Nothing Headphone (1) Review: A Bold Contender in Premium Audio
Image credit: Nothing
Executive Summary
The Nothing Headphone (1) marks a distinctive entry into the competitive over-ear headphone market, priced at ₹29,999. It aims to provide a premium experience that challenges established flagships such as the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Apple AirPods Max. The headphones distinguish themselves through a unique retro-futuristic aesthetic, highly intuitive tactile controls, impressive battery longevity, and robust Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).
While the audio quality, refined through a collaboration with KEF, is generally described as balanced and enjoyable, some assessments indicate a lack of expansiveness and dynamic impact for its price point, often characterized as a “compressed” sound profile. Feedback on the transparency mode also varies, with some users reporting an artificial or muffled listening experience.
Nevertheless, the Headphone (1) presents a compelling value proposition, establishing itself as a formidable contender for individuals prioritizing a distinctive design, user-friendly physical controls, and strong core functionalities at a more accessible price.
Pros
- Striking, premium design with excellent build quality
- Superb tactile controls (best in class)
- Strong ANC performance rivaling more expensive options
- Exceptional battery life (35hrs with ANC, 80hrs without)
- Comfortable for long listening sessions
- Great value compared to flagship competitors
Cons
- Soundstage feels somewhat compressed
- Transparency mode could be more natural
- No folding mechanism for compact storage
- Spatial audio is hit-or-miss
- Heavier than some competitors (329g)
Design & Comfort: A Statement Piece
The Nothing Headphone (1) immediately captures attention with its clean, transparent, and retro-futuristic aesthetic. Departing from conventional round, black headphone designs, it incorporates distinct geometric details, including rectangular cases topped by transparent elliptical caps that offer a glimpse into the internal components.
This “out there” design, which evokes the look of classic cassette tapes, is a signature element of Nothing’s unique brand identity. While innovative, this aesthetic is acknowledged as an “acquired taste” and may not universally appeal to all consumers. The headphones are available in both black and white, with the white variant thoughtfully featuring a black headband cushion designed to resist smudging.
Comfort for Extended Use
In terms of comfort, the Headphone (1) generally receives high commendations. Reviewers have noted that the square earcups provide a snug and comfortable fit. The headphones incorporate PU memory foam cushions that conform naturally to the head and are oil-resistant, designed for prolonged use.
The adjustable headband glides smoothly, and the earcups are capable of rotation. Many users have reported a snug fit without excessive weight, allowing for comfort during extended listening sessions, with minimal ear fatigue observed. One reviewer with multiple ear piercings experienced no discomfort even after wearing the headphones for over six hours.
Audio Performance: KEF Collaboration
The Nothing Headphone (1) incorporates custom-built 40mm dynamic drivers and benefits from tuning by the esteemed British audio brand KEF. Nothing asserts that these headphones deliver a “rich, balanced” sound signature that is “full of character”.
Sound Signature Breakdown
Bass: The bass response is described as “muscular and impactful”, “reassuringly deep and well-controlled”, and “well-defined”. The “Bass Enhancer” feature is lauded for adding “more resonance and viciousness to low frequencies”, allowing for deeper bass while maintaining control.
Mids: The mid-range is generally described as “solid” and well-balanced with other frequencies. However, the overall compressed sensation can lead to mids feeling “shackled”, and vocals may occasionally become “buried” within the mix.
Highs: The treble is noted as “prominent without sticking out awkwardly” and delivering a “reasonable amount of detail”. Yet, some reviews mention a deficiency in “sizzle and presence in the top end” or that cymbals and high hats “fall behind in the mix”, with a preference expressed for a crisper treble response.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Driver Type | 40mm dynamic drivers (KEF-tuned) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Impedance | 32Ω |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 with SBC, AAC, LHDC codecs |
| ANC Performance | Up to 42dB noise reduction |
| Battery Life | 35 hours (ANC on), 80 hours (ANC off) |
| Weight | 329 grams |
| Price | ₹29,999 |
Active Noise Cancellation & Features
The ANC system on the Nothing Headphone (1) is highly effective, demonstrating impressive noise-blocking capabilities. It is often described as being on par with or only a small step behind top-tier competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM5 and XM6 in direct comparisons.
The system effectively reduces sounds across the entire frequency range without negatively impacting audio quality. It features dual feed-forward and feedback microphones and offers multiple modes, including low, medium, high, and adaptive settings, with a stated capability of handling up to 42dB of noise cancellation.
Battery Life That Impresses
The battery performance of the Nothing Headphone (1) is a significant highlight. It offers up to 35 hours of listening time with ANC activated. Without ANC, the battery life extends to an exceptional 80 hours. Additionally, a quick 5-minute charge can provide approximately 2.4 hours of ANC-enabled playback, with a full charge taking 120 minutes.
Verdict: Should You Buy It?
The Nothing Headphone (1) represents a significant and largely successful foray by Nothing into the competitive over-ear headphone market. Its core identity is defined by a bold, retro-futuristic design that, while potentially divisive, is meticulously crafted with premium materials and contributes to a comfortable fit, even for extended wear.
A standout strength is the headphone’s intuitive and highly praised tactile control system. By prioritizing physical buttons and a responsive roller over often-frustrating gesture controls, Nothing has addressed a common user pain point, providing a refreshingly reliable and user-friendly interface.
Ultimately, the Nothing Headphone (1) presents a compelling value proposition. Priced significantly lower than top-tier models from Sony and Apple, it offers a feature set and overall experience that often feels premium and justifies its cost. While it may not surpass the absolute best in sound quality or transparency mode performance, its combination of distinctive design, intuitive physical controls, strong ANC, excellent battery life, and competitive pricing makes it a highly attractive option for consumers seeking a well-rounded and uniquely styled over-ear headphone.
