The Nothing Headphone (1) marks the brand’s first foray into the over-ear category after focusing almost exclusively on earbuds. Launched in Malaysia for RM1,099, the headset is available in both White and Black colourways.
I’ve had the chance to test the device ahead of release, giving it ample time to burn in and for me to get familiar with all its features – both on-device and via the official Nothing X mobile companion app.
What Is It?
To quickly recap the launch, the Nothing Headphone (1) features a distinctive design built with a combination of aluminium, plastic, and rubber-like padding instead of the usual faux leather. It includes an adjustable headband for a more comfortable fit across various head sizes. In contrast to many modern headphones that rely on touch controls, the Headphone (1) uses physical inputs such as a volume roller, a multi-function playback paddle, and dedicated buttons for power, Bluetooth pairing, and voice assistant access – all housed on the right ear cup.
Internally, the headset is equipped with 40mm drivers and four microphones that enable both calling and active noise cancellation (ANC). The ANC system is powered by AI, allowing it to adapt in real time, with passthrough and sound customisation available through the Nothing X app. The Headphone (1) also supports Bluetooth 5.3 with dual device connectivity, includes a 3.5mm audio jack, and is rated IP52 for dust and water resistance. On a full charge, it offers up to 80 hours of battery life without ANC, or 35 hours with it turned on.
Is It Any Good?
As expected from Nothing, the Headphone (1) carries the brand’s signature transparency-led design, though, in this case, it’s mostly limited to a few plastic panels on the earcups. Compared to Nothing’s smartphones, it feels slightly less refined, but there’s a retro charm to it that still helps the device stand out in public. In fact, it did turn a few heads; I had two random (but cool) strangers ask me about the headphones while I was testing them after its global reveal.
The design also seemingly has taken cues from Apple’s AirPods Max, especially in the slim profile and aluminium earcup frames. Sandwiched between the transparent shell and the rubber-like foam pads, the build strikes a good balance between style and practicality. It’s not too bulky and fits well on most heads. There’s a bit of weight to it, and while the clamping force is noticeable during longer sessions, overall comfort is commendable thanks to generous padding on the band and earcups.
Perhaps my favourite part of the Headphone (1) is its physical control scheme. Compared to touch controls, these buttons feel more reliable and intuitive, though the sheer number of them might overwhelm some users at first. You get a voice assistant button on the outer frame, a roller for volume and ANC toggling, a track control paddle just beneath it, a power switch at the bottom, and a pairing button tucked on the inner side.
Audio-wise, Nothing’s first headphone outing is quite commendable. Tracks across various genres are well-presented, although I found the default sound profile underwhelming at first. Some tweaking via the Nothing X app or your own music player’s EQ settings is recommended, and it is also worth noting that LDAC support isn’t enabled out of the box.
Once properly tuned, the headset offers good clarity and a well-spaced soundstage, particularly when streaming lossless audio from Apple Music or Tidal. That said, vocals can occasionally sound a bit muffled depending on the track. Bass, on the other hand, is punchy and satisfying (especially from kick drums) and can be further enhanced using the app’s Bass Booster, which offers five levels of intensity. It doesn’t go skull-rattling, but the low end blends nicely with mids and highs on most tracks. Good examples include Virtual Insanity by Jamiroquai, Shock! by Sakanaction, and The Emptiness Machine by Linkin Park.
The headset’s battery life is another highlight. While I didn’t personally test the 80-hour claim with ANC off, I have been using the Headphone (1) daily for commuting over two weeks with ANC turned on, and it still hasn’t needed a recharge.
What’s The Catch?
While the controls are impressively responsive, powering on the headset isn’t quite as snappy. It takes about two seconds for the device to boot and pair after toggling the switch, which feels a bit sluggish.
Much like Nothing’s earbuds, ANC performance on the Headphone (1), unfortunately, falls short. Background noise still leaks in more often than I’d like, which is still acceptable for casual use, but definitely not for those seeking full isolation.
One strange omission is the lack of sound personalisation features, which are available on Nothing’s high-end Ear series. These allow users to build hearing-based profiles that optimise audio output, and their absence here feels like a missed opportunity.
Meanwhile, spatial audio support is present, but underwhelming. While it does improve immersion slightly, the feature tends to flatten out when handling busier mixes, such as orchestral pieces or live recordings. The muffled sounds didn’t help either.
And then there’s the carrying case. For a product that’s clearly aiming for style and a premium feel, Nothing really could’ve done better than felt – a material you could easily grab from an art store on the cheap.
Should I Buy It?
The Nothing Headphone (1) is a commendable first try with a few rough edges. While not flawless, it’s a strong contender in the mid-premium space and one I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend. Plus, its unique look stands out from most current-gen headsets in the market.
In my opinion, I’d say the Headphone (1) holds its own against the likes of Sony’s XM series in terms of audio quality. In other words, it is excellent for high-end music lovers, but falls short in meeting the standards of audiophiles. What does tip the scales in the device’s favour are its reliable physical controls and significantly more accessible RM1,099 price tag.
