π§ Nothing Headphone 1 Review: Attention-Seeking Design for Your Head
Bold, brash, and unapologetically different—the Nothing Headphone (1) isn’t just another pair of over-ear headphones. It’s a statement piece. But beneath the transparent casing and retro-futuristic flair, does it deliver where it counts? Let’s dive into the details.
π§ First Impressions: A Design That Demands Attention
- Transparent aesthetic: True to Nothing’s brand DNA, the Headphone (1) flaunts a translucent shell that reveals internal components, evoking nostalgia with cassette tape-inspired earcups.
- Color options: Available in Black and White, both versions look striking, though the white variant tends to attract dust and pet hair.
- Build quality: A mix of metal, plastic, and faux leather gives it a premium feel, though the 329g weight makes it noticeably heavier than rivals like Sony and Bose.
π️ Controls & Usability: Physical Buttons Make a Comeback
- No touch controls: Instead of the usual swipe-and-hope interface, Nothing opts for tactile buttons and a volume roller—refreshingly precise and intuitive.
- Dedicated assistant button: Integration with Google Assistant and Siri is seamless.
- Portability concerns: The headphones don’t fold, and the case is bulky—less ideal for frequent travelers.
π Sound Quality: Tuned by KEF, But Needs Tweaking
- Default sound profile: Slightly dark and compressed out of the box. You’ll want to dive into the Nothing X app to customize the EQ.
- Codec support: AAC, SBC, and LDAC are all supported, with USB-C lossless playback available.
- Spatial audio: Present but underwhelming compared to Sony’s 360 Reality Audio.
π Noise Cancellation & Transparency Mode
- ANC performance: Surprisingly effective for a first-gen product. It handles low and mid frequencies well, though Sony’s WH-1000XM6 still leads the pack.
- Transparency mode: Functional but can sound tinny in certain environments.
π Battery Life: A Marathon Performer
- Playback time: Up to 80 hours without ANC, and 35 hours with ANC enabled—far exceeding most competitors.
- Quick charge: 5 minutes yields 5 hours of use. Perfect for last-minute top-ups.
π§ͺ Verdict: Style Meets Substance (Mostly)
Feature | Rating (Out of 10) |
---|---|
Design | 9.5 |
Comfort | 7.5 |
Sound Quality | 7.0 |
Noise Cancellation | 8.0 |
Battery Life | 9.5 |
Portability | 6.0 |
Value for Money | 8.0 |
Final Thoughts: The Nothing Headphone (1) is a bold debut that blends eye-catching design with solid performance. It’s not perfect—especially in sound fidelity and portability—but it’s a compelling choice for those who want their tech to turn heads and still deliver decent audio chops.