Nothing-Headphone-1-Review

Nothing Headphone 1 Balances style and Substance, But Is it Enough? 

What if you purchased earbuds for ₹21,999 that resemble miniature glass sculptures but sound as hollow as their transparent outer casing? While the Nothing Ear 1 creates a striking visual impact, does it perform well in both quiet and loud environments?

On crowded metros and bustling streets, the Nothing Ear 1 certainly attracts attention, especially with its clear design, which sparks curiosity among onlookers. Office colleagues often stop mid-conversation to inquire about the see-through earbuds, and gym buddies admire their unique appearance. However, when we tested the sound quality, it was evident that they could compete with the output of a premium smartphone.

The earbuds find themselves in a competitive landscape dominated by Sony's booming bass and Bose's noise-canceling technology, and they are priced similarly to a good smartphone.


Aesthetics Over Everything: Design & Build

The Nothing Ear 1 continues with its signature transparent design, which sets it apart from competitors that often appear generic. The design of the ear buds/case is minimalistic and futuristic, and could possibly be considered as a fashion statement rather thana piece of audio hardware.

  • Materials: Light plastic with a matte finish.  
  • Fit: Comfortable in the ear, but if your ear shape doesn't suit the earbuds, you're in trouble for long sessions.  
  • Durability: IPX4 rated for sweat resistance, but not dust resistant.  

The design is a real showstopper, but some users have reported very slight creaking in the case, which raises concerns about long-term durability.


Sound Quality:  Clear but Not Best-in-Class


Although nothing indicates that the Ear 1 produces studio-quality sound, how does it perform in real-world conditions?
Bass: Slight punch, but not too much.

  • Mids & Highs: The instruments and vocals are clear, but audiophiles may find the sound not as full or expansive as what you get with the Sony WF-1000XM5.
  • Customization: The companion app offers EQ options, but there are only a limited number of presets to choose from.
    While casual listeners may find the sound pleasing, more discerning listeners may prefer higher-end models.


ANC Performance: Satisfactory, Decent But Not Elite 


Compared to other noise-canceling headsets, the Headphone 1 offers 42dB hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which effectively cancels office background chatter and the low rumble of trains, but does not as efficiently cancel sharp sounds, such as voices.

  • Transparent Mode: The ambient mode (also known as transparency mode) sounds unnatural when compared to more expensive rivals, such as Sony, which utilize a genuine ambient mode.
  • Call Quality: The call quality was deemed acceptable, attributed to the AI-powered microphones that effectively isolated voices in an urban street environment; however, some callers reported instances of background leakage.


Battery Life and Features

  • Playback: The playback time is 35 hours with ANC and 80 without, which beats the Sony WH-1000XM5 (30 hours) convincingly.
  • Fast Charge: The fast charging works as advertised; you can achieve 2.4 hours of playback time for only 5 minutes of charging time.
  • Connectivity: The headphones support LDAC, USB-C audio, and a 3.5 mm jack, but you must switch the appropriate toggle to the active device when using multi-point pairing.


Who Should Buy the Nothing Headphone 1?



Suitable For:

  • Urban commuters seeking effective active noise cancellation for their commutes and for working at nearby coffee shops are the target audience.
  • Individuals who like physical buttons to manage their headphones and who can manage the 
  • A customer looking for a good-quality headphone that is cheaper, i.e., less than ₹25,000.

Not Suitable For:

  • Audiophiles seeking the finest sound can discover that the Sony WH-1000XM6 beats the competition.
  • Someone who listens to headphones throughout the day and is okay with sacrificing weight (the Bose QC Ultra weighs 20% less)
  • Frequent travelers requiring very tight folding (these don't fold and become as small as others)




Final Verdict: Style and Substance, But It's Not There Yet

The Nothing Headphone 1 features a striking design with a transparent look and performs well for its purpose. While it may not rival brands like Sony or Bose, it resonates with a specific audience that appreciates style and design. If Nothing can enhance the sound quality and active noise cancellation (ANC), they could become a notable player in the industry.