Nothing Headphone (1) Review: Stylish Design and Pure Sound Experience

Experience the unique blend of retro-futuristic style and crisp audio with Nothing Headphone (1), a truly standout wireless headphone.

I’ll be honest: I’m not a hardcore music geek who can dissect every bass note with technical precision. But I can confidently say I’ve never held headphones that felt so seriously cool and looked so refreshingly different. And when those bass hits actually rumble through your body – well, that’s just the cherry on top of this wild, sonic cake.

What totally blew me away was how uncompromisingly visual these headphones are. Most premium models today blend into a sea of sleek, shell-like designs with a splash of chrome or metal. Others swing wildly into gamer territory with flashy, over-the-top looks. But Nothing’s Headphone (1) take a bold leap with a transparent design that screams retro-futurism, carving their own unique niche. They look like tech from another dimension, optimistic and almost see-through.

Design That Bridges Past and Future

The design of Nothing Headphone (1) is a nod to both history and the future — or maybe more accurately, the future as imagined by visionaries of the past. They look delicate but built with purpose. Underneath the smooth, wedge-shaped shell lies a maze of technical lines and internal mechanics that remind me of works by Syd Mead and Charles Shridde, even evoking the charm of old audio cassettes.

There’s something industrial about these headphones, channeling the late ’70s era and an era that never quite arrived — a love letter to a future that never was.

You can feel the reverence Nothing has for form with these headphones. They aren’t just made for your ears — they’re meant for your eyes, too. If you wear them outside, expect some curious looks and questions.

What’s Inside the Box?

Opening the box felt like discovering a lost prop from Blade Runner or Tron. Nothing’s goal is to recreate the future as imagined in the ’70s and early ’80s, borrowing heavily from Syd Mead’s design philosophy. These headphones don’t just look futuristic—they evoke the feeling of that era’s vision of tomorrow.

The case is simple yet tactile, covered in soft felt. The headphones nestle snugly in custom-cut slots, accompanied by two cables: USB-C to USB-C and a traditional 3.5mm audio cable. This shows Nothing’s intention of catering to both serious listeners craving wired connection and casual music lovers alike. Plus, there’s an elastic pocket inside for extra storage.

Tech Specs that Back the Style

Nothing didn’t just stop at killer looks—they teamed up with KEF, British audio pioneers founded in 1961 by BBC audio engineer Raymond Cooke, to deliver sound quality audiophiles will appreciate. Known for precision, stylish design, and innovation, KEF’s collaboration perfectly complements Nothing’s retro-industrial aesthetic.

The active noise-canceling (ANC) system is adaptive and impressive for its class. It automatically adjusts to your surroundings using spatial head-tracking to create an immersive sound bubble. I tested these at the office, where they effectively muted background chatter and hum, and on a noisy train where they cut out the roar. The transparency mode lets in the outside world smoothly when you need to stay aware.

Key Features:

• Drivers: 40mm dynamic, 16 Ohms
• Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 40 kHz
• Diaphragm: Polyurethane (PU)
• Sound Tuning: In collaboration with KEF
• Noise Cancelling: Real-time adaptive ANC (up to 42 dB, effective to 2 kHz)
• Transparency Mode: Yes
• Microphones: 6 total, with 4 equipped with ENC for crystal-clear calls
• Connectivity: USB-C, 3.5mm cable, Bluetooth 5.3 (10m range), dual device connection
• Battery Life: 35 hours with ANC, 80 hours without, 5-minute quick charge for several hours usage
• Supported OS: Android 5.1+, iOS 13+, Nothing OS

Performance and Controls That Make Sense

Wearing the Nothing Headphone (1) is a joy: the blend of textured surfaces and soft materials means they’re comfortable even after a full day. Light, sleek, and barely noticeable on your head, they make you forget you’re wearing headphones.

Functionally, these headphones shine. The sound is clean, balanced, and more than enough for everyday listening. The ANC is a clear upgrade over Nothing’s earlier Ear (a) earbuds and works reliably.

One of the coolest and slightly overlooked features is the intuitive control scheme. The side of the ear cup sports a rotating “roller” for volume adjustment — twist left or right to turn it down or up, which feels more natural than the usual swipe gestures. Multiple presses toggle ANC modes. The button is softly convex and easy to find by touch.

There’s also a sleek angular “switch” you slide left or right to skip tracks, or hold for fast-forwarding. A button summons your AI assistant—for Nothing Phone (3) and newer devices, it can switch audio apps; on other phones, it launches the assistant. Overall, Nothing nails a clean, minimalist, and user-friendly interface.

More Than Just Sound: An Emotional Connection

Nothing Headphone (1) don’t just deliver great audio; they bring a joyful, tactile experience that goes beyond mere function. While many modern gadgets feel cold and disposable, these headphones bravely break the mold to be memorable.

I often think new tech releases are just placeholders until next year’s upgrade. But Nothing Headphone (1) stand out as unique devices you’ll want to keep. Again, the Syd Mead vibe is strong — design meant to stir emotions, and with these headphones, it works beautifully.

So yes, these headphones sound bold, rich, and full-bodied. But, just as importantly, they look fantastic. They say you love design, appreciate form and function, and, oh yes, those deep bass tones feel like velvet.

Nothing Headphone (1) are created not just for the ears but for the eyes—a love letter to a future that never was.

FAQ

• What makes Nothing Headphone (1) design unique compared to other headphones?
  They feature a transparent, retro-futuristic design inspired by 70s and 80s visions of the future, setting them apart from typical sleek or gamer styles.
• How effective is the active noise cancellation on these headphones?
  The adaptive ANC works impressively well, automatically adjusting to your environment and blocking noise up to 42 dB, making them suitable for office and travel use.
• Can these headphones be used wired and wireless?
  Yes, they support both Bluetooth 5.3 wireless and wired connections via USB-C or a 3.5mm audio cable.
• How long does the battery last on a single charge?
  You get up to 35 hours with ANC on, 80 hours without, and a quick 5-minute charge can provide several hours of playback.
• Are the controls easy to use without looking?
  Absolutely. The headphones have an intuitive roller for volume and tactile buttons for track controls and ANC switching, designed for natural, eyes-free operation.

Ready to elevate your audio space with a dash of futuristic style? Check out our collection and shop your favorite album cover posters that perfectly complement the vibe of your new Nothing Headphone (1).