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In just two days, the Nothing Ear (1) headphones have surpassed my initial expectations.

In a 48-hour stint with the recently launched Nothing Headphone 1, I can attest to their fashionable look, but they offer significantly more than just aesthetics. Here's why I've been left impressed so far.

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3 min read
In two days, the Nothing Ear (1) headphones surpassed my initial expectations.
In two days, the Nothing Ear (1) headphones surpassed my initial expectations.

In just two days, the Nothing Ear (1) headphones have surpassed my initial expectations.

The Nothing Headphone 1, a new entrant in the premium over-ear headphone market, is making waves with its impressive feature set and competitive pricing. This latest offering from the innovative tech company Nothing boasts a range of key features designed to deliver an outstanding audio experience.

**Key Features and Specifications**

At the heart of the Nothing Headphone 1 is a custom 40mm dynamic driver with an 8.9mm PU surround, providing effective sound isolation. The headphones also feature advanced hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with multiple modes, spatial audio with head tracking for a three-dimensional soundstage effect, and adaptive bass enhancement. Supporting LDAC for high-resolution wireless audio, USB-C audio, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, the Headphone 1 is a versatile audio solution. Four built-in microphones with AI-powered Clear Voice technology ensure noise-free calls, while Bluetooth 5.3 with multi-point connection, Google Fast Pair, and Microsoft Swift Pair offer modern and versatile connectivity.

The Headphone 1 offers up to 35 hours of battery life with ANC turned on, and an impressive 80 hours with ANC turned off. A quick charge of just 5 minutes provides 5 hours of playback (ANC off). The Nothing X app provides advanced 8-band EQ for personalized sound, customizable button controls, and integration with Nothing Phone 3 for tasks like voice note recording and AI assistance.

**Comparison to Other Premium Over-Ear Headphones**

While the Nothing Headphone 1's 80 hours (ANC off) battery life is impressive, some competitors, like the Marshall Monitor III ANC, offer longer playback by about 20 hours. With ANC on, 35 hours is competitive but not class-leading. The advanced 8-band EQ and spatial audio with head tracking are premium features often found in high-end headphones. Bluetooth 5.3 with multi-point pairing, Fast Pair, and Swift Pair is modern and versatile compared to some competitors. ANC is effective but may be slightly less powerful than industry leaders like Sony WH-1000XM series, though it still performs very well in noisy environments. At 329 grams, they are heavier than Sony WH-1000XM (254g) but lighter than some other premium models. The inclusion of a 3.5mm jack, USB-C audio, and a dedicated app for customization puts Nothing Headphone 1 on par with premium offerings.

**Design and Performance**

The Nothing Headphone 1, in partnership with KEF, boasts a unique design, with transparent ear caps and a boxy look. The Headphone 1 stands out due to its transparent ear caps and boxy design. Despite its weight, the materials have a soft finish, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods. The Headphone 1's ANC effectively reduces consistent noise, like a train, allowing the mids to come through at a quieter level. However, it struggles to achieve the same quality when background noise is inconsistent, such as with a fire engine or police siren.

The Headphone 1 delivers a balanced sound that is particularly pleasing, especially with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). The transparency mode works fairly well, but with a noticeable reduction in audio quality. The Headphone 1 has a 20Hz - 40kHz frequency range for reproducing most audio tracks. The audio quality can be improved by adjusting the EQ settings available in the Nothing X app.

The Headphone 1's customizable button can be used to launch various functions, including a voice assistant and Nothing's Channel Hop feature, which allows cycling between recent audio apps, playlists, or functions.

More details about the Headphone 1, including a definitive verdict, will be available in a review later this week. Stay tuned for a comprehensive evaluation of this exciting new product in the world of audio technology.

[1] Source for battery life comparison: https://www.nothing.tech/headphone1 [2] Source for ANC comparison: https://www.nothing.tech/headphone1 [3] Source for connectivity comparison: https://www.nothing.tech/headphone1 [4] Source for design and weight comparison: https://www.nothing.tech/headphone1

  1. These new gadgets from Nothing, the Nothing Headphone 1, showcase impressive technology with its range of key features like advanced Active Noise Cancellation, spatial audio, adaptive bass enhancement, and versatile connectivity options.
  2. In the premium over-ear headphone market, the Nothing Headphone 1 stands out with its innovative design, transparency ear caps, and boxy look, reflecting the integration of technology and aesthetics.

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