You know we are a sucker for slightly mad, analogue audio stuff here at Flat-Out. Give us some Teenage Engineering over some shoddy Bluetooth speakers any day.
Apple can keep its AirPods Max, too, as Nothing’s debut over-ear headphones continue the legacy of pared-back technology that seamlessly blends retro-inspired analogue touches with the latest technology… even if it does look a bit like the Talkboy from Home Alone 2.
Dubbed the Nothing Headphone (1), these stylish cans have been developed in collaboration with British hi-fi royalty KEF, and the result is a pair of headphones that look like they’ve wandered out of a concept studio, but promise the sort of sonic credentials that keep audiophiles happy and long-haul travellers sane.
“It’s 1990s thinking done in a modern way”
Transparent panels reveal the inner workings, while formed aluminium, CNC-machined parts and plush PU memory foam bring a hefty dose of premium to proceedings.
What’s more, oil-resistant ear cushions mould naturally around your head, clamping firmly without squeezing the life out of your ears, and the telescopic arms glide smoothly into place. They’re designed for long sessions, not just neck-flexes on the Tube.
Nothing has also taken a refreshing stance on controls. Instead of smudgy touch panels that never quite do what you want, Headphone (1) leans into proper physical inputs. There’s a Roller for volume, a Paddle for skipping tracks and a customisable Buon button for switching modes or apps.
It’s 1990s thinking done in a modern way, and it works brilliantly. You always know what you’re pressing, even mid-stride or mid-flight.
Sonically, KEF’s influence shines through. The custom 40mm dynamic drivers deliver a rich, balanced sound with punchy bass, clean mids and crisp highs, whether you’re listening wirelessly or plugged in. There’s support for Hi-Res Audio, LDAC, USB-C lossless playback and even a 3.5mm jack, which feels almost rebellious in 2025. Spatial Audio with built-in head tracking adds an extra layer of immersion, turning standard stereo tracks into a wraparound soundstage that subtly shifts as you move.
Noise cancellation is equally well judged. Adaptive ANC reacts in real time to your surroundings, while Transparency Mode keeps you aware when you need it. Calls are handled by a four-mic AI-powered system trained on millions of noise scenarios, which translates to voices cutting through chaos with impressive clarity.
“Sonically, KEF’s influence shines through”
Battery life won’t let you down either. You’re looking at up to 35 hours with ANC on, plus a five-minute top-up that delivers over two hours of playback. Bluetooth 5.3, dual device pairing and fast switching round out a feature set that feels genuinely complete.
At £299, Headphone (1) isn’t cheap, but that’s the point. For Nothing, it’s another reminder that tech doesn’t have to disappear into the background. Sometimes, it’s allowed to make itself heard.
