Nothing Headphone 1 made their debut in India recently, launching alongside the much-anticipated Nothing Phone 3. The company simultaneously introduced the new products in several global regions. These over-ear headphones come equipped with active noise cancellation (ANC) and 40mm dynamic drivers, with their sound profile fine-tuned by renowned British audio specialist KEF. Nothing claims the headphones can deliver up to 80 hours of battery life per charge when streaming via the AAC codec, and around 54 hours when using LDAC. They work seamlessly with both Android and iOS platforms.
We spent some time testing the Headphone 1 — here’s our experience with them.
Nothing Headphone 1 design:
The Nothing Headphone 1 makes a bold impression with its unconventional, transparent design that aligns with the brand’s distinctive aesthetic. Departing from the standard rounded build of most over-ear models, these headphones embrace a cassette tape-inspired silhouette that’s sure to spark mixed reactions. The ear pads feature memory foam encased in PU leather, offering solid comfort over extended periods, although they tend to retain heat and cannot be replaced by users. The clamping pressure is well-balanced — firm enough to stay in place without causing discomfort.
In terms of wearability, the Nothing Headphone 1 scores high, thanks to its even weight distribution and generous padding on both the headband and ear cups.
Nothing Headphone 1 performance:
The Nothing Headphone 1 delivers a solid audio experience, driven by its 40mm dynamic drivers and KEF-tuned sound profile. The tuning leans toward a balanced soundstage, offering crisp highs, rich mids, and a punchy bass that doesn’t overpower vocals. Whether you’re listening to music, watching movies, or taking calls, the audio remains clear and immersive.
The 42dB active noise cancellation works effectively in reducing consistent background noise like fans, traffic, or office chatter. It’s not on par with flagship ANC headphones available in market, but it performs well for the price point. The transparency mode is responsive and allows outside sounds to pass through naturally, which is handy for quick conversations or staying alert on the go.
Overall, the Nothing Headphone 1 delivers impressive performance with good ANC, well-balanced sound, and tuning that will please most casual listeners and audio enthusiasts alike.
On the connectivity front, they support Bluetooth 5.3 and work with AAC, SBC, and LDAC codecs. The device also allows simultaneous connection to two devices and is compatible with Android 5.1 or later and iOS 13 or newer. Unlike many modern headsets that rely on touch controls, Nothing has chosen to integrate physical controls: a Roller for volume, a Paddle for media navigation, and a Button to toggle through ANC settings.
Nothing Headphone 1 battery:
The Nothing Headphone 1 is equipped with a 1,040mAh battery, which can reportedly be fully recharged in 2 hours using the USB Type-C port. For those who prefer wired listening, the headphones also include a 3.5mm audio input. In terms of quick charging, just five minutes of plug-in time is said to deliver up to five hours of playback, provided active noise cancellation (ANC) is turned off.
The Nothing Headphone 1 delivers an impressive full day playback time on a full charge when streaming AAC audio with ANC turned off. If you’re using the LDAC codec without noise cancellation, battery life is estimated at around 54 hours. When active noise cancellation is enabled, listening time drops slightly — with AAC, users can expect up to 35 hours, and with LDAC, about 30 hours of usage on a single charge.
Conclusion:
At Rs. 21,990, the Nothing Headphone 1 offers a compelling mix of bold design, strong audio performance, and reliable noise cancellation. It’s a well-rounded package for those seeking style and substance in their over-ear headphones. If you’re after something that looks different and sounds great, Nothing’s first headphone outing is well worth considering.
