Funky Looks, Fine Tunes: Nothing Headphone 1 Hits the Right Notes

By siliconindia  |  Monday, 14 July 2025, 10:27 IST

Funky Looks, Fine Tunes: Nothing Headphone 1 Hits the Right Notes
  • Nothing launches its first over-ear headphones, Headphone 1, priced at Rs 21,999, marking its entry into the premium audio space dominated by Sony and Sennheiser.
  • With a transparent, metallic design and physical button controls, the 329g headphones offer comfort, unique ergonomics, and innovative features like Roller and Paddle buttons.
  • While slightly bulky and limited in foldability, Headphone 1 delivers strong performance and design, establishing Nothing as a serious contender in high-end audio tech.

Nothing, the tech company with a reputation for clean lines and open aesthetics, started off with the Ear series and then moved on to smartphones. It was only a matter of time before it moved into over-ear headphones, and with the release of the Headphone 1, the company is now moving into a space ruled by behemoths like Sony, Sennheiser, and to some extent, Bose. At a price of Rs 21,999, the Headphone 1 boasts a mix of unique design and high-end features, but one cannot help but ask does it really deliver in terms of sound or is it all for show.

Early leaks of the Headphone 1 had already created quite an uproar, and the end product remains no exception. Be true to the brand DNA, the headphones come with transparent design pieces and a metallic finish that is eye-catching. Nevertheless, the device's physicality caused consternation. The massive ear cups and the cassette-like piece at the rear give the headphones a bulkier look than they really are. With a weight of 329 grams, the Headphone 1 felt bulky upon initial observation, particularly compared to Sony's WH-1000XM5 and XM6 headsets. But day-to-day use uncovered a surprisingly pleasant experience.

The cushioned headband is soft, providing long-term comfort, and the weight distribution appears to be well thought out, making it feasible to wear for long periods without experiencing noticeable fatigue. Noise isolation is managed properly, although how its longevity in extreme conditions such as the Delhi heat is yet to be known.

What Nothing does differently and leaves a distinctive impression is how it redefines controls on headphones. Eschewing touch gestures, the Headphone 1 comes equipped with four distinct physical buttons, all located on the right ear cup. The capsule-shaped Roller controls playback, active noise cancellation, and volume. A pill-shaped button allows users to toggle ANC, summon a voice assistant, and tweak spatial audio and EQ settings. A Paddle button is employed for calling control and navigation across tracks, while a power button is located together with the USB-C charging port and headphone jack. A hidden pairing button is also stashed close to the ear cup.

This button-operated method is intuitive and effective, arguably preferable to touch-based methods. The 'phones have some fold at the sides but not flat, which restricts portability slightly. Nevertheless, with consideration and quality performance, the Headphone 1 announces Nothing's serious move into the high-end headphone arena.