In a world of sonic conformity, Nothing has consistently positioned itself as a purveyor of the unique, a champion of transparent technology that stands out. The Nothing Headphone (1) is the latest and perhaps most ambitious expression of this philosophy.
It enters a crowded market not by trying to out-spec everyone on paper, but by offering a holistic experience, one that marries a head-turning design with a surprisingly deep, customizable audio core. After extensive use, it’s clear these headphones are not for everyone. They are a carefully crafted tool and a fashion statement for a very specific user: the traveling professional, the style-conscious individual, and the tech nerd who appreciates when form and function dare to be different.
Design and Ergonomics: Industrial Art on Your Ears
Nothing’s commitment to a transparent aesthetic is on full display. The Headphone (1) feels less like a gadget and more like a piece of industrial art. It’s an attention-grabber, and for good reason. The mix of aluminum and plastic feels premium and durable for the price, avoiding the cheap, plasticky feel of many rivals.
Your hands are immediately drawn to the physical controls, a deliberate and welcome choice in an industry obsessed with finicky touch panels. The primary controls include “The Roller,” an intuitive wheel for adjusting volume and cycling through ANC modes; “The Paddle,” a tactile control for track navigation; and “The Button,” for summoning your device’s voice assistant with a simple press. Compared to the often-frustrating experience on some Sony and Sennheiser models, these controls are a resounding success: intuitive, well-placed, and reliable.
At 329g, they have some heft, but the plush memory foam earcups make them comfortable for long-haul flights and extended work sessions. A notable real-world concern, however, is how they handle the elements. In humid weather, the earcups can get hot and make your ears sweat. More critically, the IP52 rating offers only basic protection against dust and light water sprays (less than 15 degrees from vertical). This validates the anxiety of being caught in the rain; these are not headphones for a downpour or a sweaty workout.
The Audio Experience: A Tale of Two Halves
The sound journey with the Headphone (1) is fascinating. Out of the box, the audio signature can feel “all over the place.” This is not a device tuned for immediate, plug-and-play gratification for audiophiles. Instead, its true potential is unlocked through software.
At its core lies a 40mm dynamic driver with a nickel-plated PU diaphragm, a combination engineered for clarity and precision. The sound is tuned in collaboration with KEF, a respected name in high-fidelity audio, which sets a high expectation for performance.
However, the real star of the show is the Nothing X app. Without it, the recommendation for these headphones would be hesitant. The app’s 8-band Advanced EQ is exceptionally solid, giving you granular control over the entire frequency spectrum. It’s through this customization that the sound transforms. The bass becomes tight and “controlled,” while the mids and highs achieve an “acceptable” level of clarity. For the tech-savvy user, this is a playground. For the casual listener, it’s a mandatory first step.
The headphones support Hi-Res Wireless audio, thanks to the inclusion of the LDAC codec, capable of streaming at up to 24-bit/96kHz. This, alongside AAC and SBC, ensures high-quality playback across a range of devices. While there wasn’t a discernible difference noted between a wired (USB-C or 3.5mm) and Bluetooth connection, the high-resolution wireless capability is a key feature for discerning listeners.
The Spatial Audio feature provides a decent sense of immersion, though it falls short of the benchmark set by Apple’s AirPods.
Performance: Noise Cancellation & Connectivity
Nothing has integrated a sophisticated suite of noise-canceling technologies, including Personalised Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) up to 42dB, Environment Adaptive ANC, and Smart Adaptive Noise cancellation. In real-world tests, from a noisy cab ride to a turbulent flight, the ANC proves itself to be “decent for the price” and strong enough to “give Sony and Bose a tough fight.” It effectively hushes the world without inducing that uncomfortable “eardrum suck” or pressure. The one letdown in this area is the Transparency Mode, which was found to be “not too great.”
For the traveling professional, call quality and connectivity are paramount. The AI-powered Clear Voice Technology, which utilizes a 4-mic ENC architecture, does an admirable job of isolating speech from background noise. Connectivity is, simply put, excellent. The Dual Connection feature works seamlessly, allowing for effortless switching between an iPhone, PC, and Mac. Managing audio settings via the Nothing X app on one device while listening on another is a prime example of the fluid ecosystem Nothing aims for. Support for Bluetooth 5.3, Google Fast Pair, and Microsoft Swift Pair further enhances the stable and user-friendly connection experience.
Battery Life: Built for the Long Haul
The battery life is a standout feature. The user feedback “battery lasts really long” is backed by impressive numbers. You can expect up to 35 hours of playback with ANC on (using AAC), and a staggering 80 hours with ANC turned off. This endurance is more than enough for a full week of commuting or the longest intercontinental flights. And when you do run low, a quick 5-minute charge provides up to 5 hours of listening (ANC off).
Final Verdict
The Nothing Headphone (1) is a confident and well-executed product that offers excellent value for money. It carves its own niche by appealing to users who value aesthetics, customization, and a cohesive user experience as much as pure audio fidelity.
These headphones are highly recommended for traveling professionals, as the long battery life, strong ANC, excellent call quality, and seamless multi-device pairing make them an ideal travel companion. They are also perfect for the fashion-sensitive and tech-savvy user, serving as a statement piece for those confident enough to sport a unique design and nerdy enough to enjoy diving into the app to sculpt their perfect sound.
However, you might want to look elsewhere if you are a purist audiophile seeking an impeccable out-of-the-box sound signature. Similarly, those who require a higher IP rating for use in rain or during exercise, or who simply prefer a more modest and formal design, may find other options more suitable.
The Nothing Headphone (1) is priced at Rs. 21,999 and is available from Flipkart, Flipkart Minutes, Myntra, Vijay Sales, Croma, and all leading retail stores.