The Nothing Headphones 1 have generated a lot of buzz in the audio world. These are the brand-new entrants into the Bluetooth headphones market, and they aim to set a new standard for design and performance. But how do they compare to the reigning titans of the industry, such as the Sony WH-1000XM6, which is widely regarded as one of the best pairs of Bluetooth headphones available? In this article, we’ll compare Nothing Headphones (1) VS Sony WH-1000XM6 the two headphones, head-to-head across ten key categories to help you make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
Design
One of the most striking features of the Nothing Headphones 1 is their design. While design is often subjective, it’s clear that Nothing has taken a unique approach. These headphones come in two colors: white (which has a silvery sheen) and black. The white version stands out with a distinctive look that has been compared to a cassette tape on the side of your head. The right earcup has a red square indicator and unique font that says “right” instead of the usual “R”. The overall design is sleek and modern, offering a standout aesthetic.
In terms of functionality, the design of the ear cups is noteworthy. The Nothing headphones rotate 90 degrees to lie flat, but they don’t rotate much beyond that. On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM6 earcups rotate up to 45 degrees in one direction and 90 degrees to fold flat, making them more adjustable. Additionally, Sony’s design allows for a more compact fold when placed in the case, though this has led to some complaints over the durability of the hinge over time.
The build quality of both headphones feels sturdy. The Nothing Headphones 1 are a bit heavier, but they feel solid and well-constructed. Sony’s headphones, while equally durable, come with a case that uses a magnetic snap closure, which is more compact compared to the larger zippered case of the Nothing headphones.
Controls
When it comes to controls, Nothing has innovated with a unique approach. Unlike traditional touch controls, which can be finicky, especially when wearing gloves or adjusting the headphones, the Nothing headphones use physical buttons that offer a satisfying tactile feel. They feature a rocker switch for song navigation and volume control, which makes them intuitive and easy to use, especially in environments where touch controls might not be practical.
Sony, on the other hand, relies on a combination of physical buttons and a touchpad. The touchpad allows you to swipe for volume control, skip songs, or pause your music. Additionally, Sony has implemented gesture controls, like shaking your head to answer or reject calls, and cupping your hand over the earcup to activate transparency mode.
While both systems are functional, the physical buttons and switches on the Nothing headphones may offer a better experience in situations where you need more precision or when your hands are wet or cold.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is a critical feature for many users, and both the Nothing Headphones 1 and the Sony WH-1000XM6 offer good ANC performance. The ANC on the Nothing headphones is solid but not quite at the level of Sony, Bose, or Apple’s AirPods Max. The Nothing headphones do a decent job of blocking out sounds like air conditioners and refrigerators, and they offer multiple levels of ANC in the app, including low, high, and adaptive modes.
Sony, as expected, offers a more advanced ANC experience. The headphones block out a broader range of sounds, including more disruptive noises, and they come with additional customization options through the app. Although both headphones perform well in terms of ANC, Sony remains the leader in this category.
When it comes to transparency, both headphones offer good performance. The Sony headphones feature a slider for adjusting transparency levels, while the Nothing headphones do not. However, the transparency on the Nothing headphones is still impressive, though users may notice a bit more wind noise due to the microphone placement on the headphones when used outdoors.
Microphone Test
The microphone quality is another important factor, especially if you plan to use the headphones for calls or virtual meetings. Both the Nothing Headphones 1 and the Sony WH-1000XM6 offer decent microphone performance, but the quality differs slightly depending on the environment.
In an indoor, ideal studio setting, both headphones performed well, but the Sony WH-1000XM6 provided a slightly clearer sound. Outside, the Nothing headphones struggled a bit more with wind noise, particularly in a busy traffic environment. In contrast, the Sony headphones handled ambient noise better, offering clearer voice capture.
Fit and Comfort
Comfort is an essential factor for long listening sessions, and both the Nothing and Sony headphones have their strengths. The Nothing Headphones 1 feature a strong clamping force, which may be ideal for those with smaller heads. However, the clamping pressure may cause discomfort for some users. The Sony WH-1000XM6 has a more flexible headband, which may feel looser on smaller heads but generally offers a more comfortable fit for a wider range of users.
The ear padding on the Sony headphones is softer, but both headphones perform similarly in terms of comfort during extended wear. The Nothing headphones feel a little heavier, but the overall fit and comfort depend on your personal preferences and head size.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is a crucial element when comparing any pair of headphones, and both the Nothing Headphones 1 and the Sony WH-1000XM6 offer great audio performance, though with notable differences.
The Nothing headphones, while good for a first effort, have some tuning issues. They sound somewhat nasal and boxy, with the lower mids (around 400-600 Hz) being a bit bloated. The bass is not as tight as it could be, and the sound lacks some articulation in the higher frequencies (1,000-6,000 Hz range). That said, the sound can be significantly improved with the app’s advanced EQ settings.
The Sony headphones, on the other hand, offer more clarity, with a slight emphasis on the highs and lows. The sound is crisp and punchy, but some users may find the bass a bit overpowering. Overall, Sony’s sound profile is more balanced compared to the Nothing headphones, but it’s still not perfectly natural. For enthusiasts who are accustomed to wired headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM6 is a solid choice.
Battery Life
Battery life is an important consideration for Bluetooth headphones, and here, the Nothing headphones have a clear advantage. The Nothing Headphones 1 offer 35 hours of playback with ANC on and up to 80 hours with ANC off. In comparison, the Sony WH-1000XM6 offers 30 hours with ANC on, which is still impressive but falls short of the Nothing headphones.
Features
Both the Nothing and Sony headphones come with a range of useful features. The Sony headphones have a more robust app with features like “Speak to Chat”, which automatically pauses music when you begin talking, and “Background Music”, which simulates the sound of a café or other background noise. They also have dynamic noise-canceling and support for various streaming services.
On the other hand, the Nothing headphones support USB Type-C audio playback, which is a huge win if you plan on using them with a laptop. They also have a customizable EQ, multipoint connectivity, and features specific to Nothing phones, such as voice notes and essential space.
Price
Price is another key differentiator. The Nothing Headphones 1 are priced at $299, while the Sony WH-1000XM6 are $449. While the Sony headphones come with more advanced features and superior performance in several categories, the Nothing headphones offer impressive value for money, especially considering their strong performance at a lower price point.
Article Summary
The Sony WH-1000XM6 clearly outperforms the Nothing Headphones 1 in many areas, including sound quality, ANC, and microphone performance, the Nothing headphones offer great value for their price. They excel in unique features such as physical controls and USB Type-C audio playback, which are not commonly found in other Bluetooth headphones. If you’re looking for a pair of headphones that deliver solid performance without breaking the bank, the Nothing Headphones 1 are a great choice. However, if you’re an audiophile or someone who values top-tier ANC and sound quality, the Sony WH-1000XM6 may be worth the extra investment.
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