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Nothing Headphone (a) specifications and in-depth review

Nothing Headphone (a)

Manufacturer: Nothing

The Nothing Headphone (a) is an over-ear headphone that combines wireless and wired connectivity in a foldable, travel-ready design. Weighing 310 g and bundled with a travel bag, it is built around everyday practicality, and its IP52-rated sweat resistance adds a layer of durability for active use. A detachable, tangle-free 1.2 m cable ensures flexibility whether you prefer a wired or wireless listening setup.

On the technical side, the Headphone (a) is equipped with 40 mm drivers covering a frequency range of 20 Hz to 40,000 Hz, alongside active noise cancellation and passive noise reduction for versatile listening environments. Bluetooth 5.4 with LDAC and AAC codec support enables high-quality wireless audio transmission, while the 1060 mAh battery delivers up to 137 hours of playback, or 75 hours with ANC enabled, charging fully in just 2 hours via USB Type-C. An 8-microphone array with noise-canceling capability rounds out the feature set, supported by spatial audio, ambient sound mode, and fast pairing.

Pros
  • Battery life reaches up to 137 hours on a single charge, providing extended use between charges
  • The foldable design combined with an included travel bag makes it practical for transport and storage
  • Eight microphones with noise-canceling capability support clear call quality as a headset
  • LDAC codec support enables high-quality wireless audio transmission
  • IP52 rating provides sweat resistance, adding durability for use during physical activity
  • A detachable, tangle-free cable offers flexibility for both wired and wireless use
Cons
  • Wireless charging is not supported, requiring a physical cable connection every time
  • Maximum Bluetooth range is limited to 10 m, restricting movement from the connected device
  • In/on-ear detection is absent, meaning music does not pause automatically when the headphones are removed
  • No mute function is available, which can be inconvenient during calls
  • NFC pairing is not supported, removing a convenient one-tap connection option
Who is this for?

This headphone is well-suited for frequent travelers and commuters who benefit from the foldable design and included travel bag, making it easy to pack and carry on the go. The combination of active noise cancellation, passive noise reduction, and a broad frequency range up to 40,000 Hz makes it a strong fit for listeners who prioritize immersive audio in noisy environments. Its IP52 sweat resistance and long battery life of up to 137 hours also make it a practical choice for users who wear headphones through extended daily routines or light physical activity, while the 8-microphone noise-canceling setup serves those who regularly take calls or participate in remote meetings.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who frequently move around while listening may find the 10 m Bluetooth range limiting, as it restricts distance from the connected source device. Those who rely on automatic playback management will be hindered by the absence of in/on-ear detection, which means the headphones will not pause audio when removed. Additionally, audiophiles or wireless audio enthusiasts who depend on advanced codec support such as aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, or LDHC for specific device ecosystems may find the codec selection insufficient for their needs.

Design:

Fit Over-ear
weight 310 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 (a) uses an over-ear fit and weighs 310 g, striking a balance between comfort and substance. It features a closed-back design with stereo speakers and can be folded for easier storage, with a travel bag included in the box. The headphone carries an IP52 rating, making it sweat resistant for everyday active use. Connectivity via cable is handled through a detachable, tangle-free cable measuring 1.2 m in length, and the headphone is not designed specifically for children.

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 (a) is built around 40 mm driver units and covers a frequency range spanning from 20 Hz up to 40,000 Hz, offering broad audio reproduction. It supports both active noise cancellation (ANC) and passive noise reduction, giving listeners two layers of ambient sound control. Spatial audio is also supported, while the drivers themselves do not use a neodymium magnet.

Power:

Battery life 137 hours
Battery life (ANC) 75 hours
charge time 2 hours
Has USB Type-C ✓
has a battery level indicator ✓
has wireless charging ✕
battery power 1060 mAh
Has a solar power battery ✕
has a rechargeable battery ✓
has a removable battery ✕

The Nothing Headphone (a) houses a 1060 mAh rechargeable battery that delivers up to 137 hours of playback, dropping to 75 hours when active noise cancellation is enabled. It charges fully in 2 hours via USB Type-C and includes a battery level indicator for monitoring remaining power. The battery is built-in and not removable, and the headphone supports neither wireless charging nor solar charging.

Connectivity:

connectivity Wireless & wired
Bluetooth version 5.4
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 (a) supports both wireless and wired connectivity, with the wireless side running on Bluetooth 5.4 and offering 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, and LDHC are not supported. Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast are also absent, but the headphone does feature fast pairing for quicker device connections. NFC-based pairing is not available.

Features:

release date March 2026
has a noise-canceling microphone ✓
has ambient sound mode ✓
has in/on-ear detection ✕
number of microphones 8
has a mute function ✕
control panel placed on a device ✓
can be used as a headset ✓
Has an in-line control panel ✕

The Nothing Headphone (a) carries an 8-microphone array with noise-canceling capability, making it suitable for use as a headset during calls. It features ambient sound mode for situational awareness and includes a control panel placed directly on the device for convenient playback management. There is no in-line control panel on the cable, and the headphone does not support in/on-ear detection for automatic pause or a dedicated mute function.

Final Verdict

The Nothing Headphone (a) presents a well-rounded over-ear option that covers the essential needs of daily listeners and commuters alike. Its 137-hour battery life stands out as a defining strength, paired with a practical foldable build, sweat resistance, and a capable 8-microphone noise-canceling setup that extends its usefulness beyond casual listening into call and remote work scenarios. While certain limitations — such as the restricted Bluetooth range, absence of in/on-ear detection, and a narrower codec selection — may leave some users wanting more, these trade-offs are unlikely to affect the majority of everyday use cases the headphone is clearly designed for. On balance, the Nothing Headphone (a) is a feature-conscious wireless headphone that holds its ground through strong endurance, versatile connectivity, and a thoughtfully portable design.