Nothing Headphone 1 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.
Overall score
What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score components:
80.0%
Technical Score
20.0%
User score
Technical Score
What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.
When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score components:
52.0%
Sound
20.0%
Features
10.0%
Design
8.0%
Connectivity
6.0%
Battery
4.0%
Calls & Controls
User score
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score components:
70.0%
User reviews
30.0%
Popularity
Score components:
35.0%
Audio latency
25.0%
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
Battery life
Score components:
28.0%
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
Battery life
18.0%
Weight
16.0%
Multipoint support
14.0%
Ambient sound mode
Score components:
28.0%
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
Multipoint support
16.0%
Battery life
14.0%
Companion app
Score components:
28.0%
Weight
24.0%
Water resistance
20.0%
IP rating
16.0%
Battery life
12.0%
Can be used as a headset
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.
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What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.
When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score components:
52.0%
Sound
20.0%
Features
10.0%
Design
8.0%
Connectivity
6.0%
Battery
4.0%
Calls & Controls
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score components:
70.0%
User reviews
30.0%
Popularity
What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score components:
60.0%
Overall score
40.0%
Price
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Good value: >=5.0
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Good value: >=2020
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Good value: >45 hours
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Good value: >40 hours
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Good value: <=2 hours
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Good value: >=720 mAh
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Good value: <150 g
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Good value: >45 hours
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Good value: >=24000 Hz
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Good value: <150 g
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Importance: LOW
Good value: >80 dB
(Reviews last updated: June 2026)
The Nothing Headphone (1) is a $299 (£299) premium over-ear noise-cancelling headset developed in collaboration with British audio brand KEF. Featuring a distinct, translucent "squircle" design with retro cassette vibes, the build combines aluminum with plastic and oil-resistant memory foam ear pads. It boasts a solid feature set, including high-performing physical controls (like a roller volume button), spatial audio with head-tracking, multipoint Bluetooth 5.3, and up to 35 hours of battery life with ANC enabled. Performance-wise, the headphones deliver impressively clean, balanced sound with well-defined bass, alongside strong six-microphone voice calling and noise cancellation that falls just slightly behind market leaders like Sony. The review highlights several distinct pros and cons for prospective buyers. The pros include an eye-catching design, intuitive physical controls, and highly effective passive and active noise cancellation. Additionally, it offers crisp audio with no distortion, a nice carrying case, and high-utility USB-C digital audio playback. On the downside, the cons focus on the heavy 329-gram weight, which makes them less comfortable for long sessions than competitors from Sony or Bose. Furthermore, the ear pads are not...
The Nothing Headphone (1) stands out for its bold and unconventional design, which features a square profile constructed from three distinct layers: a rounded cushion, a squared-off metal frame, and a rounded transparent plastic outer shell that exposes cassette-tape-like internals. Priced at £299 / $299, these over-ear headphones deliver a refreshing alternative to traditional swipe and tap controls by incorporating highly innovative physical interfaces. The right earcup houses a unique paddle rocker for skipping and scrubbing through tracks, a scrolling wheel called "the Roller" for smooth volume adjustments, and a customisable button that integrates with the Nothing X app. Performance-wise, the headphones feature custom-built 40mm drivers tuned by KEF, which produce a genuinely terrific, impactful low-end with deep bass heft alongside solid head-tracking spatial audio and a reliable 35-hour battery life. However, the reviewer notes a few distinct drawbacks, starting with the fact that the highly unique aesthetic is bound to be divisive among consumers. While the custom tuning provides excellent depth, a marginal flaw was identified in the sound profile, where the mid-frequencies could occasionally become slightly fuzzy or...
The Nothing Headphone (1) over-ear noise-cancelling headphones offer an exceptional mid-tier option that delivers roughly 90 percent of the performance of premium competitors for a significantly lower price of $299 (often discounted to $239). Standout pros include a highly intuitive, physical control system featuring a clicky wheel and flicky switch, an impressive 35-hour battery life that beats major premium rivals, and high-end aesthetic appeal featuring unique clear outer ear cups. Additionally, a design collaboration with British audio icon KEF ensures a fun, exciting, and punchy low-end response through its 40-mm dynamic drivers, while the L-shaped metal bar design provides secure, evenly distributed, and comfortable headband pressure. However, the headphones do come with several distinct drawbacks compared to top-tier models like the Apple AirPods Max or Sony WH-1000XM6. The soundstage is notably narrower and more compressed, showing a bit of clutter in the mid-range frequencies, and the active noise cancellation (ANC) lags slightly behind when dealing with fast, high-end sounds. The pass-through mode is also less natural than its premium counterparts. Finally, a notable physical con is that Nothing currently has...
The Verge's review of the $299 Nothing Headphone 1 highlights a 6/10 rating, praising the device for its impressive audio quality, effective ANC, and comfortable 35-hour battery life. Key positives include intuitive physical controls and a comfortable, glasses-friendly design. Conversely, the review identifies significant drawbacks, including a counterintuitive folding mechanism that leads to reversed wear, a polarizing, plastic-heavy aesthetic, and the inability to use the 3.5mm jack when the battery is dead.
