Once again, they’ve done it. I’m talking about London’s maverick, Nothing. Having refreshingly shattered the “boring” smartphone market with transparent design and flashy Glyph Interface1, they’ve now crashed into the over-ear headphone market. The name? A bold “Headphone (1)”.
The reason the audio community buzzed the moment this unit was announced is crystal clear. One is the uniquely retro-futuristic design that has become Nothing’s calling card. The other is the “Sound by KEF” credit3 from teaming up with British Hi-Fi legend KEF. At under $300, bringing high-end prestige and pedigree to silence even audiophiles—it would be impossible not to have expectations.
However, interestingly, the evaluation is split right down the middle between “heaven and hell.” While everyone praises the design and build quality, the crucial sound—especially the “stock sound”—has been burning with criticism that “this is terrible.”
So is Nothing Headphone (1) a fashion item that’s all show? Or is it an unfinished masterpiece that reveals its true value when polished by its user? Here, I want to expose the true identity of this cunning maverick using both the subjectivity of “ears” and the objectivity of “data.”
Nothing Headphone (1) — Overview
- Manufacturer / Model: Nothing / Headphone (1)
- Release Date: July 15, 2025 (Global) 3
- Price Range: $299 / £299 / €299 3
Key Specifications:
- Driver: 40 mm dynamic driver 6
- Impedance: 16 Ω 6
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 40,000 Hz (Hi-Res Audio certified) 6
- Bluetooth Version: 5.3 6
- Supported Codecs: AAC, SBC, LDAC 4
- Battery Life: Up to 80 hours (ANC off), Up to 35 hours (ANC on) 4
- Weight: 329 g (body), 264 g (case) 4
- Water/Dust Resistance: IP52 6
- Other: USB-C lossless playback, wired connection support 6
This spec sheet is quite interesting. LDAC support, Hi-Res certification, and monster-like battery life. These are specs normally seen in price tiers a notch higher. This “spec contradiction” poses us one question: “Where exactly did Nothing balance the books?” That answer is the core of this review.
1. Public Opinion: The Eye of the Storm of Polarized Reviews
Once Headphone (1) was released to the market, the review community became a storm of mixed opinions. But what’s interesting is that the evaluations are cleanly polarized.
| Media | Quote (English) | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| CNET | ”An eye-catching design backed by strong performance… Sound quality is good but not a wow.” | 8.2/10 |
| Mark Ellis Reviews | ”The wacky design is backed up by great sound quality… Whether you actually buy them rests on your reaction to that striking design.” | 90% |
| PCMag | ”Getting the best audio requires tinkering. Fit could be more comfortable.” | ★★★☆☆ (3.5) |
| SoundGuys | ”Default sound is dark. Doesn’t fold.” | 7.1/10 |
| What Hi-Fi? | ”Good impression of a balanced, authoritative sound, with solid detail levels… Design won’t be for everyone.” | ★★★★☆ |
| Reddit (r/NothingTech) | “a disaster out of the box, but.. can be one of the best wireless headphones available right now.” | N/A |
As you can see, the evaluation pattern is surprisingly consistent. The praised points are almost without exception these three:
-
Unique Design: A look that absolutely cannot be obtained elsewhere, stimulating ownership desire4.
-
Build Quality Beyond Its Price: Effective use of aluminum with extreme premium feel9.
-
Divine Physical Controls: Free from touch operation frustrations. Intuitive and reliable operability8.
On the other hand, the criticized points focus on essentially one thing:
- Out-of-Box Sound Quality: Trashed with words like “dark,” “muddy,” “compressed,” and “dead”12.
The key here is that many reviews add “however.” The key player in this turnaround is the powerful parametric equalizer (EQ) sitting in the Nothing X app. Reviewers unanimously conclude “if you tweak the EQ, it transforms”10.
In other words, this is the situation: This product’s value isn’t innate but is “conditionally” unlocked. This is the complete opposite of Apple and Bose’s philosophy of perfection straight out of the box. Headphone (1) is a truly provocative product that challenges users to “unlock this guy’s potential yourself.”
2. The Philosophy of “Nothing” Design and KEF Heritage: The Maverick’s Origins
To understand this headphone’s peculiarity, we need to shine light from the philosophies of two brands: Nothing, the creator, and KEF, the sound supervisor.
Nothing’s Philosophy: Counter to the Boring Market
Nothing founder Carl Pei is the former OnePlus co-founder. His philosophy is consistent: “Make technology exciting again” and “remove barriers between people and technology”18. Their approach is to smash powerful design counters into commoditized, stagnant markets. The transparent design that stunned with Ear (1) is the crystallization of that philosophy1.
