Nothing Headphone 1

The Nothing Headphone (1), launched in July 2025, marks the company's bold entry into the over-ear headphone market. True to Nothing's design philosophy, these headphones are a unique fusion of retro-futuristic style and modern functionality. They stand out from the crowd with their signature transparent aesthetic and a focus on tactile, physical controls, setting them apart from the touch-sensitive norm.

How much is the Nothing Headphone 1 in Kenya?

The price for the Headphone 1 is KES. 29,000

The Nothing Headphone (1) is a compelling option for those who value unique design and a high-quality listening experience. Its collaboration with KEF ensures excellent sound, while the robust physical controls and impressive battery life provide a superior user experience. While it may not dethrone the absolute leaders in ANC, its unique style, durability, and feature-rich app make it a standout choice in the premium headphone market.

Nothing Headphone 1 Technical Specifications:

Nothing Headphone 1 Design and Build

The Nothing Headphone (1) is a bold statement in the world of over-ear headphones, a stark departure from the typical, homogenous designs of its competitors. This device embodies Nothing's signature "transparent tech" philosophy, offering a unique blend of retro-futurism and meticulous craftsmanship that is as much about visual appeal as it is about premium performance.

1. An Unconventional and Striking Aesthetic
   The most defining feature of the Nothing Headphone (1) is its semi-transparent design. The large, distinctively-shaped earcups, which evoke the aesthetic of a classic cassette tape, are made from a blend of aluminum and a durable, translucent plastic. This transparent casing reveals a glimpse of the internal components and intricate dot-matrix printing, a purely cosmetic but highly effective design choice that makes the headphones instantly recognizable.
   The headphones are available in two core colors: White and Black, with some markets also offering a Light Blue variant. This limited color palette ensures the focus remains on the unique, minimalist design. The use of different materials and textures, including aluminum on the earcups, steel arms connecting them to the headband, and rubberized portions, adds to the industrial yet refined feel.
2. Premium Materials and Robust Construction
   Beyond the eye-catching design, the Nothing Headphone (1) is built with a focus on durability and tactile quality. The earcups are made from a high-quality aluminum alloy with a durable, UV-resistant finish. The headband arms and hinges are constructed from stainless steel, providing a smooth and firm adjustment mechanism. The control knob is wrapped in a soft-touch TPU leather, adding a touch of comfort and premium feel.
   The headphones also boast a rare feature for this category: an IP52 water and dust resistance rating. This means they are protected against a limited ingress of dust and are able to withstand dripping water, making them a practical choice for active users and those who wear them during a workout.
3. Comfort and Ergonomics
   Despite their unconventional appearance and a weight of 329g, the Nothing Headphone (1) are designed to be comfortable for extended listening sessions. They feature PU leather ear cushions filled with high-resilience memory foam that provides a soft and secure seal around the ear, which also contributes to passive noise isolation. The earcups themselves rotate and tilt to adjust for a perfect fit, and the clamping force is well-judged—tight enough for a good seal for active noise cancellation (ANC), but not so tight as to cause fatigue.
   However, some users have noted that the headband's padding is a bit thin and can cause a sore spot after several hours of wear. The headphones also do not fold, only rotating to lay flat, which means the included carrying case is quite large and less convenient for travel compared to competing models.
4. Tactile and Intuitive Controls
   Nothing has opted for a refreshingly tactile approach to controls, eschewing the touch-based systems of many rivals. The right earcup houses a variety of physical buttons, including a rolling button for volume and play/pause, a paddle for skipping tracks, and a customisable button on the earcup's exterior. These distinct controls are easy to find and use without having to take the headphones off.

The Nothing Headphone (1) is a testament to the brand's commitment to creating tech products that are not only functional but also visually striking. Its blend of transparent elements, premium materials, and durable build quality sets it apart in a crowded market, making it an ideal choice for those who value unique design and want a product that truly stands out.

Nothing Headphone 1 Performance

The Nothing Headphone (1) is a standout performer in the competitive over-ear headphone market, offering a unique blend of striking, transparent design and top-tier audio performance. Engineered in partnership with acclaimed audio experts KEF, these headphones deliver a high-fidelity listening experience that challenges premium rivals at a more accessible price point.

1. Sound Quality: 
   At the core of the Nothing Headphone (1) is a custom-engineered 40mm dynamic driver with a nickel-plated diaphragm, a result of the collaboration with KEF. This partnership is evident in the sound signature, which is described as well-rounded, bright, and engaging right out of the box.
   • Balanced and Rich: The headphones produce a naturally warm and punchy soundstage, with a deep, controlled bass that doesn't overwhelm the mix.
   • Clear Vocals & Treble: Vocals are present and clear, while the treble is crisp without being sharp, ensuring long, fatigue-free listening sessions across all music genres.
   • Customization is Key: For the audiophile, the Nothing X app is a game-changer. It offers an 8-band custom equalizer with a level of control typically reserved for professional audio software, allowing you to fine-tune every aspect of the sound. You can even adjust the Q factor (bandwidth) for each band, providing incredible precision.
2. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) & Transparency Mode
   The Nothing Headphone (1) features hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC) that is highly effective for its class.
   • Strong Performance: It does an excellent job of blocking out low-frequency rumbles, making it a perfect companion for commuting on a train or plane.
   • Adaptive & Customizable: The ANC has multiple modes, including a robust "High" setting that is impressive for a first-generation product. While it may not completely match the best from industry leaders like Sony or Apple, it comes remarkably close and delivers a frustration-free experience.
   • Natural Transparency: The transparency mode is also well-executed, allowing ambient sound to pass through in a natural-sounding way, ideal for staying aware of your surroundings without removing the headphones.
3. Unbeatable Battery Life and Connectivity
   The performance of the Nothing Headphone (1) extends to its exceptional battery life and connectivity options.
   • Long-Lasting Power: With an impressive 80 hours of playback with ANC off and 35 hours with ANC on, these headphones are built for endurance.
   • Fast Charging: A quick 5-minute charge provides up to 5 hours of playback, ensuring you're never left without music.
   • Versatile Connectivity: They support high-resolution audio codecs like LDAC, as well as AAC and SBC. The inclusion of both a USB-C port for digital audio and a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack offers maximum flexibility for both wired and wireless listening. The headphones also support multi-point connection, allowing you to seamlessly switch between two devices.
4. A Note on Comfort and Design
   Beyond the sound, the Nothing Headphone (1) is praised for its lightweight design and comfortable, deep earcups that sit well on the head. The physical roller and buttons provide a tactile and intuitive control experience, a welcome departure from often-frustrating touch controls. Its distinctive, translucent design ensures it stands out, blending futuristic aesthetics with practical functionality.

The Nothing Headphone (1) delivers a premium audio experience that punches well above its weight. With its detailed, customizable sound, impressive noise cancellation, and marathon battery life, it’s a compelling choice for anyone seeking a high-performance headphone that is truly something different.