In 2025, Nothing—the tech brand known for bold design and clean UI—launched its first over-ear headphones: Nothing Headphones 1. With a futuristic transparent design and claims of studio-quality sound, they’ve caught the attention of music lovers, gamers, and tech fans.
But the big question is: Are Nothing Headphones 1 better than Sony XM4, especially at half the price?
Let’s break it down with our full test and comparison.
Nothing Headphones Launch & Pricing
Launch Date: July 2025
Official Price: ₹12,999 (India) / $149 (Global)
Available on: Flipkart, Amazon, and Nothing’s official website
Compared to the Sony WH-1000XM4, which still sells for around ₹24,999 in India, the Nothing Headphones 1 clearly aim to deliver premium features at a budget-friendly price.
Nothing Headphones 1 Quick Specs Overview:
| Feature | Nothing Headphones 1 |
|---|---|
| Design | Transparent build, lightweight |
| ANC | Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation |
| Battery | Up to 40 hrs (ANC Off) |
| App Support | Nothing X App |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, Dual pairing |
| Price (INR) | ₹12,999 |
| Available On | Flipkart, Amazon, Nothing.in |
- Build: High-quality aluminum and polycarbonate
- Cushions: Plush memory foam ear cups with vegan leather
- Weight: Lightweight for all-day comfort (approx. 295g)
Despite being a first-gen headphone, Nothing nailed the ergonomics—the fit is snug, and the adjustable headband doesn’t clamp too tightly.
1. Nothing Headphones 1 Design & Build Quality
Standout Feature: Transparent ear cups with glowing LED rings.
- Looks: Nothing’s signature transparent design makes these headphones unique and eye-catching.
- Materials: Lightweight plastic with metal sliders for durability.
- Comfort: Soft memory foam ear cushions and adjustable headband make long listening comfortable.
✅ Verdict: If you care about futuristic aesthetics and comfort, Nothing Headphones 1 are a treat.
2. Nothing Headphones 1 Sound Quality – Surprisingly Premium
Nothing claims to offer “studio-grade audio.” After testing different music genres, here’s what we found:
- Bass: Deep and punchy, great for EDM and hip-hop
- Mids: Clear vocals with minimal distortion
- Highs: Crisp, though a little sharp at high volumes
- Soundstage: Surprisingly wide for closed-back headphones
Compared to Sony XM4, the Nothing Headphones 1 are 85–90% close in audio performance for most listeners.
🎵 Supported Codecs: AAC, SBC, and LDAC (Hi-Res Audio certified)
✅ Verdict: Impressive sound quality for the price, especially with LDAC support.
3. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
ANC Modes:
- Low, Medium, and High
- Transparency Mode (to hear surroundings)
Test Result:
- Effectively blocks out fan noise, traffic, and conversations
- Not as strong as Sony XM4’s adaptive ANC but very usable
✅ Verdict: ANC is good enough for daily commutes and office use.
4. Microphone & Calling Performance
- Mic Quality: Dual-mic AI noise reduction system
- Call Test: Clear on both ends in quiet and moderately noisy environments
- Bonus: Wind noise suppression works decently outdoors
✅ Verdict: Great for Zoom meetings, phone calls, and video recording.
5. Battery Life & Charging
- Playback Time: Up to 40 hours (ANC off), 25 hours (ANC on)
- Charging Port: USB Type-C
- Fast Charging: 10-minute charge = 6 hours playback
Compared to Sony XM4 (30 hours max), the Nothing Headphones 1 actually outperform in battery life.
✅ Verdict: Excellent battery life for the price.
6. App Support & Features
Nothing X App Features:
- EQ customizations
- ANC level control
- Firmware updates
- Gesture settings (like swipe for volume or double-tap to skip)
The app is smooth, minimalist, and works on both Android and iOS.
✅ Verdict: Clean UI with practical features—something Sony’s app could learn from.
7. What’s in the Box?
- Nothing Headphones 1
- USB-C Charging Cable
- AUX Cable (3.5mm)
- Carrying Pouch
- User Manual
No hard case like Sony, but the provided pouch is decent for travel.
Comparison: Nothing Headphones 1 vs Sony WH-1000XM4
| Feature | Nothing Headphones 1 | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ₹12,999 | ₹24,999 |
| Battery Life | 40 hrs | 30 hrs |
| ANC | Good | Excellent |
| Audio Quality | Great | Excellent |
| Comfort | Very Comfortable | Premium Comfort |
| Design | Transparent & Stylish | Classic Look |
| App Control | Yes (Nothing X) | Yes |
| Audio Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
🎯 Verdict: If you’re on a budget and want premium features, Nothing Headphones 1 is a great alternative to Sony XM4.
Nothing Headphones 1 Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable Price | ANC not as powerful as Sony |
| Stylish Transparent Design | No hard case included |
| 40-hour Battery Life | Slight sharpness in high notes |
| LDAC Support for Hi-Res Audio | Not IP-rated for water resistance |
| Great App & Custom EQ | No touchpad controls |
Where to Buy Nothing Headphones 1 Price in India & Value
👉 Buy on Flipkart – ₹12,999
👉 Buy on Amazon – ₹12,999
👉 Official Website – nothing.tech
- Nothing Headphones 1 Price in India (2025): ₹12,999 / $179
- Sony WH-1000XM4 Price (2025): ₹26,000+ / $299+
For nearly half the price, Nothing delivers 80–90% of Sony’s experience. That’s a serious value proposition.
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
Nothing Headphones 1 might not dethrone the Sony XM4, but it definitely shakes up the market—and for budget-conscious audiophiles, it’s the best deal of 2025 so far.
Conclusion
The Nothing Headphones 1 offer exceptional value at half the price of premium competitors. The transparent design and KEF-tuned 40mm drivers provide impressive sound quality across various genres.
The noise cancellation system performs well in real-world scenarios, and the headphones have a claimed 80 hours without ANC and 35 hours with noise cancellation. The battery life is also impressive, with 80 hours without ANC and 35 hours with noise cancellation. At ₹21,999, these headphones make perfect sense for listeners seeking premium audio without premium pricing.
FAQs
Q1. How does the Nothing Headphone 1 compare to the Sony XM4 in terms of noise cancellation?
While Sony XM4 maintains a slight edge in high-frequency noise reduction, the Nothing Headphone 1 performs remarkably well in real-world scenarios. Most users would find it difficult to notice a significant difference when music is playing.
Q2. What is the battery life of the Nothing Headphone 1?
The Nothing Headphone 1 offers impressive battery life with up to 80 hours of playback with ANC off and 35 hours with ANC on. When using the LDAC codec, it provides 54 hours without ANC and 30 hours with noise cancelation active.
Q3. Is the Nothing Headphone 1 comfortable for extended wear?
Despite being slightly heavier than some competitors, the Nothing Headphone 1 is designed for comfort during long listening sessions. It features memory foam earpads and a cushioned headband that distributes pressure evenly.
Q4. How does the sound quality of the Nothing Headphone 1 compare to premium headphones?
Tuned in collaboration with KEF, the Nothing Headphone 1 delivers impressive sound quality with exceptional instrument separation and accurate imaging. While it may not match the absolute best in every aspect, it competes well with premium options at a much lower price point.
Q5. Is the Nothing Headphone 1 worth its price?
Priced at ₹21,999 (with a launch offer of ₹19,999), the Nothing Headphone 1 offers exceptional value. It competes with premium headphones costing nearly twice as much, making it an excellent choice for those seeking high-performance wireless headphones without the premium price tag.