The Nothing Headphone (1) is a feature-rich, premium debut into the over-ear market priced at $299 / £299. It impresses mechanically and technically, boasting strong adaptive active noise cancellation that rivals the industry-leading Sony WH-1000XM5, alongside seamless multi-point Bluetooth connectivity and an exquisite, durable build quality. The physical controls are a standout success, highlighted by an exceptionally intuitive 'Roller' button on the right earcup for volume and playback adjustments. Furthermore, it features unique Nothing Phone ecosystem perks—like AI-driven voice note-taking—and offers a commendable 35 hours of battery life with ANC enabled. However, the headphones ultimately stumble where it matters most: sound performance. Despite audio tuning by hi-fi brand KEF, the soundstage feels remarkably small, compressed, and lacking the open, dynamic punch required at this premium price point. Additional drawbacks include their relatively heavy 329g weight compared to lighter rivals, a highly divisive aesthetic, and a weak spatial audio mode that adds unwanted reverb to podcasts and collapses directionality in movies. Microphones also produce a somewhat tinny, robotic call quality, and the tight clamping force—while secure—makes the user's own voice sound...
The Nothing Headphone (1)Go debuts with a distinct, retro-tech design, featuring excellent active noise cancellation, an IP52 rating, and intuitive physical controls, according to SoundGuys. The companion app offers a powerful, feature-rich parametric equalizer, allowing for extensive sound customization. Conversely, the default sound signature is flawed, characterized by weak mids and muted treble that necessitate EQ adjustments for optimal audio quality, notes SoundGuys. Additionally, the unique, blocky design may feel heavy over long periods and creates a polarizing aesthetic, say reviewers.
The Nothing Headphone (1) is a pair of mid-range over-ear wireless headphones that attempts to challenge industry giants like Sony and Bose with an aggressive launch price of £299 / $299 / AU$549. Designed in partnership with audio brand KEF, the headphones feature a distinctive, divisive aesthetic combining a rectangular body with rounded, transparent earcups that showcase internal components. On the positive side, they deliver a full-bodied, robust sound with admirable clarity, punchy industrial snare hits, and a healthy helping of hearty bass. Furthermore, they boast an exceptional battery life of up to 80 hours with ANC turned off and 35 hours with it turned on, alongside a highly satisfying tactile volume roller and song-switching paddle. Despite these strengths, the review notes several significant drawbacks that leave a feeling of frustration. Sonically, the headphones are criticized for a limited dynamic profile and a lack of rhythmic drive, making them less entertaining and engaging than cheaper competitors like the Sony WH-CH720N. Physically, the bottom-heavy weight distribution and soft earcup materials result in an insecure fit during movement, and some users reported...
The Nothing Headphone (1)Go is a bold and highly polarising first entry into the over-ear market, earning a stellar 90% overall rating for successfully matching its retro-futuristic, translucent design with high-tier performance. Priced competitively at £299 in the UK, these headphones position themselves as an attractive, budget-friendly alternative to premium models like the Apple AirPods Max and Sony WH-1000XM6. A standout feature is their phenomenal sound quality straight out of the box, driven by custom 40mm dynamic drivers and a strategic tuning collaboration with the renowned British audio brand KEF. Additionally, they excel in usability by offering a remarkably lightweight and close-fitting profile that ensures all-day comfort without ear fatigue, alongside an impressive 35-hour battery life with ANC enabled (stretching to 80 hours with ANC turned off) and an IP52 water and dust resistance rating. However, the review highlights a few clear drawbacks, most notably that the carrying case is too large and acts as a "backpack filler" because the headphones do not fold upwards and inwards into a compact shape. While the active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency modes...
The Nothing Headphone 1 (€299) delivers a unique "retro meets sci-fi" design featuring transparent plastic and metal accents, evoking a polarizing "love it or hate it" response. Developed in collaboration with audio brand KEF, these 329-gram over-ear headphones provide comfortable, firm ear cushions that seal well without overheating. A standout feature is the physical control layout on the right ear cup, utilizing an intuitive scroll/push button for volume and playback alongside a dedicated toggle switch. Technically, they are equipped with 40mm drivers, boast an IP52 weather resistance rating, and support AAC, SBC, and high-resolution LDAC bluetooth codecs, though AptX is notably absent. Battery life is excellent, lasting up to 80 hours without noise cancellation (35 hours with ANC) and featuring ultra-fast charging where 5 minutes provides 5 hours of playback. The user experience is highly supported by the companion Nothing App, which offers a straightforward setup and an exceptionally precise equalizer that saves custom sound profiles directly to the hardware. In terms of pros, the reviewer highlights the headphone's unique design aesthetic, the highly functional physical control buttons, a fine...
The Nothing Headphone (1) are stylish, IP52-rated wireless over-ear headphones featuring excellent 33-hour battery life with active noise cancellation (ANC) and impressive isolation against mid-to-high frequency noises. While effective in office environments, the headphones have drawbacks, including small ear cups that may cause discomfort, potential heat buildup, and an ANC system that struggles with low-bass engine noises. Furthermore, the built-in microphone provides only average voice quality during calls. RTINGS.
Nothing Headphone 1 The Nothing Headphone 1 stands out for its bold, semi-transparent aesthetic, blending a 1980s Walkman style with a Doctor Who "Cybermen" look that breaks away from typical black headphones. Priced at £299 ($299), they offer excellent physical controls, featuring a tactile volume roller, a track-skipping paddle, and a dedicated voice assistant button. Tuned in partnership with British speaker manufacturer KEF, they deliver a punchy, bass-forward sound with a wide soundstage when noise cancelling is turned off. Additionally, they provide exceptional battery life (up to 80 hours with ANC off), seamless Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint connectivity, and versatile wired options via 3.5mm and USB-C ports. However, the headphones suffer from several comfort and performance drawbacks. Weighing a relatively heavy 329g, the headband padding is too thin, creating uncomfortable sore spots during extended listening sessions. While the audio profile is strong, activating active noise cancellation (ANC) narrows and mutes complex tracks. Furthermore, the ANC performance falls well short of competitors at this price range, particularly struggling to block out higher-pitched ambient sounds like human voices. Finally, the ear cups do...
