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The Scoreboard
Does this improve your life? Considers, health, habits, and environmental impact.
Benefits
Trade-Offs
Lasts multiple days of listening, so you rarely hunt for a charger mid-trip.
Firm headband can press ears during multi‑hour sessions, leaving you reaching to adjust.
Physical roller and paddle let you change volume, skip tracks, and snap photos one-handed.
If battery dies, the 3.5mm/USB‑C wired option won't work passively—no offline listening.
App EQ and LDAC let you tune bass/clarity, making music sound personal and lively.
On busy trains or windy streets, ANC can leave through noise, so you raise volume.
Memory‑foam cups and lightweight build reduce fatigue during long commutes or workdays.
No folding hinge and only a soft pouch make stowing in bags awkward on trips.
Unique transparent look sparks compliments and matches Nothing phone ecosystem for social cachet.
Calms steady background hum on planes and offices, helping you focus or sleep.
Benefits
Lasts multiple days of listening, so you rarely hunt for a charger mid-trip.
Physical roller and paddle let you change volume, skip tracks, and snap photos one-handed.
App EQ and LDAC let you tune bass/clarity, making music sound personal and lively.
Memory‑foam cups and lightweight build reduce fatigue during long commutes or workdays.
Unique transparent look sparks compliments and matches Nothing phone ecosystem for social cachet.
Calms steady background hum on planes and offices, helping you focus or sleep.
Trade-Offs
Firm headband can press ears during multi‑hour sessions, leaving you reaching to adjust.
If battery dies, the 3.5mm/USB‑C wired option won't work passively—no offline listening.
On busy trains or windy streets, ANC can leave through noise, so you raise volume.
No folding hinge and only a soft pouch make stowing in bags awkward on trips.
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Publications
10 LEADING PUBLICATION REVIEWS
SoundGuys praises the Nothing Headphone (a) as an impressive value for under $200, especially highlighting its standout battery life, useful app features (parametric EQ, Channel Hop, find-my-headphones), and comfortable lightweight design. Christian Thomas’s tone is broadly positive but measured: he applauds the headphones’ modern feature set, solid ANC for the price, and versatile connectivity (LDAC, wired options), yet repeatedly flags fit-dependent sound quirks — a bass-forward, somewhat “wonky” mid/high tuning and tricky seal issues that make vocals and some mixes sound odd. Practical insights include realistic notes on IP52 resistance, physical controls favored over touch, and limitations of the in-app EQ. Overall the review recommends the Headphone (a) for buyers prioritizing battery, style, and features at this price while cautioning audiophiles or those sensitive to midrange tuning.
Matt Bolton assesses the Nothing Headphone (a) as an impressive, confidently improved follow-up that fixes the original’s sound issues, retains standout design-and-control strengths, and delivers exceptional value at $199. The reviewer is clearly pleased: he praises a much wider, more energetic soundstage, flexible EQ via a superb app (including instant EQ switching), strong bass performance for electronic music, solid midrange and well-integrated treble, long battery life, and distinctive, high-quality physical controls. Criticisms are measured and specific — heavier weight and clamping force, less breathable pads, a softening of fine-detail resolution versus rivals like the Sennheiser Accentum Plus, quirky color choices, lack of auto-pause, and a non-premium carry pouch — but these are framed as minor or subjective trade-offs. Overall the tone is enthusiastic yet balanced, recommending the Headphone (a) as excellent value and a top choice for many listeners, especially electronic-music fans.
SoundGuys praises the Nothing Headphone (a) as an impressive value for under $200, especially highlighting its standout battery life, useful app features (parametric EQ, Channel Hop, find-my-headphones), and comfortable lightweight design. Christian Thomas’s tone is broadly positive but measured: he applauds the headphones’ modern feature set, solid ANC for the price, and versatile connectivity (LDAC, wired options), yet repeatedly flags fit-dependent sound quirks — a bass-forward, somewhat “wonky” mid/high tuning and tricky seal issues that make vocals and some mixes sound odd. Practical insights include realistic notes on IP52 resistance, physical controls favored over touch, and limitations of the in-app EQ. Overall the review recommends the Headphone (a) for buyers prioritizing battery, style, and features at this price while cautioning audiophiles or those sensitive to midrange tuning.
