Nothing Headphone (1) Launched in India with 42dB Hybrid ANC, LDAC, and 80-Hour Playback around ($299)/₹21,999

The Nothing Headphone marks a bold new step in Nothing’s expanding audio ecosystem. Known for its striking transparent design language and minimalist aesthetic, Nothing has already made waves in the wireless earbuds market with the Ear (1), Ear (2), and Ear (Stick).

Now, with the launch of its first over-ear model — the Nothing Headphone — the company is venturing into premium territory, taking on established audio giants like Sony, Bose, and Apple.

Priced at $299, the Nothing Headphone sits squarely in the high-end segment, positioning itself as a serious contender in the market for audiophiles and everyday users seeking a blend of premium sound quality and innovative design.

This price point places it in direct competition with models like the Sony WH-1000XM5 ($399) and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra ($429), yet undercuts Apple’s AirPods Max, which retails at $549.

The launch of the Nothing Headphone is more than just another product release — it represents a pivotal moment in Nothing’s strategy to evolve from a design-focused startup into a full-fledged consumer tech brand. This move not only diversifies its portfolio beyond smartphones and TWS earbuds but also signals its ambition to become a serious player in the personal audio space.

With its unique design, competitive pricing, and feature-rich promise, the Nothing Headphone could disrupt the traditional over-ear headphone market and redefine what users expect from a $299 audio product.

Design and Build

The Nothing Headphone continues the brand’s unmistakable design identity — bold, transparent, and unapologetically modern. Just like the Ear (1) and Nothing Phone (2), this over-ear model features a transparent shell, revealing internal components in a way that appeals to tech minimalists and design enthusiasts alike. It’s not just eye-catching; it reinforces Nothing’s commitment to merging art with engineering.

Built using a blend of durable polycarbonate, stainless steel, and soft-touch silicone, the Nothing Headphone aims to strike the perfect balance between aesthetics and comfort. The ear cups are generously padded with memory foam and wrapped in vegan leather, designed for extended listening sessions without causing fatigue or overheating — a crucial factor for over-ear users.

Weighing in at just under 320 grams, the Nothing Headphone is lighter than Apple’s AirPods Max (384g), making it more comfortable for all-day wear. Its flexible headband and adjustable sliders ensure a snug yet adaptive fit across various head sizes. The brand has clearly invested in ergonomics, using precision weight distribution to minimize pressure points — an area where many headphones in this segment falter.

When compared to industry leaders like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, the Nothing Headphone holds its own. While Sony and Bose favor more conventional matte finishes and muted styling, Nothing breaks away with its transparent industrial look, setting it apart visually from the sea of generic black and silver headphones.

This design choice not only attracts a younger, style-conscious demographic but also aligns with Nothing’s philosophy of transparency — both literally and figuratively.

In short, the Nothing Headphone isn’t just about how it sounds — it’s about how it feels and looks. It’s a fashion-forward audio device that doesn’t compromise on function, promising comfort, durability, and visual uniqueness all in one package.

Key Features of the Nothing Headphone

The Nothing Headphone isn’t just about sleek aesthetics — it’s engineered with top-tier features to rival the best in the over-ear category. From high-fidelity sound to advanced noise cancellation and seamless connectivity, the feature set makes a strong case for its $299 price tag.

1. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

One of the standout features of the Nothing Headphone is its hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system, which utilizes both feedforward and feedback microphones to block out ambient sound.

Capable of cancelling noise up to 45dB, it directly competes with ANC heavyweights like Sony’s WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra. Whether you’re on a noisy commute or in a busy office, the Nothing Headphone adapts in real-time to your environment for an immersive listening experience.

2.High-Resolution Audio Support

The Nothing Headphone supports high-resolution audio codecs like LDAC and AAC, ensuring superior sound quality for users streaming from compatible devices.

This means richer detail, wider soundstage, and cleaner bass response. Paired with large 40mm dynamic drivers, the Nothing Headphone delivers deep lows, crisp highs, and a balanced midrange — ideal for everything from classical music to EDM.

3. Long Battery Life and Fast Charging

Battery life is another area where the Nothing Headphone shines. Users can expect up to 40 hours of playback without ANC and around 25 hours with ANC enabled. Even better, thanks to USB-C fast charging, just 10 minutes of charge delivers up to 8 hours of playback — perfect for users on the go.

