
Nothing, the UK-based tech brand known for its striking transparent gadgets, has officially entered the premium over-ear headphone market with the launch of the Nothing Headphone 1. Priced at ₹21,999 in India (with a special launch price of ₹19,999), these headphones aim to stand out not just with their looks, but also with a robust feature set and high-fidelity sound engineered in collaboration with legendary audio company KEF.
Distinctive Transparent Design
The Nothing Headphone 1 continues the brand’s signature transparent design language, making internal components and acoustic chambers visible through see-through earcups. The headphones are constructed from aluminium and PU memory foam, ensuring both durability and comfort for long listening sessions. The ear cushions are oil-resistant and designed to mould naturally to your head, reducing pressure and enhancing comfort.
Premium Sound, Tuned by KEF
Nothing has partnered with KEF, a British audio pioneer, to tune the Headphone 1’s custom 40mm dynamic drivers. The result is a sound profile that aims to deliver music “as the artist intended,” with deep bass, detailed mids, and crisp highs. The drivers feature a nickel-plated diaphragm and an 8.9mm PU surround for consistent, distortion-free sound.
Key audio features include:
- Advanced Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Dual feedforward and feedback microphones scan your environment every 600ms, dynamically adapting to block out noise. A wear-detection system checks for sound leakage every 1,875ms for optimal performance.
- Transparency Mode: Lets you stay aware of your surroundings with a single switch.
- Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking: Creates a 3D soundstage that keeps audio centred as you move your head, enhancing immersion for music, movies, and games.
- Adaptive Bass Enhancement: Automatically adjusts bass response for different genres and environments17.
Smart Controls and AI Integration
Moving away from touch sensors, Nothing Headphone 1 features tactile controls: a roller for volume, a paddle, and a button for media navigation and ANC switching. The button can be customised via the Nothing X app to activate features like Channel Hop (quickly switching between audio apps), trigger AI assistants, or launch Nothing’s Essential Space for smart tasks.
The headphones also support AI-powered Clear Voice Technology with a 4-mic ENC system, trained on over 28 million noise scenarios for crystal-clear calls, even in noisy environments.

Connectivity and Codec Support
Nothing Headphone 1 offers broad connectivity:
- Bluetooth 5.3 with support for LDAC, AAC, and SBC codecs for high-resolution wireless audio.
- Wired options via USB-C and a 3.5mm jack.
- Dual device pairing and low-latency mode for gaming.
- Hi-Res Wireless certification and 24-bit/96kHz audio precision.
Battery Life and Durability
Battery life is a highlight:
- Up to 35 hours of playback with ANC on.
- Up to 80 hours with ANC off.
- Fast charging: 5 minutes provides up to 2.4 hours of playback with ANC enabled.
The headphones are IP52 rated for dust and water resistance and have been tested for durability against drops, twists, sweat, and extreme temperatures.
Availability and Pricing
- Price: ₹21,999 (introductory price of ₹19,999 on launch day).
- Colours: Black and White.
- Availability: From July 15, 2025, via Flipkart, Myntra, Vijay Sales, Croma, and other major retailers.
Final Thoughts
The Nothing Headphone 1 is a bold entry into the high-end audio market, blending unique design, premium sound, and smart features. With its transparent aesthetics, KEF-tuned audio, advanced ANC, and intuitive controls, it’s positioned as a compelling alternative to established players like Sony, Bose, and Apple—at a competitive price point for Indian consumers.