The Nothing Headphones (1) are officially here and can be purchased for the relatively attainable price of $299. There hasn’t been this much hype around a headphone design since, well, the AirPods Max, which speaks to their popularity right now.
The UK brand's signature translucent aesthetic has been one of the biggest trends in the wireless audio sector, inspiring rival brands (e.g., Beats, Sony) to copy this fashion for select true wireless releases. Their debut headphones are the company’s boldest launch to date and pay homage to vintage audio products, like FM radio headsets and the Sony Walkman.
Reviews for the Headphones (1) have been generally positive (I scored them 4.4 out of 5 for my Mashable review). I was impressed with their adaptive active noise cancellation, hi-res sound, and lengthy playtimes, but was disappointed in their wireless performance and appearance. (What can I say, the aesthetic is love it or hate it.)
If you’re seriously considering the Headphones (1) as your next over-ear upgrade, then you’ll want to know how they compare to the best headphones of the year. In particular, the Big Three: the AirPods Max, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and Sony WH-1000XM6. You may also be interested in how they fare against other newcomers. I've got you covered.
Here’s a breakdown of the Nothing Headphones (1) versus the field — it's all or Nothing.
Nothing Headphones (1) vs. Sony XM6 headphones
The $449 Sony WH-1000XM6 are much more expensive than the Headphones (1). They are considered the best sound-first headphones by many and an improvement over the critically acclaimed WH-1000XM5. Do the Headphones (1) stand a chance?
Battery life: The Headphones (1) last longer on a single charge. Expect up to 35 hours of noise cancellation and up to 80 hours of playback when disabling the feature. That’s 5 hours more in ANC mode and double the listening time with ANC off than Sony offers. Quick charging goes to the WH-1000XM6: a 3-minute charge generates 3 hours of playtime. This requires a USB-PD (power delivery) compatible charge. Nothing’s quick charging isn’t too far behind with a 5-minute charge netting you 5 hours of use.
Noise cancellation: The WH-1000xM6 have superior noise cancellation. These headphones eliminate close to 90 percent of noise and suppress high-frequency sounds at a high level. Sony’s 20-level transparency mode also does a remarkable job of increasing ambient awareness. Nothing’s real-time ANC effectively optimizes noise neutralization for all environments. I was shocked by how well the Headphones (1) silenced most low- and mid-frequency sounds. Their transparency mode was just as rewarding, though some noises sounded tinny.
Sound performance: Only a handful of companies can compete with Sony’s wireless audio. Nothing isn’t one of them. Despite having KEF-engineered drivers, the Headphones (1) lack the WH-1000xM6’s dynamic range and personalization. Sony’s headphones feature a more balanced soundstage, stabler bass, and various proprietary technologies that enhance audio. These include DSEE upscaling, Equalizer with numerous preprogrammed presets, and smooth-streaming LDAC codec support. You have to tinker with the Headphones (1)’s EQ and enable LDAC to get the best audio possible. Otherwise, songs sound compressed with limited detail. Nothing’s spatial is OK. Sony’s 360 Reality Audio platform is more convincing. Lossless playback is equally satisfying over USB-C connection.
Usability: You’re looking at two of the best multiplatform headphones around. They have companion apps (iOS/Android) and support popular Android features like one-tap Google Fast Pair. Connectivity goes to Sony. Multipoint technology (pair to two devices simultaneously) is more reliable on the XM6 and doesn’t cause stuttering like the Headphones (1). Controls also go to Sony. The XM6 have meticulous motion detection, physical/touch inputs, and voice assistance. I love the Headphones (1)’s unique controls, specifically the multifunctional roller for seamless volume adjustment and paddle for track management. However, their iffy voice assistance and terrible wear detection leave much to be desired.
Should you buy Nothing Headphone (1) or Sony XM6 Headphones?
The Nothing Headphones (1) might get you more for your dollar, but the Sony WH-1000XM6 win out with class-leading performance. However, if you can't afford the $450 price of entry for flagship headphones, then the $299 Nothing cans are a more than worthy alternative.
Nothing Headphone (1) vs. Apple AirPods Max
These two smartphone makers are now duking it out in the over-ear headphone market. Apple recently updated its flagship headphones with lossless audio, USB-C charging, and... not much else. The Headphones (1) should have this in the bag. Right?
Battery life: This is the one category where Nothing destroys Apple. The AirPods Max receive a measly 20 hours per charge, whereas the Headphones (1) get between 35 to 80 hours of playtime, depending how you use them. Quick charging is stronger on the Headphones (1). You’ll earn 5 hours on a 5-minute charge versus the AirPods Max’s 1.5 hours in the same charging time.
Noise cancellation: Nothing’s ANC is up there with Bose and Sony, at least based on Mashable's testing so far. Apple’s is not. I've worn the Headphones (1) in multiple environments and have rarely been caught off guard by the fracas around me. Not everything goes unnoticed (i.e., my crying baby). Still, the Headphone (1) minimize high-frequency sounds better than the AirPods Max. It’s hard to judge between the two transparency modes. Both are solid. I'm leaning toward Apple’s version since it makes ambient noise sound more natural.
