Nothing is all set to launch its much-anticipated Nothing Phone (3) in the coming month. While fans are curious about what upgrades it’ll bring, that’s not the only product to look out for. Nothing is gearing up to launch its first-ever headphones, Nothing Headphone (1). As always, the design is expected to be unique. So, before the official reveal, here are 5 things we really want to see in Nothing Headphone (1).
The price segment Nothing is stepping into is highly competitive. With big players like Sony and Bose already taking over the headphone market. Matching their audio quality and features won’t be easy, but Nothing is known for doing things differently. After the success of their Nothing Ear and CMF Buds, expectations are high. Let’s dive into the major specs we expect Nothing to deliver with their first headphones:
Table of Contents
1. Better Sound
Nothing has teamed up with KEF, a British audio company known for its high-end speakers, especially the LS50 lineup. This partnership is already creating buzz because KEF’s reputation in the audiophile world is solid. With Nothing aiming to compete with the likes of Apple’s AirPods Max, the pressure is on to deliver top-tier sound quality.
We expect Nothing to equip its headphones with at least 30mm or larger drivers to match the audio output of leading models like the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort 45. These are known for their rich soundstage, clarity, and noise cancellation, setting the bar high in this price segment.
Aside from the driver size, what will matter is the overall tuning. A balanced frequency response, low distortion, and easy driveability (even from a phone) are key to delivering a satisfying experience. And with the unique square-ish design that Nothing teased, there’s reason to believe that the extra internal volume might help the drivers “breathe” better. That could enhance both sound clarity and ANC performance, giving it an edge.
2. Pair With Upto Three Devices
Besides sound quality, one of the most important features in any media device today is seamless connectivity across multiple devices. In today’s tech-driven world, people are constantly switching between their laptops, PC, phones, and tablets. That’s why the ability to connect to more than one device at the same time is a necessity for multitasking.
Most premium Bluetooth headphones support connection to two devices simultaneously. But if Nothing manages to push the boundary and offer support for three-device connectivity, that would be a major plus point. Imagine switching from your laptop to your phone and then to your tablet without having to disconnect or pair again.
This kind of flexibility will make a big difference for professionals, students, and even casual users who use multiple devices throughout the day. If Nothing pulls this off, it could set them apart in a meaningful way.
3. Better ANC and Spatial Audio Support
One of the most expected features in premium headphones these days is ANC (Active Noise Cancellation). With so much noise around us all the time, having a silent and immersive music experience is a must. That’s where good ANC makes sense.
Headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort 45 are currently leading the game when it comes to noise cancellation in the under $300 price range. If Nothing wants to compete in this segment, matching or even getting close to that level of ANC performance is something users are expecting.
Apart from ANC, another feature people are hoping to see is Spatial Audio. For those who don’t know, Spatial Audio simulates a 3D sound environment, making it feel like the sound is coming from all around you, not just from the left and right ear cups. It’s a feature now found in many premium headphones, and it would be great if Nothing includes it in their headphone.
4. Good Fit, More Comfortable, and Lightweight
Headphones are usually heavier and bulkier compared to other audio devices like truly wireless earbuds, wired earphones, or IEMs. That’s why comfort becomes one of the most important factors, especially for users who prefer long listening sessions.
From the leaked images, we can see that the Nothing Headphone (1) comes with rectangular-shaped earcups and cushioning. However, we still don’t know the exact material or type of padding they’re using. If Nothing is planning to offer an AirPods Max-like experience at a more budget-friendly price, users will definitely expect soft, breathable cushions and a lightweight build.
If Nothing can offer both in a package that is light, or lighter than similar headphones, that would be something.
5. Longer Battery Life
Battery is one of the key things in headphones, especially when you’re using ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) all the time. Most premium headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or the Bose QuietComfort series offer more than 20 hours of battery life with ANC turned on, and that’s the bare minimum Nothing should aim to match. Even Apple’s AirPods Max are rated to last up to 20 hours with ANC enabled.
It’s not just the battery life; charging speed matters a lot too. Nobody wants to wait too long when they just want to plug in and start listening. For example, Sony offers 3 hours of playback with just a 3-minute quick charge, and Bose delivers up to 4 hours with just a 15-minute charge. If the Nothing Headphone (1) supports USB-C and 5W wired charging as expected, we hope it brings similar fast-charging performance to stay competitive in this segment.
Well, there’s still a lot that’s yet to be revealed, and we’ll get more clarity during the upcoming launch event. Let’s just hope that Nothing manages to bring something that can match up to the level of AirPods Max and even give tough competition to Sony and Bose. Share your thoughts with us on our X!
