Details are everything, and the Headphone (1) don’t run short of them. The clean white box on the inside has an embossed imprint of the headphones that exudes minimalist art vibes. The oval cassette tape housings evoke Sony Walkman memories, while the rectangular earcups are a nice callback to vintage home audio headphones. Small touches like the angular arms and dot imprints showcase the brand’s chic craftsmanship. IP54 certification protects the headphones from dust, sweat, and water splashing.
Unfortunately, the Headphone (1) are clunky and heavy (11.6 ounces). They clank together when the earcups are swiveled, which chips the metallic paint job over time.
The Headphone (1) aren’t going to win any audiophile awards. Nonetheless, KEF tuned the soundstage to produce a satisfying mix of lows, mids, and highs. Sound was mostly pleasant right out of the box. Playing with the EQ improved it. There was the option to create a sound profile by manually adjusting frequencies or select from four presets: Balanced (default), More Bass, More Treble, and Voice. More Treble offered the most stable sound.
Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
The electric guitar riff and striking drums on Green Day’s “Walking Contradiction” were impactful and put me in headbanger mode. Run the Jewels’ “ooh la la” had tremendous reverberation, highlighted by monstrous bass that extended and decayed smoothly with each sporadic snare strike. Mids and highs were decent. Ballads like Mariah Carey’s “We Belong Together” delivered bright and crisp vocals that were accentuated when the singer exercised her pitch range in the outro.
Android devices provided the best listening experience via LDAC. The audio codec streams music at a high bitrate and maintains the nuance from original recordings. Spotify songs sounded compressed on my MacBook Pro, but they received a hi-res boost on my OnePlus 11 and Nothing Phone (3) smartphones. The same went for all other content. Enabling the low lag mode reduces latency when watching videos.
It’s also fantastic that the headphones support lossless playback through USB-C connection. I noticed a huge difference in clarity on Apple Music tracks when plugged into my MacBook Pro. Nothing’s spatial audio mode won’t wow you like Apple’s or Bose’s 3D audio format, but it’s acceptable if you want theater-like acoustics.
Nothing’s real-time adaptive ANC performed better than I anticipated. The technology suppressed various sounds across the frequency spectrum. Common distractions like chatty pedestrians and household appliances went unnoticed. High-pitched sounds (e.g., crying babies, sirens, whistles) were minimized. I used Transparency mode religiously at home, specifically when cooking. The mics picked up vocals clearly and made it easy to communicate with the missus from across the room. This feature was most useful outdoors; I could hear people walking behind me and cars coming from a block away.
ANC playtime is reasonable (35 hours), though you can get more than double the battery life when turning it off (up to 80 hours). Fast charging maximizes usage: a five-minute charge generates five hours of listening time (ANC off).
Connecting with your music has never been so intuitive, and the Headphone (1) really tries to simplify this experience with its admirable connectivity features. A boon for those who like to switch between devices, these headphones boast Bluetooth 5.3 technology, ensuring a stable and reliable connection, albeit with occasional quirks in multipoint mode. Imagine hosting a cozy dinner party and effortlessly swapping the tunes from your phone to your tablet without a hitch – that’s the kind of smooth experience the Nothing Headphone (1) aims to deliver.
However, not everything glitters. While pairing is a breeze, thanks to the cleverly concealed Bluetooth button on the right earcup, there’s room for improvement in wear detection, which occasionally lags in pausing your music. But don’t worry, patience is key, and the experience can be worth the slight pause.
It’s not just about connectivity; it’s the features that elevate your interaction with these headphones. The Nothing app is where the magic happens, offering personalized features and updates that can tweak your listening experience to suit your moods and environments. Whether you’re winding down with a podcast or getting in the zone with upbeat tracks, adjusting equalizer presets or using custom sound profiles can transform how your playlist feels.