Headphone (1) strongly inherits that DNA. Cassette tape-like square earcups, see-through design with visible internals, and best of all, stubbornly sticking with physical controls in an era when touch operation is standard8. The volume adjustment “roller,” track skip “paddle,” and function assignment “buttons.” These liberate users from ambiguous gestures and provide definite tactile feedback with clicks and cranks. This is nothing other than the embodiment of the philosophy to “remove barriers between people and technology.”
KEF Collaboration: What’s the Real Intent?
The other pillar is the “Sound by KEF” sign. KEF is the legendary British speaker brand known for the LS50 series. For a young tech company like Nothing to gain trust from audio enthusiasts, there’s no better “seal of approval”11.
According to official sources, KEF was involved in tuning the custom 40mm driver, aiming for “natural and accurate sound” and “powerful, distortion-free bass”6. The driver itself appears to have specialized design6.
But here’s a question: Did KEF really give the go-ahead to that heavily criticized out-of-box sound? It’s hard to imagine logically. Rather, isn’t it more natural to speculate this way: KEF’s job was only to prepare a high-potential driver—the best “canvas.” Nothing deliberately applied DSP tuning “paint” thinly or left it “unfinished” on that canvas before shipping. By doing so, they tried to make users experience the importance of their powerful parametric EQ and appeal that this is the product’s core attraction. In other words, the “Sound by KEF” logo should be understood not as a guarantee of finished sound, but as a seal guaranteeing “hardware performance capable of extensive tweaking.”
Competitive Spec Comparison Table
Let’s compare with objective data to see where this guy stands in the market.
| Item | Nothing Headphone (1) | Sony WH-1000XM6 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra | Apple AirPods Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 329 g 4 | Approx. 254 g 22 | Approx. 254 g 24 | 384.8 g 26 |
| Driver | 40 mm | 30 mm 28 | N/A | 40 mm 29 |
| Supported Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC 4 | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 22 | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive 30 | SBC, AAC |
| Battery (ANC On) | 35 hours 4 | 30 hours 28 | 24 hours 31 | 20 hours 29 |
| Foldable | No 8 | Yes 28 | Yes 32 | No |
| Price (MSRP) | $299 7 | $449.99 33 | $429 31 | $549 34 |
This table eloquently tells Headphone (1)‘s strategy. While giving ground to Sony and Bose in weight, it takes advantage with battery, and above all, overwhelms rivals with price. It’s clear they’re avoiding a direct brawl and challenging in a different ring: design, customizability, and cost-performance.
Related Articles
Apple AirPods Max Review: The Crystallization of Computational Audio Philosophy
Apple's flagship headphones, the AirPods Max. Computational audio philosophy, advanced DSP processing via H1 chips, and personalized spatial audio. Is there value commensurate with the $549 price tag? A thorough analysis from an audiophile perspective, including ecosystem philosophy and competitive comparisons.
Sony WH-1000XM6 Review: Redefining Silence, or the Perfection of Harmony
The pinnacle of Sony's noise-canceling headphones, the WH-1000XM6. Industry-leading silence achieved through the newly developed HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3 and 12-mic array. From the return of foldable design to 30-hour battery life and high-quality LDAC playback, a comprehensive analysis of the perfected form for modern musical lifestyles.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Review: The Legacy of Noise-Cancelling Pioneers
Bose's flagship model, QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. World-class ANC performance, Immersive Audio spatial audio technology, and CustomTune Technology for personalized listening. Does it justify its ¥59,400 price tag? A comprehensive audiophile analysis including durability concerns and the existence of the 2nd generation model.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H100 Review: Summit-Fi luxury wireless headphones
Bang & Olufsen's 100th anniversary flagship headphones, Beoplay H100. Featuring modular design for sustainability, titanium drivers, up to 32 hours battery life, and Dolby Atmos support. A thorough analysis of Danish aesthetics and audio philosophy embodied in the $1,549 price point, covering technical specifications, sound quality, and competitive comparisons.
3. Measurement Data Exposes the “True Face”: Diamond in the Rough or Just a Rock?
Are the reviewers’ subjective cries backed up by cold measurement data? Measurement data from specialist site SoundGuys exposes the “true face” of this headphone’s acoustic characteristics47.
- Sound Quality (MDAQS Rating): Scored 4.1 out of 5 on SoundGuys’ sound quality evaluation score (MDAQS). This is in the “good” category, showing a level most people will be satisfied with. What’s interesting is the breakdown: “Timbre” representing sound naturalness scores high at 4.4, while “Distortion” drags it down at 3.5. No problem if not listening at high volumes, but hardware limits might be showing here47.
