Nothing Headphones Review: Are They Worth Your Money in 2025?

Nothing has launched its first over-ear headphones at $299, positioning them against established premium audio brands while undercutting their typical pricing by several hundred dollars. The Nothing Headphone (1) enters a market dominated by Sony, Bose, and Sennheiser with specifications that match flagship models at a fraction of the cost.

The headphones arrive alongside Nothing's Phone 3 smartphone, expanding the company's product ecosystem beyond its established earbuds range. Battery performance represents the standout specification: up to 35 hours with active noise cancelation activated and 80 hours without it[-2]. These figures exceed most premium competitors currently available.

Nothing's signature transparent design carries over to these over-ear headphones, maintaining the aesthetic identity that distinguishes the brand's products. Early testing suggests noise cancelation performance rivals industry leaders, though comprehensive evaluation remains necessary to verify these claims.

This review examines whether Nothing's first over-ear headphones justify their positioning against more expensive alternatives. The analysis covers design execution, audio performance, noise cancelation effectiveness, and battery life to determine their value proposition for potential buyers in 2025.

Design and Build Quality

Image Source: Android Faithful

Square-shaped ear cups distinguish the Nothing Headphone (1) from conventional round designs found across the premium headphone market. This geometric approach represents a deliberate departure from established form factors.

Transparent aesthetic and materials used

Nothing's transparent design philosophy extends to the Headphone (1) through strategically positioned cutouts that reveal internal components. The see-through elements create visual depth that shifts with different lighting conditions, establishing the brand's signature aesthetic across its product range.

The construction combines transparent panels with precision-formed aluminum at structural stress points. This material pairing balances visual impact with structural integrity. Several reviewers have compared the overall appearance to cassette tapes, noting how the design manages to evoke both nostalgic and contemporary associations.

Black and white color options maintain a restrained palette that emphasizes the transparent elements without creating excessive visual noise. The integration of PU memory foam provides textural contrast through its matte finish against glossy transparent sections. This material combination prevents the design from appearing overly clinical while maintaining the brand's distinctive visual identity.

Comfort and weight compared to competitors

Weight distribution affects extended wearing comfort significantly. At 329 grams, the Nothing Headphone (1) positions between the AirPods Max (385g) and Sony WH-[1000XM6](https://www.techwisehub.com/blog/sony-wh-1000xm6-review-what-30-days-of-real-testing-revealed-(2025) (254g). The headband design distributes this weight evenly, avoiding the front-heavy sensation that can develop with driver-heavy configurations.

Memory foam ear cushions adapt to different head shapes while maintaining acoustic sealing. User experiences vary considerably – some report initial tightness that may cause discomfort during extended sessions. Others prefer the secure fit, particularly given that the headphones have passed multiple skin sensitivity evaluations.

The telescopic adjustment mechanism operates silently, eliminating the clicks and squeaks common in competing models. This detail reflects attention to user experience elements that affect daily operation.

Durability and portability

Reliability testing has been extensive for the Headphone (1). Over 50 rigorous reliability assessments included drop tests, twist evaluations, sweat resistance, and extreme temperature exposure. The nickel-plated diaphragm and reinforced internal structures support consistent performance across extended use periods.

An IP52 rating provides dust and water resistance – unusual for premium over-ear headphones. This protection addresses moisture ingress and particle contamination that frequently cause premature component failure.

Portability involves trade-offs with the design approach. The headphones fold flat but do not compress for storage. A softshell carrying case includes thumb-indented design and cable storage. The square ear cup geometry occasionally creates contact when worn around the neck, potentially causing cosmetic wear over time.

The design establishes a clear visual identity while incorporating durability measures appropriate for daily use conditions.

Controls and App Features

The Nothing Headphone (1) employs physical buttons rather than touch-sensitive controls, a design choice that reflects practical considerations over contemporary trends.

Physical buttons vs touch controls

Nothing selected physical button controls for the Headphone (1), following the approach used by premium competitors like Apple's AirPods Max. This decision prioritizes functionality over appearance - physical buttons remain accessible by touch alone, provide tactile feedback, and function reliably in wet conditions or when wearing gloves.

Physical controls eliminate common frustrations associated with touch interfaces, including accidental activations and the need to memorize gesture patterns. One reviewer noted the fundamental appeal of this approach: "There will always remain something far better about a clicking button than swiping your finger over a touch pad — it's human nature". The choice suggests recognition among manufacturers that touch controls, while visually sleeker, often compromise daily usability.

Customizable functions in the Nothing X app

The Nothing X app serves as the primary interface for customizing headphone functions beyond basic hardware controls. Available for both iOS and Android devices, the app recently received a complete redesign with a more intuitive layout that improves accessibility to key features.

The app provides access to several core functions:

• Firmware updates for performance improvements and new features

• Active noise cancelation mode adjustments

• Equalizer settings including presets and custom configurations

• Find My Earbud location feature

Users can customize button functions through the app, mapping specific actions to different control interactions. Battery monitoring displays remaining usage time for both headphones and charging case.

