Nothing Headphone (1) Review: First Impressions of These Unique Wireless Headphones

Explore our detailed first look at Nothing Headphone (1), wireless headphones designed to challenge top brands with standout design and impressive features.

A Fresh Take: Introducing Nothing Headphone (1)

The young British brand Nothing is stepping boldly into new territory with its debut full-size wireless headphones, the Nothing Headphone (1). Founded only at the end of 2020, Nothing has already carved out a modest niche thanks to its distinctive smartphones and audio products that combine competitive pricing with eye-catching design.

Now, the stakes are higher than ever. Entering the wireless headphones arena, Nothing is competing against giants like Sony WH-1000XM6, Apple wireless headphones, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, and Bowers & Wilkins. This is no playground for novices—it's the big leagues, where only the best survive.

Pricing That Packs a Punch

At $299, the Nothing Headphone (1) offers a competitive price point that places it below premium models like the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. Considering many wireless headphones today can cost over $600, this pricing could be one of the Headphone (1)’s biggest selling points.

Comfort Meets Cutting-Edge Design

Nothing has always taken pride in its unique aesthetic approach, and with Headphone (1), they refuse to play it safe. The headphones sport earpieces reminiscent of cassette tapes, blending rectangular housings with rounded outer cups. The signature semi-transparent design reveals some inner components, giving the headphones a futuristic vibe.

Beyond looks, the adjustable headband glides smoothly, and the ear cups can rotate side to side, promising a comfortable fit tailored to your head's shape.

What’s particularly clever is the integration of intuitive touch controls. A combination of a scroll wheel, rocker, and customizable button lets users easily manage volume and toggle through functions. For instance, the scroll wheel controls volume, while the programmable button can be assigned to different features for a personalized experience.

Packed With Features to Impress

Equipped with active noise cancellation (ANC), the Headphone (1) aims to block out external distractions effectively. During testing, the standard ANC mode noticeably reduced background chatter and the hustle of a crowded room full of tech journalists.

Battery life is another highlight. Nothing claims a staggering 80 hours of playback with ANC off and around 35 hours with ANC activated. To put that into perspective, the Sony WH-1000XM6 lasts about 30 hours on ANC, so these figures are genuinely impressive.

The headphones also offer versatile listening options. They support high-resolution Bluetooth codecs like LDAC for wireless audiophiles, while wired connections are possible via USB-C and a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack for those who prefer classic analog audio.

Sound Quality Backed by Audio Experts

Nothing hasn't relied on design alone. Inside each ear cup is a custom 40mm driver tuned in collaboration with British audio brand KEF, renowned for its vibrant, balanced sound with character. KEF's pedigree includes acclaimed speakers like the LS50 Meta and the wireless LSX II LT, making this partnership a significant advantage.

From our initial listening sessions, the headphones deliver a balanced and confident soundstage. The low end is promisingly deep and controlled — for example, it manages the intense bass line of Muse’s "Hysteria" without overwhelming, while also providing punchy weight to Radiohead’s "Decks Dark."

Detailed nuances shine through during playback on streaming platforms like Tidal and Qobuz, though more time is needed for a full comparison against market leaders.

Preliminary Verdict: A New Challenger Emerges

Nothing is venturing into uncharted waters with Headphone (1). The company has never before produced full-sized wireless headphones and usually focuses on more affordable earbuds. Yet, signs are encouraging.

A rich feature set combined with aggressive pricing gives the Headphone (1) serious appeal. The KEF collaboration signals that Nothing is serious about delivering quality sound, not just style.

It’s a crowded, competitive market with many premium wireless headphones vying for attention. However, our early impressions suggest Nothing has a solid chance to make its mark.

"The balanced and authoritative sound blends weight with control, making the Headphone (1) a compelling offer." – Tech Reviewer

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the price of Nothing Headphone (1)?
  The headphones retail for $299, positioning them competitively against other premium wireless models.
• How long does the battery last?
  Up to 80 hours of playback without ANC and around 35 hours with ANC enabled.
• What kind of noise cancellation do they have?
  Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) effectively reduces ambient sounds, especially chatter and background noise.
• Are there wired listening options?
  Yes, the headphones support both USB-C wired connections and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
• Who tuned the sound quality?
  The headphones were co-developed with KEF, a respected British audio brand known for high-quality speakers.

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