The Nothing Headphone (1) stands out for its bold, retro-inspired square aesthetic and semi-transparent design, delivering a strong balance of comfort and substance at a competitive $299 price point. Developed in partnership with KEF, the headphones offer a neutral, highly detailed sound profile that can be adjusted via the Nothing X app, which also includes a convenient bass-boosting enhancement toggle. Users will appreciate functional touches like tactile volume rollers, a customizable physical button, and a dedicated power switch that eliminates the confusion of multi-use buttons. Additionally, they feature highly capable active noise cancellation (ANC), dual-device connectivity, and an impressive battery life of 35 hours with ANC activated.
The Nothing Headphone 1 is a standout over-ear debut priced at ₹21,999, featuring a futuristic, transparent design, sculpted aluminium framing, and a commuter-friendly IP52 dust and water resistance rating. Its major strengths (pros) include a highly impressive battery life of up to 35 hours with ANC enabled and up to 80 hours with it turned off, backed by rapid 5-minute quick-charging capability. Users also benefit from satisfying physical, tactile controls like a volume roller and track-skipping paddle instead of finicky touch panels, dynamic head-tracking spatial audio, clear call quality via AI-powered voice isolation, and Hi-Res Wireless Audio with LDAC support. On the downside (cons), the default out-of-the-box sound tuning is overly dark, featuring an overbearing bass that forces users to spend time adjusting the 8-band EQ inside the Nothing X app to achieve clear vocals and treble. In terms of physical design, the headphones do not fold down for compact travel, and the square-shaped earcups can awkwardly bump together and cause cosmetic wear when resting around the neck. Additionally, special ecosystem features—such as smart audio-switching (Channel Hop), automatic voice note...
The Nothing Headphone (1) is the brand's first over-ear headphone, sporting an eye-catching, retro-futuristic design with square earcups, transparent panels that reveal the audio chambers, and tactile physical controls like a scrolling "roller" and a "paddle" switch. Priced at a retail launch price of 299 Euros, this model boasts standout advantages including a fun, bass-heavy sound profile, effective everyday Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), and exceptional battery life that reaches up to 35 hours with ANC or a massive 80 hours without it. It features premium materials like aluminum components for added stability, supports the high-resolution LDAC codec via Bluetooth 5.3, and includes unique software integrations like Spatial Audio and ChatGPT capabilities when paired with compatible smartphones. However, the reviewer points out several distinct drawbacks, noting that the overall soundstage is relatively narrow and compressed, which causes acoustic tracks to lack finer details in the mids and highs when compared to top-tier competitors like Sony. At 329 grams, the frame is relatively heavy and bulky, and the earcups do not fold down for easier travel storage. Furthermore, call quality is a...
The Nothing Headphone (1) stands out with its bold, polarising design featuring rectangular, semi-transparent ear cups combined with a robust build of CNC-machined aluminium and precision-moulded plastics. Co-developed with British audio specialist KEF, the headphones deliver a highly balanced, warm sound signature with precise instrument separation, deep but controlled bass via 40mm drivers, and clear highs. Its standout features include a blind-operable physical control scheme (using a roller and paddle rather than touch gestures), high-efficiency 42 dB adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that excels in public transit, a natural-sounding transparency mode, and a highly customizable 8-band parametric equalizer inside the Nothing X app. Additionally, it offers impressive battery endurance, delivering roughly 30 hours of mixed real-world use with ANC and high-res LDAC playback enabled. However, the review highlights several distinct drawbacks, particularly regarding physical comfort and connectivity. The unique headband design lacks luxurious padding, and the tight, PU-material ear cushions trap significant body heat, causing noticeable sweat build-up and discomfort during prolonged sessions exceeding three hours. From a technical standpoint, the headphones lack support for digital USB-C audio transmission, cannot...
The Nothing Headphone (1) is a distinctive, premium pair of wireless over-ear headphones (priced around €300) that seamlessly blends an unconventional, eye-catching design with excellent functionality. Its standout features include a high-quality build made of matte aluminium and clear Plexiglas ear cups, combined with a highly intuitive physical control system using a unique "roller" and "paddle" mechanism. Developed in collaboration with the British audio specialist KEF, the headphones deliver a superb, well-balanced sound profile with punchy bass, clear mids, and transparent highs, which can be further customized through a highly advanced 8-band equalizer in the companion app. Furthermore, its battery life is exceptionally robust, offering a remarkable 35 hours of playback with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) enabled, and extending up to an impressive 80 hours with ANC turned off. On the downside, while the active noise cancellation is effective at blocking out standard environmental sounds like traffic or office noise, it is not quite as powerful as top-tier competitors like the Sonos Ace. Additionally, the built-in transparency mode tends to slightly over-amplify external sounds, making the environment sound louder than...
The Nothing Headphone (1)Go features a premium, durable design with signature transparent elements, providing excellent passive isolation and a 80-hour battery life (ANC off) for €299. It delivers clean audio with strong, adaptive active noise cancellation and highly tactile, physical controls for a premium user experience. However, the headset is limited by a large headband that may not fit smaller heads securely, and the earcups only rotate flat, resulting in a bulky, non-collapsible design. Additionally, the default "Balanced" sound profile requires significant EQ adjustment via the app to overcome unengaging tuning, and the high-end treble performance is inconsistent.
