The Nothing Headphone (a) are a number of the most fun new headphones available on the market proper now. I’m so sick of audio manufacturers making boring — sorry, “discreet” — headphones that appear like each different pair of over-ears. I respect a model that goes above and past to make visually fascinating tech, so I couldn’t wait to get my palms on the Headphone (a).
However is that this sufficient to make them a number of the greatest headphones you will get? Hmm, nicely, it relies upon. Sure, for those who wouldn’t class your self as an audiophile and also you simply need some funky cans to vibe out to. Alternatively, for those who take music high quality tremendous critically, then I’d suggest one thing else.
On the finish of the day, $199/£149 is a solidly mid-range value, and is a heck of lots cheaper than Bose and Apple’s competitors. Need to discover out extra? After all you do. Hold studying this Nothing Headphone (a) evaluate.
Nothing Headphone (a) evaluate: Cheat sheet
- What’s it? Nothing’s latest flagship headphones
- What does it price? $199 / £149
- What can we like? They’re so cool
- What don’t we like? I want the soundstage was just a little wider
Nothing Headphone (a) evaluate: Specs
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Value
$199 / £149
Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.4
ANC
Sure
Sturdiness
IP52
Battery
135 hours / 75 hours (ANC on)
Weight
10.9 ounces
Dimensions
7 x 3.1 7.6 inches
Colours
White, pink/white, yellow/white, black
Compatibility
iOS, Android
Nothing Headphone (a) evaluate: Value & availability
(Picture credit score: Tom’s Information)
The Nothing Headphone (a) are $199 from Amazon U.S. and £149 from Amazon U.Okay.. This can be a fairly commonplace midrange value, however related cans can set you again upwards of $300.
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones (not Extremely) are $359, the Soundcore Area One Professional are $199, and the 3-year-old Sony WH-CH720N are $179. It’s also possible to get the detail-forward Cambridge Melomania SE P100 for $299, which is perhaps higher for extra conventional ‘Hello-Fi’ lovers.
I’m not overly enamored with the Headphone (a)’s Bluetooth sound high quality, however for those who’re searching for fashion-forward design with out breaking the financial institution, these cans is perhaps a greater possibility over these options.
Nothing Headphone (a) evaluate: Design & controls
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- Fashionable, fashion-forward design, though divisive
- Straightforward-to-use, intuitive, and distinctive on-cup controls
- Fairly clampy
There’s little doubt about it: the Headphone (a) are a Nothing product, and also you’d have the ability to inform from one minute look. Nothing has actually mastered its distinctive design, combining eye-grabbing, sci-fi aesthetics, with intuitive and user-friendly controls.
The Headphone (a) are available in 4 colours: black, white, pink/white, and pink/yellow. I examined the white, but when I had been shopping for for myself, I might in all probability get the pink. It’s like if a Twenty second-Century robotic and Marie Antoinette had a bizarre, shouldn’t-work-but-does child.
That being stated, for those who’re of the futuristic-aesthetic opinion, you’d be so impressed with the Headphone (a). Nonetheless, for those who’re extra of a traditionalist and also you need the traditional black, discreet earcups vibe, these in all probability aren’t the cans for you.
Personally, I like how the Headphone (a) look, and I want extra audio manufacturers had been assured sufficient to mess around with design. I wish to see how far these producers can push it. Perhaps not so far as Dyson pushed it, although — I don’t suppose I want a face masks with my headphones, thanks very a lot.
(Picture credit score: Tom’s Information)
The controls are simply as boundary-breaking, too. As a substitute of your commonplace buttons on the cups or — god forbid — contact ‘areas’ (that at all times imply a gust of wind pauses my music), the Nothing Headphone (a) make the most of two funky little controls: a curler and a paddle. Sure, suppose again to while you went to mushy play areas as a child. Keep in mind these abacus-like toys put in on random climbing partitions? The curler is principally just like the grownup model of that.
If you happen to couldn’t inform from its identify, the curler controls your quantity by rolling. You get to roll up or down to regulate quantity, or maintain it all the way down to cycle by the (two) ANC settings. How enjoyable is that?
You additionally get a paddle, which is for skipping tracks and answering calls. I discovered each of those buttons actually enjoyable and practical — you don’t must memorize which identical-feeling button corresponds to which management. Each the buttons are immediately distinguishable. I’m an enormous fan of this, and hope different audio manufacturers are paying consideration.
I’ll say that the general match isn’t supreme. I discovered the headphones a contact clampy, like a Cyberman in Physician Who. They’re not aggressively uncomfortable, however for those who’ve acquired a very delicate head, you is perhaps higher off with the lighter Soundcore Area One Professional.