Sound performance: The Headphones (1) are more suitable for standard listening, and the AirPods Max are ideal for 3D audio. Nothing offers more hi-res playback options via lossless audio over Bluetooth and USB-C connector. The AirPods Max only provide the latter, and the results are great. Bluetooth playback is where the AirPods Max stumble; the standard AAC codec lacks the clarity and nuance delivered by LDAC on the Headphones (1). Apple’s spatial audio creates immersive stereo sound that places you in the middle of live performances. The Headphones (1) have decent spatial audio with raised acoustics. That’s about it.
Usability: Apple’s intuitive ecosystem allows for flawless interconnectivity with all compatible brand devices. The Headphones (1) don’t operate as intuitively as the AirPods Max do on iOS/macOS, but they perform fine. They’re also more Android friendly (e.g., Google Fast Pair) and can pair to two audio sources at the same time, granted the technology isn’t as polished as it is on other headphones. Several features on the AirPods Max are disabled when using an Android phone, like Siri voice assistance. The Nothing brand makes most features available on both platforms via companion app. The AirPods Max have a more versatile control scheme, highlighted by the Digital Crown (aka the multifunctional dial) and unbeatable “Hey Siri” voice activation. As previously stated, the Headphones (1)’s roller and paddle controls are efficient, but their spotty voice assistance and wear detection diminish functionality.
Should I buy Nothing Headphone (1) or AirPods Max?
As convenient and high-performance as the AirPods Max are for iOS/macOS users, the Headphones (1) beat their foe in most categories, and do so at nearly half the price. There's a reason the AirPods Max are conspicuously missing from our guide to the best headphones.
Nothing Headphone (1) vs. Bose QuietComfort Ultra
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra currently stand as the best noise-canceling headphones overall. This a steep hill for any newcomer to climb, and Nothing puts its best foot forward, even if the outcome isn’t favorable. But there’s more to this battle than just noise cancellation.
Battery life: Nothing pulls off the trifecta and beats the Big Three in playtimes. Up to 80 hours of listening time (35 hours with ANC on) is sufficient for several weeks of moderate use. Battery life remains Bose’s kryptonite. Not only do the QC Ultra max out at 24 hours, but their quick charging is weaker: 2.5 hours on a 15-minute charge versus 5 hours on a 5-minute charge.
Noise cancellation: The QC Ultra prove why Bose is the King of ANC. Adaptive algorithms and more strategically placed mics produce elite noise reduction. It takes incredibly loud commotions to disrupt the soundstage, especially when ANC is set to level 10. Whatever breaks through will sound like background effects on songs. Bose’s Aware Mode accurately picks up ambient noise. The Headphones (1) have superb noise-canceling and transparency modes, but they don’t block out or capture as much ambient noise as the QC Ultra.
Sound performance: Bose gets the nod solely on spatial audio. Its universal Immersive Audio mode works with all stereo content, meaning you can use the feature with practically any media device and take in exceptional 360-degree sound. The QC Ultra also utilize proprietary CustomTune technology to personalize audio based on the unique properties of your ear and ear canal. It works surprisingly well and produces well-balanced frequencies. Then there’s aptX Adaptive codec support for detailed, hi-res playback with minimal latency. The Headphones (1) come with more lossless playback options (LDAC and USB-C), both of which deliver clear, dynamic sound. It’s the restrictive soundstage and so-so spatial audio that prevent Nothing’s wireless cans for making a bigger sonic splash.
Usability: Operating the Headphones (1) is much more fun, thanks to the paddle and roller on the right earcup for track management and volume, respectively. If only their digital assistance and wear detection were on point. The QC Ultra’s physical button scheme, voice activation, and wear detection all work well. Connectivity is stronger on Bose’s headphones. Range extends up to 40 feet when in multipoint mode before stutter occurs. Stepping past the 20-foot mark causes some dropout on the Headphones (1). Both models pair instantly to iOS/macOS and Android devices and have serviceable companion apps.
Which is the better investment? This is another scenario where the Headphones (1) get you more bang for your buck. However, the QC Ultra present the absolute-best noise cancellation and spatial audio money can buy. They're also the most comfortable headphones Mashable has ever tested, and perfect for long flights. Not to mention these headphones are occasionally on sale (I've seen them go for as low as $299), making them just as affordable as the Headphones (1) during annual shopping events like Amazon Prime Day.
How do the Nothing Headphones compare to other top contenders?
The $449 JBL Tour One M3 come to mind. These are feature-rich headphones with robust ANC and a remote controller that doubles as a transmitter to connect to any audio source. The higher MSRP translates to more features and stronger audio performance. Some consumers may find the Headphones (1)’s ease of use and striking ANC more appealing for the price. Another model worth considering is the $399 Sonos Ace, which have engaging sound and fantastic ecosystem integration for Sonos soundbar owners. App support, noise cancellation, and playtimes are greater on the Headphones (1), however.
Curious how the Nothing Headphones (1) compare to mid-range gems like the $199 Sony ULT Wear or some of the best headphones under $100? Give us your feedback and we may put together another comparison piece in the future.
So, should you buy the Nothing Headphone (1)?
I reviewed the Nothing headphones for Mashable, and overall, it was a very positive review. While these lose out on a technical level to some elite flagships, I actually like them better than the Apple AirPods Max, which cost a lot more. And if you're a fan of Nothing's retro-futuristic aesthetic, then I think you'll be very pleased with these cans.
Here's the bottom line: If you want the best headphones money can buy, I have to give it up to the XM6 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra over the Nothing Headphone (1). However, that $299 price tag is hard to resist, and this is the only pair of over-ears that lets you get true flagship quality for under $300.
