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Nothing Headphone (1) Review: Bold Design, Big Sound—Real Trade-Offs
A premium, design-forward ANC headphone with satisfying physical controls and immersive sound—best if you like punchy tuning and want something different.
- Best for: commuters and desk workers who want strong ANC, comfort, and a standout look.
- Highlights: immersive, punchy sound plus excellent roller/paddle physical controls.
- Trade-offs: can feel a bit heavy, and the default tuning may be bass-forward for neutral purists.
Nothing Headphone (1) sits in that premium “daily-driver” over-ear category: wireless ANC headphones that need to sound great, feel comfortable for hours, and behave well across a phone + laptop lifestyle.
If you’re looking at these, you’re probably the kind of buyer who cares about three things at once: (1) sound quality you can enjoy every day, (2) noise cancelling that makes commuting and office time easier, and (3) design you actually want to wear in public.
I was excited the moment I saw them online—and in person, they look even better. The transparent cassette-inspired earcup design is genuinely eye-catching, but what surprised me more is that they don’t feel like a “design-first, sound-second” product. They’re a real competitor in the $250–$350 tier, where a lot of the best-known ANC headphones live.
Quick Verdict
Verdict: Nothing Headphone (1) is best for listeners who want bold design and big, immersive sound with physical controls—but it’s not ideal for people who want the lightest headphone or a perfectly neutral “studio-flat” tuning out of the box.
Best for:
- People who want a premium headphone that looks different (and gets compliments)
- Bass-leaning listeners who like punch and warmth for pop/hip-hop/electronic
- Anyone tired of finicky touch controls and wants reliable physical buttons
Not ideal for:
- Buyers who prioritize the lightest, most “disappears-on-your-head” comfort
- Listeners who want a perfectly neutral signature without touching EQ
- Minimalists who want the smallest case and the most packable setup
Biggest real-world benefit: The combination of fun, immersive sound and excellent, mistake-proof physical controls makes these easy to enjoy daily.
Main trade-off: They can feel a bit hefty over long sessions, and the default tuning can lean bass-heavy depending on your music and volume.
At a Glance
- Category: Wireless over-ear ANC headphones
- Price range: Premium mid-tier (around $289 list when I’m writing this)
- Key feature: Distinct industrial design + KEF-tuned sound + physical roller/paddle controls
- Best use case: Commuting, office focus, casual listening, travel, and wired backup listening
- Connectivity: Bluetooth wireless + 3.5mm cable included + USB-C cable included
- Battery (claimed): Up to 80 hours (or 35 hours with ANC on)
- Noise control: Hybrid ANC + transparency + adaptive mode
Test conditions (real life):
- Usage scenario: desk work, walking around town, coffee shops, and evening listening
- Music: mixed genres (bass-heavy tracks, vocal-forward acoustic, podcasts)
- Duration tested: multiple weeks of daily use
- Devices: phone + laptop switching, plus occasional wired listening
What Is the Nothing Headphone (1)?
Nothing Headphone (1) is an over-ear wireless headphone with hybrid active noise cancelling (multi-mic system), long claimed battery life, and a clear emphasis on two differentiators:
- Design and build identity (the transparent/cassette aesthetic is the headline)
- Control philosophy (roller + paddle buttons instead of “everything is touch”)
On the audio side, Nothing markets a tuning partnership with KEF and support for higher-quality listening paths (like Bluetooth codecs where available, plus wired options). In plain English: it’s meant to be a premium daily headphone that’s fun, immersive, and flexible—wireless when you want convenience, wired when you want reliability.
Real-World Performance
Sound quality (the reason I kept reaching for them)
These sound excellent—full stop. The first thing I noticed is the sense of impact. Kick drums hit with authority, basslines feel physical, and the overall presentation is “big” and engaging rather than thin or clinical.
- Bass: Out of the box, the bass can be a little enthusiastic. On some tracks, it edges into “extra” territory—especially if you’re sensitive to low-end boost. That said, it’s not sloppy. It’s more like a confident, consumer-friendly tuning that makes modern music feel alive.
- Mids (vocals/guitars): Vocals sit slightly behind the bass and sparkle depending on the track, but they still come through clearly. Podcasts and spoken audio sounded clean and easy to follow.
- Treble (detail/air): There’s enough treble to keep things from feeling muffled, but it doesn’t come across as sharp or fatiguing in my day-to-day listening.
If you like a more neutral, reference-style sound, you’ll probably want to use the app EQ. I didn’t feel forced to, but I did think, “Yeah, I can see how a small EQ tweak would make these perfect for my taste.”
Noise cancelling (strong, but not magic)
The ANC is genuinely good in real life. It’s the kind of ANC that makes you exhale a little when it turns on—HVAC hum drops, café noise fades into the background, and you can work without constantly refocusing.
That said, I’d describe it as premium-strong rather than “silence the universe.” If you’re coming from top-tier class leaders, you may notice those models dig slightly deeper into low-frequency rumble. For most people, though, this is absolutely in the “I’m happy using this daily” category.
Transparency mode (useful, not distracting)
Transparency is practical when you need awareness—crosswalks, quick conversations, or grabbing a coffee without taking the headphones off. It doesn’t feel unnaturally loud, and I didn’t experience the annoying “wind tunnel” sensation some transparency modes create. It’s not the most natural transparency I’ve ever heard, but it’s good enough that I actually used it.
Spatial sound / head tracking (cool when it fits the moment)
Spatial features are very personal: some people love them, some turn them off forever. Here, it’s fun for movies and certain tracks, and it can make the soundstage feel wider and more “outside your head.” I wouldn’t buy the headphone only for this, but it’s a nice extra when you want that immersive effect.
