Nothing’s back, and this time, it’s all about big sound. The company that gave us transparent earbuds and striking smartphones is finally diving into the world of over-ear headphones. Meet the Nothing Headphone 1.
If you’ve seen Nothing’s previous gear, you’ll know they don’t do boring. And these headphones? They follow the same rule. But design isn’t the only thing that stands out here. Nothing has teamed up with British audio expert KEF to bring the sound quality up to a whole new level.
Bold Design
Yes, the transparent earcups are still here. But this time, the design feels bolder, kind of retro, kind of futuristic, and definitely unlike any other headphones on the shelf. You can get them in black or white, though they look more like dark grey and silver in person.
Instead of touch controls, Nothing went with real, physical buttons. There’s a roller for volume, a paddle for playback, and a programmable button that you can assign to toggle ANC, switch apps, or activate a voice assistant. It’s tactile, quick, and refreshingly low-tech in the best way.
Sound by KEF: Big Drivers, Clear Detail
Inside the Headphone 1, you’ll find 40mm custom-tuned dynamic drivers, co-developed with KEF. These are tuned for detail — deep bass, clean mids, and treble that doesn’t feel harsh. It’s not all just branding; KEF’s signature sound character actually comes through here.
Want to tweak the sound? Open up the Nothing X app and play around with the eight-band EQ. There’s also a Bass Enhancer if you want that extra low-end thump. No need to settle for a preset.
Hybrid Noise Cancellation
The hybrid ANC setup here is more than just a checkbox feature. With six microphones, including both feed-forward and feedback setups, the system can reduce outside noise by up to 42dB — solid performance in this price range.
There’s also a Transparency mode for when you need to hear the world again, and spatial audio with head tracking if you’re using a compatible device. The experience feels immersive without being gimmicky.
Battery
Let’s talk numbers: up to 80 hours of listening without ANC. With ANC on, it’s still impressive up to 35 hours. And if you’re low on power, a five-minute quick charge gets you around 2.4 hours of ANC listening. That’s perfect if you’re running out the door.
Charging happens via USB-C, and there’s a 3.5mm jack for wired listening — a rare treat in 2025.
Smart Features
The Headphone 1 comes with Bluetooth 5.3, dual-device pairing, and support for LDAC, AAC, and SBC. It connects fast using Google Fast Pair or Microsoft Swift Pair, and wear detection pauses your music when you take them off.
The Nothing X app also includes:
- Multi-point connection toggle
- Spatial audio settings
- Adjustable noise cancellation levels
- Bass boost
- Custom EQ
- And the new “Channel Hop” feature, which quickly flips between your favorite playlists or audio apps
It’s all done without needing to dig through menus. Just assign the shortcut to the customizable button and go.
Comfort for All-Day Listening
The earpads are made with memory foam wrapped in vegan leather, shaped to mold gently to your head. At 329 grams, they’re light enough for long flights, commutes, or deep focus sessions.
And with an IP52 rating, they’re protected from dust and the occasional splash. No, you can’t wear them in the rainstorm, but they’ll survive a coffee spill or light drizzle.
Nothing Headphone 1 Specs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Driver Size | 40mm dynamic (KEF-tuned) |
| Noise Cancellation | Hybrid ANC (up to 42dB), 6 microphones |
| Audio Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Battery Life | Up to 80 hours (ANC off), 35h (ANC on) |
| Fast Charging | 5 mins = 2.4 hrs playback |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, dual pairing |
| Wired Option | 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Charging Port | USB-C |
| Water Resistance | IP52 |
| Smart Features | Spatial audio, wear detection, EQ, multipoint |
| Weight | 329g |
| Colors | Black, White |
Price and Availability
The Nothing Headphone 1 will be available starting July 15, 2025 at nothing.tech and major retailers.
| Region | Price |
|---|---|
| USA | $299 |
| UK | £299 |
| Europe | €299 |
| India | ₹21,999 |
| Australia | AU$549 |
Pre-orders go live July 4 in most regions.
Final Thoughts
Nothing has delivered something bold, but also smart. The Headphone (1) offers detailed sound, real noise-canceling performance, clever controls, and a battery that won’t quit halfway through your week.
It may not have the brand power of Sony or Bose yet, but it’s clear Nothing’s aiming for that tier. And with KEF in the mix, they’ve taken a serious step toward it.
Want style, great battery, and real audio chops for under $300? These might be your next headphones.
