There’s nothing comparable to obtaining high-quality tech without the exorbitant cost.
This idea forms the basis for tech start-up Nothing’s debut over-ear headphones, named Headphone (1). With a price of $299, these headphones are $100 to $150 less than most premium flagship options available today and have been on sale since July 15.
After testing a variety of budget to premium headphones, I’ve noticed that budget models frequently surpass expectations, though they often entail compromises, such as marginally less effective ANC, limited sound and on-ear settings options, or decreased comfort.
Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable
Considering this, I expect the $299 Nothing Headphone (1) to shine in certain aspects and perform adequately in others — early testing confirms this expectation.
(Note: these are my initial impressions based on a few days of usage. While unlikely to vary greatly, my views may change with additional time using these headphones.)
Nothing Headphone (1): The specifications
Before sharing my opinions, here are the essential features of these headphones:
Size: 174mm x 189mm x 78mm
Case dimensions: 220mm x 220mm x 52mm
Weight: 329 grams
Playback with ANC: Up to 35 hours
Playback without ANC: Up to 80 hours
Fast charging: 5 minutes for 5 hours of playback (or 2.4 hours with ANC)
Codecs: AAC, SBC, LDAC
Water resistance: IP52 rated for moisture and dust protection
Inputs: USB-C and 3.5mm headphone jack
Microphones: 4
Nothing Headphone (1): The positives
Design
These headphones are notable for their design, which is unlike anything else on the shelves. This aligns with Nothing’s trend, as their earbuds and phones showcase a futuristic, frequently transparent design. Though the aesthetics aren’t my top choice, I value a brand that doesn’t imitate existing popular headphones and presents two unique color options: white and black.