- Frequency Response: As expected. The default sound’s “darkness” is measurement-proven. Bass follows the target, but midrange (200Hz-500Hz) and treble (above 2kHz) drop sharply30. This scientifically matches the “ear” impression of recessed vocals and lost cymbal brilliance. Claim → Evidence → Conclusion. The syllogism is complete.
- Noise Cancelling Performance: ANC performance is very good. Measurements show average 85% noise cut across frequency bands. Particularly strong against low-frequency train rumble noise, attenuating 15-25dB. This is proof of tremendous effectiveness for commuting and offices. However, a weakness against wind noise is also pointed out47. Considering the price, it’s excellent, but yields a step to Bose and Sony.
- Microphone Performance: Thanks to microphone and AI noise suppression technology, call quality is clear in quiet places. However, performance drops severely in reverberant rooms, tending to make voices sound distant47. Heavy remote meeting users should be cautious.
What this data shows is the gap where hardware has good fundamentals but default tuning doesn’t fully utilize them (or intentionally doesn’t). Truly a “rough diamond.” It’s up to users whether to polish it or leave it as is.
4. Jekyll and Hyde in Listening: EQ Divides Sound Between Life and Death
So how does it actually sound when playing music? This one truly has two extreme faces, like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Default Sound: “Mr. Hyde’s” Tyranny
The Headphone (1) sound out of the box without touching EQ honestly disappoints expectations. As many reviews say, it’s like wearing a thick blanket over your head.
- One Reddit user trashes it as “disaster level out of the box” and “like $10 fake headphones”10.
- Another user is harsh: “sounds like cheap 25 euro airport stuff”15.
- PCMag’s review says orchestral sources have “treble, brass, and vocals competing for space, everything mixed and lacking excitement”35.
Muddy bass, recessed mids, unexpanded treble. This is “Mr. Hyde’s” face that everyone first encounters. You wonder what KEF’s logo was all about.
EQ Transformation: “Dr. Jekyll’s” Awakening
But the story starts here. The moment you open the Nothing X app and touch the Advanced EQ, Headphone (1) reveals its true form.
This EQ is different from some bonus feature. It’s a full 8-band parametric EQ36, a cut above the graphic EQs competitors offer. Each band allows detailed adjustment of center frequency and Q value (range width), letting you sculpt sound like a studio engineer. Surgical operations like “pinpoint suppressing only harsh treble sibilance” are child’s play37.
What’s even more interesting is the community feature. You can share custom EQ presets via QR code and try others’ settings with one scan36. This creates an ecosystem where even without EQ knowledge, you can easily install the best settings created by experts and enthusiasts like “SoundGuys recommended EQ”17.
Post-EQ Genre Impressions
Wielding this magic wand (EQ) dramatically changes the sound.
- EDM / Hip-Hop: The combination of EQ and “Bass Enhance” function transforms the sluggish bass into powerful, well-defined bass. Deep, distortion-free low end is quality that satisfies bass lovers11.
- Rock / Pop: Stripping the mid-high blanket with EQ brings vocals forward. Buried guitar riffs and cymbal sparkle revive, giving the whole track dynamism10.
- Jazz / Classical: While the soundstage isn’t originally wide, organizing each instrument’s frequency bands with EQ improves separation and depth. Delicate nuances like piano touch and string texture become audible, greatly increasing immersion35.
This transformation is proof that Nothing is trying to redefine “premium audio experience.” Traditional premium products were like museums where you appreciate finished works created by manufacturers. In contrast, Headphone (1) hands users high-performance instruments and scores (EQ), challenging: “Now, play your own best music.” From passive consumption to active creation. This is a truly bold attempt.
5. Overall Rating: Scoreboard of Light and Shadow
Based on the analysis so far, let’s evaluate each category. This scoreboard reflects both the intense light and deep shadows of this product.
