Odi Productions
In this article, I’m going to share my HONEST Nothing Headphone 1 review for those who are wondering whether they are WORTH IT in 2025. I’ll also be comparing the Nothing Headphone 1 vs Apple AirPods Max, Sony WH-1000XM6, Sennheiser Momentum 4, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S3, and more!
I’m going to do my best to share whether these headphones are worth it, and ideally who these headphones are for. I bought these headphones with my own money, and was NOT sponsored, paid, or received a free copy for review. All thoughts are my own.
I’ll be sharing my critical opinion with 10 years of experience as a professional music producer, audio engineer, and tech journalist.
Let’s dive right in!
Nothing Headphone 1 review in short
The Nothing Headphone 1 is a surprisingly excellent-sounding headphone after taking advantage of their most advanced custom EQ built into the app. I find them fairly comfy, although the noise cancelling is just slightly above average. For the money, it’s hard to complain about their overall value. Competes very well against Apple AirPods Max, Sony WH-1000XM6, Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and Sennheiser Momentum 4.
Watch this Full Review on YouTube!
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Nothing Headphone 1 Overall Scoring
- Excellent sound quality (after EQ)
- Most advanced EQ
- Up to 80 hours battery life
- Great value for money
- Stock sound is polarizing
- Noise cancelling could be improved
- Cheaper build quality
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Nothing Headphone 1 Sound Quality
Stock sound first impressions…
I remember when I first listened to the Nothing Headphone 1.
I noted that the vocals were a little boxy, and the soundstage was on the smaller side. Bass was present, but the sub-bass was a little lacking.
Once I got used to the sound profile, I started to hear some fairly crisp detail and resolution, good separation, and very good dynamics.
Overall, a fairly neutral-ish sound profile, and one that I am used to from my background as an audio engineer.
So I suspected the hardware “underneath the hood” was high-quality, likely due to their collaboration with KEF, that is noted all throughout the product and marketing.
“Sound by KEF” is the phrase that is plastered everywhere, including the headphone earcup themselves.
If you’re unfamiliar with the company KEF, they make some of the best speakers in the market currently, and the main reason I was intrigued by these headphones.
Anyways, my initial surprise came when I started receiving comments on YouTube about the general consensus on the Nothing Headphone 1 sounding bad.
Mind you, I don’t watch any reviews before conducting my own review to keep things unbiased as possible.
My initial impression is not only do they not sound bad, but I found them to sound quite decent stock. Especially for the price.
But what made me really change my mind about these was utilizing their most-advanced custom EQ, built right into the Nothing X app. It features 8-bands and the full control to choose the specific Frequency AND “Q” factor.
If you’re new here, I dial in custom Equalizer settings for each headphone that has a built-in EQ. I’ve received quite a few positive comments about these settings on YouTube (thank you!).
This level of granularity makes me feel like a kid in a candy store, and I can finally do my job to a fuller extent.
Anyways, as I suspected in my initial impressions video, the Nothing Headphone 1 responds quite well to EQ.
In fact, I think we have a similar situation to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, where EQ makes a night-and-day difference in sound quality and overall enjoyment.
So, I’ll be sharing my best EQ settings below, and conduct the rest of this review using these settings…
Best Equalizer (EQ) Settings for Nothing Headphone 1
V1 – Mainly for Hip Hop and Pop
- Scan the QR code above inside of the Nothing X app
- IMPORTANT: Bass Enhancement was set to 4 for this setting. You can lower it to 3 for more balance. This is meant to be a bit of an “Extra Bass” type sound.
Result: Very fun and super bass-heavy with vocals still cutting through the mix nicely. . Treble is opened up with more details and airiness. Less boxy and less “underwater” sounding as a whole.
Sound Quality after EQ…
Since the advanced EQ has SO much to tinker with, settings are taking longer to dial in and I’m still working on refining V1 and adding V2 and V3.
That said, I’m very pleasantly happy with the “gains” from EQ’ing the Nothing Headphone 1 versus stock.
Hearing it back and forth, stock sounds “underwater” compared to what they COULD sound like with that veil lifted.
V1 is aimed directly at Hip Hop and Pop, and the bass on these is absolutely powerful.
I just got done reviewing the Skullcandy Crusher series of headphones known for their bass, but when you turn up the Nothing Headphone 1, it slams just as hard. Wow.
But bass alone is not that impressive.
Luckily, the Nothing Headphone 1 is able to get the vocals to cut nicely through the mix and still have some nice detail, along with crisp dynamics for other sounds.
This combo is pretty hard to find in any headphone period.
Let’s do some sound comparisons versus its competitors and wrap up final thoughts below…
vs Apple AirPods Max
V1 EQ actually resembles the mid-recessed sound profile of the AirPods Max the most, pushing forward that treble detail with a decent amount of bass.
But the Nothing Headphone 1 takes it to another level.