Nothing Phone users running Nothing OS 1.5.6 and later versions can access many customization options directly through Bluetooth settings, eliminating the separate app requirement. This integration demonstrates Nothing's ecosystem approach as the company expands its product range.

Bluetooth pairing and multipoint support

Initial setup requires standard Bluetooth pairing - activating Bluetooth, pressing the headphone pairing button, then selecting the device from available connections. iOS users may see two listing options: "Nothing Ear" for audio functions and "Nothing X app" for customization access.

The headphones support multipoint connectivity, branded as "Dual Connection," allowing simultaneous connection to two devices such as a phone and laptop. While transitions between devices take approximately five seconds rather than being instantaneous, this proves valuable for users managing multiple audio sources.

The system prioritizes active audio sources - incoming calls automatically transfer from connected devices playing music. Users with multiple Nothing products can manage all devices through the single Nothing X app, creating unified control as the brand's ecosystem develops.

Sound Quality and Audio Features

Image Source: Reddit

The Nothing Headphone (1) arrives with audio tuning that demands adjustment to reach its potential. Initial listening reveals clear limitations in the default sound signature that require user intervention.

Out-of-the-box sound profile

The 40mm drivers feature nickel-plated diaphragms that produce clean output with minimal distortion at high volumes. However, the factory tuning presents a darker sound signature than Nothing's earbuds, with bass frequencies receiving excessive emphasis. This imbalance often buries vocal elements in the mix due to insufficient mid and treble presence.

Rock and pop genres benefit somewhat from this bass-forward approach, yet audiophiles seeking detailed high-frequency reproduction will find the default tuning inadequate. The powerful low-end lacks the precision expected at this price point, creating a somewhat muddy presentation across complex musical passages.

EQ customization and presets

The Nothing X app provides correction tools for these tuning issues. Users can select basic three-band adjustment or access an advanced 8-band equalizer with frequency and Q factor control for each band. Four presets (Balanced, More Bass, More Treble, Voice) offer starting points, though these prove insufficient for addressing the fundamental tuning problems.

Custom EQ profiles become necessary for optimal performance. The app includes a sharing feature that generates QR codes for user-created settings, allowing Nothing owners to exchange preferred configurations. This community aspect partially compensates for the inadequate factory tuning.

Spatial audio and head tracking

Spatial audio processing converts stereo content into three-dimensional sound fields. Head-tracking sensors detect movement and adjust audio positioning accordingly, maintaining the impression that sound sources remain stationary as the listener moves.

The feature performs better with movies and games than music, where it can unpredictably alter the original mix. Many users disable this function for music listening to preserve artistic intent.

Bass enhancement and codec support

A separate bass enhancement algorithm operates independently from the equalizer, detecting low frequencies and boosting them across five intensity levels. The headphones support LDAC codec for high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/96kHz on Android devices, plus AAC for iOS and standard SBC. Wired connections via 3.5mm jack and USB-C provide maximum fidelity options.

These technical capabilities cannot overcome the fundamental tuning issues that require extensive user adjustment to achieve satisfactory audio performance.

Noise Cancelation and Call Performance

The Nothing Headphone (1) provides multiple approaches to environmental noise control, addressing different listening scenarios through various modes and settings.

Adaptive ANC modes and effectiveness

Three manual strength settings (Low, Medium, and High) combine with an Adaptive mode that monitors surroundings automatically. The AI-powered system samples environmental noise every 600 milliseconds to adjust noise reduction accordingly. Direct comparisons place the headphones' blocking capability alongside the Sony WH-1000XM5, though newer premium models like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Sony WH-1000XM6 edge ahead slightly.

Maximum ANC settings reduce sounds across the full frequency spectrum without degrading audio quality. Testing in domestic environments shows particular effectiveness against appliance noise, fan hum, and running water. Measurements indicate 85% average attenuation across sound samples.

Transparency mode quality

The transparency function permits natural outside sound transmission for conversations and environmental awareness. User testing confirms the mode performs well for hearing nearby speech, despite occasional emphasis of higher-frequency sounds such as paper rustling.

Mode switching includes distinctive audio cues - transparency activation produces what users describe as a "haaa" sound, resembling someone exhaling after breath-holding. This quirky touch adds character to the interface.

Microphone setup and voice clarity during calls

Four microphones work with AI-powered Clear Voice Technology to manage call audio. The system suppresses background interference including wind, mechanical hums, and echo effects. Call clarity remains strong for both conversation participants.

Users report superior call performance compared to typical earbuds. However, limitations exist - voices can sound metallic in certain applications, and the microphones struggle with echo and reverberation in acoustically hard environments.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery endurance emerges as the Nothing Headphone (1)'s most compelling advantage over established premium competitors.

Battery performance with and without ANC

The headphones deliver 35 hours of continuous playback with active noise cancelation enabled. Disable ANC, and usage time extends to 80 hours - substantially longer than most flagship models currently available.

