Nothing Headphone (1)

Pros

• Equalizer customization 4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 10 reviews 4.7
  EQ is a major strength: quick presets plus an advanced 8‑band EQ (with adjustable center frequency and Q) and bass enhancement, with profiles stored on the headphones and shareable via QR codes; many rely on EQ to fix the default tuning.
• Battery 4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 11 reviews 4.7
  Battery life is a highlight: ~35 hours rated with ANC on and up to 80 hours off, with reports of ~38–43 hours real-world ANC use; LDAC can reduce runtime, and fast charging provides meaningful top-ups.
• App 4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 10 reviews 4.6
  The Nothing X app is widely praised for clean layout and deep controls (ANC, EQ, multipoint, wear detect, spatial), including advanced audio tools like EQ sharing and newer personalization features; a few settings are buried or off by default.
• Multi-platform compatibility 4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.6
  Works broadly across iOS, Android, Windows and macOS via Bluetooth, with wired fallback through USB‑C or 3.5mm for devices without reliable Bluetooth.
• Charging 4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 7 reviews 4.6
  Fast charging is strong (about 5 minutes for a few hours of playback depending on ANC), with full recharge around ~2 hours reported; charging is via USB‑C.
• Bluetooth connectivity stability 4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.6
  Bluetooth 5.3 performance is generally stable in daily use, with quick pairing options available; the pairing button’s hidden placement can be awkward while wearing.
• Design and Aesthetics 4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 12 reviews 4.5
  Transparent, cassette/Walkman-inspired styling is bold and highly polarizing, paired with a premium-looking metal/plastic mix that stands out in public.
• Android compatibility 4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.5
  Android users get full support in the Nothing X app (ANC, EQ, multipoint and more) plus LDAC hi‑res streaming on compatible devices; some bonus shortcuts are reserved for newer Nothing phones.
• Maximum volume clarity 4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.5
  Distortion is generally well controlled even when turned up, though pushing volume hard (or with certain EQ) can expose limits in punch and headroom.
• USB-C 4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 8 reviews 4.5
  USB‑C handles charging and also supports wired digital audio on compatible devices, giving a modern alternative to Bluetooth and 3.5mm.
• Button control usability 4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 12 reviews 4.5
  Tactile roller/paddle/button controls are a standout—easy to find without looking and highly customizable; downsides include multi-press complexity, occasional finicky responsiveness, and some loud/odd feedback sounds.
• Noise isolation (passive) 4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.5
  A strong natural seal from the earcups provides much of the noise blocking before ANC, helping hush office and transit sounds effectively for the price.
• LDAC 4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 10 reviews 4.4
  LDAC is supported for high‑resolution wireless on compatible Android devices, but the audible benefit can be subtle for some listeners and it may reduce battery life versus AAC.
• Codec support 4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 10 reviews 4.4
  Wireless codec support covers SBC/AAC and LDAC for higher bitrate audio, making the headphones flexible for both iOS and Android users.
• Multipoint connectivity reliability 4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 4.4
  Dual-device multipoint is supported for switching between devices, and it’s reported to work reliably once enabled (it may be toggled off by default).
• Noise cancellation adjustability 4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 7 reviews 4.4
  Multiple ANC strengths plus an adaptive mode are available in the app (and sometimes via hardware), letting you tune for office vs travel; most reviewers still default to High/Max for best isolation.
• Build quality 4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 10 reviews 4.3
  Build feels premium for the price, mixing metal and plastic with solid fit and finish; however the angular design can pick up cosmetic dings and the weight is higher than some competitors.
• Water/sweat resistance rating 4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 4.3
  IP52 is unusual for over‑ear ANC headphones and helps with sweat and light splashes, but it’s a limited rating—fine for commutes and light gym use, not heavy rain or soaking.
• Headband adjustability 4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.3
  Headband adjustment offers a wide range and smooth sliding, though the adjustment mechanism placement can feel less intuitive than traditional designs for some.
• Detachable cable convenience 4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 8 reviews 4.3
  Both 3.5mm analog and USB‑C wired listening are supported, making it easy to plug into phones, laptops and plane adapters when Bluetooth isn’t ideal.
