If you like this design you should buy it.

These are the best $300 headphones you can get on the market.

If you don’t want that, then Nothing is giving you something to skate to—and not just a gimmick that relies on looks alone to lure you in. The best part is that, at $299, Nothing’s Headphone 1 is giving you its most expensive audio proposition to date, but also maybe one of its most compelling. If you’re in the market for over-ear headphones and feeling bored by your options, the Headphone 1 is extending a retro cassette-inspired arm and saying, “come on, son… we’ve got some weird shit to listen to” and for that alone it’s worth considering.

The Nothing Headphone (1) proves that distinctive design and audiophile engineering can coexist beautifully.

Nothing has made some quaility products till date, but the headphones 1 has to be their most refined product yet

While Nothing’s headphones pair best with its phones and other Android devices, the Nothing X app makes it easy to use the Headphone 1 regardless of what device you own. The app works well on both Android and iOS, it allows for multi-device connections so you can pair them with your laptop, and there are only a few features exclusive to Nothing OS like Essential Space integration. In a similar vein as Bose or Sony, Nothing ensures you can use its headphones regardless of which device you own, which is great to see.

The Nothing Headphone (1) are a refreshing new entry to the headphones scene, with a unique design and immersive sound. While the design might not be for everyone, they are cleverly engineered for long-term listening. Plus, they offer the luxury of more expensive headphones at a much lower cost.

The Nothing Headphone 1 mark a bold debut in the over-ear headphones space. There are some sound quality inconsistencies with ANC enabled and their heavy, overly-tight frame aren't great for those with a larger head and ears, but with USB-C audio, built-in spatial features, and a rare IP52 rating, Nothing's first-ever cans are feature-rich, uniquely vintage-styled alternatives to the best from Sony, Bose, and Apple.

All things considered, the Nothing Headphone (1) ended up being more impressive than I thought it would be. Nothing has always been a good marketing company that usually does a bang-up job hyping its products. Its first earbuds were a little more style over substance (the performance has improved with more recent models), but this headphone's sturdy, eye-catching design is backed by strong performance. While I have some quibbles with the headphone being a little heavy, and I slightly prefer the sound quality of some competing models, this is one of the best new headphones of 2025. It will be interesting to see if its price can come down a bit to make it an even more compelling premium noise-canceling headphone option.

I mean some people might prefer the actual physical switches and buttons

Not a bad first effort

The two things you should consider before adding to cart — is this design "very you", and do you like the idea of a mid-forward sound profile? If you want me to leave you off with a personal opinion — I do mostly enjoy the sound of these and would use them daily while working, but I wouldn't be seen wearing them on the street.

The Nothing Headphone (1) stands out in a crowded market with a distinctive design, customizable controls, and good noise cancellation, but getting the best sound quality requires some work on your part.

The Nothing Headphone (1) are technically incredibly impressive, delivering tons of useful features, a great app that enables you customize in smart ways, and strong active noise cancellation. But the sound is lacking considering their premium price, without the openness and dynamic punch I'd expect at this level. The design divides people, but I find it charming, and the build quality is exquisite, and the on-ear controls are superb. If it weren't for the sound, I'd love them. As it is, I like them – but I think most people should stick with Sony.

At $299, I can think of better ways to spend your money. If you are in the Nothing ecosystem, then it's a lot easier to swallow. The headphones work well with Nothing's software on its phones, so there is something to be said there. I also love the button placement and functionality and especially the customization.

This is a very good starting point.

The $299 Nothing Headphone 1 offers many features that compete well with Bose, Apple, and Sony, and the lower price might get some folks to choose it. If you’re planning to use headphones for voice calls, I’m not sure this is the right pick. But if not, and if the design fits your personality, then saving $200 for this audio quality and noise cancellation makes this a package worth considering.