Nothing Headphone (1) is worth buying if you value distinctive design, tactile controls, flexible wired and wireless connections, adjustable sound and very long battery life more than class-leading noise cancellation or a compact travel footprint. At its $299 US launch in July 2025, it offered a credible all-round package. The four-microphone call system is good for normal calls, the battery is unusually generous, and the headphones work with LDAC, USB-C audio, a 3.5 mm cable and Bluetooth multipoint. The important compromises are that the earcups rotate flat but do not fold inward, and independent reviews place Sony, Bose or Sennheiser models ahead in at least one of ANC performance, refinement or portability.
What Nothing Headphone (1) is
Nothing Headphone (1) is the company’s first over-ear wireless noise-cancelling headset. Nothing launched it in the United States at $299 in July 2025. Its hardware includes 40 mm speakers, four microphones and AI-powered Clear Voice Technology. The design is intentionally transparent and industrial rather than anonymous, with physical controls instead of relying entirely on touch gestures.
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The feature list is unusually broad for a $299 headset. You get active noise cancellation (ANC), Bluetooth with LDAC support, Bluetooth multipoint for two-device use, USB-C digital audio and a conventional 3.5 mm input. Nothing’s companion app adds sound personalization, including a hearing-based profile. Those choices make Headphone (1) more adaptable than a headset that is designed only for Bluetooth listening from a phone.
The short buying verdict
Buy Headphone (1) when your priorities line up with its strengths:
#1 Best Overall
- Intelligent Noise Cancellation Adapts with You: Our Nothing headphone 1 feature advanced Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, powered by next-gen processors and adaptive mics, to block out distractions. Smart Adaptive Mode automatically adjusts to your environment, while Transparency Mode lets in ambient sound when you need awareness. Personalize your experience with four ANC settings (High/Mid/Low/Adaptive) for truly focused, crystal-clear listening
- Nothing x KEF Headphone (1) : Nothing Headphone (1) experience audio perfected through a unique partnership with British audio legend KEF. Leveraging over 60 years of acoustic expertise, Nothing Noise Cancelling Headphone delivers a naturally balanced sound stage where every note shines as artists intended. Enjoy unparalleled flexibility with Hi-Res Audio support including LDAC technology, USB-C audio, and a 3.5mm jack. Dual Connection capability lets you seamlessly switch between two devices
- Uninterrupted Audio with Immersive Sound: Engineered for all-day use, Nothing Headphones 1 deliver up to 80 hours of playtime (35 hours with ANC on). A quick 5-minute charge provides 5 hours of power. Coupled with this endurance is a lossless audio experience, Nothing Wireless Headphones offer Spatial Audio with head tracking and Hi-Res Wireless certification for exceptional clarity and a deeply immersive sound stage
- Sink In, Take Control: Designed for all-day wear, Nothing Bluetooth Wireless Headphone ergonomic frame and memory foam cushions provide a comfortable, secure fit. The Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphone features intuitive roller and paddle interface puts volume adjustment, playback, and noise mode switching at your fingertips, with full customization available in the Nothing X app. This thoughtful integration of form and function ensures a continuously surround sound Journey
- Explore the Nothing X app: Craft your unique audio profile with the Nothing X app's advanced 8-band equalizer.Tailor your Nothing Headphone 1 with Adaptive ANC settings and enhance depth with the Ultra Bass mode. Customize your Bluetooth active noise canceling headphones' touch buttons to execute your most-used commands instantly
- You want a recognizable, transparent-looking design rather than a conventional black or beige headset.
- You prefer clicky buttons and roller-style controls that you can operate without looking at a phone.
- You need both wireless and wired listening, including USB-C audio and 3.5 mm sources.
- You regularly switch between a phone and a computer and will use Bluetooth multipoint.
- You value long runtime and are willing to carry a full-size hard case.
- You want to adjust the sound instead of accepting one fixed factory tuning.
Choose another model first if your main requirement is the strongest possible ANC, the most polished sound at this price, or a headset that occupies the least space in a carry-on. Headphone (1) is a conditional recommendation, not an automatic class leader.
Are Nothing Headphone (1) good for calls?
What the microphone system does
Nothing uses four microphones with AI-powered Clear Voice Technology. The company says the system isolates your voice and suppresses surrounding noise. That is the right hardware approach for phone and video calls: multiple microphones can compare the sound arriving from different directions and reduce some of the environment before your voice is sent to the call.
Real-world call results
The Guardian’s 2025 review found call quality clear in both quiet surroundings and noisy streets. That supports recommending the headset for ordinary work calls, voice calls and meetings when you are indoors or walking through a typical urban environment. It is a meaningful result because street noise is more demanding than a silent room.