There’s just so much more sub-bass slam and quantity on the Nothing versus the AirPods Max, it’s no contest.
I still think the AirPods Max has the better separation and layering, but the Nothing is no slouch and is overall more fun and satisfying to listen to (at least for modern music).
vs Sony WH-1000XM6
I would say that stock, I probably enjoy the default sound of the XM6 over the Nothing Headphone 1.
Properly EQ both however, and I am having more fun listening to music through the Nothing than the Sony’s.
The XM6 is no slouch when it comes to bass, but the Nothing is like subwoofer-level.
One area where I still do prefer the XM6 is its “Cinema Mode” and being better than Nothing’s Spatial Audio for media like movies, TV, and YouTube.
vs Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S3
This is definitely the most competitive to the Nothing Headphone 1, and honestly has the higher technical sound quality and probably hardware.
But… the Px7 S3 has a V-shaped sound from the factory, and once we EQ the Nothing Headphone 1 to be similar, it’s surprisingly close for a $150 difference.
I think the big factor here is that the Nothing has one of the most flexible EQ on the market, while the Bowers & Wilkins’ 5-band EQ is quite limited and not as effective.
Overall, I consider these tied in terms of pure listening enjoyment, with the Px7 S3 having the technical edge.
vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra (with V2 EQ)
I actually think I still prefer the mids and treble on the Bose, which is beautifully detailed and more natural.
But there’s no contest in the bass department.
For overall consumer-friendly sound, the Nothing Headphone 1 has the edge due to its bass.
But for audiophile listening, it’s much closer and I’d probably still lean QC Ultra for tonal balance.
vs Sennheiser Momentum 4 (with V2 EQ)
At a similar price, the Momentum 4 is wholly competitive with the much newer Nothing Headphone 1, especially after EQ.
Momentum 4 has long been known for its great bass response, but the Nothing Headphone 1 takes this to a new level.
I think Momentum 4 still wins on audiophile technicalities like soundstage, separation, and layering.
This one is tricky to pick a winner, it will come down to your preference.
Personally, I find the Nothing more fun to listen to, but Momentum 4 better for critical listening.
vs Cambridge Audio Melomania P100
This is where I draw the line on the Nothing Headphone 1’s sound quality for now, and that is below the Cambridge Audio Melomania P100.
Surprisingly, the P100 is also about $60 cheaper than the Nothing at under $240 currently.
What the P100 really exposes is the narrow soundstage on the Nothing Headphone 1, along with having better tonal balance as a whole.
P100 takes EQ equally well, and has a fairly customizable EQ built in as well.
That said, I enjoy the sub-bass on the Nothing more, so they may still be more fun to listen to if I’m in a certain mood.
Overall thoughts on sound quality…
If we factor in the criticism that I’m overhearing about these on the internet (I still haven’t watched another review), then I probably have one of the more contrarian experiences with the Nothing Headphone 1.
I consider these arguably the most FUN wireless ANC headphone to listen to (after EQ), mainly due to its massive bass, while still retaining some audiophile-esque detail up top. Not an easy feat.
It’s a “have your cake and eat it, too” situation.
This really reminds me of the Bose QC Ultra that most people think sounds “bad” from the factory, but EQ makes a night-and-day difference.
After having reviewed over 30+ wireless headphones and earbuds to date, I’m genuinely impressed by the Nothing Headphone 1 and am personally looking to buying a 2nd pair in Black to actually use daily and out in public.
But that’s just one guy’s opinion.
Sound Quality Score: 9.2 out of 10 (after EQ)
Nothing Headphone 1 Comfort
The Nothing Headphone 1 is one of the heavier in this class, as weighed on my scale:
- Bose QuietComfort – 236.1 grams
- Sony WH-1000XM5 – 245.9 grams
- Sony WH-1000XM4 – 251.6 grams
- Sony WH-1000XM6 – 252.8 grams
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra – 254.4 grams
- Beats Studio Pro – 268.6 grams
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 – 292.9 grams
- Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S3 – 298.3 grams
- Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S2e – 305.2 grams
- Sonos Ace – 318.1 grams
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8 – 320.1 grams
- Bang & Olufsen H95 – 323 grams
- Nothing Headphone 1 – 328.3 grams
- Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 – 329.9 grams
- Focal Bathys – 357.1 grams
- Apple AirPods Max – 387.8 grams
Despite the weight, I actually find the Nothing Headphone 1 pretty comfy, and comfier than the AirPods Max for example.
I really like that my ears have good space inside the earcups, unlike the Sony XM6 where my ears press against the fabric.
The earcup and headband cushions are made with pleather and could be more plush.
But overall, these are one of the more comfortable headphones in this class, but not elite.
