Nothing Ear (1) Wireless Over-Ear Headphones Review: A Bold Statement in Sound and Style

For years, my desk has been a revolving door of over-ear headphones. They come and go, each promising the best noise cancellation, the purest audio, the longest battery life. But they all share a common, inescapable trait: they’re boring. A monotonous parade of black and grey plastics, each a slight variation of the last, designed to blend in, to be utilitarian and forgettable. I found myself yearning for something different—a pair of headphones that didn’t just perform well but also felt like a deliberate piece of design, something that made a statement. The problem is, audio products that prioritize aesthetics often compromise on sound quality or features, forcing a choice between style and substance. This leaves many of us stuck in a cycle of purchasing uninspired gear, feeling that to get great performance, we must sacrifice personality. It was on this quest for the exceptional that I encountered Nothing’s first foray into the over-ear market.

What to Consider Before Buying Noise-Cancelling Headphones

A pair of noise-cancelling headphones is more than just an accessory for listening to music; it’s a key solution for creating your own personal sanctuary. Whether you’re trying to focus in a bustling open-plan office, find peace on a noisy commute, or immerse yourself fully in an album or podcast at home, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is a transformative technology. It works by using microphones to detect ambient sounds and generating an opposing sound wave to cancel them out before they reach your ears. The main benefits are profound: reduced stress, improved concentration, and a more immersive audio experience, allowing you to hear every detail of your content without cranking up the volume to dangerous levels. It’s an investment in your focus and auditory health.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who frequently finds themselves in noisy environments—commuters, frequent flyers, office workers, or students studying in busy dorms. They value audio fidelity but also crave the ability to control their sonic environment. However, these headphones might not be the best fit for those who need to remain acutely aware of their surroundings at all times, such as cyclists or runners in urban areas (though most models, including this one, feature a “Transparency Mode” to address this). Similarly, if your primary listening happens in an already quiet home, the premium cost associated with high-end ANC technology might be an unnecessary expense. For those users, a quality pair of non-ANC, open-back headphones might offer a more natural and spacious soundstage for a lower price.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Comfort & Fit: You’ll likely be wearing these for hours. Pay close attention to the weight, the material of the ear cushions (PU leather, velour), and the clamping force of the headband. A well-designed pair should feel almost weightless, distributing pressure evenly without causing fatigue or soreness.
• Audio Performance & Customisation: Beyond just ANC, consider the core sound quality. Look for support for high-resolution audio codecs like LDAC if you use compatible devices. Equally important is the companion app; a powerful equaliser (EQ) can transform a good pair of headphones into a great one, allowing you to tune the sound precisely to your personal taste.
• Materials & Durability: The build quality dictates the lifespan of your investment. Headphones made with metal components like aluminium in the headband and yokes are generally more robust than all-plastic models. Check for durability testing standards and user feedback regarding longevity, especially on pivot points and ear cushion wear.
• Battery Life & Connectivity: The advertised battery life is a key metric. Look for separate figures for ANC on and off, as the former consumes significantly more power. Features like quick charging, multipoint Bluetooth (connecting to two devices at once), and the option for wired listening via a 3.5mm or USB-C cable add immense versatility.

Considering these factors will ensure you choose a pair of headphones that not only sounds great but also fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. Now, let’s see how the product we’re reviewing today measures up.

While the Nothing Ear (1) Wireless Over-Ear Headphones is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Masterclass in Tactile Satisfaction

Unboxing the Nothing Ear (1) Wireless Over-Ear Headphones is an experience in itself. From the moment you lift the lid, it’s clear that Nothing isn’t playing by the same rules as everyone else. The headphones are presented beautifully, nestled in a slim, rigid carrying case that feels premium and protective. Inside, alongside the headphones, are the USB-C and 3.5mm audio cables, tucked neatly into a small magnetic compartment. The immediate impression is one of meticulous thought and deliberate design. Holding them for the first time confirms this; at 329g, they have a reassuring heft without being overly heavy. The cool touch of the aluminium construction on the yokes and headband contrasts beautifully with the soft, pliable PU ear cushions. But the real standout feature, even before turning them on, is the controls. In a world obsessed with finicky, unreliable touch gestures, Nothing has opted for satisfyingly tactile physical controls. A pressable roller for volume and track skipping, and distinct buttons for ANC modes and power/pairing. It’s a refreshing, user-centric choice that immediately sets a positive tone for the entire user experience.

Deep Dive: Performance, Sound, and Everyday Livability

A unique design can only take a product so far. To justify its place in a crowded market, the Nothing Ear (1) Wireless Over-Ear Headphones must deliver on its core promises of high-quality audio, effective noise cancellation, and a seamless user experience. We spent weeks integrating these headphones into every aspect of our daily routine—from noisy train commutes and focused work sessions to late-night music discovery—to see if the substance truly matches the style.

