The Nothing Headphone 1 represent a bold move by the design-centric company into the world of high-end, over-ear, noise-canceling headphones. Known for their aesthetic-first approach to consumer electronics, Nothing has created a pair of $300 headphones that aim to compete with audio industry giants like Sony, Bose, and Sennheiser. But while the design is striking, the real question is: how do they perform in terms of sound, comfort, and features? Let’s dive into the details.
Table of Contents
Design: A Love-It-or-Hate-It Approach
Nothing is known for its unique design philosophy, and these headphones are no exception. The design is truly one-of-a-kind, with the headphones available in two color options: a dark version and a lighter one. The look is often compared to cassette tapes glued to the sides of your head, which is unconventional in the world of headphones. Some people will love this unique style, while others might find it polarizing.
The headphones feature the transparent aesthetic Nothing is famous for, giving you a glimpse of the drivers and batteries inside. While this transparency might not offer the most exciting view, the overall design remains clean and elegant. A small red dot on the headphones helps distinguish the right side, ensuring users always know which way to wear them.
Sound by KEF: A Surprising Partnership
One of the standout features of the Nothing Headphones 1 is the “Sound by KEF” branding. KEF, a company known for its high-fidelity speakers, is not typically associated with consumer headphones. However, these headphones are not just a rebranded version of KEF’s existing products. While the sound is somewhat similar, the Nothing Headphones 1 have been designed from the ground up to offer a distinct audio experience. KEF’s involvement ensures that the headphones provide a sound profile that’s clear and balanced, with a range that covers everything from deep bass to crisp highs.
Controls and Features: Simple Yet Effective
The Nothing Headphones 1 come with several physical controls, which is a refreshing departure from the finicky touch-sensitive controls found in many modern headphones. These controls include:
- Volume Control: A slider on the top acts like a mouse scroll wheel for smooth volume adjustments. You can also press it to play or pause music and hold it to toggle between transparency and noise cancellation modes.
- Track Navigation: A large paddle below the volume slider allows you to skip tracks and rewind. It works well with supported apps like Spotify and Apple Music, and it even allows for fast-forwarding or rewinding.
- Power and Connectivity: The right earcup features the power switch, a USB Type-C port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Additionally, there’s a customizable button for voice assistant activation or other user-defined functions via the Nothing app.
The design philosophy behind the controls is all about tactile feedback, making it easy to find and operate buttons without looking.
Build Quality and Comfort
In terms of build quality, the Nothing Headphones 1 tick most of the essential boxes. They are comfortable, well-constructed, and designed for long-term wear. The earcups are a mix of metal and plastic, providing a solid feel without being too heavy. The headband is flexible, ensuring a comfortable fit for various head sizes.
The ear cushions are soft and thick, providing excellent passive noise isolation even before activating the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). When ANC is turned on, the headphones do a great job of blocking out room noise and general background sounds. However, when compared to the top-tier ANC headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM6, the noise cancellation here falls just a little behind. It’s still highly effective, but not quite at the same level as the competition.
Sound Quality: Good, but Not Perfect
So, how do the Nothing Headphones 1 sound? The sound quality is quite impressive for the price point. The 40mm drivers deliver clear, balanced audio with good bass, mids, and highs. At high volumes, the headphones maintain clarity without distortion. However, the soundstage is somewhat narrow, which may not appeal to those who prefer a wide, immersive audio experience.
Transparency mode, while functional, doesn’t quite match the quality of the Sony or AirPods Max offerings. While you can hear your surroundings, your own voice can sound a bit too loud and unnatural, which can make conversations uncomfortable.
Overall, the sound is solid, with a customizable EQ and noise-canceling levels available via the Nothing app. This allows users to tailor the audio experience to their preferences, whether that means emphasizing bass or adjusting for a more balanced sound.
Battery Life and Practical Considerations
One of the standout features of these headphones is their battery life. Rated for approximately 35 hours of use, the Nothing Headphones 1 hold up well during long listening sessions. During a recent eight-hour flight, they performed admirably, offering hours of uninterrupted listening. The headphones also fold down for easy storage, although they don’t collapse as neatly as some competitors, which can make the carrying case slightly bulkier.
On the downside, the carrying case has a zipper that may prove irritating to some users, especially when compared to the magnetic closures found in premium cases like the one for Sony’s XM6.
Article Summary
At a price point of $300, the Nothing Headphones 1 offer a lot of value. They deliver good sound quality, excellent comfort, effective noise cancellation, and a distinctive design that sets them apart from the competition. While they might not surpass the Sony WH-1000XM6 in terms of sound or ANC performance, they are still a solid choice for anyone looking for a well-rounded set of headphones at a slightly lower price point.
Ultimately, the Nothing Headphones 1 appeal to consumers who prioritize design and user-friendly controls but don’t want to compromise on audio performance. They may not be the best in every category, but they are a great option for those who appreciate a fresh approach to headphone design and are looking for a reliable product without breaking the bank.
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