Matt Bolton assesses the Nothing Headphone (a) as an impressive, confidently improved follow-up that fixes the original’s sound issues, retains standout design-and-control strengths, and delivers exceptional value at $199. The reviewer is clearly pleased: he praises a much wider, more energetic soundstage, flexible EQ via a superb app (including instant EQ switching), strong bass performance for electronic music, solid midrange and well-integrated treble, long battery life, and distinctive, high-quality physical controls. Criticisms are measured and specific — heavier weight and clamping force, less breathable pads, a softening of fine-detail resolution versus rivals like the Sennheiser Accentum Plus, quirky color choices, lack of auto-pause, and a non-premium carry pouch — but these are framed as minor or subjective trade-offs. Overall the tone is enthusiastic yet balanced, recommending the Headphone (a) as excellent value and a top choice for many listeners, especially electronic-music fans.
SoundGuys praises the Nothing Headphone (a) as an impressive value for under $200, especially highlighting its standout battery life, useful app features (parametric EQ, Channel Hop, find-my-headphones), and comfortable lightweight design. Christian Thomas’s tone is broadly positive but measured: he applauds the headphones’ modern feature set, solid ANC for the price, and versatile connectivity (LDAC, wired options), yet repeatedly flags fit-dependent sound quirks — a bass-forward, somewhat “wonky” mid/high tuning and tricky seal issues that make vocals and some mixes sound odd. Practical insights include realistic notes on IP52 resistance, physical controls favored over touch, and limitations of the in-app EQ. Overall the review recommends the Headphone (a) for buyers prioritizing battery, style, and features at this price while cautioning audiophiles or those sensitive to midrange tuning.
Matt Bolton assesses the Nothing Headphone (a) as an impressive, confidently improved follow-up that fixes the original’s sound issues, retains standout design-and-control strengths, and delivers exceptional value at $199. The reviewer is clearly pleased: he praises a much wider, more energetic soundstage, flexible EQ via a superb app (including instant EQ switching), strong bass performance for electronic music, solid midrange and well-integrated treble, long battery life, and distinctive, high-quality physical controls. Criticisms are measured and specific — heavier weight and clamping force, less breathable pads, a softening of fine-detail resolution versus rivals like the Sennheiser Accentum Plus, quirky color choices, lack of auto-pause, and a non-premium carry pouch — but these are framed as minor or subjective trade-offs. Overall the tone is enthusiastic yet balanced, recommending the Headphone (a) as excellent value and a top choice for many listeners, especially electronic-music fans.
SoundGuys praises the Nothing Headphone (a) as an impressive value for under $200, especially highlighting its standout battery life, useful app features (parametric EQ, Channel Hop, find-my-headphones), and comfortable lightweight design. Christian Thomas’s tone is broadly positive but measured: he applauds the headphones’ modern feature set, solid ANC for the price, and versatile connectivity (LDAC, wired options), yet repeatedly flags fit-dependent sound quirks — a bass-forward, somewhat “wonky” mid/high tuning and tricky seal issues that make vocals and some mixes sound odd. Practical insights include realistic notes on IP52 resistance, physical controls favored over touch, and limitations of the in-app EQ. Overall the review recommends the Headphone (a) for buyers prioritizing battery, style, and features at this price while cautioning audiophiles or those sensitive to midrange tuning.
Matt Bolton assesses the Nothing Headphone (a) as an impressive, confidently improved follow-up that fixes the original’s sound issues, retains standout design-and-control strengths, and delivers exceptional value at $199. The reviewer is clearly pleased: he praises a much wider, more energetic soundstage, flexible EQ via a superb app (including instant EQ switching), strong bass performance for electronic music, solid midrange and well-integrated treble, long battery life, and distinctive, high-quality physical controls. Criticisms are measured and specific — heavier weight and clamping force, less breathable pads, a softening of fine-detail resolution versus rivals like the Sennheiser Accentum Plus, quirky color choices, lack of auto-pause, and a non-premium carry pouch — but these are framed as minor or subjective trade-offs. Overall the tone is enthusiastic yet balanced, recommending the Headphone (a) as excellent value and a top choice for many listeners, especially electronic-music fans.
