Compare Nothing Headphone (1) vs Baseus Inspire XH1 Headphones

ANC is broadly considered strong for the price and effective for travel/commuting, but it is usually ranked a step behind the best from Sony/Bose/Apple, especially for voices or tougher scenarios. Noise control modes and adjustability are a highlight: reviews repeatedly mention multiple ANC levels/adaptive behavior and the ability to map controls to switch modes.

ANC performance is good for the price but inconsistent: it can handle commuting and steady background noise well, yet frequent flyers note it falls short against top-tier models on airplane engine rumble. Noise control is highly adjustable in the app, with adaptive and scenario-based modes plus multiple levels, though button toggling can be less direct than app control.

Compatibility with Android is strong, including full app support and access to LDAC and other toggles on supported phones.

The Nothing X app is repeatedly described as one of the best parts of the experience, with feature access, customization, and settings that help compensate for default tuning.

The Baseus app is mostly praised as clean and easy, with useful controls and updates, but a few reports mention freezing or crashing when using custom EQ.

Several reviews mention low-latency or gaming modes and head-tracking features; real-world A/V performance is generally positioned as competent, not a class-leading differentiator.

Low-latency features are mentioned (including a low-latency mode and published latency figures), and reviewers generally position it as suitable for video and gaming at this price.

Bass is usually described as controlled and textured rather than skull-rattling, with bass-enhancer tools available; some reviewers still want tighter tuning out of the box.

Bass is a standout: reviewers repeatedly call it deep, punchy, and well controlled, especially with bass-boost options, though some feel the default tuning can lean too bassy.

Battery life is a consistent highlight, with many reviews citing long runtime (often around 35 hours with ANC and far more without) and strong real-world endurance. Replaceable battery support is generally weak, with at least one review calling out a non-user-friendly internal battery design.

Battery life is a standout, with many citing week-like stamina; real-world endurance drops with ANC, LDAC, or DSP features but remains class-leading.

Bluetooth stability is generally good with modern pairing features, though a few reviews mention occasional dropouts depending on environment or device.

Bluetooth stability is widely reported as reliable with strong range and few dropouts during normal use.

Build quality is generally seen as solid and premium-feeling for $299, though some reviews note more plastic than expected or worry about long-term cosmetic wear.

Most reviews describe above-average build for the price with a premium look and feel, but a few call the construction cost-effective or note wobble at the cup transitions.

Physical controls (roller + paddle + buttons + power switch) are a major highlight for tactility, but a few reviews mention learning curve, finicky behavior, or coarse volume steps.

Physical buttons are generally well liked for being easy to find and clicky, but a few users find the track-skip mapping or volume stepping unintuitive.

Included cables are generally viewed as fine, though at least one review notes limitations (such as a 3-pole 3.5mm cable that does not carry mic).

Accessory cable quality is uneven: the included aux cable is criticized as cheap by some, while the USB-C cable and case are more positively received.

The case is usually described as sturdy and protective with space for cables, but multiple reviewers call it large or mention zipper/material quirks.

The carry case is consistently praised as sturdy and premium-feeling, especially for the price.

Fast charging is frequently praised, with multiple reviews citing a short top-up delivering hours of playback; full-charge times are generally described as typical.

Charging is fast via USB-C, with multiple reviews highlighting a quick-charge that provides many hours of playback from a short top-up.

Clamping force is commonly described as secure without being overly tight, though individual fit can vary and some users still feel pressure over time.

Clamping force tends to be gentle, which helps comfort, but can reduce stability for workouts or lots of movement.

Codec and connection support is repeatedly highlighted as a strength, with common mentions of SBC/AAC/LDAC and both USB-C and 3.5mm wired options.

Codec support includes SBC/AAC and LDAC, and reviewers note audible improvements with higher-quality modes when the source device supports them.

Comfort is often rated good-to-very-good for long sessions, but the weight and occasional headband/pad pressure points mean not everyone finds it as effortless as the lightest competitors.

Long-session comfort is a strength for many thanks to plush pads and gentle clamp, though heat buildup, glasses pressure, or internal mic contact can appear after an hour or two.

Design is consistently described as distinctive and polarizing, with many praising the transparent, cassette-like aesthetic and premium look for the price.