4. Multi-Device Connectivity

With Bluetooth 5.3 and multi-point connectivity, the Nothing Headphone allows seamless switching between two devices — like your smartphone and laptop — without the need to re-pair. This feature is especially useful for hybrid workers or frequent travelers who use multiple devices daily.

5. Touch Controls and Smart Features

The Nothing Headphone is equipped with intuitive touch-sensitive controls on the earcups, enabling users to adjust volume, skip tracks, toggle ANC, or answer calls with simple gestures. There’s also a dedicated voice assistant trigger, and integration with the Nothing X app for personalized sound settings, firmware updates, and ANC adjustment.

From audio performance to intelligent features, the Nothing Headphone delivers on all fronts. It’s built not just to compete, but to redefine what users should expect from a $299 premium over-ear headphone

Audio Performance

When it comes to sound, the Nothing Headphone aims to deliver a premium listening experience that matches — and in some cases, rivals — the top players in its price category. Backed by large 40mm custom dynamic drivers, the audio output is finely tuned to deliver clarity, depth, and impact across all frequencies.

Balanced Tuning: Bass, Mids, and Treble

Early impressions and technical specs suggest that the Nothing Headphone follows a balanced tuning curve — offering powerful bass without overpowering the mids and highs. The bass response is tight and responsive, ideal for genres like hip-hop, EDM, and pop, without sounding muddy.

The midrange is well-defined, bringing vocals and instruments to the forefront — a critical factor for podcasts, acoustic tracks, and classical music lovers. Meanwhile, the treble delivers enough sparkle to highlight cymbals, strings, and synths without introducing sharpness or sibilance.

Overall, the Nothing Headphone aims for clarity and richness rather than artificially boosted sound.

Hi-Res Audio Support

Thanks to support for LDAC and AAC codecs, the Nothing Headphone is capable of streaming high-resolution audio over Bluetooth — something that sets it apart in the $250–$350 range. When paired with a compatible device, users can enjoy up to 990 kbps streaming, ensuring every nuance in the music is captured, especially in lossless or FLAC formats.

Real-World Performance vs. Competition

In real-world listening tests and early hands-on demos, the Nothing Headphone is being compared to the likes of the Sony WH-1000XM5 ($399), Bose QC Ultra ($429), and Sennheiser Momentum 4 ($349).

While Sony and Bose still hold a slight edge in ANC precision and spatial audio, the Nothing Headphone offers surprisingly competitive audio fidelity — especially considering its lower $299 price.

Compared to similarly priced options like the Beats Studio Pro ($349) or JBL Tour One M2 ($299), the Nothing Headphone stands out with its balanced soundstage and clear vocal separation, while also delivering slightly better detail retrieval in high frequencies.

Connectivity and Compatibility

The Nothing Headphone is built for seamless wireless experiences across a variety of devices and ecosystems. Equipped with the latest Bluetooth 5.3 technology, it ensures strong signal stability, lower latency, and improved energy efficiency. Whether you’re streaming music, watching videos, or taking calls, the Nothing Headphone delivers a lag-free, responsive connection.

Advanced Codec Support

To meet the demands of audiophiles and everyday users alike, the Nothing Headphone supports a wide range of audio codecs including AAC, SBC, and LDAC. LDAC support allows for high-resolution audio streaming at up to 990 kbps, a feature typically found in high-end headphones. This means users can enjoy studio-grade audio when paired with compatible Android smartphones or hi-res audio players.

Nothing X App Integration

The Nothing Headphone works in tandem with the Nothing X app, the same platform used for its existing Ear (1), Ear (2), and Ear (Stick) models. Within the app, users can access detailed controls such as customizable EQ settings, ANC levels, gesture control mapping, and firmware updates. The app is available for both iOS and Android, ensuring cross-platform support without limitations.

Through the Nothing X app, the Nothing Headphone can also enable low-latency mode, useful for gaming or video calls, as well as find-my-headphones features in case they are misplaced.

Hassle-Free Pairing and Multi-Device Use

Pairing the Nothing Headphone is quick and intuitive. Thanks to support for Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair, the headphones instantly connect to Android and Windows devices with a single tap. Apple users aren’t left out either — standard Bluetooth pairing is fast and stable.

Another standout feature is multi-point connectivity, allowing users to stay connected to two devices simultaneously. For example, you can watch a movie on your tablet and seamlessly switch to your smartphone when a call comes in, without re-pairing manually. This kind of dual-device functionality is ideal for multitaskers and hybrid workers.