The Nothing Headphone (1) is a highly capable over-ear headset that stands out for its unique design, which features a mix of grey tones, transparent elements, and high-quality materials like aluminium and faux leather. Developed in cooperation with audio specialist KEF, the headphones deliver a highly natural sound stage with punchy, precise bass and clear vocal reproduction. Users will find a very intuitive control system consisting entirely of physical elements, such as a dedicated volume wheel and a 4-way toggle switch for track skipping. The extensive feature set includes Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint support, as well as the ability to playback audio over a 3.5mm jack or a USB-C connection—even when the battery is completely flat. On the downside, the active noise cancellation (ANC) performs solidly against continuous background drone but fails to completely isolate intense, sudden exterior sounds like aircraft engines. Furthermore, engaging ANC drastically impacts the otherwise stellar 87-hour battery life, cutting it down to a more average 38 hours. From a comfort and handling perspective, the memory foam ear pads feel tight due to a relatively high...
The Nothing Headphone (1) is a distinctively designed pair of over-ear wireless headphones that balances an avant-garde aesthetic with advanced technology, featuring sound tuning in collaboration with the renowned speaker manufacturer KEF. Priced at €299, it stands out for its unique transparent earcup design and unconventional hardware controls, which include a volume scroll wheel and a playback toggle switch rather than standard touch gestures. The headphones offer general high-utility features including an outstanding battery life—lasting up to 35 hours with active noise cancelling (ANC) enabled and an impressive 80 hours with ANC turned off—alongside high-resolution LDAC codec support, multipoint connectivity, and an IP52 dust and water resistance rating. A major highlight of the device is its exceptional companion application, which provides a massive array of sound customisation tools, including a 5-step bass enhancer, custom user-shared profiles, and an 8-band parametric equalizer. In terms of performance, the review highlights several major pros, including its distortion-free, clean, and well-balanced default sound signature, an exceptionally natural transparency mode with zero background hiss, and highly capable day-to-day ANC performance. However, the review notes notable...
The Nothing Headphone (1) stands out for its bold, retro-futuristic design, featuring a transparent plastic housing, squircle-shaped earcups, and unique haptics like a dedicated volume "roller" and title "paddle-switch". Built with an aluminium frame and memory-foam ear cushions, the 329g headphones offer exceptional long-wear comfort and an IP52 splash resistance rating. On the technical side, they support high-end Bluetooth 5.3 codecs like LDAC alongside convenient features like multipoint connectivity and wear detection. Their standout feature is an industry-leading battery life, delivering over 40 hours of playback with ANC enabled and up to 80 hours with ANC turned off. However, the headphones come with clear trade-offs, particularly for travel and daily longevity. They do not fold down, making the included hard shell carrying case bulky and cumbersome for small bags. Additionally, the ear pads are non-replaceable without contacting official customer support, which limits user serviceability. While the 40mm KEF-tuned drivers provide excellent spatial audio, the default out-of-the-box sound is noticeably dark, with recessed mids and muffled highs that require manual adjustment in the companion app's advanced equalizer. Lastly, while the 42...
The Nothing Headphone (1) marks a successful debut into the over-ear market, developed in collaboration with British audio specialists KEF. Priced around €300, it stands out with Nothing’s signature industrial design, featuring square metal ear cups and a clear plastic shell that exposes the internal components. Its biggest triumph is an exceptional battery life, lasting 47 hours and 35 minutes with active noise-cancelling (ANC) enabled. Users can listen via a traditional 3,5mm jack or directly through a USB-C cable, which allows the headphones to play music and charge simultaneously when plugged into a PC. Additionally, the physical controls on the right ear cup—including a highly tactile control wheel for volume and modes—are praised as a major highlight for usability, supported by a feature-rich "Nothing X" companion app. However, the headphones fall short of perfection due to a few performance and design limitations. Sound quality is a mix of pros and cons: while it offers powerful, soft bass foundations and clear vocals, the overall sound profile is described as slightly muffled or lacking brilliance, with washed-out mid-frequencies that are particularly noticeable...
The Digitec Galaxus review highlights the Nothing Headphone (1)Go as an eye-catching, over-ear model offering excellent, customizable sound, developed in partnership with KEF and featuring a 5-stage bass boost. Key advantages include 35–80 hours of battery life, IP52-certified durability, and highly praised, tactile physical controls on the right ear cup that excel for "fidget-toy" interaction. However, the, ear pads tend to trap heat, leading to discomfort and sweating, while the rigid, non-foldable headband, paired with a bulky carrying case and a substandard zipper, limits portability. Additionally, while active noise cancellation is effective for consistent drones, it fails to fully mask nearby human voices, and the unit lacks a 3.5mm jack.
The Nothing Headphone (1) is a retro-futuristic, circum-aural wireless headset created in collaboration with the British hi-fi brand KEF, offering audiophile-grade performance at a competitive price of 299 euros. Weighing 329 grams with an IP52 rating, it trades touch controls for highly tactile physical inputs, including a distinct infinite rotary wheel, a tracking paddle, and a customizable button. It features Bluetooth 5.3 with high-resolution LDAC and LHDC 5.0 codecs, alongside seamless integration with the Nothing X app, which includes an advanced 8-band parametric EQ. The battery life is highly impressive, yielding around 33 hours of continuous playback with ANC enabled during testing, against an official rating of 35 hours (and up to 80 hours with ANC off). The review highlights several prominent advantages, notably its top-tier active noise cancellation that effectively targets a wide frequency range (20 Hz to 2 kHz) to rival industry leaders like Apple and Sony. Acoustically, the KEF partnership delivers a remarkably neutral, highly detailed, and powerful sound signature that excels at untangling complex musical tracks. Other major pros include its excellent build quality, high wearing...
