Nothing Headphone 1 review is creating waves in India’s audio community—and for good reason. Debuting at ₹19,999 (Rs 21,999 MRSP with initial offers pushing it lower), this is Nothing’s first over-ear headphone, and it’s making a statement. Priced aggressively yet packed with polish, it challenges premium models from Sony, Bose, and Apple, without an equivalent price tag.
Nothing Headphone 1 Review: Bold Design, Unique Identity
From the moment you unbox the Headphone 1, its transparent ear-cup and cassette‑inspired underlay demand attention. Instead of blending into the crowd, it stands out—some might love it, others may find it too daring. But that’s exactly Nothing’s point: to be “different”.The build is solid: a mix of metal hinges and aluminum casing adds a quality feel, while weight (~329 g) offers comfort for hours.
Nothing Headphone 1 Review: Feature‑Packed Performance
- Tactile Controls & Smart Features
- Roller for volume/play‑pause, paddle for skip/back, and a custom button for voice assistant or EQ presets.
- Sensor-supported auto-pause/play when worn.
- Spatial audio with head-tracking (can be toggled off).
- Multipoint pairing supported (two devices at once).
- Google/Microsoft Fast Pair and “Find My Device” included.
Audio Tuning & Sound Quality
Partnering with KEF and featuring 40 mm drivers, the Headphone 1 delivers punchy sound, especially suited for modern pop and Bollywood. Reviews praise the “authoritative bass” and well-defined mids for contemporary tracks like Ed Sheeran and Coldplay. One critique notes vocals and highs might fall behind top-tier models like AirPods Max, but nothing disastrous.
Spatial audio works well in “Fixed” mode, widening the soundstage. Engaging “Balanced” EQ is intuitive via the Nothing X app.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
ANC is effective for low-frequency hums—subways, airplanes, AC units—but less robust for mid/high frequencies, so noisy environments can still slip in. On the Verge, users noted it “works well, outside of calls”.
Call Quality
ANC helps isolate your voice, but in loud places like train stations or crowded halls, callers report garbled speech—systems sometimes cancel your voice instead. In calm settings, however, call clarity holds up well.
Battery Life & Connectivity
Nothing claims up to 35 hrs with ANC and 80 hrs without, via AAC codec. Real-use tests confirm ~45 hrs comfortably, often stretching to 2 days on a charge. Quick charge: 5 min = 2 hrs of playback. Connectivity supports Bluetooth LDAC, USB‑C lossless, and analog 3.5 mm jack (only when powered).
Pro & Contra Summary
Pros
Eye-catching, superior build
Punchy bass, warm mids—ideal for everyday use
Spatial audio & adjustable EQ
Robust battery life and fast charging
Tactile, intuitive controls
Cons
ANC not top-tier; mid/high frequencies seep in
Call quality suffers in loud settings
Highs/vocals are less refined than ultra-premium headphones
Analog jack only works with power on
Nothing Headphone 1 Review: Final Verdict
At ₹19,999 (introductory), head‑to‑head with ₹30,000+ premium rivals, the Nothing Headphone 1 offers exceptional value. It combines an adventurous design with well-rounded sound, reliable longevity, and smart app-driven features. Reviewers from India Today (8.5/10), The Verge, Gizmodo, and TechRadar applaud its placement as a strong “mid-tier” competitor—an alluring alternative to pricier models.
This is a solid pick for:
Daily commuters need a lasting battery
- Style-conscious listeners who value standout gear
- Bass lovers and Bollywood/pop fans
- Users who want customization without premium prices
However, if you need whisper‑quiet ANC, pristine call quality, or audiophile‑grade highs, you may still prefer flagship models from Sony, Bose, or Apple.
