ZDNET's key takeaways The Nothing Headphone 1 are available for preorder now at $299.
These over-ear headphones feature a 40mm dynamic driver made in partnership with KEF, Spatial Audio playback, ANC, and more.
You'll have to really admire the design and customizability of the headphones to make the most of them. View now at Nothing
Nothing's first over-ear headphones are as ambitious, polarizing, and divisive of a product as you'd expect from the brand. The writing was always on the wall -- from the moment the London-based tech company debuted with a pair of earbuds with a transparent design.
Yet, somehow, I found myself taking a step back when I unboxed the Headphone 1.
To an extent, Headphone 1 represent the pinnacle of Nothing: a playful, finely tuned pair of headphones with Teenage Engineering influence, a seamless software experience that leaves no iOS or Android user behind, and a feel and finish that could split any room into two.
Also: The 12 best headphones of 2025
The design will undoubtedly turn heads and start conversations, but it's the audio performance that will make everyone stop and listen. It did for me. But is it worth the $299 listing price? Here's my verdict after a week of testing.
Let's start at the beginning. There are effectively four parts to the Headphone 1: the padded headband, memory foam earcups, squircle frames, and transparent modules that house the drivers, batteries, and other internal components. Together, you're looking at roughly 329 grams of aluminum, plastics, and foam that doesn't weigh down on the head an uncomfortable amount.
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
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