Nothing Headphone Review (1): Good price comes with good sound?

Nothing has built its reputation in the audio field and continues to expand with its first over-ear headphone model, the Nothing Headphone (1). This product offers impressive value in the $299 price segment, but the sound quality is not quite as good as expected, resulting in mixed reviews compared to the company's previous wireless headphone products.

Retro design and all-day comfort.

Nothing Headphone (1) boasts a unique design reminiscent of classic cassette tapes with its combination of square and rounded lines. While initially it may look odd, this design gradually gains favor and helps the product stand out from the crowd. The white version is particularly eye-catching, while the black version offers a more refined and understated look.

Although not using the most premium materials, the build quality of the headphones is very good. The glossy plastic casing and lightweight metal frame contribute significantly to comfort during extended wear. The memory foam ear cushions and headband are designed to distribute weight evenly, minimizing ear fatigue even during prolonged use, such as during a workday or a long flight.

Unique control system

The control system on the Headphone (1) is located entirely on the right earcup, offering a fresh approach. Instead of conventional buttons, users will interact with a power switch, a toggle switch for skipping songs, and a roller for adjusting volume or pausing/playing music. These buttons can be customized via the Nothing X app. However, the button to activate pairing mode is hidden inside the earcup, making it difficult to find initially.

Sound quality: Was the collaboration with KEF the right move?

Sound quality is the most controversial aspect of the Nothing Headphone (1). At default settings, the overall sound is quite good but lacks balance, tending to overemphasize the bass (lows). This detracts from the clarity and pleasantness that were characteristic of previous Nothing Ear headphone models.

This shift in sound direction may stem from a new collaboration with KEF, a renowned brand for high-end audio products. However, the adoption of a new sound signature seems to have caused the product to lose the familiar "charm" of Nothing.

Fortunately, users can significantly improve their listening experience by customizing the equalizer (EQ) in the Nothing X app. The app also allows sharing custom EQ settings via QR code, making it easy for the user community to find their own optimal sound configuration.

Smart features and impressive battery life.

The Nothing X app continues to be a highlight, with its intuitive interface and smooth operation. Users can easily switch between active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency mode, as well as adjust sound settings.

Regarding noise cancellation, Headphone (1) can handle noise up to 42db. The "Adaptive" mode works well in most environments, automatically adjusting the noise cancellation level. However, in noisy environments such as on an airplane, users need to switch to "High" mode for the best effect, although the performance is still not comparable to top competitors.

Battery life is one of the product's most outstanding advantages. Nothing claims the headphones can operate for 35 hours with ANC on and up to 80 hours with ANC off, significantly higher than industry standards. The fast charging technology is also very efficient, with just about 15 minutes of charging providing several hours of use.

Price level and market position

With a retail price of $299, Nothing Headphone (1) positions itself as a competitive option, significantly lower than rivals like Apple's AirPods Max or Sony's WH-1000XM6. Although the default sound quality is debatable, the product still meets many important criteria in this price range, from design and comfort to battery life.

Overall, Nothing Headphone (1) is a solid start in the over-ear headphone market. It's a high-value product, and with Nothing's history of continuous product improvement, users can certainly expect a more refined successor in the future.