Where the recommendation stops
Clear Voice is not a guarantee of studio-quality speech in every situation. Wind, traffic bursts, the particular calling app, microphone placement and the other person’s network connection can all change the result. Do not buy Headphone (1) on the promise that it will outperform every competing headset in every noisy location. For normal calls, its microphone case is credible; for frequent outdoor broadcasting or critical conference work, test it with the exact apps and locations you use.
Is it suitable for flights and other travel?
Reasons it travels well
RTINGS classifies Headphone (1) as very good for travel. The review points to noise isolation, stability, wear detection, a protective hard case and long battery life. Those features cover the practical problems of a flight: reducing engine noise, keeping the headset in place while you move, pausing when you remove it and avoiding a dead battery before landing.
The physical controls are also useful on a plane. You can adjust playback or volume without opening a phone, and the wired inputs give you options when a seat-back entertainment system or an in-flight device does not support your preferred Bluetooth setup. USB-C audio is useful with compatible digital sources; the 3.5 mm jack remains the broadly compatible fallback.
The packed-size penalty
The earcups rotate flat, but they do not fold inward. SoundGuys notes that the case protects the headset and stores its cables, yet the headphones retain their full width in transit. What Hi-Fi? makes the same portability point: non-folding earcups make Headphone (1) less suitable for compact packing than folding Bose or Sony alternatives.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThat distinction matters more than the case’s construction. A hard case protects the headset, but it cannot make a non-folding headset smaller. If your carry-on has room for a full-size over-ear case, the trade-off is manageable. If you pack in a small personal item, a folding competitor will be easier to live with.
Rank #2
- Intelligent Noise Cancellation Adapts with You: Our Nothing headphone 1 feature advanced Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, powered by next-gen processors and adaptive mics, to block out distractions. Smart Adaptive Mode automatically adjusts to your environment, while Transparency Mode lets in ambient sound when you need awareness. Personalize your experience with four ANC settings (High/Mid/Low/Adaptive) for truly focused, crystal-clear listening
- Nothing x KEF Headphone (1) : Nothing Headphone (1) experience audio perfected through a unique partnership with British audio legend KEF. Leveraging over 60 years of acoustic expertise, Nothing Noise Cancelling Headphone delivers a naturally balanced sound stage where every note shines as artists intended. Enjoy unparalleled flexibility with Hi-Res Audio support including LDAC technology, USB-C audio, and a 3.5mm jack. Dual Connection capability lets you seamlessly switch between two devices
- Uninterrupted Audio with Immersive Sound: Engineered for all-day use, Nothing Headphones 1 deliver up to 80 hours of playtime (35 hours with ANC on). A quick 5-minute charge provides 5 hours of power. Coupled with this endurance is a lossless audio experience, Nothing Wireless Headphones offer Spatial Audio with head tracking and Hi-Res Wireless certification for exceptional clarity and a deeply immersive sound stage
- Sink In, Take Control: Designed for all-day wear, Nothing Bluetooth Wireless Headphone ergonomic frame and memory foam cushions provide a comfortable, secure fit. The Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphone features intuitive roller and paddle interface puts volume adjustment, playback, and noise mode switching at your fingertips, with full customization available in the Nothing X app. This thoughtful integration of form and function ensures a continuously surround sound Journey
- Explore the Nothing X app: Craft your unique audio profile with the Nothing X app's advanced 8-band equalizer.Tailor your Nothing Headphone 1 with Adaptive ANC settings and enhance depth with the Ultra Bass mode. Customize your Bluetooth active noise canceling headphones' touch buttons to execute your most-used commands instantly
Long-flight comfort
Independent coverage supports the travel rating, but it does not establish one universal number of comfortable hours for every listener. Ear shape, glasses, hairstyle and personal clamp preference affect long-flight comfort. Before a long trip, wear the headset for a continuous session at home, check whether the pads create pressure, and confirm that the controls are easy to use without shifting the earcups.
Battery life, ANC runtime and charging
Nothing’s current product information gives Headphone (1) a maximum of 35 hours with ANC enabled and up to 80 hours with ANC disabled. Nothing Support separately lists up to 53 hours of talk time with ANC off. These are the company’s stated figures, not an independent endurance test, so your volume, codec, call time and environmental conditions will affect actual runtime.
| Use case | Nothing’s stated figure | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Playback with ANC on | Up to 35 hours | Manufacturer claim; actual life varies with use and settings. |
| Playback with ANC off | Up to 80 hours | Manufacturer claim under its test conditions. |
| Talk time with ANC off | Up to 53 hours | Listed by Nothing Support; talk time is not the same as music playback. |
| Quick charge | Up to 5 hours of listening from 5 minutes | Nothing Support specifies ANC off and its stated test conditions. |
The practical takeaway is that Headphone (1) is a strong choice for people who dislike frequent charging. The 35-hour ANC-on claim covers several long journeys for many users, while the five-minute mode can rescue a short departure. Do not interpret the 80-hour number as an ANC runtime; it applies with ANC disabled.
