Nothing Headphone (1) review: Vintage flair and clear sound for a premium price

By | July 7, 2025
Retro design of Nothing Headphone (1)

Nothing, the tech startup known for its disruptive designs, has launched its first over-ear audio device — the Nothing Headphone (1). Following the minimalist and semi-transparent aesthetic seen in its Ear (1) and Phone (1), this new audio gear combines vintage charm with modern performance. But the big question remains: is this just another fashion-forward gadget, or does it deliver serious audio quality to match its price?

Let’s dive into a detailed review of the Nothing Headphone (1), exploring its design, sound quality, features, battery life, and value to help you decide if it’s worth the investment.

Design and Build: Nostalgic Yet Futuristic

The Nothing Headphone (1) makes an immediate impression with its retro-inspired look. Drawing cues from 1980s studio headphones, the design incorporates large circular earcups, a wide headband, and visible internals through a signature transparent casing.

  • Build Quality: The headphones feel sturdy, with a balanced use of premium materials like anodized aluminum and vegan leather.
  • Comfort: The plush memory foam padding on the earcups and headband offers a snug, fatigue-free fit even after extended use.
  • Portability: They’re foldable, but not exactly compact — more suited for desk setups or casual commuting than active workouts.

In a world dominated by safe, black plastic designs, Nothing makes a bold visual statement — something that could appeal to fashion-conscious users or creative professionals.

Sound Quality: Precision and Clarity in Every Note

Design aside, audio performance is the real litmus test for premium headphones. The Nothing Headphone (1) delivers rich, clear, and well-balanced sound thanks to its custom 40mm dynamic drivers.

  • Bass: The low end is tight and controlled — not overly boosted like many consumer-focused headphones. Perfect for jazz, acoustic, and classical listeners.
  • Mids and Highs: Vocals shine with warmth and clarity, while instruments retain separation even in complex mixes. Highs are crisp without being sibilant.
  • Soundstage: The soundstage is impressively wide, offering an almost spatial audio-like experience without digital trickery.

Whether you’re streaming lossless tracks, gaming, or watching movies, the Nothing Headphone (1) offers audiophile-level fidelity that surpasses expectations for a first-gen product.

Features and Connectivity: Smart but Not Overloaded

The Nothing Headphone (1) keeps its feature set minimal but functional — aligning with the brand’s “less is more” philosophy.

  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a stable, low-latency connection, while multipoint support lets you pair with two devices at once.
  • Controls: Touch gestures on the earcups control playback, volume, and calls. The interface is intuitive, though it may require a short learning curve.
  • App Support: The Nothing X app allows for firmware updates, EQ presets, and customization — though advanced features like adaptive ANC are absent.

One surprising omission is active noise cancellation (ANC). Instead, Nothing relies on passive isolation, which works reasonably well but might disappoint those seeking silence on flights or in noisy offices.

Battery Life: Long-Lasting with Fast Charging

Battery performance on the Nothing Headphone (1) is solid, if not groundbreaking:

  • Playback Time: Up to 40 hours on a single charge — easily covering a week of casual listening.
  • Charging: USB-C fast charging gives 8 hours of playback with just 10 minutes of charge.
  • Standby Efficiency: Smart power management helps conserve energy when the headphones are idle.

While not the best in class, this battery performance is more than adequate for daily use or travel.

Microphone and Call Quality: Clear Enough for Work and Play

The dual-mic system with environmental noise suppression performs well in calls and meetings. Voices come through clearly, and background sounds are subdued — though not completely eliminated in windy or loud environments.

For professionals or casual users taking calls on the go, the microphone system is good enough, but not a standout feature.

Price and Value: Premium Design at a Premium Cost

Priced at around ₹22,999 (or ~$275 internationally), the Nothing Headphone (1) enters premium territory, competing with heavyweights like Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QC45, and Apple AirPods Max.

  • Pros: Unique design, detailed sound, solid build, great battery life.
  • Cons: No ANC, limited advanced features, relatively high price.

If you’re paying primarily for aesthetic innovation and sound quality, the Nothing Headphone (1) delivers. However, value-conscious buyers looking for noise cancellation or smart features might find better utility elsewhere.

Final Verdict: For the Style-Conscious Audiophile

The Nothing Headphone (1) is a remarkable debut that proves Nothing can do more than just look different — it can sound exceptional too. This is a product made for those who appreciate design, clarity in sound, and brand identity, even if it comes at a higher price.

It may not be feature-packed, but what it does, it does well — with style, substance, and an unmistakable identity.