The best Nothing headphones depend on whether you want over-ear comfort, noise cancellation, or an open fit for staying aware of your surroundings. I’d start with the Nothing Headphone (1) as the premium over-ear pick, while the CMF Headphone Pro stands out for adjustable sound and the Nothing Ear (Open) for workouts and outdoor listening. The main tradeoffs are isolation versus awareness, headphones versus earbuds, and longer listed battery life versus a lighter, more portable design. Several entries are the same model in different colors, so the list offers fewer distinct feature sets than 13 products might suggest. Read on for the full comparison and guidance on which style fits your needs.
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Key Takeaways
The Nothing Headphone (1) is the premium over-ear choice, with KEF-tuned sound, spatial audio, hybrid ANC, and a listed 80-hour playtime; it is less suited to buyers who want a small, pocketable option.The CMF Headphone Pro offers hands-on bass and treble controls, custom EQ, spatial audio, and LDAC, making it a flexible alternative when sound adjustment matters more than the Headphone (1)’s premium positioning.The four Nothing Headphone (a) listings share the same advertised feature set and differ by color; compare fit and features rather than treating them as four separate designs.The Nothing Ear (Open) prioritizes situational awareness with an open-ear fit, while the Ear (a) and Ear (3) are better starting points for listeners who want in-ear noise cancellation.Battery-life claims vary by model and listening conditions; the advertised 135 hours for Headphone (a), 80 hours for Headphone (1), and 50 hours for CMF Headphone Pro are not a direct measure of ANC-on runtime.
Our Top Best Nothing Headphones Picks
CMF BY Nothing Headphone Pro, Dark GreyBest for Adjustable SoundDriver: Customized 40 mm dynamicNoise cancellation: Adaptive ANC up to 40 dBWireless audio: LDAC; dual Hi-Res certificationVIEW LATEST PRICESee Our Full BreakdownNothing Ear (3a) Noise-Cancelling Wireless EarbudsBest for Feature-Rich EarbudsDriver: 12 mmNoise cancellation: Adaptive ANC up to 45 dB, across frequencies up to 5000 HzAudio: Hi-Res AudioVIEW LATEST PRICESee Our Full BreakdownNothing Headphone (a), BlackBest for Long Listening SessionsDriver: 40 mm dynamicNoise cancellation: Hybrid adaptive ANC; High, Mid, Low, and Adaptive levelsListening modes: Transparency mode; spatial audioVIEW LATEST PRICESee Our Full BreakdownNothing Headphone (a), PinkBest for a Standout ColorDriver: 40 mm dynamicNoise cancellation: Hybrid adaptive ANC; High, Mid, Low, and Adaptive levelsListening modes: Transparency mode; spatial audioVIEW LATEST PRICESee Our Full BreakdownNothing Headphone (a), WhiteBest for a Light FinishDriver: 40 mm dynamicNoise cancellation: Hybrid adaptive ANC; High, Mid, Low, and Adaptive levelsListening modes: Transparency mode; spatial audioVIEW LATEST PRICESee Our Full BreakdownNothing Headphone (a) 2026 New, Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wireless Over Ear Bluetooth 5.4 ANC Headset with LDAC Hi-Res, 5 HD Mics Ultra Bass via APP, 135 Hours Playtime, YellowBest for Long TripsDesign: Over-ear wireless headphonesBluetooth: 5.4Driver size: 40 mmVIEW LATEST PRICESee Our Full BreakdownNothing Ear (Open) Open Ear Headphones, Ultra-Light with Adjustable Earhooks, Multipoint Connection Bluetooth Earbuds, Clear Voice Technology for AI Calls, IP54, Fast Charging, ChatGPT SupportedBest for Situational AwarenessDesign: Open-ear earbuds with adjustable hooksBluetooth: 5.3Driver: Stepped driver with titanium alloy coatingVIEW LATEST PRICESee Our Full BreakdownNothing Headphone (1) Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wireless Over-Ear Headphones with 6 Mics, 80Hrs Playtime, Hi-Res Audio, KEF-Tuned, Spatial Sound, Comfort Fit & Fast Charging BlackBest for Sound CustomizationDesign: Over-ear wireless headphonesDriver: 40 mmMicrophones: 6VIEW LATEST PRICESee Our Full BreakdownNothing Ear (a) Wireless Earbuds, 45dB Hybrid Noise Cancelling Earbuds, Hi-Res Audio, Advanced Equaliser, Dual Connect, 6 Mics, 42.5H Playtime Ear Buds Wireless Bluetooth, BlackBest for Everyday In-Ear ANCDesign: In-ear wireless earbudsDriver size: 11 mmNoise control: Adaptive hybrid ANC, up to 45 dB as listedVIEW LATEST PRICESee Our Full BreakdownCMF BY Nothing Headphone Pro Active Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones Bluetooth 5.4 Over The Ear Headset, 50H ANC Playtime, Bass&Treble Slider, Custom EQ&Spatial Audio, Hi-Res LDAC, Light GreyBest for Quick Sound AdjustmentsDesign: Over-ear wireless