Nothing Headphone (1) Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

Most over-ear headphones have settled on one visual strategy: look discreet enough to be mistaken for a conference-call headset, then ask to live permanently in your bag. Nothing Headphone (1) has taken a more entertaining route. In white, with an aluminum-alloy outer casing, stainless-steel hinges and headband arms, it is plainly for people who think their audio gear may as well have an opinion.

The useful part is not just the styling tantrum. Nothing lists active noise cancellation up to 42 dB, Bluetooth 5.3, and battery life reaching 80 hours with ANC off in its stated AAC test conditions. That makes a credible pitch for the long commute, the desk beside a clacking mechanical keyboard, or the flight where somebody nearby has discovered phone speakers.

We think this is the clearest pick for someone wanting one pair to cover daily listening rather than a niche audio shrine. It supports dual connection for compatible Android 6.0-and-up and iOS 13.0-and-up devices, so the laptop-and-phone shuffle need not become a tiny administrative crisis. It also carries Hi-Res Audio and KEF-tuned credentials in the selected listing.

A little Nothing-ish mischief remains: dual connection and wear detection are disabled by default, requiring the Nothing X app. The headphones are happy to look futuristic; apparently a couple of their smarter functions need an invitation to the future first.