The Nothing Headphone (1) is a successful first entry into the over-ear Bluetooth market, blending premium materials with a semi-transparent, retro-futuristic aesthetic engineered alongside high-fidelity audio brand KEF. Weighing 329 grams, the aluminum and plastic build provides an excellent, secure fit that distributes weight well, though its large, rectangular earcups do not fold. Rather than touch gestures, it features tactile controls like the "Roller" volume dial and a custom button integrated with Nothing X app options, including ChatGPT connectivity. For connectivity, it supports Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC high-res decoding, multipoint pairing, and direct, lossless audio playback via USB-C or a 3.5mm mini-jack. Furthermore, its real-world battery life is highly impressive, enduring up to 40 hours and 45 minutes with active noise cancellation (ANC) turned on and up to 86 hours in passive mode. The core strength of the headset is its natural, well-balanced sound profile, delivering a deep, immersive soundstage with clear vocals, rich instrumentals, and an 8-band parametric EQ for precise customization. However, the upper-midrange is a bit too relaxed, causing a slight lack of definition on intense guitars...
The Nothing Headphone (1) is an ambitious, neo-retro over-ear Bluetooth headset developed in collaboration with the renowned audio brand KEF, offering premium features at a competitive price point. Structurally, it stands out with a unique anodized aluminum frame and transparent earcups mimicking an audio cassette. On the positive side, it delivers highly balanced, versatile sound performance via its 40mm dynamic drivers, paired with an advanced parametric equalizer in the Nothing X app for customized acoustic tuning. Furthermore, it features a massive battery life reaching up to 39 hours with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) enabled and nearly 80 hours without it. Its high-utility connectivity suite is another strong point, supporting SBC, AAC, and high-resolution LDAC codecs alongside rare triple physical options through Bluetooth, a 3.5mm analog jack, and a lossless USB-C audio interface. Despite these strengths, the headset comes with several technical and design compromises. At 329 grams, it is notably heavier than major competitors like the Sony WH-1000Xm6, and its oval earpads can feel restrictive for larger ears while lacking breathability in warm weather. Performance flaws include a severe lack...
The Nothing Headphone (1) review by Journal du Geek gives the brand's debut over-ear headphones a 8 / 10 rating, praising them as a highly successful first attempt at a competitive €300 price point. Developed in partnership with KEF, the headphones stand out primarily due to their unique, retro-futuristic design featuring rectangular ear cups, signature transparent accents, and highly intuitive physical controls like a clickable volume "roller" and a track-skipping "paddle". On the technical side, the reviewer highlights the stellar battery life of 35 hours with ANC (and up to 80 hours without), effective adaptive active noise cancellation that holds its own against market leaders, and a highly functional companion app (Nothing X) with a robust 8-band equalizer. Despite these strengths, the review notes a few key drawbacks, particularly concerning out-of-the-box audio tuning and voice features. By default, the sound signature is heavily tailored for the general public with overwhelming bass that tends to muffle the mids and highs, requiring manual EQ adjustments to achieve balanced acoustics. Additionally, the Transparency Mode feels artificial and leaves the user's own voice sounding...
The Nothing Headphone (1) represents a highly successful entry into the wireless over-ear market, delivering premium build quality, extensive features, and excellent battery life that rival more expensive competitors. Its acoustic profile stands out for its well-managed technical balance and a relaxed, distinct sound character. Overall, the review highlights it as a very convincing option for buyers seeking an optimal middle ground between unique design, solid audio reproduction, and a reasonable price point. However, the headphone does exhibit clear limitations when compared to the market's top performers. Its active noise cancellation (ANC) is rated as good but falls short of being excellent, failing to match the isolation capabilities of leading models. Additionally, the built-in microphones are noted as perfectible and leave room for improvement during voice calls.
Review Overview The Nothing Headphone (1) is a retro-futuristic, circum-aural wireless headset priced at €299 that features the brand's signature transparent aesthetic combined with an aluminum and memory foam build. Acoustically engineered in partnership with KEF, the headphones utilize a rigid 40 mm dynamic driver with a nickel-plated polyurethane membrane to deliver a highly accurate and balanced sound signature. It trades typical touch panels for distinct physical controls—namely a clickable "Roller" wheel and a "Paddle" switch—and features robust connectivity like dual-device Bluetooth 5.3 pairing, Google Fast Pair, and high-resolution LDAC codec support. Additionally, it offers up to 80 hours of battery life without ANC (35 hours with it activated), holds an IP52 durability rating, and includes a smart wear-detection sensor. Pros and Cons Reviewers awarded the headset a stellar 9/10 score, heavily praising its neutral, detailed, and powerful KEF sound signature, highly competitive active noise cancellation, and exceptional wearing comfort. Additional advantages include an intuitive Nothing X companion app, excellent battery longevity, and overall unmatched value for money. On the downside, the Spatial Audio mode is criticized as gimmicky and...
The Nothing Headphone (1) is a standout debut in the over-ear market that mixes a retro, industrial design with an exceptional physical control system. Priced at 299 euros, these headphones feature unique transparent ear cups and replace frustrating touch pads with tactile physical tools. These include the "Roller" wheel for volume and playback, and the "Paddle" lever for skipping tracks. Developed in partnership with British audio brand KEF, they deliver an incredibly clear, detailed, and natural sound profile. Additionally, they offer impressive active noise cancellation (ANC) that ranks among the best in this price range, alongside a highly intuitive and beautifully designed Nothing X companion app. The battery life is also strong, offering up to 35 hours of playback with ANC turned on and a helpful quick-charge feature. Pros and Cons While the headphones are highly praised, the review highlights specific strengths and weaknesses: Pro: Outstanding physical controls that are precise and reliable. Pro: Beautiful, premium design using transparent elements and molded aluminium. Pro: Excellent, clear sound quality tuned by KEF. Pro: Top-tier noise cancellation for the price. Pro: Fantastic,...
