Nothing Headphone 1 Review
The Ultimate 2025 Breakdown – Features, Audio, ANC, Battery, Verdict
🔍 Introduction
When Nothing launched the Ear (1), it redefined style in the TWS market. In 2025, the company takes a bold leap into over-ear territory with Nothing Headphone 1. This review explores every corner of this flagship headphone — from design to performance, ANC capabilities to battery benchmarks, and direct comparisons with market leaders like AirPods Max and Sony WH-1000XM5.
🧱 Design & Build
The first thing that hits you is the design — semi-transparent housing, visible internals, and a mix of matte black with subtle metallic accents. The headphones are designed to turn heads. But it’s not just style over substance.
The build feels robust yet lightweight. The memory foam earcups are plush and breathable. The headband adjusts snugly without adding pressure, making it ideal for long sessions. The highlight? A unique rotary dial on the side for volume and media control, backed by flick and push gestures.
Key Design Points:
- Materials: Polycarbonate shell with reinforced metal headband
- Weight: 282g (lighter than AirPods Max)
- Controls: Multifunction rotary dial + tactile flick toggle
- Portability: Rotatable earcups, flat fold-in design
🎶 Sound Quality
Backed by 40mm dynamic drivers co-developed with KEF, the Nothing Headphone 1 shines in sonic clarity. It’s tuned for realism rather than boom — you'll notice clean mids, articulate vocals, and a tight but not overpowering bass response. Dolby Atmos support adds spatial depth when paired with supported apps and content.
Whether you’re streaming Spotify, watching Netflix, or editing audio, the soundstage feels wide and immersive. Unlike consumer-leaning headphones that exaggerate low frequencies, this one gives a balanced and studio-grade performance.
- Driver Size: 40mm graphene composite
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 40kHz
- Audio Codecs: SBC, AAC, LDAC
- Hi-Res Audio Certified: ✅ Yes
🌪️ Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Nothing’s hybrid ANC uses feedforward and feedback mics to cancel ambient noise in real-time. You can switch between three levels via the app: Mild, Moderate, and Max. In tests, it reduced consistent low-frequency hums (like AC or train) effectively. Transparency mode offers clear conversation mode with minimal distortion.
- Noise Reduction: Up to 45dB (adjustable)
- Transparency Mode: Custom-tuned mic pass-through
- Wind Mode: Reduces mic noise during outdoor use
🔋 Battery Life
The Headphone 1 lasts a massive 80 hours in standard mode, and up to 35 hours with ANC enabled. A quick 10-minute charge gives you 10+ hours of playback — which is impressive. It uses USB-C for charging and supports USB DAC playback (wired listening via USB).
- Battery Life (ANC OFF): Up to 80 Hours
- Battery Life (ANC ON): 32–35 Hours
- Fast Charging: 10 min = 10 hrs
- Charging Port: USB Type-C
📱 App Support & Features
The Nothing X app lets you control ANC levels, customize EQ, update firmware, and assign button functions. The interface is clean and intuitive, just like the product itself.
Notable App Features:
- Custom EQ Profiles
- Find My Headphone
- Adaptive ANC + Ambient Mode control
- Firmware Upgrades (OTA)
📊 Comparison: Nothing Headphone 1 vs Top Competitors
| Feature | Nothing Headphone 1 | Sony WH-1000XM5 | AirPods Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (INR) | ₹24,999 | ₹29,999 – ₹34,999 | ₹59,900 |
| Driver Size | 40mm Graphene | 30mm Dynamic | 40mm Dynamic |
| ANC | Up to 45dB Hybrid ANC | Industry-leading ANC | Strong ANC with Transparency |
| Battery Life | 80 hrs (ANC off), 35 hrs (ANC on) | 30 hrs with ANC | 20 hrs with ANC |
| Weight | 282g | 250g | 384g |
| Audio Codec Support | AAC, SBC, LDAC | AAC, LDAC | AAC (No Hi-Res) |
| Multipoint Connectivity | No | Yes | Yes (Apple devices) |
| Unique Feature | Transparent Design + Dial Control | Adaptive Sound + Speak-to-Chat | Seamless Apple Ecosystem Integration |
📝 Final Verdict – Should You Buy It?
The Nothing Headphone 1 offers a refreshing blend of style, sound, and smart features. With its iconic transparent design, clean audio tuning, effective ANC, and exceptional battery life, it stands out in a crowded market. It’s not just about looks — the headphones deliver real performance where it matters.
If you're looking for a futuristic, well-balanced pair of over-ear headphones under ₹25,000, this is a solid choice. Sure, it lacks some high-end extras like multipoint Bluetooth or the absolute best-in-class ANC, but it nails the essentials beautifully.
✅ Verdict: Great value, bold design, dependable performance — Nothing Headphone 1 is worth buying in 2025.
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