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Nothing Support says ANC can reach 42 dB. That is a maximum manufacturer specification, not a promise that every frequency will be reduced by 42 dB in your ears. ANC performance depends on the fit of the pads, the frequency of the noise and how the headset’s processing responds to it. Passive isolation from the earcups contributes as well.
RTINGS’ very-good travel assessment indicates that the combination is useful on transport. However, independent comparisons in the same price range identify stronger competitors in ANC or overall refinement. If aircraft rumble and train noise are your overriding concern, prioritize a direct listening comparison with the Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort Ultra and other current leaders rather than choosing from the decibel claim alone.
Headphone (1) makes more sense when ANC is one requirement among several. Its controls, battery, inputs and personalization can outweigh a modest gap in noise reduction for an everyday listener. A frequent flyer who wants the quietest possible cabin should treat ANC leadership as the deciding criterion instead.
Everyday listening: the feature set is the main attraction
Controls you can operate by feel
TechRadar praised the controls and build quality. Physical buttons and roller controls provide a clear press or turn, which is useful while walking, wearing gloves or keeping your phone in a pocket. They also avoid accidental taps caused by hair, hats or rain on a touch panel. The preference is subjective, but the tactile approach is a genuine differentiator.
Wireless, USB-C and analog options
LDAC support can provide higher-bitrate Bluetooth playback from compatible Android devices and software. USB-C audio gives you a digital wired route from compatible phones, tablets and computers, while the 3.5 mm jack works with a much wider range of sources, including many airplane systems and older laptops. Bluetooth multipoint lets you keep two devices connected so that a call on one can interrupt audio from the other.
Rank #3
- Dynamic Noise Cancellation Tailored for You: Experience the Nothing Headphone (a) with cutting-edge Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, utilizing state-of-the-art processors and adaptive microphones to eliminate distractions. The innovative Smart Adaptive Mode adjusts seamlessly to your surroundings, while the Transparency Mode allows ambient sounds for situational awareness. Select from four customizable ANC levels (High/Mid/Low/Adaptive) for a personalized listening journey
- Endless Listening with Rich Sound Quality: Crafted for 5 HD Mics, our Nothing Headphone (a) Bluetooth Headphones Over the Ear boasts a Spatial Audio with Hi-Res Wireless certification for remarkable clarity and an immersive auditory experience, Noise Cancelling Headphone with impressive battery life of up to 135 hours (75 hours with ANC on). A rapid 5-minute charge delivers 8 hours of playback time (ANC off)
- Remote Camera Shutter: Control your camera with a simple press of your Wireless Over-Ear headphones. No more running back and forth—just smooth, uninterrupted content creation. Perfect for vlogs, outfit checks, selfies, or group shots. Frame, get into position, and capture instantly.(On Nothing OS: Directly activates the camera; one press to record. On iOS & Android: Quickly capture or control recording if the camera function is already open)
- Comfort Meets Control: Designed for all-day comfort, the Nothing Headphones Wireless Over Ear features an ergonomic design with memory foam cushions for a secure fit. The Over Ear Bluetooth Headphones design includes an intuitive roller and paddle interface, providing easy access to volume controls, playback, and noise mode switching. The Nothing X app allows for extensive customization, ensuring a continuous, immersive sound experience
- Built For Your Unique Style: Start with your Personal Sound Profile and immerse yourself in Nothing X APP (with Ultra Bass included). Nothing Active Noise Canceling Headphones with Spatial Audio for concert or cinema-level listening for quick access to your most-used commands
These options also make the headset easier to keep using as your devices change. You are not locked into one codec, one operating system or one wireless connection. Remember that LDAC requires a compatible source and that a wired connection may disable some wireless features depending on the source and mode you choose.
Sound and personalization
Nothing provides sound personalization in its app, including a hearing-based profile. That can be useful if your left and right ears perceive frequencies differently or if the default tuning does not suit you. The app approach is more flexible than a single fixed EQ preset.
What Hi-Fi? described the presentation as weighty while noting that Sony and Sennheiser alternatives remain formidable at similar prices. In other words, Headphone (1) can be enjoyable and adjustable, but it is not automatically the most refined-sounding option. Use the personalization tools to correct the balance you hear rather than assuming the headline specifications determine sound quality.