The Fnac review highlights the Nothing Headphone (1)Go as a disruptive, industrial-designed product featuring a transparent aesthetic, physical controls, and an "AI-driven" Nothing X app. Key pros include exceptional battery life and strong hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), providing a unique, high-performance experience. Conversely, the analysis notes that the audio requires manual tuning via the parametric equalizer to reach its full potential, and the minimal headband padding may cause discomfort during long listening sessions. Additionally, the review points out that full functionality for advanced AI features is best realized within the Nothing ecosystem.
The Nothing Headphone (1) stands out in the 2025/2026 headphone market with its bold, retro-futuristic design featuring a transparent plastic casing, rectangular ear cups, and a robust aluminium frame. Despite weighing 329 grams, they provide remarkable, pressure-free comfort during long listening sessions or light workouts thanks to well-padded headbands and memory foam ear cushions. On the technical side, they offer highly intuitive physical controls—namely a tactile volume "roller" and a tracking "paddle"—alongside Bluetooth 5.3, high-res LDAC codec support, and reliable multi-device connectivity. The clear standout feature is the exceptional battery life, which realistically exceeds 40 hours with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) turned on and stretches up to 80 hours with ANC off, backed by an efficient fast-charging feature. However, the headphones do come with notable drawbacks. Out of the box, the sound profile tuned by KEF is somewhat dark and muffled in the mid and high frequencies, meaning users must spend time tweaking the 8-band EQ in the Nothing X app to truly unlock its transparent audio potential. Additionally, the adaptive ANC underperforms compared to top-tier rivals like Sony or...
The Nothing Headphone (1) stands out as the most visually original over-ear headphones of 2025, blending a bold retrofuturistic design with premium, robust materials. Featuring a distinctive mix of rectangular aluminum frames and transparent plastic parts that expose internal components, these headphones deliver an exceptional, balanced, and highly customizable sound signature developed in partnership with the audio brand KEF. Key strengths include their innovative physical controls—such as an analog-style volume wheel and music paddle—alongside an IP52 dust and splash resistance rating that surpasses major competitors. Battery life is another major pro, offering an impressive 35 hours of playback with active noise cancellation (ANC) enabled and over 80 hours with ANC turned off, backed by a fast 5-minute emergency charge that provides 5 hours of use. Despite these stellar attributes, the headphones come with several noticeable drawbacks. From a design standpoint, they do not fold down for easier travel and weigh a relatively heavy 329 grams, which impacts portability despite comfortable memory foam ear cushions. Maintenance is also a concern, as the ear cushions cannot be detached, meaning users must send...
The Nothing Headphone (1) is the brand's first premium over-ear headphone entry, developed in collaboration with audio giant KEF. Priced at €299 to compete directly with the Sony WH-1000XM5, it features Nothing's signature transparent aesthetic with premium aluminum, rigid plastic, and memory foam materials. Weighing 329 grams, the headphones utilize 40mm dynamic drivers with a nickel-plated diaphragm to deliver a highly natural, detailed sound profile with clean bass and distortion-free highs. On the technical side, they offer adaptive hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that scans the environment every 600ms, an ambient transparency mode, spatial audio with head tracking, and robust connectivity options including Bluetooth (LDAC and AAC codecs), USB-C lossless audio, and a 3.5mm jack. The integration with the Nothing X app adds high customizability, featuring an 8-band equalizer, low-latency gaming modes, and multi-device dual management. The review awards the product a 90% score, highlighting several notable pros and cons. On the positive side, the headphones deliver exceptional, distortion-free sound quality with deep bass, highly effective adaptive noise cancellation, and a unique premium design. The choice of physical controls—such as...
The Nothing Headphone (1) stands out as the brand's first over-ear model, featuring a highly unique, square-shaped industrial design that blends retro and futuristic aesthetics. On the positive side, the review highlights exceptional comfort for long listening sessions, even for users wearing glasses, thanks to spongy, oval-shaped polyurethane ear cushions. While the out-of-the-box audio lacks strong bass and clear highs, the sound quality becomes highly satisfying after customisation through the Nothing X app, excelling at mainstream music, podcasts, and clear instrument separation. Furthermore, the physical controls—particularly a tactile volume "roller" and a track-skipping "paddle"—are praised as an absolute joy to use over standard touch controls, and are complemented by remarkable active noise cancellation (ANC) and an exceptionally long battery life. Conversely, the headphones have notable drawbacks, primarily regarding their physical utility and the included case. They are not recommended for hot summer days or high-impact activities like running, where sweat builds up quickly and head movement causes an unpleasant bouncing sound effect. The transparency mode is also a mixed bag, introducing an annoying "clogged ear" effect when the wearer speaks....
The Nothing Headphone (1) is a compelling first entry into the over-ear market, featuring a unique semi-transparent aesthetic, high-quality build materials like aluminum reinforcement and memory foam earcups, and robust durability backed by an IP52 rating and 50 reliability tests. Priced aggressively at €299, it undercuts many top-tier competitors while delivering solid day-to-day utility. Key pros include excellent comfort with oil-and-makeup-resistant synthetic leather, a highly effective physical control system utilizing a mechanical wheel and toggle paddles, an outstandingly granular 8-band customizable parametric equalizer inside the responsive Nothing X companion app, and exceptional battery life that extends up to 80 hours with active noise cancellation (ANC) disabled (35 hours with ANC enabled). Despite its impressive debut, the headset exhibits a few clear cons that prevent it from taking the absolute crown in the category. The default sound profile tuned by KEF is notably flat and lacks depth in the lower frequencies, meaning users must rely on the app's Bass Enhance feature to achieve a richer tone. While the active noise cancellation and transparency modes perform safely and comfortably without ear pressure,...
