The wait is over — Nothing has officially unveiled its first over-ear headphones, and they’re turning heads for all the right reasons. Dubbed Nothing Headphone 1, the design-first brand has once again stirred the tech space with a bold, unconventional aesthetic and a collaboration with British audio legends KEF. But this isn’t just a visual statement — there’s real substance behind the style.
Let’s break down what makes this new audio wearable a serious contender in the premium headphone market.
First Impressions: Nothing Headphone 1 Design
When leaks of the Nothing Headphone 1 surfaced online, the design immediately sparked conversation — and some controversy. But holding the real product in hand flips the script.
If one word could describe the design, it would be “risky” — in a good way. These headphones embrace Nothing’s signature transparent elements, offering a futuristic look combined with a retro, cassette-style vibe in the earcup chamber. Think AirPods Max meets sci-fi minimalism.
✔️ Build Quality: Lightweight, sleek, and comfortable
✔️ Materials: Premium aluminium and clear glass construction
✔️ Color Options: Available in Nothing’s classic Black and White
A standout feature is the roller volume control — a tactile wheel that feels intuitive and responsive, unlike clumsy touch gestures. There’s also a dedicated paddle button for track changes and a custom shortcut button (optimized for pairing with the upcoming Nothing Phone 3).
Performance: Sound Quality, Features & KEF’s Magic
Partnering with KEF — a respected name in audiophile circles — was a bold move, and it paid off. Backed by a 40mm dynamic driver and 8.9mm PU diaphragm, Nothing Headphone 1 delivers deep bass, clear mids, and crisp treble, tailored to meet the preferences of the Indian audience.
Key Audio Features:
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Highly effective in blocking background noise
- Transparency Mode: Needs more testing, but the snug fit already reduces external noise
- Head Tracking: Smart audio movement for immersive on-the-go listening
- No ANC? No Problem: Even without ANC enabled, the PU ring blocks much ambient noise
The sound tuning is clearly focused on balance and depth, not just loudness — giving users a refined, immersive audio experience.
Nothing X App: Customise Your Experience
The Nothing X app enhances the headphone experience by offering:
- Custom EQ settings
- Personalized controls
- Integration with Nothing ecosystem devices
Pairing the headphones with Nothing Phone 3 is expected to unlock additional features, including gesture-based controls and enhanced latency management.
Final Verdict: A Solid Start in the Over-Ear Segment
Nothing Headphone 1 is more than a fashion-forward accessory — it’s a thoughtfully engineered product aimed at disrupting the premium audio wearable market. With KEF’s tuning, a standout design, intuitive controls, and robust noise cancellation, this debut headset from Nothing is as much about performance as it is about identity.
If this is how Nothing begins its journey into the headphone segment, competitors should take note.
