Nothing Headphone 1
Nothing Headphone (1) are stylish over‑ear wireless headphones launched in July 2025, co‑developed with KEF, offering up to 80 hours of battery life, adaptive ANC up to 42 dB, and IP52 water resistance.
Jumoka Cobbs 
Nothing Headphone 1 Review Score
9 out of 9 reviewers highly recommend this product
9
Reviews
91.0
Highest
70.0
Lowest
Battery
Up to 80hrs
Noise Cancelling
Yes
Bluetooth
5.3
Water Resistant
IP52
Review Sources:
| Publication | Score (100) | Review Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android Central | Jul 2, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"Despite the loud design language, Nothing Headphone 1 is fairly compact and comfortable, offering a unique design, competitive feature set, and an enticing value proposition. The experience feels decidedly premium, and comfort is top-notch. However, " | |||
| Soundguys | Nov 28, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The Nothing Headphones (1) provide a unique design and satisfying sound quality, making them a worthwhile purchase for those seeking something different in the audio market." | |||
| Markellisreviews | Nov 28, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The Nothing Headphones (1) offers solid noise-cancelling, a comfortable fit, and great sound quality, but whether you buy them depends on your reaction to the striking design." | |||
| Wired | Nov 28, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The Nothing Headphone (1) offers stylish design, excellent functionality, and nearly top-tier performance at a competitive price, making it a standout choice in the market." | |||
| CNET | Nov 28, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"While the Nothing Headphone (1) offers a unique design and solid performance, it doesn't fully compete with the best in the market but still represents a better value compared to higher-priced alternatives like the Apple AirPods Max." | |||
| Recordingnow | Nov 28, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The Nothing Headphone 1 offers excellent sound quality, advanced EQ capabilities, and great value for money, making it a strong contender in the headphone market." | |||
| The Guardian | Nov 28, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The unconventional design has a rather more conventional price, costing £299 and landing the Headphone 1 in competition with the very best noise-cancelling headphones from Bose, Sony, Sennheiser and myriad others." | |||
| Android Authority | Jul 1, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The Nothing Headphone 1 offer a unique design and future-proof features for a reasonable price." | |||
| The Verge | Jul 1, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The Nothing Headphone 1 offers good sound and noise cancellation but has some design issues." | |||
| * Price represents starting price. Price can increase based on product options and selection. | |||
🤓 Nerd Verdict
Updated: December 21, 2025
The Nothing Headphone 1 offers unique design features and advanced technology, but the fit and overall comfort are less than ideal for many users. Given its high price point, it may not be worth buying unless you appreciate the retro aesthetic and need robust noise cancellation.
✅ Strengths
- Unique, vintage-styled design with a transparent housing that sets it apart from competitors.
- Excellent noise canceling, as highlighted by both Android Authority and The Verge.
- Built-in spatial features and 8-band custom EQ for enhanced audio quality.
- IP52 rating provides some water resistance, making them more versatile than many other high-end headphones.
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Tight clamping force and minimal headband padding can be uncomfortable for those with larger heads or ears.
- Hinges don't fold flat, which is inconvenient when storing or carrying the headphones.
- Heavier than competitors like Bose QuietComfort 35 II, which could impact portability for some users.
💡 Bottom Line
While the Nothing Headphone 1 excels in noise cancellation and offers unique design features, its fit and comfort issues may deter many potential buyers. If you prioritize a bold aesthetic and cutting-edge technology but can handle the tight fit and weight, these headphones might be worth considering despite their $299 price tag.
