Nothing Headphones: First Over-Ear Model Released

Nothing Introduces Headphone (1): A New Over-Ear Audio Experience

The smartphone manufacturer Nothing, headquartered in London, has unveiled its inaugural over-ear headphone model, designated the Headphone (1). This release represents the company’s continued expansion into the audio hardware sector, building upon the introduction of the Ear 2 open-ear headphones launched the previous year.

Collaboration with KEF and Distinctive Design

Development of the Headphone (1) involved a partnership with renowned British audio specialist KEF. The headphones showcase Nothing’s signature aesthetic – a sleek and transparent design that has become a hallmark of the brand.

While offering robust adaptive noise cancelling and transparency modes, the device exhibits a somewhat substantial size, even within the over-ear headphone category.

Enhanced Audio Features

The Headphone (1) incorporates adaptive bass enhancement, delivering a noticeable improvement across diverse musical genres. This feature dynamically adjusts the bass response to optimize the listening experience.

Furthermore, the headphones provide an immersive spatial audio experience. This technology creates a three-dimensional soundscape, and when combined with dynamic head tracking, results in a remarkably realistic audio presentation.

Innovative Controls and Comfort

A key design element is the implementation of tactile buttons. Rather than relying on touch sensors, Nothing opted for physical buttons to activate voice assistants or ChatGPT (via the Nothing X app). A volume roller allows for precise control and also functions as a multi-purpose button for playback and noise cancellation management.

The volume roller provides a distinctly satisfying tactile feedback with each adjustment.

During testing, the headphones were found to be slightly weighty and prone to shifting during active movements. However, they proved comfortable for extended listening sessions.

Battery Performance and Availability

Nothing asserts an impressive battery life for the Headphone (1), offering up to 80 hours of playback. With noise cancelling enabled, the battery life is rated at 35 hours. A quick charge capability is also included.

Pre-orders for the Headphone (1) will commence on July 4, 2025, in the U.S., U.K., and select other markets. The retail price is set at $299.