Nothing Headphone 1: The Transparent Over-Ear Headphones That Challenge Sony and Apple
If you’ve been searching for a bold and stylish alternative to traditional headphones, the Nothing Headphone 1 is making waves in the audio world. Unveiled on July 1, 2025, this is the first over-ear release from UK-based tech company Nothing—and it's already generating buzz. Designed in partnership with high-end speaker company KEF, the Nothing Headphone 1 blends cutting-edge acoustics with a transparent aesthetic that shows off its inner hardware. But beyond the eye-catching design, do these headphones actually deliver the premium audio experience you’d expect at their $299 price point? In this in-depth review, we’ll break down the features, sound quality, comfort, and value of the Nothing Headphone 1—so you can decide if it’s worth the hype.
Transparent Design That Stands Out (and Divides Opinion)
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Nothing Headphone 1 is its bold, transparent design. True to Nothing’s brand identity, the headphones reveal their internal components in a way that’s both futuristic and minimalist. The outer shell combines plastic and aluminum, while the memory foam ear cups are covered in soft PU material. These aren’t your typical round ear cups either—the rectangular shape gives the headphones a distinctive silhouette.
However, while the transparent look is stunning on a smartphone, it’s more polarizing on a pair of over-ear headphones. Some may find the design visually distracting, especially compared to the sleek curves of Sony’s WH-1000XM5 or Apple’s AirPods Max. That said, the aesthetic will definitely appeal to users who want something that stands out in a crowd. One key difference from Nothing’s other products: there are no glyph lights here, so the headphones avoid looking overly flashy while still being uniquely styled.
Sound Performance of Nothing Headphone 1: Bass-Heavy but Customizable
For a $299 pair of headphones, the Nothing Headphone 1 delivers impressive sound quality. KEF’s tuning expertise shines through, especially when it comes to low-end performance. Straight out of the box, the sound profile leans heavily toward bass, which gives EDM and hip-hop tracks a punchy feel. However, if you're looking for a more balanced experience, the companion Nothing X app offers full EQ control—letting you tweak the mids and highs to match your taste.
Audiophiles will appreciate that the Headphone 1 supports advanced features like spatial audio and dynamic head tracking, delivering a more immersive listening experience—especially when watching content on mobile devices. While it doesn’t offer Apple’s iCloud magic like automatic pairing or device switching, it still supports Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that adapts every 600 milliseconds to external noise. Combined with a snug fit that reduces sound leakage, the Headphone 1 offers a decent level of isolation that holds its own against premium competitors.
Comfort and Fit: Similar to AirPods Max, But With Trade-Offs
Comfort is where the Nothing Headphone 1 may spark debate. The rectangular ear cups aren’t as spacious as those on rival models, and users may feel some pressure during longer sessions. Most of the headphone’s weight is concentrated in the ear cups, similar to Apple’s AirPods Max, which can cause fatigue after a couple of hours. That said, the adjustable headband does help distribute the weight somewhat, and users with smaller heads may find the fit secure and firm rather than overly tight.
Whether the fit is right for you will come down to personal preference. If you’re used to lighter models from Bose or Sennheiser, the Headphone 1 may feel bulky. But if design and sound customization are your top priorities, the trade-off might be worth it. It’s also worth noting that there’s no folding hinge—so while the design is futuristic, portability may be limited compared to compact travel-friendly alternatives.
Is the Nothing Headphone 1 Worth It in 2025?
With its transparent design, customizable sound, and premium build quality, the Nothing Headphone 1 is a fresh take on over-ear headphones in 2025. It may not beat Apple or Sony in every category, but it offers a compelling mix of aesthetics and functionality at a competitive price. Audiophiles will enjoy the KEF-tuned performance and EQ flexibility, while fashion-forward users will appreciate its unique design language.
However, the fit might be a dealbreaker for some, and features like iCloud integration or ultra-light comfort are missing. Still, for $299, Nothing has delivered a well-rounded product that challenges industry norms. Whether you’re a fan of the brand or just looking to try something new, the Nothing Headphone 1 earns its place among this year’s most talked-about audio accessories.
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