Design and Build: A Statement Against Sameness

Nothing has built its brand on a transparent, industrial design ethos, and that DNA is on full display here. These headphones are, without a doubt, one of the most visually striking pairs on the market. The transparent elements on the earcups offer a glimpse into the inner workings, a signature move that feels both futuristic and honest. But the real star is the build quality. The headband and yokes are crafted from robust aluminium, giving the headphones a rigidity and premium feel that plastic competitors simply cannot match. We found this construction not only looks good but also feels incredibly durable, a sentiment echoed by users who praise their solid, premium finish. During our testing, the headband adjustment was smooth yet firm, holding its position perfectly.

Comfort is paramount for over-ear headphones, and here Nothing has succeeded admirably. The soft PU ear cushions are deep and accommodating, creating a great passive seal around the ears without excessive clamping force. We wore them for a continuous 5-hour stretch without any significant discomfort or heat build-up, a testament to the ergonomic design. One user noted they have a “perfect weight with minimal clamping force,” which perfectly captures our experience. However, the choice of materials, while premium, does have a potential downside. A few users mentioned the aluminium can be prone to scratches, and the ear cushions showed signs of creasing after a few weeks. While we didn’t experience premature wear in our testing period, it’s a point to consider for long-term durability. Ultimately, the design of the Nothing Ear (1) Wireless Over-Ear Headphones is a triumph. It dares to be different and backs it up with a tangible sense of quality and comfort that makes them a joy to wear and use.

Audio Performance: A Blank Canvas for Your Ears

The sound profile of the Nothing Ear (1) Wireless Over-Ear Headphones is perhaps its most debated, and in our opinion, most powerful feature. Out of the box, the audio, tuned in partnership with the acclaimed audio engineers at KEF, is balanced and clear. It leans towards a neutral, faithful reproduction rather than an overly bass-heavy sound common in many consumer headphones. For some, as several user reviews confirm, this initial sound can come across as “not massively impressive” or a bit flat. However, viewing the stock tuning as a starting point is the key to unlocking the true potential of these headphones.

The magic happens within the Nothing X app. It features a simple EQ for quick adjustments and, more importantly, an advanced 8-band graphic equaliser. This level of control is a genuine game-changer and a professional-grade feature rarely seen at this price point. We spent considerable time tweaking the frequencies and found it incredibly responsive, allowing us to dial in everything from thunderous, sub-bass-driven electronic music to the delicate nuances of acoustic folk. You can save multiple custom profiles, and as one user happily discovered, a “small research brings then many EQ settings from people who deal with sound professionally.” This community-driven aspect means even if you’re not an audio engineer, you can easily find and apply presets that transform the sound. With support for the Hi-Res LDAC codec, you can stream audio at up to 24-bit/96kHz, and the sound quality, once EQ’d, is absolutely brilliant—detailed, dynamic, and deeply engaging. It’s a feature that really elevates the Nothing Ear (1) Wireless Over-Ear Headphones from a good product to an enthusiast’s delight.

ANC, Battery Life, and Connectivity: The All-Day Champion

Beyond sound and design, a modern pair of headphones must excel at the fundamentals of wireless life. Let’s start with the Active Noise Cancellation. The hybrid ANC system, which uses feedforward and feedback microphones, does a commendable job. In our tests on public transport and in a busy office, it effectively muted low-frequency hums like engine noise and air conditioning. As one user aptly put it, the ANC “is zwar nicht die beste aber macht ihren Job gut” (isn’t the best, but does its job well). It may not create the near-total silence of industry titans like the Sony WH-1000XM5, but it’s more than sufficient for dramatically improving focus and immersion, especially when combined with the excellent passive isolation from the deep earcups.

Where the Nothing Ear (1) Wireless Over-Ear Headphones truly demolishes the competition is battery life. The advertised claim of up to 80 hours with ANC off and 35 hours with it on is, in our experience, entirely accurate. This is a staggering figure that redefines what to expect. We used the headphones for a full work week with ANC on for several hours each day and didn’t even think about reaching for the charger. For commuters or travellers, this is a killer feature, eliminating battery anxiety completely. The quick-charge function, providing 5 hours of listening from a 5-minute charge, is just the icing on the cake. Finally, connectivity is flawless. The multipoint connection allowed us to seamlessly switch between our laptop for a video call and our phone for music, a feature users repeatedly praised for its smooth operation. The inclusion of both USB-C and 3.5mm wired options ensures universal compatibility. These practical, powerful features make the Nothing Ear (1) a reliable and versatile daily driver.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, user feedback paints a picture of a product that deeply resonates with those tired of the status quo. The most consistent praise is directed at the design and build quality, with one user stating, “I’ve seen tons of headphones that follow the same safe, monotonous design language. The Nothing Headphone (1) is not one of them.” Another celebrated the move away from touch controls, calling the physical buttons and roller “so refreshing in a world full of touch everything!”

