Nothing Headphone 1 specifications and in-depth review

Nothing Headphone 1

Manufacturer: Nothing

The Nothing Headphone 1 is an over-ear wireless headphone that combines a lightweight yet feature-rich build with broad connectivity options. Weighing 329 g and compatible with both wired and wireless use, it comes with a detachable, tangle-free cable and a travel bag included in the box. An IP52 rating provides basic resistance to sweat and light moisture, and the headphones feature an on-device control panel along with in-ear detection for automatic playback pausing.

On the audio and connectivity side, the Nothing Headphone 1 uses a 40 mm driver unit capable of covering a frequency range from 20 Hz up to 40,000 Hz, with support for spatial audio and passive noise reduction alongside active noise cancellation. LDAC codec support enables higher-quality wireless audio transmission over Bluetooth 5.3, which offers a maximum range of 10 m. The 1,040 mAh rechargeable battery delivers up to 80 hours of playback or 35 hours with ANC enabled, charging fully in around 2 hours via USB Type-C. Six microphones handle calls and noise-canceling duties, while multipoint connectivity allows pairing with two devices simultaneously.

Pros
  • Battery life reaches 80 hours on a single charge, reducing how often the headphones need to be plugged in
  • Six microphones with noise-canceling capability support clear call quality and effective ANC performance
  • LDAC codec support enables higher-quality wireless audio transmission over Bluetooth
  • Multipoint connectivity allows simultaneous connection to two devices, useful for switching between a phone and a laptop
  • In/on-ear detection automatically pauses playback when the headphones are removed, which helps preserve battery
  • A travel bag and detachable tangle-free cable are included, adding practical value for everyday portability
Cons
  • Battery life drops significantly from 80 hours to 35 hours when ANC is active
  • The headphones cannot be folded, which limits how compact they become when packed away
  • Maximum Bluetooth range is limited to 10 m, restricting wireless freedom in larger spaces
  • Wireless charging is not supported, requiring a wired USB-C connection every time the battery needs topping up
  • At 329 g, the weight may become noticeable during extended wear sessions
Who is this for?

These headphones are well suited to users who spend long hours listening throughout the day, given the 80-hour battery life that eliminates the need for frequent charging. The combination of active noise cancellation, passive noise reduction, and an ambient sound mode makes them a practical choice for commuters and office users who need to manage their acoustic environment flexibly. The included travel bag, detachable cable, and IP52 sweat resistance also make them a reasonable fit for those who move frequently between different settings or use them during light physical activity. Users who regularly switch between two devices will benefit from the built-in multipoint connectivity, and the six-microphone setup makes them equally functional for calls and remote work.

Who is this NOT for?

Users looking for a compact, travel-friendly headphone may find these limiting, as the non-folding design makes them bulkier to store when not in use. Those who rely on a wired-only connection and prefer in-line playback controls will also find the experience lacking, since no in-line remote is included. Listeners who prioritize the widest possible codec compatibility — particularly those invested in the aptX ecosystem — will find the absence of aptX, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive a notable gap. Additionally, with a Bluetooth range capped at 10 m, the headphones are not well suited to users who need reliable wireless coverage across larger rooms or open spaces.

Design:

Fit Over-ear
weight 329 g
has a detachable cable
Ingress Protection (IP) rating IP52
water resistance Sweat resistant
can be folded
is designed for kids
has a tangle free cable
travel bag is included
has an open-back design
cable length 1.2 m
has stereo speakers

The Nothing Headphone 1 uses an over-ear fit and weighs 329 g, with a closed-back design and stereo speakers. It is not foldable and is not intended for children. The headphones come with a detachable, tangle-free cable measuring 1.2 m in length, and a travel bag is included in the box. An IP52 rating provides protection against sweat, making it suitable for use during light physical activity. Wireless charging is not supported, but the wired connection option adds flexibility to everyday use.

Sound quality:

has active noise cancellation (ANC)
lowest frequency 20 Hz
highest frequency 40000 Hz
driver unit size 40 mm
supports spatial audio
has a neodymium magnet
has passive noise reduction

The Nothing Headphone 1 handles sound reproduction through a 40 mm driver unit covering a frequency range of 20 Hz to 40,000 Hz. It supports both active noise cancellation and passive noise reduction, giving users two layers of isolation from ambient sound. Spatial audio is also supported, adding a wider sense of soundstage to compatible content. The drivers do not use a neodymium magnet.

Power:

Battery life 80 hours
Battery life (ANC) 35 hours
charge time 2 hours
Has USB Type-C
has a battery level indicator
has wireless charging
battery power 1040 mAh
Has a solar power battery
has a rechargeable battery
has a removable battery

The Nothing Headphone 1 is powered by a built-in 1,040 mAh rechargeable battery that is not removable and does not support wireless or solar charging. It delivers up to 80 hours of playback under standard conditions, which drops to 35 hours when active noise cancellation is enabled. A full charge takes 2 hours via USB Type-C, and a battery level indicator lets users keep track of remaining power without guesswork.

Connectivity:

connectivity Wireless & wired
Bluetooth version 5.3
has aptX Adaptive
has aptX
has LDAC
has LDHC
has Bluetooth LE Audio
has aptX Low Latency
has aptX HD
has aptX Lossless
has AAC
has Auracast
maximum Bluetooth range 10 m
has fast pairing
supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC

The Nothing Headphone 1 supports both wireless and wired connectivity, with Bluetooth 5.3 handling the wireless side at a maximum range of 10 m. For audio codecs, it includes LDAC and AAC, while aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Low Latency, aptX Lossless, LDHC, and Bluetooth LE Audio are not supported. Auracast is also absent, and NFC pairing is not available. Fast pairing is supported, simplifying the initial setup process with compatible devices.

Features:

has a noise-canceling microphone
has ambient sound mode
has in/on-ear detection
number of microphones 6
multipoint count 2
control panel placed on a device
can be used as a headset
Has an in-line control panel

The Nothing Headphone 1 includes an array of 6 microphones with noise-canceling capability, making it suitable for use as a headset during calls. Controls are handled through an on-device panel rather than an in-line cable remote. The headphones support ambient sound mode for environmental awareness without removing them, and in/on-ear detection enables automatic playback pausing when they are taken off. Multipoint connectivity allows simultaneous pairing with up to two devices, adding flexibility for users switching between sources.

Final Verdict

The Nothing Headphone 1 is a well-specified over-ear wireless headphone that covers a broad range of everyday listening and communication needs. Its most compelling attribute is the 80-hour battery life, which, combined with LDAC support, active noise cancellation, and a six-microphone setup, positions it as a capable daily driver for commuters, remote workers, and long-session listeners alike. The non-folding design and capped Bluetooth range of 10 m introduce practical limitations for users with specific portability or mobility requirements, and those deep in the aptX ecosystem will find codec support narrower than expected. That said, for users who prioritize endurance, call quality, and flexible device switching through multipoint connectivity, the Nothing Headphone 1 delivers a technically solid package that holds up well across a wide range of real-world use cases.

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