Design is widely seen as modern and Bose-inspired with a premium look, though personal taste varies and a few find the styling less appealing.

Having both USB-C audio and a 3.5mm option is repeatedly praised for flexibility, especially for laptops, planes, and modern phones.

Ear pad comfort and seal are regularly praised, though some reviews mention thinner cushioning than expected, heat buildup, or pressure on certain ear shapes/accessories.

Earcup padding is repeatedly described as soft, deep, and comfortable, but can run warm and lead to sweat during extended wear.

Cups generally rotate to lie flat, which helps neck-wear and packing, but the design can cause the squared corners to bump or rattle against each other.

The cups fold and swivel for fit and storage, offering useful articulation, but some units feel overly loose in their movement.

EQ customization is a defining strength: multiple reviews highlight an advanced, multi-band/parametric-style EQ (often with Q control) plus shareable presets/QR codes.

EQ customization is a highlight with multiple presets, an 8-band EQ, and some personalization tools, though stability of custom EQ varies by reviewer.

Find My-style features are generally limited to making the headphones play a sound, which helps for nearby locating but is not a full tracker replacement.

Some reviewers highlight a Find My or last-known-location feature in the app as a helpful extra.

Measured and subjective impressions frequently point to a non-neutral stock response (often described as dark), with EQ being the practical path to a more accurate balance.

Headband adjustment works smoothly for most, but at least one review dislikes the adjustment ergonomics and others wish for more headband padding.

Headband adjustment is smooth and offers a good fit range, including for smaller heads; a few reviewers mention the headband finish can tug hair slightly.

Hinge/joint impressions are mixed: some reviewers worry about looseness or wobble, while others report controlled resistance; long-term durability remains the main question mark.

Included accessories are solid for the price (case and cables), but some wish the aux cable were higher quality and that more adapters were included.

Instrument separation is often praised as solid or good once the tonal balance is corrected, though some reviewers still find complex mixes can feel crowded compared to top rivals.

Instrument separation is decent and enjoyable for casual use, but multiple reviews note it is not as cleanly layered as higher-end headphones.

LDAC support is consistently called out across reviews and is a core part of the product’s high-res pitch for compatible Android devices.

LDAC is available via the Baseus app on compatible devices and can add detail and a more relaxed sound, but iOS users cannot benefit from LDAC.

At higher volumes, several reviewers report low distortion and clear playback, though ultimate refinement and dynamics are not always on par with premium flagships.

When pushed loud, several reviewers report the XH1 stays relatively composed without harsh distortion, though this is not a universally tested point.

Mic noise reduction is usually strong for steady noise and wind, but some reviews report aggressive noise gating or weaker handling of echo/reverberant rooms.

Microphone noise reduction is frequently praised for suppressing street and café noise, but very loud environments can cause the processing to fade the speaker’s voice.

Call quality is often described as clear and workable, with some reviews praising voice pickup in noisy streets; others call it merely average or slightly robotic compared with top rivals.

Call quality is generally above average for the class, with voices coming through clearly, though a few listeners report slight digitization or only average mic tone.

Midrange performance varies by tuning: vocals can sound clear and forward after tweaks, but several reviews note too much lower-mid presence or a dull/veiled midrange on default settings.

Midrange is generally clear with good vocal presence, but several reviewers describe slightly recessed vocals or midrange veiling when ANC is enabled.

The XH1 works across phones and computers via Bluetooth and analog input, but wired mode is best treated as an emergency option and there is no USB audio.

Multipoint is commonly cited as supported and functional, enabling quick switching between two devices; reliability feedback is mostly positive.

Multipoint is commonly supported and works well for switching between devices, with few complaints about reliability.

Passive isolation is consistently strong thanks to a good seal and memory-foam style pads, meaning ANC has a solid foundation in many real-world environments.

Passive isolation varies with fit: some report a good seal and useful isolation, while at least one reviewer found surprisingly weak passive isolation.

Portability is a weak spot versus foldable rivals: cups rotate flat but the headphones do not fold up, making the carry footprint and case bulkier.

Fold-flat and fold-in portability is convenient and the included case helps, though one review notes space savings are not the best among folding designs.