| Evaluation Axis | Score (out of 5) | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Performance | ★★★★☆ (4.0) | Hardware fundamentals are extremely good6. ANC performance with average 85% noise attenuation is sufficiently strong considering the price47. The app with professional parametric EQ is also impressive35. However, measurement-exposed distortion levels47 and indefensible out-of-box sound quality drag it down, preventing a perfect score. |
| Musical Appeal | ★★★☆☆ (3.5) | ★1 out of box, transforms to ★5 after EQ—extreme dual nature. Therefore, only a middle rating is possible. This score is “conditionally” dependent on “willingness to adjust.” |
| Build Quality | ★★★★☆ (4.5) | Unique design, aluminum premium feel, and unmatched physical control operability. Outstanding in this price range8. Deducting 0.5 points for not folding and large case4. |
| Price-to-Value | ★★★★☆ (4.5) | Getting this design, features, build, and “potential” sound quality at $299 is a bargain4. For users it clicks with, it offers unbeatable value. Truly a lump of relative value. |
| Future-Proofing / Repairability | ★★★☆☆ (3.0) | App updates and USB-C audio support are good. However, unclear earpad replaceability8 is a fatal concern for long-term use. The unique design likely makes repairs difficult too. |
As this evaluation shows, Headphone (1) isn’t a well-balanced honor student. Not “can do everything” but “what it can do is best, what it can’t do is worst.” User satisfaction is completely proportional to whether they’re willing to face this one head-on.
6. Market Position: Trickster of the $300 Headphone Warring States Era
In conclusion, what is Nothing Headphone (1)‘s existence in today’s wireless headphone market?
It’s a “trickster” that destroys existing rules and bamboozles giants. While Sony, Bose, and Apple compete on the royal road of “best ANC” and “perfect sound quality,” Nothing brought a completely different arena. That’s the trinity of design, operability, and sound “customizability”21.
This product doesn’t pander to everyone. The target is clear: tech-savvy, design-conscious people seeking something uniquely their own. It deeply resonates with users who value self-expression—those who love custom PCs and keyboards, who tweak Android home screens endlessly.
Nothing’s approach might actually be a litmus test for consumer technology’s future. Industry trends are toward stripping users of choices, heading for refined “just works” simple experiences. Nothing’s philosophy is the exact opposite. They give users powerful tools (EQ) and believe users have the intelligence and motivation to master them.
Headphone (1)‘s success suggests that the “prosumer” market valuing “user autonomy” over “simplicity” may grow significantly going forward. Nothing isn’t just selling headphones. They’re selling a “philosophy” that technology should be more interesting and more personal.
7. Conclusion & Recommended Users
This headphone is for people who see sound not as a finished product to passively receive, but as a canvas to actively create upon. Its essence is a provocative audio experience that tests users with a “raw gem” of excellent hardware and the strongest tool (EQ) to polish it.
- Recommended For
- Not Recommended For
Finally, if I were to give this one a nickname:
“The Modular Synth of Headphone Audio”
Overall Rating (★×5)
★★★☆☆ (3.5)
References
1. Nothing (company) - Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nothing\_(company) 2. Every Nothing product so far: Phones, earbuds, and much more - Android Police, https://www.androidpolice.com/every-nothing-product-so-far/ 3. Nothing Headphone (1) launches July 15 for $299 with wild design, up to 80-hour battery, https://9to5google.com/2025/07/01/nothing-headphone-1-price-release-date-features/ 4. Nothing Headphone (1) Review: A Brave Move! - Mark Ellis Reviews, https://markellisreviews.com/reviews/nothing-headphone-1-review-a-brave-move/ 5. Headphone (1) | Audio | Nothing | US, https://us.nothing.tech/products/headphone-1 6. Nothing Headphone (1) | Wireless ANC Over-Ear Headphone | KEF USA, https://us.kef.com/products/nothing-headphone-1 7. The retro Nothing Headphone (1) ANC headphones launch globally | Mashable, https://mashable.com/article/nothing-headphone-1-launch-price 8. Nothing Headphone (1) Review: An Eye-Catching Design Backed …, https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/nothing-headphone-1-review-an-eye-catching-design-backed-by-strong-performance/ 9. I uncovered a major issue with the Nothing Headphone (1 …, https://www.soundguys.com/the-nothing-headphone-1-arent-for-those-with-larger-heads-142363/ 10. Nothing Headphone(1): a disaster out of the box, but.. (+EQ … - Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/NothingTech/comments/1mmqgjt/nothing\_headphone1\_a\_disaster\_out\_of\_the\_box\_but/ 11. Hands on: Nothing Headphone (1) review | What Hi-Fi?, https://www.whathifi.com/headphones/wireless-headphones/nothing-headphone-1 12. Nothing Headphone (1) vs AirPods Max: Did Nothing deliver on its …, https://www.soundguys.com/nothing-headphone-1-vs-apple-airpods-max-141109/ 13. Nothing Headphone (1) Ears-On: An Impressive First Effort | HotHardware, https://hothardware.com/reviews/nothing-headphone-1-ears-on 14. Nothing Headphone (1) review: so close to being the best headphones debut I’ve ever seen, but so far | TechRadar, https://www.techradar.com/audio/wireless-headphones/nothing-headphone-1-review 15. I am returning Headphone (1)… mini review : r/NothingTech - Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/NothingTech/comments/1m3up0q/i\_am\_returning\_headphone\_1\_mini\_review/ 16. Nothing Headphone 1 Review vs EVERYTHING! - RecordingNOW.com, https://recordingnow.com/blog/nothing-headphone-1-review/ 17. Nothing Headphone (1) review: unique in design, do they also …, https://nothing.community/d/42247-nothing-headphone-1-review-unique-in-design-do-they-also-deliver-on-sound-quality 18. How Nothing CEO Carl Pei is breaking barriers | Mint, https://www.livemint.com/mint-lounge/ideas/carl-pei-nothing-ceo-oneplus-profile-111711634603903.html 19. The Story of Nothing - Designlabb | Brand Design Agency in Singapore, https://designlabb.medium.com/the-story-of-nothing-8458180049ee 20. Nothing debuts gadget-filled over-ear headphones with retro design - SoundGuys, https://www.soundguys.com/nothing-headphone-1-140247/ 21. First Look’s At Nothing Headphone (1) : r/headphones - Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/1lfv1m3/first\_looks\_at\_nothing\_headphone\_1/ 22. WH-1000XM6 Specifications | Sony USA, https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/wh-1000xm6/specifications 23. Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise-Canceling Wireless Over-Ear Headphones (Black) - B&H, https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1894980-REG/sony\_wh1000xm6\_b\_wh\_1000xm6\_noise\_canceling\_wireless\_over\_ear.html 24. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Review - YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x\_5qrD6aLeY 25. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Review: WORTH IT in 2025? - RecordingNOW.com, https://recordingnow.com/blog/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-review/ 26. AirPods Max - Tech Specs - Apple Support, https://support.apple.com/en-us/111858 27. Apple AirPods Max review - SoundGuys, https://www.soundguys.com/apple-airpods-max-review-44975/ 28. Are these specs and release date for wh-1000xm6 true? : r/SonyHeadphones - Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/SonyHeadphones/comments/1kdp6de/are\_these\_specs\_and\_release\_date\_for\_wh1000xm6/ 29. AirPods Max - Technical Specifications - Apple, https://www.apple.com/airpods-max/specs/ 30. Nothing Headphone (1) vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones …, https://www.soundguys.com/nothing-headphone-1-vs-bose-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-140903/ 31. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, https://www.bose.com/p/headphones/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones/QCUH-HEADPHONEARN.html 32. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones review - SoundGuys, https://www.soundguys.com/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-review-103901/ 33. Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Sony WH-1000XM5: Should you upgrade? - SoundGuys, https://www.soundguys.com/sony-wh-1000xm6-vs-sony-wh-1000xm5-137876/ 34. Apple AirPods Max (USB C) Midnight MWW43AM/A - Best Buy, https://www.bestbuy.com/product/apple-airpods-max-usb-c-midnight/JJGCQ3ZZ3Q 35. Nothing Headphone (1) Review: Designed to Turn Heads | PCMag, https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/nothing-headphone-1 36. Nothing Headphone (1) Wireless Headphones Review – Well …, https://boizoff.com/language/en/nothing-headphone-1-wireless-headphones-review/ 37. Nothing Headphone (1) Review | headphonecheck.com, https://www.headphonecheck.com/test/nothing-headphone-1/ 38. Headphone (1) Advanced EQ profiles : r/NothingTech - Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/NothingTech/comments/1m0k80q/headphone\_1\_advanced\_eq\_profiles/ 39. My first impressions on the Headphones (1) : r/NothingTech - Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/NothingTech/comments/1m1eq8z/my\_first\_impressions\_on\_the\_headphones\_1/ 40. Nothing Headphone 1 Flagship Premium Headphones in Depth Review - YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJk2Czv8z7U 41. Nothing headphone 1 - Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/1o2c68q/nothing\_headphone\_1/ 42. Nothing Headphone (1) - Review 2025 - PCMag UK, https://uk.pcmag.com/headphones/158870/nothing-headphone-1 43. Nothing Is Premium Now: Interview with CEO Carl Pei …, https://www.techsponential.com/reports/nothingcarlpei 44. First impression of the nothing headphone (1) : r/NothingTech - Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/NothingTech/comments/1m0pxra/first\_impression\_of\_the\_nothing\_headphone\_1/ 45. My Headphone (1) : r/NothingTech - Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/NothingTech/comments/1mbt6j5/my\_headphone\_1/ 46. www.rtings.com, https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/nothing/headphone-1 47. Nothing Headphone (1) review: Something different - SoundGuys, https://www.soundguys.com/nothing-headphone-1-review-something-different-140323/
