Nothing Headphone 1 Review: Absolutely worth a look

The Hindu

15-07-2025

To start with, I must say full marks go to the Nothing design team for once again creating a device that looks unapologetically different. The Nothing Headphone 1 is the company's first foray into the over-the-ear category. The headphones are eye-catching without being too flashy. With its see-through plastic panels and sculpted aluminium framing, it manages to be both a callback to old-school tech and a bold vision of the future. But beyond the head-turning design, the question remains: does it deliver enough performance and justify its ₹21,999 price tag to go toe-to-toe with heavyweights like Sony, Sennheiser and Apple? To get the full answer, let's dive into the details.
Design
First impression? These headphones look like they dropped out of a futuristic arcade. The transparent casing reveals non-functional, but visually intriguing internals, framed by precision-cut aluminium. It's all very 'Nothing' — in the best way. The aesthetic lands somewhere between a Nintendo Walkman hybrid and something you'd expect to see on the set of Blade Runner.
What's more, the headphones feel substantial without being heavy. Weighing in at 329g, the Headphone 1 is heavier than some competitors but wears its weight well. The adjustable telescopic arms, memory foam earcups, and a generously cushioned headband create a comfortable seal that holds up through long editing sessions and travel days alike. The earcups rotate flat but don't fold, which affects portability, though the included softshell case, with its thumb-indented design and cable pouch, helps. One small gripe: the corners of the square-shaped earcups can bump against each other when hung around the neck, potentially causing cosmetic wear.
That said, durability has been clearly prioritised. The Headphone 1 has passed over 50 reliability tests, including drops, twists, sweat exposure, and extreme temperatures. And here's something rare for premium over-ear headphones — an IP52 rating. That means these cans are resistant to dust and dripping water, making them commuter- and gym-friendly. This is a clear win over rivals that offer no such protection.
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Controls
Forget unreliable touch surfaces. The Headphone 1 embraces tactile input, and we're here for it. You get a volume roller on the right earcup that clicks satisfyingly, a paddle to skip or scrub tracks, and a customisable button for switching ANC modes or activating your voice assistant. It's functional, intuitive, and actually fun to use.
Nothing Phone 3 users get a few ecosystem extras like Channel Hop (to toggle between audio apps) and Essential Space, which lets you long-press the button to record voice notes that are automatically sorted on your phone. There's also integration with widgets like the AI-powered News Reporter, providing a screen-free, smart experience. However, these features are currently limited to the latest Nothing phones — a point worth noting if you're not already in their ecosystem.
Sound
Under the hood, the Headphone 1 features 40mm dynamic drivers tuned in partnership with KEF, a revered name in high-fidelity audio. And it shows, to an extent.
The default tuning leans dark, with powerful but slightly overbearing bass. Vocals sometimes feel recessed, and the treble lacks a bit of sparkle — a pattern that showed up consistently in our test tracks like Seven Nation Army and Fluorescent Adolescent. Thankfully, this is where the superb Nothing X app steps in.
You get an 8-band EQ with Q factor adjustment, allowing for detailed frequency shaping. There are four presets (Balanced, More Bass, More Treble, Voice) and even a Bass Enhance slider for dynamic low-end tweaking. It takes some tinkering, but the results are worth it. Mids gain clarity, treble returns, and the overall sound becomes far more immersive and balanced.
Speaking of immersion, Nothing includes spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, which simulates 360° audio positioning that adjusts to your movements. It's particularly effective with movies and gaming. Paired with adaptive bass enhancement, which intelligently boosts low-end response based on content, you get a listening experience that feels fuller and more engaging.
The Headphone 1 also holds Hi-Res Wireless Audio certification, supports LDAC, and can play back 24-bit/96kHz audio. This is a rarity in its price segment and a key selling point for audiophiles.
Noise Cancellation & Microphones
Noise cancellation on the Headphone 1 is driven by a hybrid ANC system with six microphones that scan your environment and your ear seal in real-time. It cuts external noise by up to 42dB, and in practice, it holds its own against the best. Low-frequency hums and midrange chatter are impressively blocked out, and the passive isolation is excellent thanks to well-designed earcups.
Mic performance is equally solid. The four-mic array, enhanced with AI-powered Clear Voice Technology, isolates your voice even in windy or crowded settings. Whether you're using Zoom or taking calls outdoors, your voice comes through without any muffled mumbling or warbly noises.
One feature that shouldn't go unnoticed is on-head detection; the headphones automatically pause when removed and resume playing when worn. It's a subtle but welcome convenience.
Battery Life
Battery life is a real highlight. With ANC on, you get up to 35 hours — I even stretched it past 42 hours in testing at moderate volumes. Turn ANC off, and you're looking at up to 80 hours of playback. That's comfortably ahead of competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or the Bose QC Ultra.
Even better, a quick 5-minute charge gives you 2.4 hours of ANC playback — ideal for last-minute top-ups before heading out the door.
Connectivity-wise, Bluetooth 5.3 with dual-device pairing lets you switch seamlessly between, say, your laptop and phone. You also get Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair, and wired fans are covered too, with included USB-C and 3.5mm audio cables.
Verdict
The Nothing Headphone 1 is more than just a pretty face. It's a confident debut in a fiercely competitive segment. While it doesn't dethrone the likes of Sony's WH-1000XM5 or Sennheiser's Momentum 4 in pure sonic fidelity, it comes impressively close while bringing a refreshing design ethos and a few smart tricks of its own.
If you're someone who values bold aesthetics, loves fine-tuning their sound, and appreciates intuitive, tactile controls, these headphones are absolutely worth a look. Just be prepared to invest a little time in the EQ settings to get the most out of them.