The Nothing Headphone (1) are the brand's debut over-ear headphones, featuring a signature futuristic design made of aluminum and transparent plastic that showcases the internal components. Developed in collaboration with British audio specialist KEF, they feature custom 40mm dynamic drivers that deliver deep, controlled bass, well-present mids, and clear highs. On the positive side, reviewers highlight the intuitive physical controls (such as a volume roller and track paddle), an exceptional battery life of up to 80 hours with ANC turned off (and around 35 hours with ANC on), and effective hybrid active noise cancellation. Furthermore, they provide a very comfortable fit due to memory foam ear cushions and an even weight distribution, alongside useful features like LDAC codec support, Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint connectivity, and an IP52 rating. However, the headphones do have a few noticeable drawbacks. Out of the box, the sound profile feels compressed, meaning users will likely need to spend time adjusting the 8-band equalizer in the Nothing X app to achieve a more natural or bright frequency response. Although comfortable, the total weight of 329g sits slightly...
The Nothing Headphone (1) stands out as a bold, retro-futuristic over-ear model featuring a distinctive transparent plastic shell, squircle-shaped earcups, and an aluminum frame. On the positive side, it offers a highly comfortable fit due to memory foam padding, an exceptional battery life reaching up to 80 hours without active noise cancellation (ANC), and intuitive physical controls, including a tactile volume roller. Additionally, it features a stable Bluetooth 5.3 connection with LDAC codec support, seamless multipoint connectivity, and an expansive soundstage engineered in collaboration with audio specialist KEF. Users can also deeply customize the audio profiles using a robust 8-band parametric equalizer available via the companion Nothing X application. However, the headphones come with notable drawbacks, starting with an out-of-the-box sound signature that leans dark and muffled, requiring manual EQ adjustments to unlock its full potential. Furthermore, its active noise cancellation and transparency modes perform reliably but ultimately fall short of industry-leading competitors like Sony or Bose. Design limitations also compromise daily convenience, as the headphones do not fold, resulting in an overly bulky hardshell carrying case. Finally, the earpads...
The Nothing Headphone (1), designed in collaboration with audio brand KEF, offers a distinctive minimalist aesthetic featuring transparent elements and shaped aluminium. On the positive side, these over-ear headphones deliver excellent, well-balanced sound quality through 40mm dynamic drivers, supporting Hi-Res Audio, LDAC, and up to 24-bit/96kHz playback. Their battery life is an outstanding standout feature, providing up to 35 hours with ANC active and staggering up to 80 hours without it, complete with a fast-charging capability that gives 5 hours of playback from just a 5-minute charge. Additionally, they include useful physical controls (Roller, Paddle, and Button), stable Bluetooth 5.3 multi-device connectivity, a reliable 4-mic AI environmental noise cancellation (ENC) system for clear voice calls, and a highly customizable 8-band equalizer inside the Nothing X app.
The Corriere della Sera review praises the Nothing Headphone (1) for its unique, retro-futuristic rectangular design, solid aluminum construction, and intuitive physical controls. These headphones offer balanced audio tuned with KEF and an impressive 80-hour battery life, positioning them as a strong premium debut. However, the review notes significant comfort issues, specifically with the non-removable, heat-trapping rubber earcups which are uncomfortable for glass wearers. Portability is also hindered by a rigid, non-folding design and a bulky case, while the default sound profile may require EQ adjustment to reduce excessive bass.
The Nothing Headphone (1) is an over-ear headset priced at €299 that combines Nothing's signature transparent design aesthetic with high-quality audio engineered by British audio specialist KEF. Weighing roughly 300 grams, the headphones feature an aluminium frame, memory foam ear cups covered in synthetic leather, and clear polycarbonate earcups that showcase internal components purely for visual appeal. A key feature is the inclusion of an internal audio controller via the USB-C port, allowing users to bypass Bluetooth limitations and enjoy a high-resolution, 24-bit/96 kHz wired audio connection. Battery performance is strong, delivering around 70 hours of playback with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) turned off, which drops to about 28 hours when ANC is enabled. The primary advantage of the headphones is their excellent, well-balanced sound quality, which delivers dynamic punchy bass, distinct vocals, and an impressive soundstage that shines in pop and rock genres. However, the review highlights several drawbacks regarding daily usability and long-term design. The active noise cancellation leaves room for improvement; while it effectively isolates noise when media is playing, a constant background murmur remains audible when...
The Nothing Headphone (1) marks the brand's first venture into the over-ear category, priced at €299. Developed in partnership with KEF, these headphones feature 40mm dynamic drivers and support LDAC for high-resolution audio. They offer impressive battery life, reaching up to 80 hours with ANC off, and include unique physical controls like a "Roller" for volume and a "Paddle" for track skipping. The advanced equaliser in the Nothing X app provides professional-level customisation, allowing users to adjust frequency values and Q-factors. The review highlights high-quality sound reproduction, effective active noise cancellation, and a transparent mode that ranks among the best tested as major strengths. However, the "divisive" design—featuring a bulky combination of translucent and opaque materials—received mixed reactions for its aesthetic weight. Practical drawbacks include a lack of breathability, which makes them uncomfortable in hot weather, and a weight of 329 grams that can lead to fatigue during long sessions. Ultimately, while technically sound, their high price point places them in direct competition with established giants like Sony and Bose.