SoundGuys praises the Nothing Headphone (a) as an impressive value for under $200, especially highlighting its standout battery life, useful app features (parametric EQ, Channel Hop, find-my-headphones), and comfortable lightweight design. Christian Thomas’s tone is broadly positive but measured: he applauds the headphones’ modern feature set, solid ANC for the price, and versatile connectivity (LDAC, wired options), yet repeatedly flags fit-dependent sound quirks — a bass-forward, somewhat “wonky” mid/high tuning and tricky seal issues that make vocals and some mixes sound odd. Practical insights include realistic notes on IP52 resistance, physical controls favored over touch, and limitations of the in-app EQ. Overall the review recommends the Headphone (a) for buyers prioritizing battery, style, and features at this price while cautioning audiophiles or those sensitive to midrange tuning.
Matt Bolton assesses the Nothing Headphone (a) as an impressive, confidently improved follow-up that fixes the original’s sound issues, retains standout design-and-control strengths, and delivers exceptional value at $199. The reviewer is clearly pleased: he praises a much wider, more energetic soundstage, flexible EQ via a superb app (including instant EQ switching), strong bass performance for electronic music, solid midrange and well-integrated treble, long battery life, and distinctive, high-quality physical controls. Criticisms are measured and specific — heavier weight and clamping force, less breathable pads, a softening of fine-detail resolution versus rivals like the Sennheiser Accentum Plus, quirky color choices, lack of auto-pause, and a non-premium carry pouch — but these are framed as minor or subjective trade-offs. Overall the tone is enthusiastic yet balanced, recommending the Headphone (a) as excellent value and a top choice for many listeners, especially electronic-music fans.
YouTube
9 LEADING EXPERT & INFLUENCER REVIEWS
This is Tech TodayThis is Tech Today’s audio engineer praises the Nothing Headphone (1) for standout battery life, comfort, tactile controls, solid ANC/mics and LDAC support, but criticizes its stock tuning—honky midrange and soft, imprecise bass—fixable with advanced EQ; overall a measured, practical recommendation for tinkerers.
EL JEFE REVIEWSEL JEFE praises the Nothing Headphone A as a highly compelling $199 value—raving about its 135‑hour battery, LDAC Hi‑Res support, tactile controls, robust app EQ and surprising ANC—while warning about clamping force, no hard case, and bass‑forward stock tuning that may require EQ for neutral listeners.
This is Tech TodayThis is Tech Today’s audio engineer praises the Nothing Headphone (1) for standout battery life, comfort, tactile controls, solid ANC/mics and LDAC support, but criticizes its stock tuning—honky midrange and soft, imprecise bass—fixable with advanced EQ; overall a measured, practical recommendation for tinkerers.
EL JEFE REVIEWSEL JEFE praises the Nothing Headphone A as a highly compelling $199 value—raving about its 135‑hour battery, LDAC Hi‑Res support, tactile controls, robust app EQ and surprising ANC—while warning about clamping force, no hard case, and bass‑forward stock tuning that may require EQ for neutral listeners.
This is Tech TodayThis is Tech Today’s audio engineer praises the Nothing Headphone (1) for standout battery life, comfort, tactile controls, solid ANC/mics and LDAC support, but criticizes its stock tuning—honky midrange and soft, imprecise bass—fixable with advanced EQ; overall a measured, practical recommendation for tinkerers.
EL JEFE REVIEWSEL JEFE praises the Nothing Headphone A as a highly compelling $199 value—raving about its 135‑hour battery, LDAC Hi‑Res support, tactile controls, robust app EQ and surprising ANC—while warning about clamping force, no hard case, and bass‑forward stock tuning that may require EQ for neutral listeners.
This is Tech TodayThis is Tech Today’s audio engineer praises the Nothing Headphone (1) for standout battery life, comfort, tactile controls, solid ANC/mics and LDAC support, but criticizes its stock tuning—honky midrange and soft, imprecise bass—fixable with advanced EQ; overall a measured, practical recommendation for tinkerers.
