Nothing, known for its transparent design and user-centric ethos, has stepped into the premium audio arena with the newly released Nothing Headphone 1. This over-ear, active noise-canceling (ANC) headphone has been meticulously crafted to deliver rich audio, modern aesthetics, and intuitive interaction—all wrapped in a lightweight, eco-conscious package. If you’re seeking a stylish, sonically impressive headphone for work, travel, or leisure, Headphone 1 just might be your perfect match.
A Fresh Take on Design
At first glance, Nothing Headphone 1 stands apart from conventional rivals with a semi-transparent finish that reveals its elegant internal structure. The ear cups are formed from a translucent polymer, complemented by soft-touch matte accents around the edges and hinges. Gone is the bulky silhouette common in ANC phones—this design is artfully minimal, featuring clean curves and understated branding.
Each component feels premium: ear pads coated in vegan leather, a metal slider with micro-adjustments for a snug fit, and ear cups that rotate 90 degrees for compact storage. Its collapsible design makes it a travel-friendly companion, while the distinctive transparent aesthetic adds a touch of futuristic elegance wherever you go.
Sound You Can Feel, Quality You Can Hear
Pop on the Headphone 1, and you’ll be met by Nothing’s custom 40mm dynamic drivers, tuned to deliver a balanced sound profile. Here’s how the listening experience unfolds:
- Bass is deep yet controlled—perfect for EDM, hip-hop, and soundtracks—without overshadowing vocals or mids.
- Mids are clear and nuanced; dialogues, acoustic instruments, and vocals take center stage, fulfilling audiophiles’ expectations.
- Treble is crisp and airy, adding sparkle to tracks without veering into harsh territory.
- Soundstage is impressively wide for a closed-back headphone, offering a sense of space that enhances immersion.
The tuning leans toward neutrality but with a pleasant warmth—a versatile signature suitable for diverse genres. Whether you’re working on playlists or gaming late-night sessions, these headphones ensure audio clarity and depth.
Next-Level Noise Cancellation & Ambient Mode
The Headphone 1 boasts a high-grade adaptive ANC system, featuring three external microphones and one internal microphone that respond to your environment in real time. The result?
- Deep attenuation of traffic, chatter, and flight noise—ideal for commuting and noisy workspaces.
- Multiple ANC levels to choose from, including full noise cancellation and a mild mode for awareness.
- A refined Ambient Mode that channels external sounds subtly—perfect for hearing announcements or holding quick conversations without removing the headphone.
This fine-tuned mechanism effectively balances full immersion with environmental sensitivity, giving users responsive control based on context.
Battery Life That Keeps You Going
Equipped with a 700 mAh battery, the Headphone 1 offers up to 30 hours of playback with ANC enabled, and approximately 35–40 hours without noise cancellation. A full charge takes about 1.5 hours via USB-C, and a quick 10-minute fast charge yields around 4 hours of listening time. With these numbers, you can traverse long-haul flights or full workdays with confidence.
Intuitive Touch Controls & Companion App
Nothing has simplified control without compromising functionality. Each ear cup is touch-sensitive:
- Swipe forward/backward over the outer surface to skip tracks
- Tap twice to play or pause
- Long tap for voice assistant activation
- Swipe up/down on the ear cup edge to adjust volume
These gestures are intuitive and precise, eliminating the need to pull out your phone in most situations.
The accompanying Nothing Ear (and Head) app further enhances usability. Here, you’ll find:
- EQ customization presets (Bass Boost, Balanced, Treble Boost)
- Adjustable ANC strength and Ambient sensitivity
- Firmware updates and battery tracking
- Find My Headphone feature to locate misplaced units via last Bluetooth position
It’s a well-rounded app that strikes a balance between simplicity and depth of control.
Lightweight Comfort for Extended Use
The Headphone 1 weighs just 260 g, making them lightweight in their category. Paired with soft memory foam ear pads and a breathable headband, these headphones deliver comfort during long playback sessions. The balanced clamping force ensures the headphone stays securely in place without squeezing your head—a delicate but crucial design touch for fatigue-free wear.
Seamless Connectivity & Multipoint Pairing
Thanks to Bluetooth 5.3, the headphones offer:
- Strong wireless range up to 10 meters
- Low latency suitable for movies and light gaming
- Multipoint Bluetooth for simultaneous pairings—connect to your laptop and phone, for instance, and switch between music and calls effortlessly
- AAC and SBC codec support, offering efficient audio transmission. While they don’t support LDAC or aptX variants, the existing codecs provide clear, consistent sound.
Built for Everyday Use
The Headphone 1 is certified IPX4 water resistance, protecting it from sweat and light rain—making it suitable for daily commutes and fitness routines (though not submersion). The ear cups also rotate 90°, allowing you to store them flat in the included compact carrying pouch. These thoughtful design details make the headphones both durable and portable.
Sustainability at Heart
Nothing places a strong emphasis on sustainability. The Headphone 1 uses recycled aluminum in its frame and houses at least 30% recycled plastic in its construction. Packaging is minimal and eco-friendly, using recycled materials without excess build-up. This aligns with Nothing’s ethos to reduce environmental impact and support longer-lasting, repairable products.
A Price That Delivers
Positioned in the mid-to-premium category, the Nothing Headphone 1 competes with other ANC headphones but delivers standout style and value. Its launch price makes it compelling against established competitors, offering a rich feature set and distinctive design without premium markup.
Who Should Consider Headphone 1?
- Frequent travelers and commuters who need effective ANC with long battery life
- Style-conscious users who appreciate minimalist transparency and craftsmanship
- Music lovers and gamers seeking good drivers and stable wireless performance
- Everyday professionals who value call clarity, lightweight comfort, and productive gear
If those criteria resonate, this is one of the best headphones you can get at this price.
Final Thoughts
The Nothing Headphone 1 is more than just aesthetic flair—it’s a thoughtfully engineered audio companion that packs strong performance and modern features. Whether you’re typing in a cafe, traveling, or settling in for a cinematic evening, these headphones rise to the occasion. With its transparent identity, polished ANC, solid soundstage, and eco-friendly build, the Nothing Headphone 1 heralds the brand’s next chapter: smarter, bolder, and design-led audio.
If you’re exploring a blend of form and function in headphones, Headphone 1 is a standout contender worthy of a listen.