Battery Life

Battery performance is a crucial factor for over-ear headphones, especially in the premium category — and the Nothing Headphone delivers a highly competitive showing. According to official specs, the Nothing Headphone offers up to 40 hours of playback on a single charge without Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). When ANC is enabled, playback time is still impressive at around 25 hours, making it suitable for long flights, workdays, or extended listening sessions.

Fast Charging That Keeps You Moving

The Nothing Headphone also includes USB-C fast charging, ensuring minimal downtime. A 10-minute quick charge delivers up to 8 hours of playback, a significant advantage for users who are always on the go. Full charging takes approximately 70–90 minutes, depending on the power source.

This fast-charging capability means even when you’re caught with low battery, a few minutes of charge is enough to power you through a full day of listening — whether you’re commuting, working remotely, or traveling.

How It Compares to the Competition

When benchmarked against its direct competitors, the Nothing Headphone holds its own. For reference:

• Sony WH-1000XM5 offers up to 30 hours with ANC, 40 hours without, and 3 hours of playback from a 3-minute charge.
  
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra delivers up to 24 hours with ANC and 2.5 hours from a 15-minute charge.
  
• Apple AirPods Max lasts up to 20 hours with ANC and lacks true fast charging support.
  

This places the Nothing Headphone right at the top tier for battery life in the $250–$350 range, even outperforming some more expensive alternatives in total listening hours and quick-charge convenience.

Price and Availability

The Nothing Headphone has officially launched at a competitive price point of $299, positioning it strategically within the premium over-ear headphone segment. This pricing places it below flagship models like the Sony WH-1000XM5 ($399), Bose QuietComfort Ultra ($429), and Apple AirPods Max ($549), while offering many of the same high-end features — including ANC, hi-res audio support, and multi-device connectivity.

At $299, the Nothing Headphone is targeted toward users who want flagship-grade features without the ultra-premium price tag. It’s a calculated move by Nothing to disrupt the audio market in the same way it did with its transparent TWS earbuds and smartphones.

Global Availability

The Nothing Headphone is expected to roll out globally in Q3 2025, with pre-orders already live in key markets including the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, and India. Shipping is scheduled to begin within 2–3 weeks of the initial order window, depending on region and demand.

In India, the Nothing Headphone is likely to be priced competitively around ₹24,999, aligning with local purchasing power while maintaining parity with its global MSRP. Availability will include major e-commerce platforms such as Flipkart and Amazon, alongside Nothing’s own online store and select offline retail partners.

Offers and Bundles

While there are no official discounts announced yet, early pre-orders of the Nothing Headphone may include launch offers such as cashback deals, no-cost EMI plans, or bundle pricing with other Nothing products like the Phone (2) or Ear (2). These incentives are designed to strengthen the ecosystem and encourage multi-product adoption among fans of the brand.

As with previous launches, Nothing is also expected to offer limited-edition color variants or early access drops to community members and registered users through the Nothing Hub and newsletter.

Comparison with Competitors

The Nothing Headphone enters a highly competitive space dominated by established giants like Sony, Bose, and Apple. At a launch price of $299, it directly challenges premium models such as the Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and AirPods Max, all of which are priced significantly higher. But how does the Nothing Headphone actually compare?

vs. Sony WH-1000XM5 ($399)

The Sony WH-1000XM5 has long been considered the gold standard in wireless ANC headphones. It features class-leading active noise cancellation, 30 hours of battery life with ANC, and extremely refined sound tuning. However, the Nothing Headphone narrows the gap by offering up to 25 hours of ANC playback, LDAC support, and a more distinctive transparent design — all at $100 less.

Where the Nothing Headphone stands out is in design innovation and user experience through the Nothing X app. While Sony may lead slightly in ANC and tuning, Nothing Headphone offers a fresh, lighter, and more stylish alternative with nearly identical core features.

vs. Bose QuietComfort Ultra ($429)

Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra excels in comfort and adaptive noise cancellation. Its strengths lie in its ultra-lightweight design, superior call quality, and rich, consumer-friendly sound. Yet, the Nothing Headphone delivers comparable audio performance, similar battery life, and a better price-to-feature ratio.

