Nothing Headphone (1) - Top 10 Questions and Answers
BIKMAN TECHIn a world saturated with look-alike audio gear, it takes something special to turn heads. The Nothing Headphone (1) does just that with its signature transparent design and a bold, retro-futuristic aesthetic. But is there substance behind the style? At BIKMAN TECH, we know that great tech is more than just a pretty face. That's why we've dived deep into the specs, reviews, and user feedback to answer the top 10 questions about these unique wireless over-ear headphones, helping you decide if they're the right fit for your ears.
1. What's So Special About the Design and Build?
The first thing you'll notice about the 🟨 Headphone (1) is its unmistakable Nothing design. It features transparent elements on the earcups that offer a glimpse into the inner workings, creating a look that's both retro and futuristic, reminiscent of classic cassette tapes. The build quality is a premium mix of aluminum and durable plastic, feeling solid and sturdy in hand. While they don't fold up into a compact ball like some rivals, the earcups do swivel to lie flat, fitting into the included protective soft case. It's a design that makes a statement and is built to last.
2. How is the Sound Quality?
Out of the box, the sound can be a bit bass-heavy for some, but the real magic lies in the customization. Nothing partnered with the renowned British audio company KEF to tune the custom 40mm dynamic drivers, aiming for a rich, natural sound. The true power is unlocked through the Nothing X app, which features an incredibly detailed 8-band advanced equalizer. This allows you to tweak not just the frequency but also the Q factor (the width of the frequency band), offering a level of control rarely seen in a companion app. With a little adjustment, the 🟨 Headphone (1) can deliver a clean, clear, and powerful audio experience tailored precisely to your taste. They also support high-resolution audio with the LDAC codec for compatible devices.
3. How Good is the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)?
The Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation on the 🟨 Headphone (1) is impressively effective. With a total of six microphones, it does a great job of silencing low-frequency rumbles like the drone of an airplane engine or the hum of public transport. While it might not dethrone the absolute top-tier ANC from brands like Sony or Bose, it's very competitive and creates a focused, immersive listening environment. The Nothing X app offers multiple ANC modes (Low, Mid, High, and Adaptive) and a Transparency Mode that sounds clear and natural when you need to be aware of your surroundings.
4. Are They Comfortable to Wear for Long Periods?
Comfort is a subjective topic for the 🟨 Headphone (1). They weigh in at 329 g (11.6 oz), which is a bit heavier than some key competitors. The memory foam ear cushions are comfortable and create a good passive seal, but some users have noted the clamping force is quite firm, which could cause discomfort for some during extra-long sessions. Others find this secure fit perfect for active use. A unique and welcome feature is their IP52 water and dust resistance rating, meaning they can handle a sweaty gym session or light rain without issue, a rarity in over-ear headphones.
5. What Is the Battery Life Like?
Battery life is a major strength. With ANC turned off, you can get a massive 80 hours of playback. With ANC enabled, that number is still a very respectable 35 hours. This is more than enough to last through several days of heavy use or the longest international flights. The headphones also support fast charging via USB-C; a quick 5-minute charge provides up to 5 hours of playback with ANC off, so you're never without your music for long.
6. How Do You Control Them?
Nothing opted for tactile, physical controls over ambiguous touch gestures, which we found to be a fantastic choice. The 🟨 Headphone (1) features a combination of intuitive buttons that are easy to distinguish by touch. There's a smooth roller button for volume, a paddle for skipping tracks, and a customizable "Button" that can be assigned to activate your voice assistant or cycle through ANC modes. These physical controls are reliable, satisfying to use, and minimize accidental presses.
7. What Comes in the Box?
Inside the packaging, you'll find everything you need to get started. Alongside the 🟨 Headphone (1) itself, you get a durable, protective soft case for travel, a USB-C to USB-C charging cable, and a 3.5mm audio cable for wired listening. Of course, it also includes the necessary safety and warranty information and a user guide.
8. What are the Key Technical Specifications?
For those who love the details, we've compiled the core specs into a handy table. This gives you a clear overview of what the 🟨 Headphone (1) is packing under the hood.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Driver | 40 mm custom dynamic driver |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Supported Codecs | AAC, SBC, LDAC |
| Battery Life (ANC On) | Up to 35 hours (AAC), Up to 30 hours (LDAC) |
| Battery Life (ANC Off) | Up to 80 hours (AAC) |
| Weight | 329 g (11.6 oz) |
| IP Rating | IP52 (Water and dust resistant) |
| Microphones | 6 total |
| Connectivity | USB-C, 3.5mm audio jack, Bluetooth |
| Special Features | Sound by KEF, 8-band Advanced EQ, Dual-device connection |
9. What Devices Are They Compatible With?
Thanks to Bluetooth 5.3, the 🟨 Headphone (1) is compatible with a wide range of devices, including iOS and Android smartphones, Windows PCs, and Macs. They support Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair for quick and easy setup. A standout feature is the dual-device connection, allowing you to be connected to two sources simultaneously—like your laptop and your phone—and seamlessly switch between them.
10. What is the Real-World Consumer Feedback?
User feedback is generally positive, with a few key themes. Almost everyone agrees the design is a major highlight—it's a conversation starter. Many users praise the build quality and the excellent, customizable sound after using the app's EQ. The long battery life and tactile controls are also frequently mentioned as strong points. On the other hand, some users find the out-of-the-box sound underwhelming and stress the necessity of using the EQ. The weight and clamping force are polarizing, with some finding them perfectly comfortable and others feeling pressure during long-term wear.
Final thoughts
The 🟨 Nothing Headphone (1) is a bold first entry into the over-ear headphone market that successfully blends standout style with serious substance. Its key strengths are its unique design, incredibly powerful sound customization via the Nothing X app, and exceptional battery life. These headphones are best suited for the style-conscious individual who loves to tinker with their audio to achieve the perfect sound. If you value aesthetics and personalization over a plug-and-play experience, the Nothing Headphone (1) offers a compelling and refreshing alternative to the mainstream options. Ready to experience audio that looks as good as it sounds? Click to find the best deals today. From all of us at BIKMAN TECH, thanks for reading. Feel free to leave a comment with any more questions or share this post with a friend!