Independent testing often surpasses manufacturer specifications. One evaluation recorded 42 hours and 53 minutes with ANC active, exceeding Nothing's official 35-hour claim. The discrepancy appears linked to testing conditions - Nothing's published figures assume 50% volume levels, while many evaluations use lower volumes around 38%.

Call performance adjusts accordingly. ANC-enabled talk time reaches approximately 37 hours, extending to 54 hours without noise cancelation.

Fast charging capabilities

Quick charging provides substantial usage from minimal connection time. A 5-minute charge delivers 5 hours of listening with ANC disabled. With noise cancelation active, the same charging period provides 2.4 hours of continuous use.

These capabilities exceed several premium alternatives. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra requires 15 minutes of charging to achieve 2.5 hours of playback - three times the charging duration for comparable usage.

Comparison with Sony XM5 and AirPods Max

Direct comparisons reveal significant advantages for the Nothing headphones. The Sony WH-1000XM5 matches the 35-hour ANC performance but provides only 40 hours without noise cancelation compared to Nothing's 80-hour rating.

The AirPods Max manages approximately 20 hours with ANC enabled - less than half the tested performance of the Nothing Headphone (1). Apple's model also exhibits battery drain when not stored in its Smart Case, an issue absent from the Nothing headphones.

The Nothing Headphone (1)'s fast charging further distinguishes it from Apple's more limited quick-charge capabilities, establishing clear superiority in battery performance among premium headphones.

Conclusion

Testing reveals the Nothing Headphone (1) delivers on its core proposition of flagship features at a reduced price point. The transparent design aesthetic successfully differentiates these headphones from conventional competitors while maintaining structural integrity through rigorous durability testing.

Audio performance requires initial adjustment through the companion app to overcome the bass-heavy default tuning. Once optimized, sound quality matches expectations for this price category. The noise cancelation system performs comparably to established models like the Sony WH-1000XM5, though newer premium offerings maintain a slight advantage.

Battery endurance represents the most significant competitive advantage. Independent testing confirmed performance exceeding manufacturer specifications, with usage times that substantially outlast premium alternatives from Sony and Apple. Fast-charging capabilities further distinguish the product from higher-priced competitors.

Build quality demonstrates Nothing's commitment to durability standards typically associated with established audio brands. The IP52 rating and extensive reliability testing suggest these headphones can withstand typical daily use patterns.

The headphones succeed in their stated goal of bringing premium features to a lower price point. Audio enthusiasts seeking the latest noise cancelation technology might find newer flagship models more suitable. However, the combination of distinctive design, solid performance, and exceptional battery life positions these headphones competitively within the current market landscape.

Nothing's first over-ear headphones establish the company as a credible alternative to traditional premium audio brands while maintaining the design philosophy that distinguishes their product ecosystem.

Key Takeaways

The Nothing Headphone (1) challenges premium audio brands by delivering flagship features at just $299, making high-end performance more accessible to everyday users.

• Exceptional battery life dominates competitors - 35 hours with ANC enabled and 80 hours without, plus 5-minute charging provides 5 hours of playback time.

• Sound quality requires customization but rewards effort - Default tuning emphasizes bass too much, but the 8-band equalizer unlocks impressive audio performance.

• Distinctive transparent design sets them apart - Square ear cups with see-through elements create a unique esthetic that blends retro and futuristic appeal.

• Noise cancelation matches older flagships - ANC performance rivals Sony WH-1000XM5 while falling slightly behind newest premium models like Bose QuietComfort Ultra.

• Physical controls beat touch interfaces - Tactile buttons provide reliable operation in all conditions, eliminating frustrations of accidental touch activations.

For most listeners seeking premium features without premium pricing, the Nothing Headphone (1) represents exceptional value in 2025's competitive headphone market.

FAQs

Q1. How does the battery life of Nothing Headphones compare to other premium models? Nothing Headphones offer exceptional battery life, with up to 35 hours of playback with ANC enabled and 80 hours without. This surpasses many premium competitors, including Sony and Apple models, making them ideal for long-term use without frequent charging.

Q2. What makes the design of Nothing Headphones unique? Nothing Headphones feature a distinctive transparent design with square-shaped ear cups, revealing glimpses of internal components. This esthetic blends retro influences with futuristic appeal, setting them apart from conventional headphone designs.

Q3. How effective is the noise cancelation on Nothing Headphones? The noise cancelation on Nothing Headphones is highly effective, rivaling older flagship models like the Sony WH-1000XM5. It offers multiple strength settings and an adaptive mode that automatically adjusts to your surroundings, providing optimal noise reduction in various environments.

Q4. Can the sound quality of Nothing Headphones be customized? Yes, the sound quality can be extensively customized using the Nothing X app. It offers a robust 8-band equalizer with adjustable frequency and Q factor for each band, allowing users to fine-tune the audio profile to their preferences and overcome the default bass-heavy tuning.

Q5. Are Nothing Headphones worth their price in 2025? For most listeners, Nothing Headphones offer excellent value at $299. They provide premium features like high-quality sound, effective noise cancelation, and exceptional battery life at a significantly lower price point than many competitors, making them a worthy consideration in the 2025 headphone market.