Nothing Headphone (1): Bold Design Meets Feature-Packed Audio

 

 July 1, 2025 — Nothing, the London-based tech startup, has officially unveiled its first over-ear headphones—the Headphone (1)—alongside its new Phone (3). Priced at ₹21,999, these ANC headphones make a strong statement with a signature semi-transparent aesthetic and a robust set of premium features.

 Design & Build

Designed in collaboration with British high-fidelity brand KEF, the Headphone (1) showcase 40 mm drivers, aluminium moulding, and memory-foam earcups, delivering both comfort and a distinctive look. Available in black and white, the headphones are built to be both visually striking and durable, with an IP52 water resistance rating.

 Controls & Usability

Nothing departs from common touchpads, incorporating intuitive tactile buttons, including a rotary roller for volume/play controls and dedicated toggles for ANC, Transparency, and customizable actions. The Nothing X companion app adds advanced options like 8-band EQ, paddle customization, and intelligent Channel-Hop switching—ideal for Android and Nothing Phone users.

 Audio & ANC

Equipped with adaptive noise cancellation, a “bass enhancer,” spatial audio with head-tracking, and support for LDAC, USB-C lossless, 3.5 mm wired audio, and Hi-Res playback, the Headphone (1) aim to rival Sony and Bose at a lower price point . They promise up to 35 hours of ANC-enabled playback, or 80 hours with ANC off via AAC—or 54/30 hours with LDAC.

 Downsides & Considerations

Reviews from tech media are favorable toward features and ergonomics but caution on audio fidelity and mic quality. Verge praised design and ANC but flagged phone-call performance. TechRadar labeled the sound “compressed” compared to Sony XM5 and cited clunky spatial clarity . Critics also note the 329 g weight may be noticeable during long wears.

Availability & Price

Pre-orders will open July 4 on nothing.tech and select retailers, with shipping starting July 15 across the U.S., U.K., EU, India, and more.

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 Verdict

At ₹21,999, the Headphone (1) stand out with daring industrial design, tactile controls, strong ANC, and eclectic feature set. However, audiophiles seeking top-tier sound or heavy-call users may find better alternatives. They’re ideal for tech-savvy listeners who prioritize usability and aesthetics over pristine audio reproduction.