Nothing Headphone (1) Review: Transparency Meets High-Fidelity Audio
Nothing Headphone (1): A New Window into Sound
After conquering the earbud market with the Ear (1), (2), and (a), Carl Pei’s Nothing has finally unveiled its most ambitious audio product yet: the Nothing Headphone (1). These over-ear, noise-canceling headphones are designed to challenge the dominance of the Sony XM5 and Bose Ultra by offering a unique “inside-out” design and a pure, uncolored sound signature. With the iconic Glyph interface making its way to the earcups, the Headphone (1) isn’t just about listening—it’s about making a statement.
Key Specifications (2025 Edition)
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Feature 3365_a1e279-5a> |
Details 3365_821f88-ed> |
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Design 3365_1eb0e0-7c> |
Over-ear, Semi-transparent with Glyph Interface 3365_62c61d-75> |
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Driver 3365_c29757-84> |
Custom 40mm Dynamic Driver (Ceramic diaphragm) 3365_3d4864-f8> |
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Noise Control 3365_dbe000-fe> |
Advanced Hybrid ANC (Up to 45dB) 3365_5f95d4-f6> |
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Battery Life 3365_9d520e-3d> |
60 Hours (ANC Off) / 40 Hours (ANC On) 3365_0f8dc8-00> |
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Connectivity 3365_118ebd-7e> |
Bluetooth 5.4, Hi-Res LDAC support, Wired (3.5mm) 3365_b45763-a8> |
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Microphones 3365_6a9534-78> |
6-mic system with Clear Voice Technology 3365_10aa68-2e> |
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Charging 3365_b8b37e-92> |
USB-C (Fast Charge: 10 mins = 10 hours playback) 3365_45255b-42> |
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Special Features 3365_0dbc58-33> |
ChatGPT Integration, Glyph Progress Bars 3365_9b5e04-e1> |
In-Depth Analysis: The Nothing Experience
1. Design: The “Nothing” DNA
The Headphone (1) features a semi-transparent outer shell on the earcups, revealing the internal microphones and copper wiring. The headband uses a mix of sustainable fabric and memory foam for long-term comfort. The Glyph Interface on the right earcup acts as a visual volume indicator and can also show the charging progress or if you have an incoming call.
2. Audio: Neutral and Precise
Nothing has tuned these headphones for “True Sound.” Unlike many competitors that boost the bass heavily, the Headphone (1) offers a very balanced soundstage. Using the Nothing X app, you can create a Personalized Sound Profile based on a hearing test, ensuring the audio is tailored specifically to your ears.
3. Smart AI Features
True to Nothing’s 2025 vision, the Headphone (1) features Integrated ChatGPT. By long-pressing the earcup, you can talk directly to the AI assistant (requires a Nothing Phone) to summarize emails, translate languages, or brainstorm ideas—all without touching your phone.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unique Aesthetic: The most stylish and recognizable headphones on the market.
- Incredible Battery Life: 60 hours puts it near the top of its class.
- Lightweight Comfort: Designed for 8-hour workdays without “ear fatigue.”
- Clean Software: The Nothing X app is beautiful, fast, and bloat-free.
Cons:
- Transparent Plastic: While tough, it is more prone to visible fingerprints and micro-scratches.
- ANC vs. Sony: The noise cancellation is excellent, but Sony and Bose still have a slight edge in total silence.
- Ecosystem Locked: Some AI features require a Nothing smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Are these foldable?
Yes, the Headphone (1) features a fold-flat design and comes with a premium transparent hardshell carrying case. - Can I use them for gaming?
Yes, they feature a Low Lag Mode (under 50ms) when paired with Nothing phones, making them great for casual gaming. - Do they support wired listening?
Yes, they include a 3.5mm jack for lossless wired audio, which is a rare but welcome feature in 2025. - How does the Glyph light work?
The lights can be customized or turned off completely in the app to save battery.
Our Verdict
The Nothing Headphone (1) is a breath of fresh air in a market filled with boring grey and black plastic. It is the perfect choice for the creative professional or the tech enthusiast who wants high-fidelity sound, a 60-hour battery, and a design that stands out. While the ANC isn’t the absolute best in the world, the overall package of style, sound, and AI integration makes it the most exciting audio product of the year.

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