When Nothing launched their first over-ear headphones, many expected something flashy—but not necessarily audiophile-level sound. Known for their transparent designs and bold branding, Nothing has always prioritized aesthetics. But now, with the Nothing Headphones 1, the company steps into a highly competitive category ruled by titans like Sony, Bose, and Sennheiser. At $299, these headphones promise high-end noise cancellation, KEF-tuned drivers, tactile controls, and a signature look that screams “Nothing.” But are they style over substance?
We’ve spent over a week testing them on commutes, flights, long editing sessions, and late-night listening. And the verdict? Nothing is no longer just a design brand—they’ve built a product that punches above its weight in more ways than one. While you’ll either love or hate the “cassette-tape aesthetic,” there’s no denying these headphones bring something fresh to the ANC headphone arena.
Let’s break down everything from their unique scroll wheel to how they fare against longtime leaders like the Sony WH-1000XM6.
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Design & Aesthetics:
The Nothing Headphones 1 follow the brand’s unmistakable transparent aesthetic—but in a more subtle way. Instead of full transparency like on their Ear 1 buds, these cans feature a cassette-tape vibe with visible structural elements, red-dot right ear indicators, and minimalist text across the headband. The result? A head-turner that walks the line between retro and futuristic.
Available in both dark and light finishes, the headphones feel premium without appearing flashy. The headband’s smooth matte texture contrasts nicely with semi-gloss plastic and metallic accents. Though the transparent elements don’t reveal much beyond speaker components and wiring, they still feel intentional—more fashion-forward than gimmicky.
For some, it’s love at first sight. For others, it may take time to grow on them. But either way, these headphones stand out in a market saturated by minimal black or silver domes.
Controls & Buttons:
Where Nothing truly distances itself from competitors is in the control scheme. Gone are the unreliable touch gestures—every function here is executed through satisfying physical buttons. On the right cup, a scroll wheel handles volume adjustment, play/pause, and ANC toggle depending on press or scroll direction. It even feels like a classic mouse wheel.
Beneath that is a textured paddle for next/previous track control, which also enables fast forward or rewind on apps like Spotify or Apple Music. On the bottom edge, you’ll find a USB-C port, a 3.5mm jack, and a power switch. And toward the front? A customizable button—perfect for summoning voice assistants or setting custom shortcuts via the app.
A discrete pairing button is tucked just inside the cup, letting you instantly connect to Bluetooth devices without delay. Every control is easy to locate by touch alone, which matters more than you’d think in everyday use. No learning curve, no guesswork—just intuitive, tactile inputs.
Build Quality & Comfort:
Despite their bold looks, the Nothing Headphones 1 are built with comfort in mind. A blend of aluminum, soft-touch plastics, and plush padding creates a lightweight yet solid frame. They’re heavier than ultra-light ANC headphones but nowhere near the tank-like AirPods Max.
The headband flexes enough to accommodate large heads, while still maintaining a snug grip. The ear cushions are thick, pillowy, and breathable enough for extended wear. We clocked in over 8 hours of straight usage during flights—without ear fatigue or clamping discomfort.
One downside: they don’t fold, making the case bulky for travel. And that zipper? Frustrating. It’s stiff, awkward, and detracts from the overall premium feel. Still, these headphones check nearly every box for comfort, adjustability, and long-session wearability.
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Sound Quality & Audio Performance:
Noise Cancellation:
The active noise cancellation here is strong—about 85–90% as good as Sony’s industry-leading XM6. Low-frequency droning, like plane engines or air conditioning, gets significantly muted. While not the best in class, it’s among the top tier for sub-$300 cans.
Transparency Mode:
This is where they fall short. The passthrough audio is functional but not natural. Voices sound boomy and overly digitized, making long conversations awkward. Most users will end up simply removing the headphones instead of toggling transparency.
Audio Tuning:
KEF’s audio expertise does shine through. The 40mm drivers deliver clear, neutral sound with a slight bass bump. Mids are clean, vocals are well-separated, and the highs are crisp without being sharp. There’s no distortion even at max volume, and the tuning works well for pop, hip-hop, and acoustic tracks alike. While the soundstage isn’t particularly wide, it’s immersive and balanced, especially in noise-isolated environments.
Battery Life:
Nothing promises 35 hours of playback, and real-world usage backs that up. With ANC enabled and moderate volume, we consistently hit 30–32 hours—more than enough for long-haul flights or a full week of commuting. Fast charging gives you 8–10 hours of use from a 10-minute top-up, and USB-C makes recharging seamless.
The battery performance is average for the class but dependable. You won’t be reaching for the charger mid-session, and the power button lets you turn them off fully when not in use—saving juice for later.
App Experience & Features:
The Nothing X app enhances the experience with detailed customization. You can assign functions to the multifunction button, adjust noise cancellation levels, and pair to two devices simultaneously. The app also includes a five-band equalizer with excellent range and several pre-set profiles.
LDAC support is included for high-bitrate audio over Bluetooth, and the USB-C port supports direct audio input. There’s also an option for spatial audio, though its effect is subtle compared to Apple’s implementation.
Firmware updates are smooth and unobtrusive, and the pairing screen displays battery percentage for both the headphones and connected devices. This is one of the best headphone companion apps we’ve used—powerful yet easy to navigate.
Value Proposition:
At $299, the Nothing Headphones 1 land in a tricky spot. Cheaper than Sony’s XM6s, but still pricier than solid performers like the Sennheiser Accentum or Soundcore Space One. But they justify their price with great build quality, reliable ANC, and a wildly original design.
The KEF-tuned sound holds its own, the buttons are satisfying, and the app support is genuinely helpful. If you’re after something fresh in a sea of black plastic clones, this is it. They’re not the absolute best in any one category—but they’re top 3 in several.
Conclusion:
The Nothing Headphones 1 are more than just a statement piece. They’re a well-rounded pair of wireless ANC headphones with above-average sound, thoughtful controls, and that unmistakable Nothing flair. Sure, the case could use work, and the transparency mode is middling—but for everyday music, work, and travel, these deliver.
They won’t dethrone Sony or Bose, but they offer enough innovation and character to carve out their own space. Design-forward consumers and audio enthusiasts who appreciate physical controls will find a lot to love here.
Nothing’s first attempt is far from perfect—but it’s surprisingly complete.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Iconic, eye-catching design
- Excellent physical control scheme
- Clear, balanced sound with KEF tuning
- Strong ANC performance
- Customizable app with LDAC support
- Long battery life with fast charging
Cons:
- Bulky non-folding design
- Mediocre transparency mode
- Annoying zipper case
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are the Nothing Headphones 1 good for noise cancellation?
- Yes, they offer strong ANC—slightly below Sony’s flagship models but still among the best under $300.
Do the Nothing Headphones 1 fold for travel?
- No, they don’t fold, making the case larger and less convenient than some rivals.
Is the Nothing X app worth using?
- Absolutely. It provides equalizer presets, button customization, device management, and LDAC support.
How is the sound quality of Nothing Headphones 1?
- Clean, balanced, and enjoyable across most genres, thanks to KEF’s tuning and solid driver performance.
Are these headphones worth $299?
- Yes, if you value design, reliable ANC, and tactile controls—they offer strong value at this price point.
🔁 2 Alternatives to Consider:
Sony WH-1000XM6
For those who want best-in-class ANC, comfort, and folding design with smart case features, the Sony WH-1000XM6 remains the top choice.
👉 Check the latest price on Amazon
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Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
If you’re after audiophile-grade sound with incredible battery life and a premium aesthetic, the Momentum 4 is a fantastic option.
👉 Get it now on Amazon