Nothing Headphone (a) evaluate: Options & connectivity
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- Constructed-in ChatGPT and Nothing Area, however these options are ineffective to me
- Bluetooth 5.4
- Multipoint
The Nothing Headphone (a) have a variety of “sensible” options — like ChatGPT integration and AI performance with Nothing telephones — however does anybody ever really use this? I by no means really feel the urge to ask ChatGPT for recommendation once I’m sporting my headphones. I simply use my noggin. I by no means use the center charge monitor on my AirPods Professional 3. My social anxiousness is manner too crippling for me to make use of Dwell Translator in actual life. However, on the finish of the day, these are all cool options to have do you have to need them. It’s good that they’re there, proper?
If you happen to’ve acquired a suitable cellphone or a Nothing cellphone, you get entry to LDAC, a hi-res streaming codec. I examined this and located it produced a cleaner, clearer sound profile to the usual AAC. Nonetheless, that is Android-only, so Apple customers, transfer alongside, please.
Android customers are type of spoiled, right here: you additionally get Google Quick Pair, which I examined with my Samsung Galaxy S25+ and located it labored seamlessly. That is nice, do you have to change between gadgets typically.
(Picture credit score: Tom’s Information)
However one factor that everybody could make use of is the Nothing Headphone (a)’s glowing IP52 score. Most over-ear headphones (particularly round $200) don’t actually have an IP score — the Soundcore Area One Professional, the JLab Epic Lux Lab Version — so I’m stunned to see it right here. Heck, even the Bose QuietComfort Headphones and Sony WH-1000XM6 don’t have an IP score. The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 are IP54-rated, however price an enormous $1,199. The Nothing Headphone (a) are literally the primary over-ears I’ve ever examined with an IP score.
The IP52 score isn’t overly spectacular in comparison with the rankings normally discovered on earbuds — just like the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Professional’s IP57 score — nevertheless it means the headphones are protected in opposition to sweat and lightweight drizzle, though not heavy downpours.
By way of connectivity, the Headphone (a) have Bluetooth 5.4, which isn’t as up-to-date because the Bluetooth 6.1 we simply noticed on Samsung’s latest Galaxy Buds, however is at the very least an improve on Apple’s odd predilection for together with Bluetooth 5.3 on flagship headphones in… *checks notes* 2026.
In actuality, Bluetooth 5.4 means you rise up to 800 ft of vary. In actuality, I used to be capable of get down the steps, all the manner throughout the workplace, and again upstairs on the opposite aspect of the constructing with out the headphones disconnecting. That is actually spectacular.
Nothing Headphone (a) evaluate: Sound high quality
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- Soundscape can really feel cluttered
- Nice vocals and digital genres are clear
- Rock/steel followers is perhaps left wanting
After all, I’ll go into extra element concerning the sonic efficiency, however in a nutshell, the Headphone (a) feels like how a weight-reduction plan of unseasoned mashed potato may style. Good; will maintain you alive, nevertheless it gained’t precisely fill you with life-altering zeal and zest and zing and all these feelings that make life price residing. You is perhaps a bit happier in case your mash had a shedload of heavy cream and salt, however, once more, your physique wouldn’t precisely flourish.
That is how I really feel concerning the Headphone (a). I don’t hate them, however I additionally don’t love them both. There’s one thing lacking, some je ne sais quois, some indistinguishable essence. The bass efficiency is the place a lot of the points lie: there’s no complexity to the low-end. Once I was testing these cans, I used to be craving extra. Precisely like if I ate nothing however mashed potato. I’d at all times be craving one thing extra.
I listened through Bluetooth on my iPhone 16 Professional, LDAC on my Samsung Galaxy S25+, and wired. I’ll focus on all three of those playback types right here.
Once I listened through the supplied 3.5mm aux cable on my MacBook Air M2, I used to be extra impressed than wi-fi. ‘Man Made from Meat’ by Viagra Boys was raucous and unapologetic, with a heavy bassline pounding the monitor ahead like a runaway steam prepare careening down a railroad, however there was an absence of complexity within the guitar-led soundscape. The vocals sounded wonderful, although, and the stereo guitar results had been clear in every ear. I want the headphones may juggle the distinction between bass guitar and a deep rhythm guitar extra deftly.
(Picture credit score: Tom’s Information)
With LDAC enabled on my Samsung Galaxy S25+, the sound high quality was significantly better, though it nonetheless can’t compete with the Bose QC Headphones ($359) or the Soundcore Area One Professional ($199). ‘Play Me’ by Fcukers was just a little muddled on the high of the treble, as if the sound was underwater. Nonetheless, the synth-led bassline was clear and melodic, and the vocals had been supremely clear. It’s only a disgrace that the percussion pinched.
After, I switched to my iPhone 16 Professional to check with the fundamental AAC codec. I listened to ‘Conference’ by Julia Jacklin, which is an acoustic singer-songwriter monitor. The guitar plucks, and mushy, emotive feminine vocal sounded nice by the Headphone (a), however the sibilance in Jacklin’s voice bordered on harsh once in a while. I believe the Headphone (a) handles acoustic tracks higher than heavy rock or digital songs, as a result of the shortage of bass means there’s much less to get confused with, however then the treble will get overwhelmed, leading to hissing.