Build Quality & Durability
Nothing absolutely nailed the “not flimsy” feeling. The headband adjustment is smooth, and the whole structure feels sturdy—more like a premium object than a plastic gadget. The earcups have that signature transparent look, and it genuinely stands out in person.
A couple practical notes from living with them:
- They feel durable, but they’re also a statement piece. If you’re rough on gear, you’ll want to use the case consistently.
- Light colorway reality: White/gray finishes tend to show scuffs and grime more than darker headphones. Not a dealbreaker—just a “be honest about your lifestyle” thing.
Ease of Use & Setup
Pairing and switching
Bluetooth setup was swift for me. Pairing was straightforward, and switching between devices felt painless in daily use. For anyone who hops between phone calls and laptop audio, that matters more than you’d think.
The controls (my favorite part of using them)
If you’ve ever paused music by accident because your hood brushed a touch panel, you’ll understand why I’m so happy Nothing went physical here.
- Roller: Volume control feels precise and satisfying. It’s quick, predictable, and you can adjust volume without thinking.
- Paddle: Skipping/rewinding tracks is easy, and it’s especially nice for podcasts (jumping forward/back).
- Button: Having a dedicated control for key actions just reduces friction.
There is a short learning curve because it’s different from the “tap-tap-swipe” norm, but once your muscle memory locks in, it’s hard to go back.
Wired listening (a genuinely useful bonus)
I really like that Nothing includes an audio cable for wired listening. It’s practical for flights, desktop use, or just those moments when you don’t want to think about battery. Also, if you’re the type who keeps headphones for years, wired capability is a longevity feature.
Who This Product Is For
You should seriously consider Nothing Headphone (1) if:
- You want a premium headphone that looks premium and different, not generic
- You like a rich, punchy sound that makes casual listening exciting
- You want real buttons because you’re tired of touch-control mistakes
- You use headphones for long workdays and want comfort that holds up
- You want flexibility: wireless convenience + wired fallback
Who Should Skip This Product
You may want to pass if:
- You want an ultra-light headphone for all-day wear and you’re sensitive to weight
- You prefer a neutral/flat tuning and don’t want to touch EQ at all
- You want the most compact travel headphone setup possible (the headphone/case feel more “premium” than “minimal”)
- Your top priority is “absolute best ANC regardless of anything else”
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Genuinely excellent, immersive sound with strong bass impact
- Distinctive design that looks even better in person
- Physical roller + paddle controls are a real usability win
- Comfortable fit with easy headband adjustment; feels sturdy
- Wireless + wired options included (practical for travel and longevity)
- Strong ANC that works well for everyday noise
Cons:
- Default tuning can lean bass-heavy depending on taste and music
- The headset can feel a bit hefty over long sessions
- Not the most compact/low-profile option for travel bags
- Some features (like fine-tuning) benefit from using the app
Comparison to Alternatives
Here’s how I’d frame it in real buyer terms:
- Sony WH-1000XM5: Often the safer “maximum ANC” pick with a more mainstream look. If ANC is your #1 priority, Sony still has an edge for many buyers. If design and physical controls matter, Nothing feels more special.
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra / QC line: Typically a comfort-first option with strong noise cancelling. If you want the softest, easiest-wearing feel, Bose may suit you better. Nothing wins on design identity and tactile controls.
- Sennheiser Momentum 4: A strong “sound + battery” value competitor with a more classic style. If you want a traditional aesthetic and an audiophile-leaning sound signature, Sennheiser is worth comparing. Nothing feels more playful and design-forward.
- Apple AirPods Max: Premium build and ecosystem perks, but heavier and usually more expensive. If you’re deep in Apple’s ecosystem and like that experience, AirPods Max is the alternative. If you want something fresher, lighter on the wallet, and more tactile-control-forward, Nothing is compelling.
FAQ
1) Is the Nothing Headphone (1) comfortable for long sessions?
Yes—overall comfort is good, and the fit feels secure. The main question is weight: if you’re sensitive to heavier headphones, demoing or buying with easy returns is smart.
2) How good is the noise cancelling in real life?
Strong enough to noticeably reduce daily noise (HVAC, café chatter, commuting hum). It’s premium-level ANC, though the absolute top ANC performers may still edge it out.
3) Is it too bassy?
Out of the box, it can be bass-forward on some tracks. If you like punch, you’ll probably love it. If you want a more neutral sound, EQ will help.
4) Are the physical controls actually better than touch controls?
For me, yes—dramatically. They reduce accidental inputs and make quick adjustments easier without looking.
5) Can I use it wired?
Yes, and I’m glad Nothing included the cable. Wired listening is great for travel, desktops, and battery-free sessions.
6) Is it worth the money?
If you value design, sound quality, and the controls, it feels worth it in the premium mid-tier. The main question is whether you prioritize ultimate ANC or ultra-light comfort above everything else.
Final Verdict – Should You Buy It?
Score: 8.7 / 10
Nothing Headphone (1) is one of those rare products that actually delivers on the “looks cool” promise without forgetting the fundamentals. The sound is excellent, the ANC is legitimately useful, and the physical controls make daily use smoother than most touch-driven competitors.
Buy it if you want immersive, punchy sound, premium build feel, and a design that stands out—plus controls you can trust.
Skip it if your top priority is the lightest possible headphone, perfectly neutral tuning with no EQ, or the absolute best ANC in the category.
Value summary: At this price tier, the combination of sound + design + controls makes it feel like a headphone you’ll reach for every day—not just a spec-sheet purchase.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Nothing Headphone (1) Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wireless Over-Ear Headphones with… |
$299.00
$239.00 |
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