Nevertheless, you might find the absence of more flexible design, like folding capabilities, a minor concern, especially when packing them away in your bag. But, the user-friendly physical controls on the right earcup redeem this slightly, with easy access to adjust volume or handle calls with a swipe or press. The roller for volume and the paddle for media control don’t just feel modern; they’re delightfully practical, making navigation seamless even when on the move.
For those who often find themselves in dense urban jungles or bustling offices, the strong connection and responsive controls provide a solace, letting your audio experience remain uninterrupted and personalized. As you navigate through your day, these features collectively work to create a harmonious blend of connectivity, control, and convenience, resonating with anyone longing for an audio gadget that just gets them.
Battery life is often a top concern when picking out wireless headphones, and the Nothing Headphone (1) has clearly prioritized endurance in its design. With a remarkable capability of lasting up to 35 hours with ANC active and an astounding 80 hours when ANC is off, these headphones promise to stick with you from dawn till dusk and beyond. Such longevity means fewer interruptions in your daily routine, allowing you to immerse yourself in music, podcasts, or work calls without the frequent need for recharging. Whether you’re embarking on long-haul flights or simply need an all-day companion, these headphones ensure you’re well-covered.
Moreover, when the battery eventually runs low, the quick charging feature comes to the rescue. Just a five-minute charge is sufficient to provide five hours of playback time with ANC turned off, an absolute boon for the forgetful among us or those in a hurry. This efficiency minimizes downtime and lets you get back to your listening experience almost instantly. It’s all about being there when you need it, promising that your journey, project, or relaxation time isn’t cut short by a drained battery.
For the eco-conscious or those who simply appreciate longevity, this reduction in frequent charging cycles potentially means a longer lifespan for the battery, reflecting sustainability in design. Despite any little hiccups or doubts about these headphones, their commitment to efficient power management is something to celebrate, relieving users from the constant worry about where the nearest power outlet is.
At the end of the day, if reliability and freedom from the power cord are what you seek, the Nothing Headphone (1) impressively lays to rest concerns of battery anxiety, ensuring uninterrupted enjoyment of your audio world.
Evaluating the worth of the Nothing Headphone (1) can be a bit of a balancing act, considering the vast market of audio devices promising a blend of style, performance, and value. As buyers, we yearn for that perfect combination – a product that not only sounds great and feels comfortable but also respects our investment.
Priced within a range that tantalizes both casual users and discerning audiophiles, the Nothing Headphone (1) presents itself as an alluring choice. It’s a nod to those who appreciate the artistry of retro-inspired design without sacrificing modern functionalities. For many, this balance between nostalgia and innovation is appealing, offering a listening experience encapsulated in a thoughtfully crafted piece of technology.
However, it’s essential to heed the nuances of what these headphones deliver. There’s undeniable charm in their design — a transparency that piques interest and craftsmanship that nods to a bygone era. Yet, for some, the clunky weight and lack of folding capability might weigh heavy on the decision scale. Regardless, there’s a certain appeal in owning a device that daringly departs from the ubiquitous design standards of the present day.
From a performance and functionality standpoint, the sound quality and battery longevity shine brightly. They offer a solid auditory performance that’s elevated with customizable EQ settings, making it more than just about listening—it’s about tailoring an experience to fit unique auditory preferences. Coupled with remarkable battery duration, these headphones stand ready to accompany you through extended journeys, both physical and acoustic.
Yet, acquiring the Nothing Headphone (1) is more than just a financial transaction—it’s a commitment to embracing quirks and appreciating innovation. For those willing to look past minor flaws and revel in the retro vibe, these headphones present a compelling case. They carve a niche for themselves in a modern electronic landscape, promising a worthwhile investment for audiophiles yearning for both aesthetic uniqueness and sound fidelity.
The Nothing Headphone (1) beckons the open-minded to delve into a world where the past meets the future, leaving you to determine whether this charming fusion is the perfect fit for your auditory and stylistic aspirations. Whether they ultimately become a staple in your collection will depend on how much you weigh distinctive design and commendable sound against features you might find in more conventional counterparts. For the right user, they could indeed be a worthwhile addition to the listening experience.
