London-based tech brand Nothing is back with another eye-catching gadget — and this time, it’s not a phone. The company has launched its first over-ear headphones, Nothing Headphone 1, which completely ditch the boring designs of traditional noise-cancelling headphones. Instead, they bring a flashy, futuristic style that looks like a mix between a 1980s Walkman and Doctor Who’s Cybermen.
At first glance, these large, semi-transparent headphones are hard to ignore. They feature a dot-matrix print, plenty of physical buttons, and intricate design details. Sadly, they stop short of carrying over the flashy LED lights from Nothing’s smartphones.
But while the design is unconventional, the price is not. At £299, the Headphone 1 takes on heavyweights like Bose, Sony, and Sennheiser in the premium audio market.
Design: Transparent and Attention-Grabbing
The ear cups are oval-shaped, transparent plastic shells that extend from smooth aluminium edges, connected by black steel arms that rotate and tilt for better adjustment. They’re certainly stylish and different from anything else you’ll see on the market.
Weighing 329g, the headphones are on the heavier side. The clamping force is well-balanced, keeping them secure without pressing too hard on your head. The ear cushions are slim and comfortable, though they can get sweaty in warm weather. Unfortunately, the headband padding is a little thin, which may create a sore spot if you wear them for long listening sessions.
Controls and Features: Buttons Done Right
Unlike most modern headphones that rely on touch controls, Nothing Headphone 1 gives you plenty of physical buttons. On the right ear cup, you’ll find:
- Power switch
- USB-C port and 3.5mm headphone jack
- Dedicated Bluetooth pairing button
- Rolling button for volume, play/pause, and switching noise-cancelling modes
- Paddle button for skipping tracks, fast-forward, or rewind
- Customisable button for voice assistant or noise-cancelling controls
This layout feels refreshingly practical and user-friendly compared to fiddly touch-sensitive panels.
Battery and Connectivity
The battery life is impressive. You get 30–35 hours with noise cancelling on, and up to 80 hours with it off. That’s more than enough for a week of commuting or even a long-haul flight. Charging takes around two hours for a full top-up.
Connectivity is also top-notch. The headphones support Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint (meaning you can connect to two devices at once), 3.5mm wired input, and USB-C audio playback.
Specifications
- Weight: 329g
- Dimensions: 189.3 x 173.9 x 78mm
- Drivers: 40mm
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm, USB-C
- Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC, LDAC
- Battery life: 35 hours with ANC
Sound Quality: KEF Joins the Party
Nothing has teamed up with the legendary British speaker brand KEF for tuning, and the results are solid. The headphones have a bassy sound profile, with powerful low-end punch but without drowning out mids and highs. The soundstage feels wide with decent detail and separation.
However, the experience changes when noise cancelling is turned on. The sound becomes slightly narrower and muted, especially on complex tracks. They won’t beat the top-tier Sony or Bose models, but for everyday listening across genres, they do a good job.
Noise cancelling itself is decent but not outstanding. It handles rumbles and low tones fairly well, but voices and higher-pitched sounds still leak through, making them less effective in busy offices or cafés. The transparency mode is clear and natural but amplifies the environment too much, sometimes overwhelming the music.
Call quality is strong, delivering clear audio both indoors and outdoors.
App and Extras
The Nothing X app (available on Android and iOS) gives you full control over settings. It includes firmware updates, a customisable equaliser, and spatial audio with or without head tracking — a nice touch for movies.
Sustainability
The headphones can be repaired, with replacement ear cushions available through customer service. But unlike some rivals, they don’t use recycled materials.
Price and Competition
The Nothing Headphone 1 is priced at £299 (€299/$299/A$549) and is available in white and black.
Here’s how they stack up against rivals:
- Sony WH-1000XM6 – £399
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra – £350
- Sonos Ace – £399
- Beats Studio Pro – £350
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless – £199
- Fairbuds XL – £219
Verdict: Attention-Grabbing but Not Class-Leading
Nothing Headphone 1 makes a bold statement with its design. The transparent, futuristic look is guaranteed to turn heads, and the physical buttons are a welcome change from fiddly touch controls. Battery life, connectivity, and comfort are also solid.
But when it comes to noise cancellation and sound refinement, these headphones don’t quite match the best from Sony, Bose, or Sennheiser. If you value unique style and good overall performance, they’re worth considering. But if sound quality and ANC are your top priorities, better options are available for a similar price.
