Nothing's Headphone 1 stands out as one of the top audio products of the year 2025 without a shadow of a doubt.
The tech world has a new contender in the realm of premium audio devices with the launch of Nothing's Headphone (1). This innovative device, a collaboration with British audio powerhouse KEF, stands out with its unique transparent design and premium audio features.
Key features of the Headphone (1) include a long battery life, adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), advanced connectivity, app control, and a host of additional features. With up to 80 hours of playback time with ANC off, and 35 hours with ANC on, the Headphone (1) offers one of the longest battery lives in its class. A quick 5-minute charge provides up to 5 hours of playback, making it an ideal choice for those on the go.
The Headphone (1)'s adaptive ANC is capable of reducing up to 42 dB within a 2000 Hz frequency range, and it comes equipped with a 4-mic Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) system to enhance call clarity even in noisy environments. The device also supports Bluetooth 5.3, which allows for multipoint pairing, Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair, and a low-latency mode optimized for gaming.
Users can customize their listening experience through the Nothing X app, which offers EQ customization and settings. Those who own Nothing phones can adjust EQ bands directly through the phone’s Settings app. The Headphone (1) also boasts features such as transparency mode, ear detection sensors to auto-pause/resume playback, spatial audio with head tracking, a "find my headphones" feature, and USB-C audio and a 3.5mm wired jack option.
In terms of design, the Headphone (1) features a rectangular design with a stylized outer shell that resembles cassettes, giving it a unique and modern look. The device is made with a combination of aluminum and plastic materials, making it lightweight yet durable. The white model of the Headphone (1) is particularly gorgeous, adding a touch of elegance to the device.
The Headphone (1) delivers a thoroughly enjoyable sound quality suitable for various genres. Its custom 40mm driver, tuned by KEF, delivers resonant bass and crisp vocals with high fidelity sound. The device offers good low-end energy and a delightful rumble in bass-focused tracks, while the treble has decent extension without noticeable sibilance. The mids are vibrant, accentuating vocals to a good extent, and the mid-bass tends to bleed into the mid-range at times, but it isn't fatiguing.
When compared to competitors such as the Marshall Monitor III ANC and KEF's own offerings, the Headphone (1) excels in battery life with ANC off, design innovation, and a balanced feature set focusing on connectivity and smart features. Its ANC performance and battery with ANC on is strong but not necessarily market leading compared to some dedicated ANC headphones like the Marshall Monitor III. However, its inclusion of a 3.5mm audio jack and USB-C audio is somewhat rare and beneficial for wired listening.
In conclusion, the Nothing Headphone (1) positions itself competitively by combining bold design, long battery life, and modern connectivity, while delivering solid noise cancellation and audio performance expected in this price/performance tier. It offers an alternative to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Sony WH-1000XM6, and with custom settings and an 8-band EQ available via the Nothing X app, users can fine-tune their listening experience to their personal preferences.
The Nothing Headphone (1) showcases its premium status in the tech world by integrating advanced technology such as long battery life, adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and exceptional connectivity. However, it also stands out with its unique gadget design that resembles cassettes, setting it apart from competitors.
Equipped with a 4-mic Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) system, Bluetooth 5.3 support, and a host of smart features like ear detection sensors and transparency mode, the Headphone (1) caters to tech enthusiasts seeking innovative gadgets.
