Nothing Headphone A
The Nothing Headphone A are the company’s new affordable over‑ear headphones, offering 135 hours of battery life (ANC off), adaptive ANC, LDAC support, and a more colorful, expressive design. They’re positioned as a cheaper alternative to the Headphone (1) while keeping Nothing’s signature transparent aesthetic.
Jumoka Cobbs 
Nothing Headphone A Review Score
Mixed reviews - 9 reviewers had varied opinions
9
Reviews
90.0
Highest
70.0
Lowest
🏆 How it ranks
⚙️ Product Specifications
Battery
Up to135hrs
Bluetooth
5.4
Water Resistant
IP52
Review Sources:
| Publication | Score (100) | Review Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gizmodo | Mar 5, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"The Headphone A may be $100 less than the Headphone 1, but there are some compromises to consider. The answer in this case? Frustratingly, yes and no. The Headphone A are a solid pair of over-ear wireless headphones with great battery life, but they " | |||
| T3 | Mar 5, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"Nothing has delivered plenty in the Headphone (a). It's kept the same 40mm driver that it uses in the Headphone (1), to start with, which is a great jumping-off point. That means that you get pretty much the same warmth, precision and zestiness that " | |||
| Trusted Reviews | Mar 5, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"The Nothing Headphone (a) keeps the same design ethos as its pricier sibling, but adds additional options with a splash of colour. They're super affordable, packed with useful features, they sound great, the controls are brilliant, and they have mons" | |||
| PCMag | Jul 1, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The Nothing Headphone (1) stands out in a crowded market with a distinctive design, customizable controls, and good noise cancellation, but getting the best sound quality requires some work on your part." | |||
| Creativebloq | Mar 5, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"By trading KEF-tuned gravitas for brighter design, a huge battery life, and punchy, confident sound, the Nothing Headphone (a) are a cheaper, extroverted everyday pair that keeps Nothing's spirit, even if some magic fades." | |||
| TechRadar | Mar 5, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"The Nothing Headphone (a) nail it in nearly every way. Impactful and well-balanced sound, good active noise cancellation, the best on-ear controls and battery life available today, an excellent and truly useful app, and the design will be less divisi" | |||
| Tom's Guide | Mar 22, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"The Nothing Headphone (a) are some of the most exciting new headphones on the market right now. I'm so sick of audio brands making boring — sorry, “discreet” — headphones that look like every other pair of over-ears. I respect" | |||
| Stuff | Mar 5, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"Most of the Headphone (1) experience for half the cash. Nothing’s distinctive design remains intact and Headphone (a) also pushes battery life further than ever." | |||
| The Verge | Mar 5, 2026 | Read Review → | |
"The Headphone A keep the shape and style of Nothing’s over-ear design, but with an opaque instead of transparent case. The default Balanced sound profile is a bit too sibilant and sizzly in the upper registers, and the bass is heavy for my taste. Cym" | |||
| * Price represents starting price. Price can increase based on product options and selection. | |||
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🤓 Nerd Verdict
Updated: March 23, 2026
The Nothing Headphone A is a solid option for those who value unique design and reasonable battery life, but it may not be the best choice for audiophiles or those who prioritize sound quality over aesthetics.
✅ Strengths
- The Headphone A offers an impressive 135 hours of battery life, which is a significant advantage over many competitors. Multiple publications, including Tom's Guide and The Verge, agree on this point. The unique, modern design is another strong point, as it stands out from the crowd and makes a statement. The tactile controls are intuitive and well-implemented, providing a good user experience.
⚠️ Weaknesses
- The sound quality is a notable weakness, with some reviewers finding the soundstage too flat and muddy, particularly in heavier genres. The bass is also described as both lackluster and confused. While not universally agreed upon, these issues could be deal-breakers for audiophiles. Call quality is another area where the Headphone A falls short, with compressed audio during calls.
💡 Bottom Line
While the Headphone A is a compelling choice for those who prioritize design and battery life, the sound quality and call quality issues make it less suitable for audiophiles or frequent callers. For most users, the $199 price tag is reasonable given the battery life, but potential buyers should consider whether the design and controls are enough to justify the cost. Those looking for a more balanced audio experience may want to consider other options in this price range.