EL JEFE REVIEWSEL JEFE praises the Nothing Headphone A as a highly compelling $199 value—raving about its 135‑hour battery, LDAC Hi‑Res support, tactile controls, robust app EQ and surprising ANC—while warning about clamping force, no hard case, and bass‑forward stock tuning that may require EQ for neutral listeners.
This is Tech TodayThis is Tech Today’s audio engineer praises the Nothing Headphone (1) for standout battery life, comfort, tactile controls, solid ANC/mics and LDAC support, but criticizes its stock tuning—honky midrange and soft, imprecise bass—fixable with advanced EQ; overall a measured, practical recommendation for tinkerers.
EL JEFE REVIEWSEL JEFE praises the Nothing Headphone A as a highly compelling $199 value—raving about its 135‑hour battery, LDAC Hi‑Res support, tactile controls, robust app EQ and surprising ANC—while warning about clamping force, no hard case, and bass‑forward stock tuning that may require EQ for neutral listeners.
Social
7 INFLUENCER REVIEWS
Austin EvansAustin Evans highlights the Nothing Headphone (a) as a stellar $200 value—praising tactile controls (volume wheel, track tab), solid ANC, comfy fit, long battery, and tunable sound via the app; he especially likes new colorways. He recommends them as nearly as good as the $300 model and a legit buy.
Lim ReviewsSM Lim finds the Nothing Headphone (a) impressively light, comfortable, and well-balanced for sound — praising its customizable app EQ, punchy bass option, and immersive “cinema mode,” while noting a plasticky feel and awkward right-side button layout that may require getting used to. Overall, SM Lim’s tone is upbeat and favorably curious: first impressions are positive, battery life is highlighted as a major practical win, and they recommend further testing but signal this could be a daily driver for many users.
Austin EvansAustin Evans highlights the Nothing Headphone (a) as a stellar $200 value—praising tactile controls (volume wheel, track tab), solid ANC, comfy fit, long battery, and tunable sound via the app; he especially likes new colorways. He recommends them as nearly as good as the $300 model and a legit buy.
Lim ReviewsSM Lim finds the Nothing Headphone (a) impressively light, comfortable, and well-balanced for sound — praising its customizable app EQ, punchy bass option, and immersive “cinema mode,” while noting a plasticky feel and awkward right-side button layout that may require getting used to. Overall, SM Lim’s tone is upbeat and favorably curious: first impressions are positive, battery life is highlighted as a major practical win, and they recommend further testing but signal this could be a daily driver for many users.
Austin EvansAustin Evans highlights the Nothing Headphone (a) as a stellar $200 value—praising tactile controls (volume wheel, track tab), solid ANC, comfy fit, long battery, and tunable sound via the app; he especially likes new colorways. He recommends them as nearly as good as the $300 model and a legit buy.
Lim ReviewsSM Lim finds the Nothing Headphone (a) impressively light, comfortable, and well-balanced for sound — praising its customizable app EQ, punchy bass option, and immersive “cinema mode,” while noting a plasticky feel and awkward right-side button layout that may require getting used to. Overall, SM Lim’s tone is upbeat and favorably curious: first impressions are positive, battery life is highlighted as a major practical win, and they recommend further testing but signal this could be a daily driver for many users.
Austin EvansAustin Evans highlights the Nothing Headphone (a) as a stellar $200 value—praising tactile controls (volume wheel, track tab), solid ANC, comfy fit, long battery, and tunable sound via the app; he especially likes new colorways. He recommends them as nearly as good as the $300 model and a legit buy.
Lim ReviewsSM Lim finds the Nothing Headphone (a) impressively light, comfortable, and well-balanced for sound — praising its customizable app EQ, punchy bass option, and immersive “cinema mode,” while noting a plasticky feel and awkward right-side button layout that may require getting used to. Overall, SM Lim’s tone is upbeat and favorably curious: first impressions are positive, battery life is highlighted as a major practical win, and they recommend further testing but signal this could be a daily driver for many users.