The Nothing Headphone 1 (€299) features a highly polarizing "retro meets sci-fi" design made of transparent plastic and metal, which the reviewer notes leaves little room for a middle ground. Developed in collaboration with speaker specialist KEF, this closed, active over-ear headphone features a 40mm driver with a frequency range of 20 Hz to 40,000 Hz and weighs a reasonable 329 grams. It boasts impressive battery life, delivering 35 hours of playback with noise-canceling activated and up to 80 hours without it, alongside ultra-fast charging that provides 5 hours of listening time from a brief 5-minute charge. The package includes a flat carrying case, a USB-C charging cable, and a minijack cable for wired listening, while wireless connectivity supports AAC, LDAC, and SBC codecs, though it lacks AptX. It also holds an IP52 rating, making it resilient enough to withstand running through the rain. The review highlights several distinct pros and cons regarding the device's overall performance and usability. On the positive side, the headphone offers a very comfortable fit with firm yet soft cushions that provide a good acoustic...
The Nothing Headphone (1) distinguishes itself with a signature minimalistic, transparent design and excellent physical controls, featuring a satisfying tactile volume roller that avoids accidental touch gestures. The headphones, praised for their premium aesthetic, deliver powerful sound, which can be further customized through an advanced equalizer in the Nothing X app. However, the review notes drawbacks, including non-folding ear cups and a bulky, awkward carrying case. While initially comfortable, the cushions lack long-term breathability, causing heat buildup, and the default sound profile may require app adjustments for optimal performance.
The Nothing Headphone (1) marks the brand's first entry into the premium audio market with a launch price of 299 euros, directly competing with heavyweights like the Sony WH-1000XM5. On the positive side, the headphones deliver outstanding active noise-cancelling (ANC) that rivals industry leaders, featuring an adaptive mode that accurately adjusts to surrounding noise levels. They boast a robust 35-hour battery life with ANC enabled (stretching up to 80 hours without it) and offer extensive customization through a highly functional companion app. Furthermore, users benefit from advanced features like lossless audio via USB-C, multi-point Bluetooth, and highly intuitive, reliable physical controls—specifically a precise volume roller and a responsive track-skipping paddle—which serve as excellent alternatives to finicky touch controls. However, the headphones fall short in sound quality and design uniformity. Despite a balanced tuning collaboration with KEF, the overall audio feels compressed, narrow, and lacks the open soundstage expected at this price point. While the heavy bass response is strong and satisfies bass lovers, the spatial audio feature with head-tracking disappoints, showing minimal difference from standard playback. Visually, the rigid, rectangular...
The Nothing Headphone (1) is a strong first over-ear attempt from the brand, featuring a striking design that resembles two vintage cassette tapes on your ears. It delivers exceptional audio quality with rich, deep bass and clear tones across high, mid, and low frequencies, matching the high standards set by the previous Nothing Ear in-ears. Additionally, the highly customizable companion app stands out as a major plus, allowing users to fine-tune the extensive equalizer settings, activate an immersive spatial audio mode that enriches the sound, and remap physical buttons to their preference. However, the headphones suffer from significant comfort issues, as the ear cushions seal so tightly that they cause ears to become unbearably warm and red within just fifteen minutes of use. This drawback severely limits their usability during long commutes or flights where active noise cancellation (ANC) is most needed. Furthermore, a notable con is the absence of a personalized hearing test feature in the app, a tool that made the Nothing Ear model stand out by building custom sound profiles. Retailing at an official price of 299...
The Nothing Headphone (1) is the brand's first foray into the over-ear market, featuring a unique transparent design with aluminium ear cups and neoleather cushions. While its aesthetic stands out, the review notes that the fit can be divisive: its 329-gram weight and limited hinge movement may cause discomfort or a poor seal for those with particularly small or large heads. At an RRP of €299, it competes directly with established premium models like the Sony WH-1000XM5. Pros and Cons Pros:Excellent Noise Cancellation: The combination of a tight physical seal and active noise cancellation (ANC) effectively blocks out environmental noise. Impressive Battery Life: It offers up to 80 hours of playback with ANC off, and roughly 35 hours with it enabled. Customization: The Nothing X app provides extensive control, including a highly adjustable advanced equalizer and customisable button functions. Cons:Mixed Audio Tuning: The default "Balanced" sound profile is described as heavy and muffled, requiring manual EQ adjustments to bring out fine details. Comfort Issues: The headset exerts significant pressure on the sides of the head, which can lead to irritation...
The Nothing Headphone (1) is an over-ear audio debut developed in collaboration with legendary audio brand KEF, offering premium performance for just under €300. The headphone delivers a rich, gelaagd, and well-balanced soundstage driven by custom 40mm drivers, alongside impressive active noise cancellation (ANC) that blocks out up to 42 dB of environmental noise. Users benefit from a robust 35-hour battery life with ANC activated, Bluetooth 5.3 with high-resolution LDAC support, dual-device connectivity, and a 3.5mm jack. For controls, Nothing eschews unreliable touch gestures for tactile physical components—specifically a Roller, Paddle, and a customizable Button—the latter of which enables quick app switching via 'Channel Hop' and voice notes through 'Essential Space'. While the futuristic, semi-transparent aluminum design offers an eye-catching aesthetic and comfortable memory foam ear cushions, the review notes a few notable drawbacks. Specifically, the ear cups tend to trap heat and become quite warm during prolonged listening sessions. Furthermore, the device might feel slightly heavy for individuals with smaller heads. Lastly, the performance of the real-time Spatial Audio with head tracking is mixed; although it works remarkably well...
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