Nothing, the London-based tech brand known for its transparent gadgets and minimalist vibe, has just dropped its first pair of full-size wireless headphones: the Headphone (1). After making a name with wireless earbuds and design-forward smartphones, the company is stepping into a new category—and it’s doing so with a little help from British audio veterans KEF.

Priced at $299, the Headphone (1) sits in the same space as other mid-to-premium headphones but undercuts big-name rivals like Sony’s WH-1000XM6, Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra, and Apple’s AirPods Max, which all sit closer to the $450–$550 mark. That alone might catch some attention, but Nothing is banking on more than just price. These headphones combine a standout look, customizable features, and audio tuning from KEF to offer something a bit different.

As you'd expect from Nothing, the Headphone (1) doesn’t look like most other headphones. The earcups are partly transparent, so you can see some of the internal components, and instead of the usual round or oval shape, these go with a more rectangular design. The idea isn’t just to look cool (though they definitely stand out); the shape could help with internal driver space and control layout.

The materials feel upscale—aluminum for structure, memory foam for comfort, and oil-resistant ear cushions that are designed to be gentle without feeling loose. There’s also a telescoping arm for adjusting the fit to different head sizes.

When it comes to controls, Nothing has skipped the usual swipe-and-tap gestures. Instead, you get a physical roller for volume, a paddle for things like skipping tracks or toggling ANC, and a customizable button—literally called “The Button”—that you can set up to trigger all kinds of shortcuts.

What really sets these headphones apart is the collaboration with KEF, a British audio company that’s been building speakers and headphones for over six decades. KEF worked with Nothing to tune the custom 40mm dynamic drivers inside the Headphone (1), aiming for a balanced and detailed sound.

KEF’s involvement is a first for Nothing, and it marks the beginning of a broader partnership between the two companies. It also shows that Nothing isn’t just focused on flashy design—it wants to be taken seriously when it comes to audio, too.

The Headphone (1) is packed with features that most wireless headphone users expect in 2025, including:

• Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Using a mix of feedforward and feedback microphones, the ANC adapts in real time to your environment. There’s also a Transparency Mode if you need to hear what’s going on around you.
  
• Spatial Audio with Head Tracking: This feature creates a surround-sound effect by tracking your head movement, so the audio stays centered, even as you move. It works with regular stereo sources, too.
• Bluetooth and Wired Options: You can stream via Bluetooth 5.3 with support for LDAC (for higher-quality wireless audio), or plug in with USB-C or a 3.5mm cable.
• Multipoint Connectivity: Pair the headphones with two devices at once and switch between them without needing to disconnect or reconnect manually.
• Battery Life: You’ll get around 35 hours of listening time with ANC turned on and up to 80 hours without it. And if you’re in a rush, a 5-minute charge gives about 2.5 hours of playback with ANC enabled.
• Voice and Call Features: A four-microphone setup with AI-based noise reduction is designed to help your voice come through clearly, even in noisy environments.
• EQ Customization: The Nothing X app gives you access to an 8-band equalizer, so you can tweak the sound to your liking beyond just bass and treble.

One of the more unusual features is something called Essential Space. It’s basically an audio notepad that lives inside the headphones. You can use it to store voice notes, reminders, or anything you want to quickly capture without pulling out your phone. It’s designed for people who want to save a thought mid-run, during a commute, or between meetings.

You can access features like Channel Hop (a quick switch between recent audio apps) or voice commands using The Button, which ties into the Nothing X app on your phone.

The Nothing Headphone (1) will be available in black or white and goes on sale July 15. Global pre-orders start July 4 through Nothing’s website and retail partners. The price is set at $299 / £299 / €299.