Nothing has introduced its first over-ear headphones, Headphone (1), combining iconic transparent aesthetics, immersive acoustics, and an innovative control system. Designed in collaboration with legendary audio engineering firm KEF, this product establishes a new benchmark in the premium audio category. Crafted for those who demand a distinctive blend of expressive design, refined usability, and high-fidelity sound, Headphone (1) redefines expectations in over-ear listening.
Table of contents
- A Distinctive Design That Commands Attention
- Acoustic Engineering in Collaboration With KEF
- Spatial Audio With Real-Time Head Tracking
- Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
- Crystal-Clear Calls With AI-Powered ENC
- Long-Lasting Battery Life and Fast Charging
- Channel Hop and Essential Space: Personalized Listening
- Advanced Equalization and Customization
- Pricing, Availability, and Launch Offers
A Distinctive Design That Commands Attention
The design of Headphone (1) is an intentional departure from conventional aesthetics. It features transparent ear cups and premium materials such as formed aluminium, precision CNC-milled components, and oil-resistant PU memory foam. These elements not only offer durability but also deliver a tactile and visually striking experience.
The lightweight construction integrates an aluminium core with robust plastics to achieve both resilience and comfort. Telescopic arms enable smooth adjustments, while the carefully sculpted ear cups adapt to a wide range of head shapes. The acoustic cavity within the headphones mirrors their external elegance, housing precision-engineered drivers that reflect Nothing’s commitment to form meeting function.
A signature design element is the choice to eliminate conventional touch interfaces. Instead, the headphones integrate tactile controls that enhance usability and precision. Users operate three dedicated inputs: a Roller for volume, a Paddle for track navigation, and a Button for switching modes and accessing shortcuts. These controls provide responsive, reliable adjustments without the uncertainty often associated with touch-sensitive surfaces.
Acoustic Engineering in Collaboration With KEF
In a first-of-its-kind partnership, Nothing worked closely with KEF, known for over six decades of pioneering audio technology. Leveraging KEF’s proprietary tuning tools and engineering expertise, Headphone (1) incorporates custom-built 40mm dynamic drivers. These drivers are precisely calibrated to produce a rich, detailed, and balanced sound signature across all listening modes.
The tuning yields:
- Deep, controlled bass that adds weight without overpowering the mids.
- Detailed midrange reproduction, capturing vocal nuances and instrumental clarity.
- Crisp treble response that preserves brightness and definition without harshness.
A precision damping system and high-linearity suspension mitigate distortion, ensuring faithful playback across volume levels. The result is an immersive experience that appeals equally to audiophiles and casual listeners.
Spatial Audio With Real-Time Head Tracking
Headphone (1) elevates spatial sound immersion with on-device spatialisation and integrated head-tracking sensors. This system transforms any stereo audio into a 360-degree soundstage that dynamically adjusts to the listener’s movements. Whether watching movies, gaming, or listening to music, spatial audio maintains orientation and enhances realism.
Support for Hi-Res Audio and the LDAC codec ensures wireless playback achieves near-lossless fidelity. For uncompromised wired performance, users can connect via USB-C lossless mode or a traditional 3.5mm audio jack.
Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
Equipped with dual feedforward and feedback microphones, Headphone (1) delivers adaptive noise cancellation that responds in real-time to environmental changes. This advanced ANC system effectively suppresses background noise on airplanes, in offices, or on city streets.
For safety and situational awareness, Transparency Mode uses external microphones to amplify surrounding sounds, enabling conversations or navigation without removing the headphones. Switching between modes is immediate, thanks to the tactile Button on the ear cup.
Crystal-Clear Calls With AI-Powered ENC
The call quality on Headphone (1) is enhanced by a 4-microphone Environmental Noise Cancellation system. Trained on over 28 million noise scenarios, the AI algorithm intelligently isolates speech while reducing ambient distractions. Whether taking calls in a café or during commutes, voices remain clear and intelligible to the listener on the other end.
Long-Lasting Battery Life and Fast Charging
Headphone (1) is engineered for endurance. With up to 35 hours of playback time including ANC activated, the headphones easily cover extended workdays and travel itineraries. Fast charging technology allows 2.4 hours of playback from just a 5-minute charge, ensuring minimal downtime.
Integrated Bluetooth 5.3 provides a reliable, low-latency connection, while dual device pairing supports seamless switching between smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Fast Pair accelerates setup and connection across Android and Windows ecosystems.
Channel Hop and Essential Space: Personalized Listening
A standout feature of Headphone (1) is Channel Hop, an intuitive shortcut that cycles between recent audio sources or preferred functions without navigating menus. Activated by pressing the customizable Button, Channel Hop offers fast transitions between streaming apps, podcasts, and calls.
For note-taking and voice memos, the Essential Space function—exclusive to Nothing devices—lets users record and save thoughts instantly. Voice entries sync across devices, creating a second memory that preserves ideas without interrupting focus.
Advanced Equalization and Customization
The Nothing X app provides granular control over the listening experience. An 8-band Advanced Equalizer allows users to fine-tune the audio signature, adjusting frequency response beyond standard bass and treble sliders. Whether crafting a warm, bass-heavy profile or a neutral, reference-grade curve, the EQ ensures every listener can match sound to personal preferences.
Pricing, Availability, and Launch Offers
Nothing Headphone (1) will be available in Black and White color variants. Pricing details include:
- INR 21,999 standard retail price in India.
- Introductory launch offer of INR 19,999 on 15 July 2025.
Customers can purchase Headphone (1) through Flipkart, Flipkart Minutes, Myntra, Vijay Sales, Croma, and authorized retail outlets nationwide. For added affordability, Nothing offers 12-month No-Cost EMI options across leading banks on offline purchases.
Nothing Headphone (1) represents a compelling evolution of over-ear audio, blending refined acoustics, tactile innovation, and an unmistakable design identity. From immersive spatial sound and adaptive ANC to powerful AI-driven features and extended battery life, it stands apart as a category-defining product. This launch not only marks Nothing’s entry into premium audio but also reinforces its commitment to crafting technology that feels expressive and purposeful.