• Included accessories 4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.2
  Typically includes a protective case plus both USB‑C and 3.5mm cables, giving flexible wired and wireless use.
• Wired connection sound quality 4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.2
  Wired listening (USB‑C or 3.5mm) is useful for laptops/planes, with some noting a small clarity boost over wireless, though not always night-and-day.
• Audio-video sync accuracy 4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.2
  A low-latency or gaming mode is available to reduce delay for video and games; most coverage notes the feature rather than providing measured latency numbers.
• Voice assistant integration 4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 4.1
  A dedicated customizable button can trigger phone voice assistants and other shortcuts; Nothing Phone users may get extra actions beyond standard assistant launch.
• Sensors 4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.1
  On-head wear detection is available for auto pause/resume; some note it must be enabled in settings but works well once turned on.
• Find My 4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.1
  Includes a find-my style feature that can play a sound to help locate misplaced headphones.
• Microphone noise reduction 4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 4.0
  Noise reduction is effective at cutting traffic/cafe noise, but can be aggressive at times (noise gating) and may clip or soften speech in very loud or windy conditions.
• Preset EQ profile quality 4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 4.0
  Presets can help (for example, treble/voice boosts), but results vary—some reviewers find stock presets only modestly improve the tuning, making custom EQ the better route.
• Active noise cancellation effectiveness 4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 12 reviews 4.0
  ANC is strong for the $299 class and is boosted by a very good seal, reducing office/commute rumble well; it’s generally a step behind Sony/Bose/Apple and can struggle more with voices or wind in tougher conditions.
• Microphone quality for calls 3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 7 reviews 3.9
  Call quality is often rated good with clear speech in quiet and noisy streets, though some describe a slightly tinny or robotic tone compared with the best premium rivals.
• Comfort during long use 3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 12 reviews 3.9
  Comfort is mixed: many find the deep cups and padding good for hours, but the 329g weight, slim headband padding, and pad pressure for glasses or piercings can cause fatigue or hot spots in long sessions.
• Bass performance 3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 9 reviews 3.9
  Bass is generally punchy and well-defined, with optional bass enhancement and firmware improvements noted by some; however sub-bass extension and balance can be inconsistent, and extra low/lower-mid energy can make the sound feel heavy.
• Software/setup simplicity 3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 6 reviews 3.9
  Setup is mostly simple with Fast Pair/Swift Pair support, but a few usability quirks show up: some key features may be off by default, and the pairing button is hidden inside the earcup.
• Carry case quality 3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 7 reviews 3.9
  The slim case is protective and travel-friendly, but opinions vary: some like the flat hard protection, others dislike the outer material/zipper details, and limited folding can make overall pack size feel larger than expected.
• Transparency mode quality 3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 9 reviews 3.9
  Transparency is clear and usable for quick conversations, but isn’t best-in-class—some hear extra hiss or an overly boosted/boomy presentation (including your own voice) compared with Apple/Sony.
• Ear cup swivel/rotation range 3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 3.8
  Cups rotate and tilt to fit and lie flat for storage, but the design favors flat packing rather than compact folding.
• Weight comfort 3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 7 reviews 3.8
  At ~329g the headphones feel heavier than Sony/Bose equivalents but lighter than AirPods Max; weight distribution is decent, though some users still notice the heft in long sessions.
• Sound quality 3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 12 reviews 3.8
  Sound impressions vary: some hear a clean, balanced and enjoyable tuning, while others find the default profile dark or veiled with limited dynamics and openness; strong EQ tools (and firmware updates) can substantially improve it.
• Clamping force comfort 3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 3.7
  Clamp is generally secure and well-judged, helping stability and isolation, but can feel a bit tight for some users and may press on glasses or ear jewelry over time.
• Ear cup padding quality 3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 3.7
  Memory-foam pads create a strong seal and are often described as comfortable, but some find them thinner than they look and able to create pressure points or warmth.
• Smudge resistance 3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 3.6
  Materials are marketed as oil-resistant, but they can visibly pick up fingerprints and skin oils; marks wipe off easily but don’t stay hidden.