The Verge
Nothing Headphone 1 review: head-turning
Spatial audio, noise cancellation, and a few unapologetic design choices.
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Nothing Headphone (1) Review: Unique Design Meets Solid Sound, But Voice Calls Fall Short
The Verge recently published a comprehensive review of the new Nothing Headphone (1), highlighting its distinctive design and performance. Priced at $299, these headphones feature a unique rectangular shape with a transparent plastic piece, setting them apart from other Bluetooth headphones. The reviewer praised the headphones for their comfort, even after prolonged wear, and noted their impressive audio quality for the price point. The noise-cancelling feature was described as 'pretty solid,' effectively blocking out city noise and subway hums, competing well with more expensive alternatives. Controls are a key feature, including a roller wheel for volume and pausing, a paddle switch for track skipping, and a customizable action button for voice assistants or EQ presets. Battery life is also robust, offering up to 35 hours with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on. However, a significant drawback highlighted was the performance of voice calls in noisy environments. While clear in quiet settings, the microphone struggled in busy locations like train stations, making conversations difficult. Additionally, the ear pads are not removable and were not the reviewer's preferred texture. The analogue audio jack also becomes useless if the battery dies. Despite these issues, the reviewer suggested that for those who do not heavily rely on headphones for voice calls, the Nothing Headphone (1) offers a compelling alternative to more expensive flagship models, especially considering the $200 savings compared to some competitors.
