Headphone Review: The Verge Nothing Headphone 1
A Bold First Step into Premium Over-Ear Audio
Nothing has built its brand around transparency—both in design and philosophy—and the Nothing Headphone (1) continues that identity into the over-ear headphone category. Reviewed in detail by The Verge, Nothing’s first over-ear headphones focus on distinctive aesthetics, tactile controls, and carefully tuned sound rather than simply copying established industry leaders. The result is a product that feels experimental yet surprisingly mature for a first-generation release.
Design and Build Quality
The Nothing Headphone (1) immediately stands out with its retro-transparent design and directional, tech-forward aesthetic. This is not a subtle pair of headphones. The exposed elements and layered construction clearly target users who want their audio gear to be seen.
Build quality is premium, featuring aluminum frames paired with soft memory-foam ear pads that provide good comfort for long listening sessions. Instead of touch controls, Nothing opts for physical controls, including a roller, paddle, and buttons. This design choice improves accuracy and usability, especially in cold weather or during movement, and gives the headphones a more tactile, mechanical feel.
Sound Quality and Audio Performance
At the core of the Headphone (1) are custom 40mm dynamic drivers tuned by KEF, a respected name in the audio industry. The default tuning delivers a balanced, clean sound with good separation and controlled bass.
Users looking to fine-tune the experience can do so via the Nothing X app, which offers EQ adjustments that noticeably improve clarity and low-end response when properly configured. The headphones support a wide range of audio formats, including Hi-Res LDAC, AAC, USB-C lossless playback, and even a 3.5mm headphone jack, making them versatile across devices and use cases.
ANC and Transparency Mode
Active Noise Cancellation is solid, delivering up to 42 dB of noise reduction, which is effective for daily commuting, office environments, and travel. Transparency mode performs well enough for situational awareness without sounding artificial.
That said, while ANC performance is competitive, it does not surpass category leaders such as Sony’s WH-1000XM series or Bose’s Ultra line. It’s reliable and consistent, but not class-leading.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Battery performance is one of the Headphone (1)’s strongest areas. Users can expect:
- Up to 35 hours with ANC enabled
- Up to 80 hours with ANC disabled
Fast charging support is impressive, delivering around 5 hours of playback from just 5 minutes of charging. Connectivity is modern and reliable, with Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint pairing, Google Fast Pair, and Microsoft Swift Pair, making seamless switching between devices easy.
Drawbacks and Limitations
Despite its strengths, the Nothing Headphone (1) is not without compromises. The retro-transparent design will not appeal to everyone, particularly users who prefer understated or minimalist styling. Microphone quality is adequate for calls but struggles in noisy environments, making it less ideal for frequent business calls.
Additionally, while a 3.5mm jack is included, analog audio only works when the battery is powered on, which limits passive listening use cases.
The Nothing Headphone (1) is a confident and well-executed debut in the over-ear headphone market. It prioritizes bold design, tactile controls, flexible audio support, and strong battery life, all backed by respectable sound tuning from KEF.
For users who value distinctive aesthetics, physical controls, and customizable sound, the Headphone (1) is a compelling option. However, those seeking the absolute best noise cancellation or a more discreet design may still find established competitors slightly ahead.
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