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The table below focuses on the buying criteria that matter for this decision. It does not claim a laboratory ranking where the cited coverage does not provide one.
| Criterion | Nothing Headphone (1) | Sony WH-1000XM5 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra | Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price context | $299 US launch price in July 2025 | Same-price class alternative; current price varies | Same-price class alternative; current price varies | Same-price class alternative; current price varies |
| Calls | Four-microphone Clear Voice system; The Guardian found speech clear in quiet and noisy streets | Compare directly for your apps and locations; no like-for-like result is established here | Compare directly for your apps and locations; no like-for-like result is established here | Compare directly for your apps and locations; no like-for-like result is established here |
| ANC | Up to 42 dB is a Nothing Support claim; useful travel isolation reported | Independent coverage commonly treats Sony as a strong ANC choice in this class | Independent coverage commonly treats Bose as a strong ANC choice in this class | Compelling overall alternative, but no comparable ANC figure is stated here |
| Battery | Up to 35 hours with ANC, 80 hours without ANC | Comparable figure not stated in the cited coverage | Comparable figure not stated in the cited coverage | Comparable figure not stated in the cited coverage |
| Packed size | Earcups rotate flat but do not fold inward; case remains bulky | Folding alternative cited for compact travel | Folding alternative cited for compact travel | Compare the packed dimensions if luggage space is critical |
| Controls and connections | Physical controls, LDAC, USB-C audio, 3.5 mm and multipoint | Check the current model’s exact wired and control preferences | Check the current model’s exact wired and control preferences | Check the current model’s exact wired and control preferences |
| Sound flexibility | App-based personalization, including a hearing-based profile | Formidable same-price competitor for refinement | Formidable same-price competitor when noise reduction is the priority | Formidable same-price competitor for sound quality |
This comparison produces three clear choices. Pick Nothing for its combination of physical operation, connection flexibility and battery life. Pick a folding Sony or Bose model when packed size is more important. Pick Sony, Bose or Sennheiser after a listening test when ANC or tonal refinement outranks the Nothing feature set.
Who should buy Nothing Headphone (1)?
It is a strong fit for
- Multi-device workers: Multipoint, USB-C audio and 3.5 mm playback cover a phone, laptop and wired source without buying separate headsets.
- Frequent listeners: The stated 35-hour ANC runtime and 80-hour non-ANC runtime reduce charging interruptions.
- Control-focused users: Physical buttons and rollers are easier to confirm by touch than many gesture systems.
- Design-conscious buyers: The transparent styling is distinctive and intentionally visible.
- Listeners who tune their sound: The app’s personalization gives you a way to adjust the presentation to your hearing and taste.
- Travelers with room for a hard case: Noise isolation, wear detection, stability and battery life are useful on journeys when bulk is acceptable.
It is a poor fit for
- Small-bag travelers: The headset does not fold inward, so the case consumes more space than a folding design.
- ANC maximalists: Independent reviews identify stronger same-price options for noise cancellation or overall refinement.
- Buyers seeking a guaranteed call advantage: Calls are good in the tested situations, but wind, apps and networks can change results.
- People who dislike bold styling: The transparent design is the opposite of visually discreet.
How to decide before you order
- Measure your travel constraint first. Put the supplied hard case or an equivalent full-size case in your normal bag. If it crowds the bag, choose a folding model instead.
- Set your call standard. If you mainly call from rooms and ordinary streets, the Clear Voice system should meet the requirement described by The Guardian. If you call in strong wind or record professional speech, arrange a return-friendly test.
- Value ANC against the rest of the package. The 42 dB figure is a maximum claim. Listen to aircraft or low-frequency recordings and compare with a Sony or Bose alternative if quiet is your top priority.
- Check your sources. Confirm that your phone supports LDAC if that codec matters, that your computer can send USB-C audio, and that any wired device has the connector you plan to use.
- Try the sound personalization. Start with the default tuning, then create the hearing-based profile in Nothing’s app and keep the version you actually prefer.
- Compare the price you can buy today. $299 was the US launch price in July 2025; retailer discounts, regional pricing and availability can change the value calculation.
Pros and cons at a glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Distinctive transparent design | Earcups do not fold inward |
| Physical buttons and roller controls | Hard case remains bulky for compact luggage |
| Up to 35 hours with ANC and 80 hours without, according to Nothing | Battery figures are manufacturer claims and vary in use |
| Four-microphone Clear Voice call system | Not established as universally best in noisy calls |
| LDAC, USB-C audio, 3.5 mm input and multipoint | ANC and refinement trail the strongest same-price rivals in independent coverage |
| App sound personalization, including a hearing-based profile | Bold styling will not suit buyers seeking a discreet headset |
Final recommendation
Nothing Headphone (1) is a sensible $299-class purchase for everyday listening and normal calls when you want long battery life, tactile controls and every major connection option in one headset. It is also a capable travel headphone if you can accommodate a case that does not get smaller through folding. The purchase becomes less convincing when your ranking starts with the quietest ANC, the most compact luggage profile or the most polished sound available at the price.
In practical terms: buy it for flexibility and character; skip it for maximum portability or a single-minded ANC or call-performance lead.
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