While the Bose model may still edge ahead for travelers due to its portability and refined ANC, the Nothing Headphone provides more modern aesthetics, app-based customization, and high-res audio support — all at $130 less.

vs. Apple AirPods Max ($549)

The Apple AirPods Max is known for its premium build, Spatial Audio with head tracking, and seamless iOS integration. However, it comes at a steep price and lacks certain basics like a 3.5mm jack and fast-charging support. The Nothing Headphone competes by offering cross-platform compatibility, LDAC codec support, and superior value for Android and Windows users.

Moreover, while Apple uses a stainless steel build (making the AirPods Max heavier at 384g), the Nothing Headphone is lighter and more comfortable for all-day use — an important factor for prolonged wear.

Strengths of the Nothing Headphone

• Competitive $299 pricing
  
• Premium features: ANC, LDAC, multi-device pairing
  
• Striking transparent design
  
• Excellent battery life and fast charging
  
• Lightweight and comfortable build
  

Weaknesses of the Nothing Headphone

• No spatial audio or Dolby Atmos (as of now)
  
• ANC may not be as advanced as Sony or Bose in edge cases
  
• No 3.5mm headphone jack for wired listening (subject to confirmation)

Early Impressions and Community Reactions

The Nothing Headphone has sparked widespread interest across tech communities, social media, and early-access reviewers — and the initial reactions are largely positive. Even before its retail release, the Nothing Headphone is being praised for its bold design, competitive pricing, and well-rounded feature set.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Tech reviewers who received early units have highlighted the Nothing Headphone‘s clean and balanced sound signature, reliable ANC performance, and excellent build quality. Many have pointed out that for a first attempt at over-ear headphones, Nothing has delivered a surprisingly refined product that competes well with more established brands.

Several YouTube reviewers and audio bloggers noted that the Nothing Headphone punches above its weight, particularly in terms of comfort, LDAC streaming quality, and battery efficiency. The transparent design has also been called “a breath of fresh air” in a market often dominated by dull black and silver options.

Community Buzz and Social Media Trends

On platforms like Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, the Nothing Headphone has quickly become a trending topic. Hashtags like #NothingHeadphone and #NothingAudio have been gaining traction, with fans of the brand praising the continuation of its transparent aesthetic and unified design language.

Early adopters on Reddit’s r/Headphones and r/NothingTech have shared excitement about features like multi-device pairing, touch controls, and app integration. Many users are calling it “the perfect blend of form and function” and expressing relief that Nothing didn’t overprice its first premium headphone.

In community polls and comment sections, the Nothing Headphone is frequently described as a “must-watch underdog” in a segment previously ruled by legacy brands. The hype is amplified by Nothing’s consistent community engagement, early access programs, and track record of delivering stylish, high-value tech.

Final Verdict

The Nothing Headphone is a bold and thoughtful entry into the premium audio space — and it largely delivers on its promises. With a clean and transparent design, high-resolution audio support, solid ANC performance, and competitive pricing, the Nothing Headphone strikes an impressive balance between style and substance. At $299, it offers much of what you’d expect from more expensive models by Sony, Bose, or Apple, without the premium price tag.

Is the Nothing Headphone Worth Buying?

Yes — if you’re looking for a modern, well-designed over-ear headphone with excellent audio quality, strong battery life, and smart features, the Nothing Headphone is absolutely worth considering. It’s not just a fashion statement; it’s a serious audio product designed with both audiophiles and everyday users in mind.

While it may not beat Sony or Bose in pure ANC performance, the Nothing Headphone holds its ground with high-fidelity sound, LDAC streaming, and intuitive touch controls — all in a uniquely lightweight and visually stunning package.

Who Should Consider the Nothing Headphone?

• Tech enthusiasts who appreciate unique design and high-end features
  
• Audiophiles seeking LDAC and balanced tuning without spending over $400
  
• Remote workers and commuters who need comfort, ANC, and multi-device pairing
  
• Fans of the Nothing ecosystem looking to complete their lineup with a transparent over-ear option

On the flip side, users heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem may still prefer AirPods Max for tighter integration, while travelers who prioritize ANC above all might lean toward Sony’s WH-1000XM5.

Final Thoughts

With the Nothing Headphone, Nothing has proven that it’s more than a design-driven startup — it’s a serious player in personal tech. This product is not only a natural extension of its audio legacy but also a defining moment in its expansion into premium hardware categories.

If Nothing can continue delivering this level of quality and innovation, its future in the consumer electronics market looks very bright.

The Nothing Headphone is more than just another pair of over-ears — it’s a fresh take on what headphones can look like, sound like, and feel like in 2025.