If you happen to’re upgrading from sub-$100 headphones and that is your first pair of “deal with yo self” cans, I believe you’ll get on with the Headphone (a) simply high-quality. The model and options are tremendous spectacular for cans of this value.
Nonetheless, for those who’re used to issues like Bose QC, AirPods Max, and Sony WH-1000XM6, you may wish to think about spending extra for some premium flagship cans.
Nothing Headphone (a) evaluate: ANC
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- Two ANC modes: on, off, transparency
- Middling ANC, not spectacular nor ineffective
The ANC on the Nothing Headphone (a) is each nothing to write down residence about and in addition nothing to rise up in arms about. I used to be capable of hear myself typing and normal workplace noises like chairs being pushed again and muffled conversations, however I used to be in sufficient of my very own bubble to not actually pay this any thoughts.
Once I wore these headphones within the metropolis, I may hear an honest quantity of automobile noise, however normal chatter was largely silenced. I suppose that is good for not getting hit by vehicles in a busy metropolis, however these headphones actually don’t have the identical industry-leading ANC you’d discover on Bose cans.
If you happen to’ll be utilizing these headphones primarily for public transport or in loud environments, you is perhaps higher off with a number of the greatest noise-cancelling headphones, just like the Bose QuietComfort Headphones or the Sony WH-1000XM6.
Nothing Headphone (a) evaluate: App
- NothingX app
- Tons of (fairly complicated) EQ changes
- Want to modify on twin gadget connection within the app
In contrast to different headphones I’ve examined, if you wish to activate multipoint, you need to toggle it on within the Nothing X app. Often, you solely have to connect with your earbuds/headphones on one gadget, then join on the second (normally after following a vaguely complicated course of button-mashing). Not with the Headphone (a). It’s a must to bodily activate multipoint within the app.
As soon as I did this, although, multipoint was nice, as you’ll have learn in my ‘Options & connectivity’ part above.
There are a great deal of different options within the Nothing X app: EQ adjustment, headphone finding, toggling between ANC modes, adjusting controls, and extra. Listed here are some screenshots so you may see.
(Picture credit score: Nothing / Future)
I actually just like the Nothing X app. Fortunately, it’s very simple to navigate and never overwhelming for these unfamiliar with Nothing’s ecosystem.
Nothing Headphone (a) evaluate: Name high quality
- Respectable name high quality, however not superb
- Good at silencing ambient noise
- 2 mics
To check the decision high quality on the Nothing Headphone (a), I known as my boyfriend. He’s been the callee on each pair of headphones/earbuds I’ve ever examined, so he’s an ideal check topic.
He stated that whereas my voice was audible and intelligible, I used to be just a little muffled, as if I had been mumbling. My every day drivers — AirPods Professional 2 — made my voice a lot clearer. Nonetheless, he stated the visitors noise round me was fully silent, which is nice for those who name in busy areas. I’d say these cans are ok for on a regular basis, however I’d depart skilled calls or necessary conferences to flagship choices.
Nothing Headphone (a) evaluate: Battery
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- A mindblowing 135-hour battery life
- Which works all the way down to 75 with ANC on
- Nonetheless phenomenal!
Essentially the most attention-grabbing function of all is, undoubtedly, the superior 135-hour battery life. I’ve seen or examined headphones near this diploma of battery life earlier than — the unkillable EarFun Tune Professional, which final for 120 hours, or the Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 SE, which might go for 100 hours — however nothing matching the Headphone (a). This battery life is meaningless, incomparable. There aren’t any different cans — that I do know of, anyway — that may outlast the Headphone (a).
I used them for twenty-four hours and the battery went all the way down to 85%. This can be a loopy good battery life, and one of many primary USPs of those headphones. Massive thumbs up from me.
Nothing Headphone (a) evaluate: Verdict
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In order for you super-stylish, fashion-forward, sci-fi headphones, you gained’t be disillusioned by the Nothing Headphone (a). They’re critically a number of the coolest cans I’ve ever had the pleasure of placing on my head. Whereas I used to be sporting them across the metropolis, I felt like a mannequin (nicely, that’s hyperbole, however you get the gist).
Though the sound high quality leaves one thing to be desired, for those who’ve acquired an LDAC-compatible Android or Nothing cellphone, you’ll in all probability be extra impressed than for those who’re an iPhone person. I want the soundscape was just a little wider and extra detailed, however the vocals drive the tracks sufficient for this to be ignored for those who worth model extra.
So whereas these won’t be the proper headphones for me, if you wish to look cool and ultramodern and also you’ve acquired an LDAC-compatible cellphone, they is perhaps the most suitable choice for you.
Nothing Headphone (a): Value Comparability