Preset profiles and simpler EQ tools are generally helpful, but several reviewers still prefer custom EQ to get the best tonal balance.

Preset profiles (especially the Sound by Bose tuning) are often described as well balanced, but noise modes and DSP features can audibly change tonal balance.

Replaceable earpad support is mixed: some sources mention pads can be removed or obtained via customer service, while others say replacement availability is unclear.

Replaceable earpads are explicitly mentioned in at least one major review, which helps long-term ownership.

Wear-detection and other sensors work well for many users, but some reports mention inconsistent behavior on specific devices (for example, desktop pairing scenarios).

Sensor features are inconsistent in coverage: several reviewers note missing wear sensors/auto-pause, while at least one review claims wear detection is present via the feature set.

Surface oils and cosmetic marks can show up on the materials, with some reviewers noting it wipes off easily but is not especially resistant to smudging.

Matte materials and finishes are repeatedly noted for resisting fingerprints and hiding smudges better than glossy plastics.

Setup is usually straightforward thanks to modern pairing features, though a few reviews note hidden settings or small/hard-to-find pairing controls.

Setup is straightforward with quick pairing and an intuitive app; a few control quirks exist but most find daily operation simple.

Sound quality is widely seen as good hardware with polarizing default tuning: some hear clean, balanced clarity, while many describe the stock sound as dark/flat or a bit compressed until EQ is applied. Wired listening over USB-C and/or 3.5mm is frequently mentioned; some reviewers note slightly improved clarity when wired, but not a dramatic transformation.

Across reviews, sound quality is strong for the price with a warm, Bose-leaning tuning that works well for everyday listening, though it cannot match flagship detail retrieval or realism. Wired listening works as a backup when the headphones are powered off, but several reviewers say it sounds thin or tinny compared with powered wireless use.

Soundstage is generally not class-leading; multiple reviews call it narrower or less expansive than Sony/Apple competitors, even if separation can be decent after tuning.

Soundstage is typically moderate rather than expansive; some call it fairly wide for the price, while others describe an in-your-head presentation compared with premium rivals.

Spatial audio is included and often paired with head tracking, but opinions on its usefulness vary widely; several reviews call it mediocre or not worth using for music.

Dolby/Spatial modes are frequently criticized as gimmicky or even harmful to sound quality, though a minority find them acceptable for casual immersion.

Sustainability signals are limited in reviews: some note repairability steps (like pad access) but also a lack of recycled materials or overt eco focus.

Several reviews mention vegan or faux-leather materials on the headband and pads, with no major concerns raised.

Transparency mode is generally usable and fairly natural, but a recurring complaint is that the wearer’s own voice can sound boomy and/or the passthrough can be less airy than the best implementations.

Transparency mode is polarizing: some reviewers praise a natural, clear passthrough, while others hear hiss or over-amplification, and some note feature limits like no transparency during calls.

Treble is a common critique in default mode, with multiple reviewers calling it muted or lacking sparkle; EQ can restore more air and bite for cymbals and vocals.

Treble is usually clean but often described as slightly subdued or lacking sparkle; EQ tweaks can add brightness, but some still want more extension.

USB-C is a frequently praised feature because it supports charging and USB-C audio, adding modern wired flexibility.

USB-C is used for charging, but multiple reviews call out the lack of USB-C audio.

Voice assistant hooks and programmable button behavior are widely mentioned, with extra integrations for Nothing phones and more basic assistant triggering on other devices.

Volume output is generally adequate, but at least one review notes limited headroom and less precise volume stepping than some competitors.

Volume output is mixed: a few reviewers want more headroom or smoother steps, while others find it plenty loud for daily use.

IP52 is a standout feature in this category and is repeatedly praised as practical for sweat and light splashes, even if it is not a high waterproof rating.

At least one major review cites an IP66 rating, which is unusually rugged for over-ear headphones, though comfort-first clamping makes them less ideal for intense workouts.

At ~329g, weight is noticeable: reviewers often say it’s lighter than AirPods Max but heavier than Sony/Bose alternatives, which can affect long-wear comfort.

At roughly 275 g, weight comfort is generally good for over-ears, though a few note it is slightly heavier than top Sony/Bose models.