In a sea of superficial black boxes and tired gestures, Nothing has again defied the norm.
With Nothing Headphone (1), the brand enters the over-ear audio arena, applying its design-driven ethos to a region held by giants like Sony, Bose, and Apple. But this is not just another ANC and hi-res capable headphone. It’s a statement—a union of glass hardware, mechanical design, and audio co-creation with the legendary KEF.
So, is it just hype wrapped in clear plastic, or does Nothing really bring something new to the table?
Let’s dive into the most distinctive over-ear headphones of 2025 and see if the Nothing Headphone (1) is truly worth your money.
From Ear (1) to Headphone (1): Nothing’s Sonic Journey
Carl Pei’s Mission: Disrupt the Norm
Since the very first Nothing Ear (1) in 2021 till now, Carl Pei’s vision for tech that is both visually appealing and human in nature has always been at the forefront. All products in the Nothing ecosystem have been designed to combine form and function into something that makes you pause and take notice.
After dominating the in-ear category with the Ear (2), Ear (stick), and Nothing Ear (2024), expansion into the over-ear segment was practically a given for the brand.
A Strategic Partnership with KEF
Nothing collaborated with British high-end audio brand KEF to tune the Nothing Headphone (1). Renowned for its precise speaker design, KEF’s collaboration adds a serious headphone to the product’s audiophile heritage—especially considering the headphone’s aggressive price of $299.
Design & Build: Retro-Futuristic Perfection
Industrial Chic Meets Sci-Fi Transparency
The first impression, and the Nothing Headphone (1) is literally one, a head-turner. Featuring half-transparent ear cups revealing the inner circuits, screws, and structure details, it’s technology that’s also art. The look draws inspiration from studio headsets of old but with an added touch of Blade Runner–inspired futurism.
- Color Options: Frosted white and matte black
- Weight: ~329 g—fractionally above average
- Materials: Plastic cups, aluminum rails, memory foam padding
- Build Quality: Premium, solid, but refined
Attention to Detail
Even the vents, stitching, and where the padding is placed are a designed experience. There is symmetry and intent behind every visible screw and curve.
Controls & Interface: Au Revoir Touch, Bonjour Tactile
One of the most commendable things about the Nothing Headphone (1) is how thoroughly it eschews touch gestures.
Rather, you get:
- A scrolling wheel on the right cup for volume and media control
- A track skip paddle and ANC/transparency toggle
- A multi-functional button (assignable through the app)
Why Physical Controls Are Important
These analog-type inputs make it easy and accurate to interact with, even while wearing gloves or during exercise. This may well be one of the greatest headphone control designs in years.
Audio Performance: Tuned to Impress
Hardware
- Drivers: 40mm dynamic drivers
- Frequency Response: 5 Hz–40 kHz
- Impedance: 32 Ohm
- Tuned By: KEF Audio Engineers
Within the box, the sound signature is warm to neutral with excellent midrange definition, tight bass, and treble slightly rolled off to avoid fatigue.
Wireless Codec Support
SBC / AAC / LDAC over Bluetooth 5.3
Hi-Res Audio Certified
Wired playback through USB-C and 3.5mm jack (included)
Listening Experience
Pop & EDM: Immersive and dynamic
Classical & Jazz: Wide soundstage, subtle instrument separation
Gaming & Movies: Spatial audio offers virtual surround effects.
Phone Calls: Clean with AI dual-mic noise reduction
Game Mode & Low Latency
Paired with the Nothing Phone (2) or (3), you experience low-latency Game Mode (~110 ms)—a game-changer for mobile gamers and video editors.
ANC & Transparency: Smart, but Not Sony-Level
The Nothing Headphone (1) boasts adaptive ANC up to 42 dB suppression, though in practice it operates at approximately 25 dB.
Nothing Headphone (1): Strengths
Suppresses mid-range hums (air conditioners, fans).
Great for commuting, office ambient noise, and coffee shop settings.
Transparency Mode is natural and clear
Nothing Headphone (1): Limitations
Falls just short of matching the silence of Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QC Ultra; struggles with high-frequency noises and windy conditions
However, for the price, the ANC is solid and effective, with essentially zero sound degradation when enabled.
Battery & Connectivity: Class-Leading Endurance
- Battery Life (ANC off): Up to 80 hours
- Battery Life (ANC on): ~35–40 hours
- Fast Charging: 5 minutes = ~5 hours playback
- Charging Port: USB-C (playback supported over USB-C as well)
Bluetooth & Smart Features
- Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint (connects to 2 devices)
- Google Fast Pair & Microsoft Swift Pair
- Wear Detection for auto-pause
- Find My Device support for Android/iOS
- Nothing X App: Sound presets, ANC levels, button customization
Comfort & Practicality: Built for Long Listening
Padding: Plush memory foam on cups and headband
Clamp Force: Moderate—secure, but not skull-crushing
Headband: Adaptable slider fits wide range of heads.
Weight: A bit heavier at 329g, but evenly balanced
Real-World Usage
Comfy for long office sessions, commutes, and flights
Can feel a bit cumbersome during workouts or long walks.
Ear cups are not adjustable, which can affect long-term use
Price, Availability & Competition
Price: $299 / ₹24,999 / €299
Available: From Nothing’s website and select retail partners
Contents in the Box: Headphone, braided USB-C to USB-C, 3.5mm aux, fabric carry pouch
Competing Products
| Product | Price | Strengths | Weaknesses |
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | $399 | Industry-leading ANC, sound, comfort | Very pricey, boring design |
| Apple AirPods Max | $549 | Superb sound & ecosystem features | Heavy, costly, no 3.5mm jack |
| Bose QC Ultra | $429 | Excellent ANC, call quality | Only touch controls |
| Sennheiser Momentum 4 | $299 | Fantastic sound & battery life | Less thrilling design |
| Nothing Headphone (1) | $299 | Fashionable, physical controls, decent battery | ANC not industry-leading, non-replaceable pads |
Who Should Buy the Nothing Headphone (1)?
This headphone is perfect for:
- Style-conscious tech enthusiasts
- Daily commuters looking for comfort and good ANC
- Creative professionals who want wired/wireless flexibility
- Nothing for ecosystem fans who already own a Nothing Phone or Earbuds.
- Gamers & media lovers who care about low latency and spatial sound
Avoid if:
- You’re a pure audiophile chasing flat sound without EQ.
- You need ultra-lightweight headphones.
- You prefer top-tier ANC silence at any cost
Final Verdict: Something Different That Works
The Nothing Headphone (1) delivers on the company’s promise to bring design, clarity, and people-centric innovation to what otherwise is a stodgy headphone category.
It’s not trying to be a reference studio headphone. It’s trying to be the best daywear, everything-done headphone for actual people—and it mostly succeeds.
Pros:
- Glass-half-empty clear design
- Smart physical buttons
- Great battery life
- KEF-tuned hi-res sound
- USB-C, 3.5mm, and Bluetooth connectivity, multipoint and Smart Pairing
Cons:
- ANC not quite at the absolute best.
- Default sound EQing may need tweaking.
- Slightly weighty
- Non-replaceable earbuds