Comfort Score: 4.5 out of 5
Features / Build Quality / Battery Life / Noise Cancelling
Features
The Nothing Headphone 1 was released in July 2025 and has many modern wireless ANC headphone features:
- Multiple built-in microphones for taking calls
- Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC
- Multi-point connection
- Active Noise Cancelling (3 levels and Adaptive)
- Transparency Mode
- Spatial Audio
- Companion Smartphone app to customize EQ, settings, and update firmware
- Most advanced 8-band EQ (with ability to choose Frequency and “Q” factor)
- Includes a large-sized premium Hard Shell case
- USB-C to USB-C charging and audio cable
- 3.5mm Stereo to stereo cable
Nothing Headphone 1 Build Quality
Build quality is where the Nothing Headphone 1 reflects its price, and although it looks very cool, the entire headband and hinges feel of plastic.
I’d say that the build quality is average for the price, which really means it kinda feels cheap compared to headphones like the AirPods Max, or even the Bose QC Ultra with its metal headband at least.
I’m not sure about the long-term durability of these due to the headband and hinges.
Nothing Headphone 1 Battery Life
The Nothing Headphone 1 is rated at 35 hours on a single charge with ANC on, and 80 hours with ANC off, which is above average:
- Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 – 100 hours
- Marshall Monitor III – 70 hours
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 – 60 hours
- Nothing Headphone 1 – 35 hours (ANC on), 80 hours (ANC off)
- Focal Bathys – “Over 30 hours”
- Sony WH-1000XM6 – 30 hours (ANC on), 40 hours (ANC off)
- Sony WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM4 – 30 hours
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 and Px8 – 30 hours
- Sonos Ace – 30 hours
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra – 24 hours
- AirPods Max – 20 hours
In my testing, I found this figure to be accurate.
There is also a fast-charging feature where 5 minutes of charging can create up to 5 hours of listening time.
Nothing Headphone 1 Noise Cancelling Performance
Like build quality, I think the noise cancelling performance is another area where the Nothing Headphone 1 reflects its price a bit more accurately.
I find the noise cancelling performance to be just slightly above average, but not elite like from Sony, Bose, or the AirPods Max.
I think it gets the job done, especially with music playing, but would not be my first choice for airplane travel.
I’d say it’s slightly better than the Sennheiser Momentum 4.
Features / Build Quality / Battery Life / Noise Cancelling Performance Score: 4.5 out of 5
Value
Retailing at $299 brand new, the Nothing Headphone 1 is competitively-priced for new releases, as this undercuts the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 by about $150.
Personally, I find the Nothing Headphone 1 to be an excellent value and a good candidate for what I would buy if I could only choose 1 or 2 headphones from the lot.
I think there are better “all-in-one” all-arounders, but none of them are under $300.
I’d prefer to have the Nothing Headphone 1 as an “alternate” headphone for fun music listening due to its bass, but there’s better options if noise cancelling is the top priority.
Also, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 is found under $300 most days, and is equally competitive everywhere.
Value Score: 4.5 out of 5
Overall Scoring Breakdown
Sound Quality: 9.2 / 10 (after EQ)
Comfort: 4.5 / 5
Features / Build Quality / Battery Life / Noise Cancelling: 4.5 / 5
Value: 4.5 / 5
Total: 22.7 / 25
Is the Nothing Headphone 1 WORTH IT?
Did I mention I was looking to buy a 2nd pair in Black to actually use daily and out in public?
The short answer is YES, the Nothing Headphone 1 is one of the biggest surprises of 2025 for me.
And this is a year that includes the release of the Sony WH-1000XM6, Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3, and JBL Tour One M3 so far…
This will likely be my go-to headphone for FUN music listening when I want massive bass, but still retain some vocal clarity cutting through the mix.
The time spent EQ’ing is well-worth it, and I’m still working on additional settings and refining things even further.
But so far, I’m loving what I’m hearing.
Some very Strong Alternatives in this class of noise cancelling headphones are:
- Apple AirPods Max
- Sony WH-1000XM6
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra
- Cambridge Audio Melomania P100
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
- Sennheiser Momentum 4
- JBL Tour One M3
- Sony WH-1000XM5
- Bose QuietComfort (2023 model)
- Beats Studio Pro
Some Relevant Comparisons in this class of noise cancelling headphones are:
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Apple AirPods Max
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Sony WH-1000XM5
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 vs Sony WH-1000XM5
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 vs AirPods Max
- Sonos Ace vs AirPods Max
I highly recommend you check those out next!
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Order Here for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail):
Disclosure: These affiliate links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to keep this website 100% independent to ensure honest unfiltered reviews 🙂
How We Tested and Our Methodology
RecordingNOW.com is a 100% independent publisher with over 10 years of experience testing and reviewing consumer electronics and headphones.
We currently purchase the products we test with our own money, and are not paid by any company or manufacturer to influence our opinions or decisions.
After purchasing the product, we conduct up to hundreds of hours of detailed hands-on testing in a controlled, acoustically-treated environment.
ODi Productions is our resident expert and author of this article, with 10 years of experience as a professional music producer, tech journalist, and audiophile.
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