Nothing Headphone (1) Review: Bold Design Meets KEF-Tuned Audio
Imagine this: you step outside, new headphones on, feeling the music. But then, a kid points at you and, using some... colorful language, says you look like a Cyberman from Doctor Who. This isn’t a hypothetical; it’s a real story that perfectly captures the essence of the Nothing Headphone (1). This is a product designed to be seen, to be talked about, and to stand out from a sea of sameness. But does the performance live up to its audacious design? Let's dive in.
What's Inside This Review:
Design & Build: "Completely Bat-Mental"
Let's not beat around the bush. The design of the Headphone (1) is its main event. Following Nothing's established philosophy, the headphones feature a transparent, industrial look with boxy, square earcups. It's a deliberate strategy to be different in a market full of sleek, often generic, curves. They are meant to be noticed, and as our opening story shows, they certainly are. Reviewers have described them as "eye-catching," "distinctive," and even, my personal favorite, "completely bat-mental."
Key design elements include:
- A bold red indicator on the right earcup for easy orientation.
- A choice of white or black finishes.
- Thankfully, no flashy, distracting LEDs. You won't look like a walking disco.
While the finish is mostly plastic, it doesn't feel cheap. The headphones are described as "reasonably rigid," with plenty of strength in the headband. This plastic construction also keeps them lightweight, which is a crucial factor for comfort.
Comfort, Portability, and a Rattling Quirk
Comfort and Portability
For all their unique looks, headphones are useless if they're uncomfortable. Fortunately, the Headphone (1) delivers. With generous padding around the earcups, they are comfy to wear even for long sessions of work, commuting, or gaming. The headband has slightly less padding than some rivals, but it's well-balanced and doesn't create pressure points.
For travel, they don't fold into a compact ball like some headphones. However, the earcups rotate 90 degrees to lie flat, making them easy to slip into the included case or drape comfortably around your neck. The case itself is a sizable but "pretty skinny" square with a fuzzy felt exterior that's both protective and pleasant to touch.
The Rattling Quirk
Here's where the design-forward approach hits a snag. When wearing the headphones flat around your neck, the square plastic earcups knock against each other, creating a constant, annoying rattling sound as you move. Worse, this isn't just an acoustic issue. After just a couple of weeks, this rattling can cause visible wear and tear on the corners of the earcups. It's a perfect example of a design choice creating an unexpected durability issue in a common use case.
Audio Quality: The KEF Touch
Inside, 40mm drivers power the sound, but the big news is that the audio has been tuned by British hi-fi legends, KEF. This collaboration, along with support for high-resolution codecs like LDAC, sets high expectations.
However, the default sound profile out of the box is described as rather "flat and unexciting." For an audio purist, "flat" can mean accurate and neutral. But for many listeners enjoying genres like hip-hop or rock, it can lack punch and feel weak. The bass doesn't boom, and the highs don't sparkle.
The Nothing X App is Your Best Friend
This is where the Nothing X app becomes essential. It’s the key to unlocking the headphones' potential. It offers:
- Simple EQ: Basic sliders for Bass, Mid, and Treble.
- Advanced EQ: A powerful 8-point equalizer for fine-grained control over the sound frequencies.
- Bass Enhance Feature: A multi-level boost to add that missing oomph.
With a bit of tweaking in the app, that flat sound can be sculpted into something much more lively and enjoyable. You just have to be willing to put in the work.
Features: ANC, Controls, and The App
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Nothing claims up to 42dB of noise cancellation, and real-world tests confirm it's effective, blocking a significant amount of ambient noise like traffic or office chatter. It's not on the same level as top-tier models from Sony or Bose, but it’s more than enough to make your environment significantly quieter. The app gives you control over low, medium, and high settings, plus an adaptive mode that adjusts automatically to your surroundings.
Controls and That Roller Button
All controls are packed onto the right earcup. A simple paddle lets you skip tracks, while the "Wee Roller Button" handles play/pause and volume. And here lies another major quirk: the volume roller moves left and right, not up and down. It's counter-intuitive and takes some getting used to. It's a clear case of form over function that might frustrate some users.
Battery Life & Charging
The battery performance is solid. Here's a quick breakdown of the claims versus real-world experience:
| Scenario | Nothing's Claim | Reviewer's Finding |
|---|---|---|
| ANC Off (50% Volume) | Up to 80 hours | Around 50-60 hours |
| ANC On (Maxed Out) | Roughly 30 hours | Largely accurate |
While not class-leading, it's more than enough for a full week of commutes or any long-haul journey. The standout feature, however, is the fast charging. A quick 5-minute charge can provide up to 5 hours of music playback (with ANC off). That’s incredibly useful for those moments you're heading out the door with dead headphones.
Pros & Cons at a Glance
What We Liked 👍
- Unique, standout transparent design.
- Comfortable for long-term wear.
- Solid, effective noise cancellation.
- Excellent battery life, especially with fast charging.
- Powerful app with great EQ customization.
- Clear microphone quality for calls.
What Could Be Better 👎
- Square earcups rattle and can show wear when around the neck.
- Default sound is flat and requires EQ tweaking.
- Unintuitive left/right volume roller.
- Missing the personalized hearing test from other Nothing products.
Final Verdict: Who Are These For?
The Nothing Headphone (1) is not just another pair of headphones; it's a statement. It's for the person who values design identity and wants to stand out. It absolutely succeeds in being different, from its Cyberman-esque looks to its quirky volume control.
It backs up this style with solid substance: good comfort, effective ANC, great battery life, and a sound that, with a little help from the app, can truly shine. However, the physical design quirks—like the rattling earcups—are real trade-offs. If you prioritize seamless usability and a perfect out-of-the-box sound, you might look elsewhere. But if you're drawn to a product with a strong, unconventional personality and you enjoy customizing your experience, the Nothing Headphone (1) is a compelling and refreshing choice in a crowded market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are the Nothing Headphone (1) comfortable to wear for long periods?
Yes, thanks to their lightweight build and generous earcup padding, they are very comfortable for extended use.
How good is the noise cancellation?
It's very effective for the price, significantly reducing ambient noise like traffic and office chatter. It's not as powerful as top-end Sony or Bose models, but it's great for daily use.
Do I need to use the app to get good sound?
It is highly recommended. The default sound profile is quite flat. The Nothing X app's equalizer is essential for tuning the audio to be more vibrant and punchy.
Can I use them for phone calls?
Absolutely. The quad-microphone setup provides clear voice quality, even in noisy environments, making them great for calls.
Read More: Check out our TRIBIT StormBox Lava for more from the brand.
Official Site: Find more specs on the official Nothing website.
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Hashtags: #Nothing #Headphone1 #TechReview #KEF #ANCheaphones #Gadgets #TransparentTech
