Nothing has finally entered the over-ear category with one of its most ambitious products yet: the Nothing Headphone (1). For a brand that built its reputation on shaking up familiar categories, this move feels like the natural next step — and they aren’t doing it alone.

In an unexpected move, Nothing has partnered with Hi-Fi experts KEF, indicating that sound quality is just as important as sleek design. The headphones are set to officially launch on 15 July 2025, priced at USD $299, placing them firmly in the mid-range premium audio market.

What makes this debut exciting is how confidently Nothing leans into its identity. Instead of blending in with the endless lineup of matte-black, minimalistic headphones, the Headphone (1) opts for something much bolder. The design gives off a retro cassette-tape vibe — a playful, nostalgic touch that still feels modern. It’s the kind of look only Nothing would try, and honestly, it might be their most eye-catching hardware yet.

With their expanding lineup, this one truly makes a statement with their Headphone (1) — as the brand delves deeper into the audio world, partnering with serious sound engineers, and demonstrating once again that tech can be both functional and expressive.

Now that we’ve set the scene, let’s jump straight in.

Nothing’s partnership with KEF isn’t just a cool name drop — it’s the backbone of what makes the Headphone (1) feel like a serious step forward. Nothing has an eye for design and the momentum of a cult-followed brand, but KEF brings six decades of pure audio engineering experience to the table. That combination means the Headphone (1) isn’t just about looking different; it’s engineered to sound genuinely premium.

When inspecting it, you’ll find custom 40mm dynamic drivers, tuned with KEF’s high-fidelity expertise to deliver richer bass, cleaner mids, and sharper highs than anything Nothing could have produced alone. And they didn’t stop at the drivers. The headphones feature a full suite of modern audio capabilities: Hi-Res Audio, LDAC, USB-C lossless playback, and even a 3.5mm jack for traditionalists. There’s also a precision damping system and on-device spatial processing with head tracking, creating a 360-degree soundstage that shifts as you move — a feature we’re genuinely eager to test in real life.

The smart features don’t end there. Active noise cancelling is integrated, with a transparency mode for times when you need awareness rather than isolation. When paired with the Nothing X app, you can activate AI-powered ANC — trained on more than 28 million noise scenarios — which automatically adjusts cancellation according to your environment. It provides better sound control and increased battery efficiency. Speaking of which, the Headphone (1) is rated for up to 35 hours of playback with ANC on, offering the stamina that commuters and travellers will appreciate.

Nothing defined the design. KEF defined the sound. Together, they’ve created a pair of headphones that look like nothing else — and finally sound the way a flagship should.

CHECK OUT: 14 Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones & Earbuds You Can Buy Right Now

Nothing keeps talking about this so-called Button, and once you understand its purpose, you can see why. It’s not just a decorative switch or a nostalgic nod — it’s the control centre for how Nothing expects people to use the Headphone (1). Instead of relying on the usual swipes and taps, the Button provides a physical command point that feels more deliberate and much easier to use on the go.

One press activates Channel Hop, a feature that allows you to switch between your recently used audio apps or preferred functions without touching your phone. It’s designed to keep your hands free and your music playing, whether you’re commuting, working out, or simply not in the mood to dig through your pockets. The Button can also be customised to activate voice controls or open Essential Space, Nothing’s own AI system, providing a quick entry point into the brand’s expanding ecosystem.

It’s a small detail, but it says a lot about how Nothing approaches hardware — simple ideas, executed in a way that genuinely changes how you use the product.

The Nothing Headphone will be available for pre-order starting on 2 July 2025 through Nothing’s official website. The headphones are priced at USD $299, with general availability beginning shortly after the global release date.