What when you might get a extremely good pair of over-ear headphones that did not price greater than $400?
That is the query Nothing, a UK-based tech startup, is making an attempt to reply with the brand new Nothing Headphone (1) headphones, simply unveiled this week. A bunch of tech publications obtained to check out the brand new headphones previous to their reveal and launch, that means there are actually an excellent variety of critiques obtainable on the market for people serious about doubtlessly getting this $299 pair of over-ear cans.
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Nothing Cellphone (3) introduced. See specs, worth, preorder particulars
Nothing Headphone (1) worth
What did the critics must say about these new headphones? For starters, many agree that they are an important worth at $299. The closest factors of comparability by way of options and audio high quality are issues just like the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones and the Apple AirPods Max, each of which retail for nicely over $400. From that perspective, Nothing is already .
However what about every little thing else?
The design
For starters, these headphones have sort of a cool design which may flip off some prospects, however may attraction to others. They’ve massive, rectangular circumstances for the ear cups, they usually solely are available in two colours: white and black. Ben Schoon summed it up properly in 9to5Google’s evaluate:
“Nothing’s design right here is exclusive, to say the least. The partially sq., partially rounded design provides off cassette tape vibes, which I moderately like,” Schoon wrote.
Just about each different evaluate I learn aligned with that viewpoint. Whether or not you personally are into the design or not, Nothing deserves some credit score for making an attempt one thing.
Mashable Mild Velocity
Matt Bolton, in the meantime, made positive to emphasise in TechRadar’s evaluate that the headphones are snug for lengthy periods, no matter how they give the impression of being.
“This match will even be a bit divisive – some individuals actually favor only a lighter-weight headphone that does not have to grip a lot – however I discovered them extra snug than the AirPods Max, and tremendous to put on for an excellent stretch of time,” Bolton wrote.
The sound
That is the tough half. Little else, not design, consolation, or energetic noise cancelation options, issues greater than the sound high quality relating to headphones. Sadly, it is fairly broadly agreed in most critiques I learn that that is one space the place the value distinction between Headphone (1) and its closest competitors manifests.
That is to not say the sound is unhealthy, although. In James Pero’s evaluate for Gizmodo, he praised the standard of the noise cancelation and the audio output usually. It will not be fairly on the degree of AirPods Max, however there is a $250 worth distinction between the 2, in order that’s in all probability to be anticipated.
“I nonetheless assume Apple’s AirPods Max have a slight edge within the sound division — mid-to-highs simply have barely extra texture and room, which makes vocals really feel extra natural and clear,” Pero wrote. “That being mentioned, Nothing holds its personal towards a competitor that costs a really hefty premium.”
Bolton, however, was extra vital in his evaluate for TechRadar.
“The audio is tuned by the good hi-fi model KEF, and in all fairness refined, well-balanced, and broadly pleasurable,” Bolton wrote. “Nevertheless it additionally feels compressed, and lacks the openness and expansive sound I am used to from testing the competitors at this worth.”
The battery life
For $300, you’d count on good battery life out of a pair of headphones. It appears like Nothing delivered in that division. Schoon mentioned in his 9to5Google evaluate that the batteries lasted 35 hours with ANC turned on and 80 with out it. My goodness, that is fairly darn good.
Primarily based on these critiques, it appears like Nothing’s first over-ear headphones are stable, at worst. You will have to take care of barely worse audio high quality than a number of the dearer fashions, and it’s possible you’ll not just like the design, however they appear like an excellent worth the place it counts.
