London-based smartphone maker Nothing has launched its first over-the-ear headphones, the Headphone (1). The new device follows Nothing’s first step into audio hardware with last year’s debut of the Ear 2 open-ear headphones.
The new Headphone (1) headphones were designed in collaboration with British audio brand KEF and feature the sleek, transparent design that Nothing has become known for. The device itself is a bit bulky, even for an over-the-ear headphone, but it provides adequate adaptive noise cancelling and transparent modes.
This model also offers adaptive bass enhancement, which came across when listening to a variety of music genres.
In addition, the headphones offer immersive spatial audio. This creates a 3-D listening experience that, paired with the dynamic head tracking, creates a more lifelike audio experience.
A highlight is the tactile buttons. Nothing stepped away from sensors in favor of a simple button to trigger your AI assistant or ChatGPT, if you have the Nothing X app, and a volume roller that can also be pressed to play, pause, and turn on and off noise canceling.
Plus, the roller has a very satisfying click when you turn it up or down.
The headphones were a bit heavy and tended to slide around while wearing them to do some household chores, but were otherwise perfectly comfortable for a long wear time.
The company claims a long battery life with up to 80 hours of listening, 35 hours if you have noise cancelling turned on, and a quick charge time.
The Headphone (1) will be available for preorder in the U.S., U.K., and elsewhere starting on July 4, 2025, for $299.
