lightly on the head, making them suitable for travel, work, or casual listening.

One standout feature is the inclusion of physical hardware controls. In a world dominated by touch gestures, the tactile buttons on the Headphone (1) are refreshingly intuitive and precise. Whether adjusting volume, skipping tracks, or activating noise cancellation, the controls are smooth and responsive.

Advanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

The Nothing Headphone (1) comes equipped with adaptive hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC) rated at 42dB. Powered by six dedicated microphones, the ANC intelligently adapts to your environment, blocking out ambient noise for an immersive listening experience—perfect for commuting, flights, or noisy workplaces.

• Also Check: Nothing Headphone 1 Launching on July 1: Retro Design, KEF Partnership, and Everything You Need to Know

Impressive Sound, Co-Engineered with KEF

At the heart of the audio experience are 40mm dynamic drivers, co-developed with renowned British audio brand KEF. This partnership brings a powerful, well-balanced sound profile, capable of handling everything from deep bass to clear mids and crisp highs. Whether you’re streaming high-definition music or taking calls, the sound quality is refined and premium.

The headphones also support LDAC, AAC, and SBC audio codecs, ensuring hi-res audio playback over Bluetooth on both Android and iOS devices.

Exceptional Battery Life

Battery life is one of the major highlights. The Nothing Headphone (1) packs a massive 1,040mAh battery, offering up to 80 hours of playback without ANC and around 40 hours with ANC enabled. Charging is done via USB-C, and a 3.5mm audio jack is also included for wired listening—a rare and welcome feature in 2025.

Key Specifications at a Glance

Feature	Details
Driver Size	40mm dynamic, co-engineered with KEF
Noise Cancellation	Hybrid ANC, 42dB, 6 microphones
Audio Codecs	LDAC, AAC, SBC
Battery Life	Up to 80 hours (ANC off), USB-C charging
Design	Transparent build, hardware controls
Extras	3.5mm headphone jack, Bluetooth support

Final Thoughts: Is the Nothing Headphone (1) Worth It?

The Nothing Headphone (1) is a bold entry into the competitive over-ear headphone market. With a premium design, next-level ANC, high-fidelity sound, and outstanding battery life, Nothing has made a statement that it’s ready to compete with the big players.

While the price tag is closer to the premium segment, the features and build quality more than justify the cost. If you’re looking for stylish, high-performance wireless headphones with solid noise cancellation and excellent battery life, the Nothing Headphone (1) deserves your attention.