Nothing (1) Headphones Review: Balanced Sound and Comfortable Controls

Experience the balanced sound and tactile controls of Nothing (1) headphones — a fresh take on over-ear audio gear with style and substance.

A Bold New Sound Experience with Nothing (1)

I’m willing to bet most of us have heard about Nothing (1) headphones — that audacious brand shaking up the tech scene with its wildly transparent designs and LED accents that scream "different." From smartphones to smartwatches and TWS earbuds, Nothing has been crafting gadgets that refuse to blend in. So naturally, when they decided it was time to drop a pair of over-ear headphones, expectations were sky-high.

I got my hands on the Nothing (1) headphones and was eager to see if they could deliver the goods in both music listening and video editing—a realm where sound precision is key.

Nothing (1) Headphones Specs at a Glance

• Type: Closed-back over-ear headphones
• Connectivity: Wireless and 3.5mm wired options
• Driver Size: 40 mm
• Frequency Range: 20–40,000 Hz
• Impedance: 16 Ohms
• Colors: White or black
• Included Accessories: Soft carrying case, USB-C to USB-C cable, 3.5mm audio cable
• Weight: 329 grams

Striking Design Meets Everyday Comfort

From the moment you lay eyes on the Nothing (1), you’ll know these headphones aren’t shy about flaunting their guts. Their transparent plastic shells reveal the inner workings, a radical departure from the sleek, monolithic shells that dominate premium headphone markets. Love it or hate it, this design punches way above its weight in personality.

Even skeptics have to admit: this is a refreshing break from the usual. Nothing knows their aesthetic won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, and they wear that badge proudly.

But it’s not all about looks. The build quality is solid, blending durable, lightweight materials with aluminum-capped headbands and memory foam ear cushions that cradle your ears through long sessions. That said, at 329 grams, they do bear a bit of heft, which can weigh on comfort over hours.

One of my favorite design decisions? Ditching touch controls for tactile buttons. After wrangling with finicky touchpads on other headphones, Nothing’s approach felt downright refreshing. A joystick navigates tracks, and a scroll wheel tunes volume with pinpoint accuracy. These controls are easy to find by feel, making quick adjustments a breeze—no fumbling around, no accidental skips.

Oh, and in case you wondered, these headphones come with an IP52 rating for dust and water resistance. Realistically, unless you’re mixing videos poolside or multitasking in the shower (no judgment!), it’s a nice-to-have rather than a game-changer.

One quirk worth noting: the ear cups rotate but don’t fold flat. So if you’re a traveler, be prepared to pack the bulkier soft case — not exactly the most pocket-friendly companion.

Performance That Holds Its Own

Let’s talk sound—and noise cancellation. Slip these headphones on, and you immediately notice the active noise cancellation (ANC) kicking in, significantly dampening ambient noise. While not a complete blackout, they create a calm listening bubble perfect for focused tasks like video editing in noisy environments. I put them to the test in a room buzzing with around 50 conversations and was pleasantly surprised by how well they tamed the chaos.

Next up, I queued my current favorite album, After Hours by The Weeknd. Thanks to the precision-tuned 40mm drivers and KEF’s audio expertise behind the scenes, these cans deliver beautifully balanced sound. Every instrument and vocal note lands cleanly, with rich lows and no distortion in sight.

For creators, that kind of sonic control is gold—whether you’re crafting a soundtrack or fine-tuning audio in post-production.

Bass and treble hit the sweet spot, and the overall soundscape feels polished and natural. If you love tweaking your tone, the Nothing X app’s 8-band equalizer lets you sculpt your audio experience. Personally, I found the out-of-the-box settings perfect for my video editing sessions.

Now, here’s where Nothing (1) truly shines: battery life. You’re looking at up to 35 hours with ANC on, and a staggering 60 hours with it off. That's a marathon listening session that outpaces most rivals. My own experience mirrors these claims—these headphones just keep going.

Extras include spatial audio support and hands-free calls enhanced by environmental noise cancellation (ENC) powered by AI using four microphones. This tech isolates your voice flawlessly, cutting wind, background chatter, and echoes so you can chat without shouting. Plus, controlling calls with the same handy joystick button rounds out the convenience.

Nothing (1) Headphones: Final Thoughts

Nothing’s first foray into the over-ear headphone market is a bold statement. With a standout design and partnership with KEF, they’ve crafted a pair of headphones that deliver balanced, distortion-free sound tailored for video editors and creators.

Sure, if you’re strictly a bass lover, you might crave a bit more thump, but the overall versatility is impressive. The stellar battery life and tactile controls only add to their appeal.

Whether you want a stylish headphone for everyday use or a reliable tool for your editing suite, Nothing (1) deserves a close listen.

“They provide balanced sound, perfect for most types of video editing.”

FAQ

• How comfortable are the Nothing (1) headphones for long use? They feature memory foam ear cushions and a lightweight aluminum headband, offering solid comfort, though their 329g weight may cause slight fatigue over very long sessions.
• Do the Nothing (1) headphones support wired listening? Yes, alongside wireless connectivity, they include a 3.5mm audio cable for wired use.
• How effective is the active noise cancellation? ANC noticeably reduces background noise, ideal for noisy environments, though it doesn’t completely block all sound.
• Can I customize the sound profile? Absolutely. The Nothing X app includes an 8-band equalizer letting you fine-tune audio to your preference.
• What’s special about the physical controls? Unlike many headphones that rely on touch, Nothing (1) uses tactile buttons and a joystick for precise and intuitive control, avoiding accidental inputs.

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