Nothing Headphone (1) Review: After entering the premium smartphone segment with the Phone (3), Nothing is now making a bold move in the audio space with its first over-ear headphone – the Nothing Headphone (1).
True to the brand’s style, this product focuses on sleek design and subtle innovation. To enhance sound quality, Nothing has teamed up with UK-based high-end audio company KEF, known for its excellent tuning and audio performance.
I’ve been using these headphones for some time now. Here’s a detailed review covering the design, comfort, sound quality, and overall performance of this impressive debut product.
Stylish Design with a Unique Touch
Design has always been a strong point for Nothing, and the Headphone (1) doesn’t disappoint. It sticks to the brand’s signature transparent design, making it instantly eye-catching.
The clear elements on the earcups give it a standout look, and its retro-modern feel reminded me of the transparent cassette tapes from the 90s.
The only thing that felt a bit unusual was the squarish shape of the earcups. It’s different from the usual round ones, and might take some getting used to. But once you do, it actually feels quite stylish.
I received the white color model, which looks clean and classy, although the black version grabs more attention.
The earcups are made of machined aluminum, adding to the premium feel. Despite being solidly built, the headphones are surprisingly light at just 329 grams, and don’t feel heavy during use.
Comfort and Controls: Lightweight and Thoughtful
In terms of comfort, Nothing has done a great job. The clamping pressure is just right – not too tight or too loose.
The PU leather cushions on the earcups remain comfortable even after hours of listening, and the headband padding is also soft and smooth.
The adjustable headband feels premium and works effortlessly, much like what you’d find on high-end models like the AirPods Max.
A pleasant surprise is in the controls. Nothing has chosen physical buttons instead of touch controls, which is rare these days.
You get a roller dial for volume and a tactile paddle button for playback.
These are placed smartly and are easy to use without taking the headphones off. Overall, the controls feel fresh, intuitive, and user-friendly.
Rich and Balanced Sound Quality
Now for the most important part – the sound. Nothing’s collaboration with KEF really shines here.
The 40mm dynamic drivers, developed and tuned by KEF, deliver a sound that is balanced, soft, and refined. It’s not loud or flashy, but instead offers a sound signature that’s comfortable and enjoyable for long sessions.
Vocals are crisp, mids are full, and bass is tight without being overpowering. This tuning gives a truly premium listening experience, better than many headphones that cost more.
ANC and Transparency Mode
The hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) performs well for its price. It effectively blocks background noise and works well with the snug earcup fit.
While it doesn’t quite reach the level of Sony or Bose, it’s still solid for the ₹21,999 price tag.
The transparency mode, however, is not as impressive. Because the headphones already block a lot of noise passively, the difference when this mode is turned on isn’t that noticeable.
It works, but it could be better—especially since other brands are doing more in this area.
Special Features: Spatial Audio and Head Tracking
This is where Nothing stands out. The spatial audio and head-tracking features work directly on the headphones, meaning they don’t rely on your phone. This makes tracking more accurate and consistent.
While watching a video, if you move your head, the audio adjusts with your movement, adding an immersive effect. It’s a new technology, but Nothing has made it work smoothly and without any gimmicks.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Battery life is another strong point. I got around 40 hours of use with ANC off, and about 35 hours with ANC on.
It uses Bluetooth 5.3, which ensures fast and stable connections. The multipoint connectivity works well too, letting you easily switch between devices like your phone and laptop.
Final Verdict
The Nothing Headphone (1) is a strong and confident entry into the world of premium wireless headphones. With its unique design, solid sound performance, and thoughtful features, it stands out in a crowded market.
The partnership with KEF brings real audio credibility, and while the transparency mode and treble tuning could be improved, the overall experience feels refined and satisfying.
At ₹21,999, it’s not a budget headphone, but it also doesn’t rely on flashy gimmicks. It delivers on sound, comfort, and design in a way that many competitors don’t. For a first product, it feels surprisingly polished.
If you’re someone who values innovation, thoughtful design, and well-balanced sound, the Nothing Headphone (1) is definitely worth checking out.
It sets a strong benchmark for what we can expect from Nothing’s future audio products.