The power of the Nothing X app’s equaliser is another major theme. Many, like the user who said they “was able to finely tune the sound and now they sound brilliant,” agree that while the stock sound is serviceable, the customisation is what makes the audio truly special. However, this is also the source of the main critique: those who aren’t comfortable tweaking an EQ might find the out-of-the-box experience underwhelming compared to competitors with more vibrant default tuning. A few minor concerns were also raised, such as one user who noted a bit of paint wear after two weeks and another who felt the clamping force became noticeable after more than an hour of continuous use. Overall, the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, positioning the Nothing Ear (1) Wireless Over-Ear Headphones as a premium, well-built, and highly customisable product that offers exceptional value.

How Does the Nothing Ear (1) Compare to the Alternatives?

No product exists in a vacuum. To understand its true value, we must place the Nothing Ear (1) Wireless Over-Ear Headphones alongside its key competitors in the noise-cancelling space. We’ve selected three distinct alternatives that cater to different priorities and budgets.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is widely regarded as the king of active noise cancellation. If your absolute top priority is to block out the maximum amount of external sound, the Sonys are virtually unbeatable. Their ANC technology is a step above what Nothing currently offers, creating a more profound sense of silence. The sound quality out of the box is also more polished and widely appealing. However, this performance comes at a significantly higher price point. The build is primarily high-quality plastic rather than Nothing’s aluminium, and its design, while sleek, is far more conventional. The XM5 is for the user who demands the best ANC on the market and is willing to pay a premium for it, prioritising pure performance over design innovation and tactile controls.

2. RUNOLIM Hybrid ANC Wireless Over Ear Headphones 70H Playtime

The RUNOLIM headphones represent the budget-friendly end of the spectrum. Their main selling points are a very low price and an impressive 70-hour battery life, which comes close to Nothing’s benchmark. They provide functional ANC and a comfortable, foldable design, making them a practical choice for casual listeners or those on a tight budget. However, the trade-offs are significant. The build quality is entirely plastic, they lack support for high-resolution audio codecs like LDAC, and the companion app and EQ customisation are far less sophisticated than Nothing’s offering. This alternative is best suited for someone whose primary needs are basic noise cancellation and long battery life without the premium build, advanced audio features, or statement design of the Nothing Ear (1).

3. JLab JBuds LUX ANC Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

The JLab JBuds LUX ANC sit in a similar mid-range price bracket to the Nothing headphones, making them a direct competitor. They also boast a very long battery life (70+ hours) and offer sound customisation through an app. Where they differ most is in design philosophy and materials. The JBuds LUX have a more traditional, foldable, all-plastic design that prioritises portability over the premium, robust feel of the Nothing’s aluminium construction. While JLab offers solid performance for the price, the Nothing Ear (1) pulls ahead with its superior build materials, more refined aesthetic, professional-grade 8-band EQ, and support for the LDAC Hi-Res codec. The JLab is a great choice for a value-conscious user who prioritises portability, but the Nothing Ear (1) is for those who want a more premium, audiophile-friendly, and design-forward experience.

Final Verdict: Are the Nothing Ear (1) Headphones Worth It?

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Nothing Ear (1) Wireless Over-Ear Headphones is more than just a pretty face. It’s a thoughtfully engineered, beautifully constructed product that successfully challenges the conventions of the headphone market. Its standout strengths are its unique and premium design, the incredibly satisfying physical controls, the class-leading battery life, and the powerful, transformative potential of its 8-band equaliser. It carves out a unique space for itself, appealing directly to the user who appreciates industrial design and wants to tailor their audio experience with precision.

While its out-of-the-box sound may not wow everyone and its ANC isn’t the absolute best in the business, these are minor caveats in an otherwise stellar package. The ability to craft your own sound signature more than makes up for the initial tuning, and the noise cancellation is highly effective for most real-world scenarios. If you’re tired of boring design, hate finicky touch controls, and love the idea of having granular control over your music, this is the pair of headphones you’ve been waiting for. It delivers a premium experience that punches well above its price tag. For a refreshing blend of style, substance, and customisation, we wholeheartedly recommend you check out the Nothing Ear (1) Wireless Over-Ear Headphones for yourself.