Store Reviews
CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 1 STORE
Amazon reviewers overwhelmingly praise the Nothing Headphone (a) for its strong value, comfortable lightweight design, and exceptional battery life. Listeners applaud the detailed, spacious sound and customizable EQ—including bass boost and LDAC support—which some say brings out new instruments and nuances in familiar tracks. Multiple reviewers highlight ANC that rivals premium models (Sony and Sennheiser were mentioned), and users like the physical controls and tactile feedback for volume and playback. Several purchasers note real-world strengths like stable LDAC wireless performance and a variety of app-driven sound profiles and spatial-audio options. A few reviewers prefer the original Headphone (1) for a slightly richer soundstage, and some point out quirks: the wired 3.5mm input requires the headset to be powered on and occasional connection pops with certain USB-C DAC setups. Overall, Amazon customers find the Headphone (a) to deliver excellent ANC, long runtime, and flexible sound tuning at a competitive price.
4.5 Stars / Few verified reviews
Forum Reviews
CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 1 FORUM
Reddit users generally view the Nothing Headphone (a) positively, praising its comfortable fit, lightweight design, long battery life, physical controls, and approachable, bass-forward tuning that makes music feel cohesive and easy to enjoy. The app’s EQ and presets are seen as strong additions, boosting everyday usability. Criticisms focus on middling ANC compared with flagship rivals, occasional tuning preferences for those who want a more reference/precise sound, glossy plastics and limited official replaceable earpad support, and concerns about price positioning. Upgraders note the (a) is more consistent and user-friendly than reference-leaning predecessors, while new buyers appreciate its value for casual listening.
Many comments
In-Depth Review
Highlights
- •Exceptional multi‑day batteryUp to 135 hours, fast‑charge rescue
- •Advanced app EQ and LDAC support8‑band EQ and LDAC clarity
- •Reliable tactile on‑cup controlsRoller, paddle and programmable button
- •Adaptive noise cancellationDesigned to tame steady background hum
- •Distinctive transparent designEye‑catching look with multiple colorways
- •AI‑assisted microphone arrayFive mics with Clear Voice tech
Considerations
- •Wired playback requires power3.5mm/USB‑C need headphones powered on
- •Noise cancellation has limitsStruggles with irregular noise and wind
- •Material and case compromisesGlossy plastics and soft pouch included
- •Firm clamp may cause discomfortCan press ears during long sessions
- •No wear detection/auto‑pauseLacks automatic in‑use sensors
- •Variable outgoing call performanceMics sometimes underperform in noisy settings
Nothing’s follow-up positions the brand’s playful transparency and tactile flair into a smarter, more affordable over‑ear that aims to steal hours from your charger and attention from pricier rivals. Designed for commuters, travelers and anyone who values easy tuning over audiophile austerity, it pairs a surprisingly punchy sound signature with practical features: LDAC Hi‑Res wireless, up to 135 hours battery (ANC off), Real Time Adaptive ANC with selectable levels, and a tactile on‑cup trio—roller, paddle and programmable button—for fuss‑free control. Compared with the earlier flagship, it trims materials and price while keeping core strengths like 8‑band Nothing X EQ and five‑mic Clear Voice tech, making it a sweet spot for Android users and style‑minded listeners. Read on: we’ll unpack battery habits, ANC behavior, sonic tuning, fit and materials, controls and the wired/latency quirks so you can decide if endurance and hands‑on customization are worth the trade‑offs. Ready? Your ears (and suitcase) will thank you.
