Rarely does the launch of a headphone create significant excitement based solely on its design. The Nothing Headphone (1) accomplished just that.
By merging retro aesthetics with contemporary functionality, these wireless headphones are currently captivating audiophiles and trendsetters who appreciate stylishly designed audio gear. However, I advise managing expectations.
The Headphone (1) offers excellent active noise cancellation, battery longevity, and high-quality sound. Nothing’s transparent design may not appeal to everyone, and those intrigued by it might be either pleased or let down upon unboxing. These headphones also have some rough aspects in certain areas.
Come take a look at what I mean.
The author seen wearing the Nothing Headphone (1). Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
Specifications and setup of the Nothing Headphone (1) wireless headphones
The Headphone (1) features a remarkable specifications list. Check it out.
Speaker Driver Unit: 40mm
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 40,000 Hz
Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation
4-mic AI-driven environmental noise cancellation
KEF acoustic engineering
Bluetooth 5.3 with Hi-Res Audio, LDAC, and USB-C lossless playback
IP52 dust and water protection
35 hours of battery life with ANC on / 80 hours with ANC off
5-minute quick charge allows for 5 hours of listening time (ANC off)
Colors: Black and white
Pairing is both easy and distinctive. These headphones incorporate something I’ve never encountered before— a Bluetooth button cleverly concealed within the bottom right of the right earcup. Switching on the headphones activates pairing mode to connect to iOS/macOS or Android devices; the latter utilizes one-tap Google Fast Pair.
The Nothing app (iOS/Android) provides access to various personalized features, and it facilitates firmware updates.
SEE ALSO: Our initial thoughts on the Nothing Headphone (1): Their price tag is justifiable
Nothing designed a unique control scheme for effortless operation. All controls are located on the right earcup. There’s a front action button to assign advanced features (e.g., digital assistant, EQ preset, mic mute). The standout element is the roller that adjusts volume by scrolling left or right. It also functions as a multifunctional button to activate listening modes and control playback. Below the roller is a paddle for call management and fast forward/rewind. Everything operates exceptionally well.
A detailed, yet divisive design
This design may not suit everyone’s taste. Additionally, the headphones don’t appear as striking as they do in promotional images. However, one can still appreciate Nothing’s artistic creativity.
The retro design might not appeal to all. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
Attention to detail is paramount, and the Headphone (1) doesn’t fall short in this regard. The sleek white box inside features an embossed imprint of the headphones that conveys minimalist artistry. The oval cassette tape housings evoke memories of Sony Walkman, while the rectangular earcups are a pleasant nod to vintage home audio headphones. Subtle elements like the angular arms and dot impressions highlight the brand’s elegant craftsmanship. IP54 certification safeguards the headphones against dust, sweat, and water splashes.
Regrettably, the Headphone (1) are bulky and heavy (11.6 ounces). They clink together when the earcups rotate, which can wear down the metallic finish over time.
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Impressive sound and even better noise cancellation
The Headphone (1) may not earn any awards among audiophiles. However, KEF has fine-tuned the soundstage to create a satisfying balance of lows, mids, and highs.
The sound was primarily pleasant right off the bat. Tweaking the EQ enhanced it. There was an option to design a custom sound profile by manually adjusting frequencies or selecting from four presets: Balanced (default), More Bass, More Treble, and Voice. More Treble provided the most consistent sound.
You’ll want to fine-tune the EQ. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
The electric guitar riff and powerful drums in Green Day’s “Walking Contradiction” were striking and put me in headbanging mode. Run the Jewels’ “ooh la la” boasted impressive reverberation, highlighted by tremendous bass that beautifully extended and decayed with each sporadic snare hit. Mids and highs were satisfactory. Ballads like Mariah Carey’s “We Belong Together” offered bright and clear vocals that were enhanced when the singer showcased her pitch range in the outro.
Android devices yielded the best listening experience through LDAC. The audio codec streams music at a high bitrate, capturing the nuances of original recordings. Spotify tracks sounded compressed on my MacBook Pro, but received a hi-res enhancement on my OnePlus 11 and Nothing Phone (3) smartphones. The same applied to all.