Connectivity, latency and wired behavior
Bluetooth 5.4 with LDAC gives stable, high‑res wireless performance for Android, and a low‑lag game mode helps gaming on compatible phones—typical latency sits near ~120 ms. Wired USB‑C and 3.5 mm options exist, but wired playback requires the headset to be powered on, a frequent real‑world gripe that undermines passive fallback. Multipoint works but lacks seamless auto‑switch; overall connectivity is versatile but bears a couple of practical caveats. Mostly solid, with quirks
Sound quality and codec performance
This is a fun, punchy headphone: 40 mm titanium‑coated drivers and LDAC Hi‑Res support deliver bold bass and clear highs, while the Nothing X app’s 8‑band EQ lets you tame the V‑shaped tuning into something more neutral. LDAC noticeably tightens detail versus AAC, and community EQ presets fix midrange quirks flagged by reviewers; audiophiles chasing absolute neutrality may prefer the pricier Headphone (1), but for most listeners this offers exciting, tunable sound. LDAC clarity unlocked
Controls and on-device usability
Physical controls steal the show: a tactile roller for volume, paddle for skips, and programmable button make one‑handed adjustments delightful and reliable, beating touch misfires common on rivals. The Nothing X app extends functionality with quick EQ switching and spatial tweaks, while camera‑shutter mapping is a neat ecosystem flourish. Reviewers consistently praise the haptics and everyday ergonomics, though a tucked pairing button and no auto‑pause are niggles. Hands-on, not hands‑off
Battery life and charging
The Headphone (a) doubles as a portable power-lounge: the quoted up to 135 hours (ANC off) actually translates to multi-day real-world endurance, delivering on the headline claim in routine commuting and travel tests. Fast‑charge rescue (5 minutes ≈ 8 hours playback) saved the day in emergency runs, while full USB‑C top-ups take around 120 minutes. Users and reviewers alike praise the stamina, but expect variance with LDAC or heavy ANC use—still, battery life is the product’s standout practical win and genuine everyday convenience. Long-haul reliable
Build quality, materials and comfort
Lightweight at about 310 g, the cans favor pragmatic plastics, memory‑foam pads, and MIM hinges for a comfortable multi‑hour fit, though a firmer clamp can press during long sessions. The transparent aesthetic scores style points, and IP52 adds splash resistance, but reviewers note gloss plastics and a soft pouch rather than a hard case—trade-offs that underpin the $199 value proposition: polished ergonomics with some material concessions. Comfort-first design
Active noise cancellation performance
ANC here is pragmatic rather than theatrical: the Real Time Adaptive ANC with selectable High/Mid/Low/Adaptive tames steady hums and airplane drone effectively, matching or approaching pricier rivals in many tests, but it can struggle with irregular noise and wind. Reviewers report solid reduction across frequencies and useful Transparency Mode, yet experts note it's not class‑leading compared with flagship Sony/Bose units. For travel and open offices it’s confidently useful—just don’t expect magic silence in every noisy scenario. Situationally excellent
Conclusion
Think of this as a travel‑ready package: a battery that behaves like a minibar—multi‑day endurance, fast top‑ups—and ANC that calms cabin hum without pretending to vanish city noise (Real Time Adaptive ANC). Sonically, it’s punchy and tunable—LDAC Hi‑Res clarity and an 8‑band Nothing X EQ do most of the heavy lifting for casual and bass‑first listeners. Materials trade premium feel for featherweight comfort—memory‑foam cups and a 310 g build that wears well but clamps firmer than rivals. The tactile trio—roller, paddle, programmable button—makes everyday control a pleasure, while connectivity is solid yet practical: Bluetooth 5.4 stability with a wired mode that frustratingly still needs power. If you value endurance, hands‑on tuning, and personality over boutique fit and absolute ANC mastery, this is the smarter, more playful mid‑range buy—confident, feature‑rich, and hard to put down.
Feature Scores
This reflects reviews and ratings from established critics, journalists, and users who have evaluated the item. Their opinions provide a comprehensive assessment.
Performance
Sound Quality
4/5
Noise Cancellation Effectiveness
4/5
Battery Life
5/5
Value
Price-to-Performance
5/5
Warranty
3/5
Included Accessories
4/5
Design
Comfort
4/5
Build Quality
4/5
Controls
5/5
Health
Hearing Protection
3/5
Material Safety
3/5
Hygiene
3/5
Safety
Battery Safety
4/5
Regulatory Compliance
4/5
Physical Hazards
4/5
Sustainability
Recyclability
3/5
Sustainable Materials Use
3/5
Packaging Sustainability
4/5
Experience Style
Customization
5/5
Multi-Device Pairing
4/5
Ease of Use
4/5
Specifications
This section outlines the product's key facts, covering essential features, details, dimensions, materials, and any unique characteristics that define its functionality and usability.
Performance
Value
Design
Safety
Sustainability
Experience Style
Frequently Asked Questions
3 Questions