headphonesBluetooth: 5.4Driver size: 40 mmVIEW LATEST PRICESee Our Full BreakdownNothing Ear (3) Wireless EarbudsBest for Noisy CallsNoise cancellation: Smart hybrid ANC, up to 45 dBMicrophones: Six HD microphones; case-integrated dual-microphone Super MicDriver: 12 mm dynamic driver with ceramic diaphragmVIEW LATEST PRICESee Our Full BreakdownNothing Ear (Open) Open Ear HeadphonesBest for Staying AwareDesign: Open-ear wireless earbuds with adjustable earhooksEarbud weight: 8.1 g per earhookBluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3VIEW LATEST PRICESee Our Full BreakdownNothing Headphone (1) Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling HeadphonesBest for Long Listening SessionsForm factor: Wireless over-ear headphonesNoise cancellation: Hybrid ANC with High, Mid, Low, and Adaptive settingsBattery life: Up to 80 hours; up to 35 hours with ANC onVIEW LATEST PRICESee Our Full Breakdown
More Details on Our Top Picks
CMF BY Nothing Headphone Pro, Dark Grey
The Headphone Pro suits listeners who want hands-on sound shaping in a full-size wireless design. Its bass and treble slider gives quick physical adjustment, while the Nothing X app adds custom EQ and a personal sound profile. Compared with the Nothing Headphone (a), its stated ANC-on battery life is shorter at up to 50 hours, but the Pro’s dedicated tone controls make sound changes more immediate. Adaptive noise cancellation up to 40 dB, transparency mode, and LDAC support broaden its appeal for commuting and focused listening. Memory foam earpads and a cap-friendly headband address long sessions, though fit is personal and the listing provides no weight or water-resistance rating. Choose it for tactile tuning; skip it if maximum listed battery life is your priority.
Best for: Over-ear listeners who want quick physical bass and treble adjustments alongside app-based EQ
Not ideal for: Frequent travelers prioritizing the longest stated battery life, since the Headphone (a) lists up to 75 hours with ANC on
Driver:Customized 40 mm dynamicNoise cancellation:Adaptive ANC up to 40 dBWireless audio:LDAC; dual Hi-Res certificationWireless connection:Bluetooth 5.4Battery life:Up to 50 hours with ANC onControls and tuning:Bass and treble slider; custom EQ in Nothing X appListening modes:Transparency mode; CMF Spatial AudioCompatibility:iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and AUX
“Choose the Headphone Pro if tactile sound adjustment matters more to you than the Headphone (a)’s longer listed ANC-on runtime.”
Nothing Ear (3a) Noise-Cancelling Wireless Earbuds
Ear (3a) is the compact pick for buyers who want more than basic playback: its feature set combines adaptive noise cancellation, dual-device connection, an 8-band EQ, and call recording features in the Nothing X app. The stated ANC reaches up to 45 dB across frequencies up to 5000 Hz, and transparency mode lets ambient sound back in when needed. Compared with the over-ear CMF Headphone Pro, these earbuds take less room and support Bluetooth 6.0, but the supplied data does not state their battery life or driver codec support. Call recording is limited to supported regions, and some AI features depend on the app. This makes Ear (3a) a capable everyday wireless option, but buyers who need predictable long-session runtime should favor a model with a stated battery figure.
Best for: Commuters who want compact noise-cancelling earbuds, device switching, and app-based sound customization
Not ideal for: Listeners who need a clearly stated battery runtime or rely on call recording in an unsupported region
Driver:12 mmNoise cancellation:Adaptive ANC up to 45 dB, across frequencies up to 5000 HzAudio:Hi-Res AudioBluetooth:6.0Connections:Dual-device; iOS and Android compatibleMicrophones:6Equalizer:8-band EQ in Nothing X appModes:Transparency and low latencyRecording:Up to 1 minute of media or 2 hours of calls and meetings
“Pick Ear (3a) for app-rich, compact listening and device switching, provided its unstated battery runtime fits your routine.”
Nothing Headphone (a), Black
The black Headphone (a) is the stamina-focused over-ear choice in this group, with up to 135 hours of playback or 75 hours with ANC on. That gives it a substantial stated runtime advantage over the CMF Headphone Pro, whose listing specifies up to 50 hours with ANC on. Adaptive ANC offers four levels, and transparency mode gives listeners a way to hear their surroundings without removing the headphones. LDAC, Hi-Res wireless certification, spatial audio, and app-based personal sound settings add flexibility. A five-minute charge is stated to provide eight hours of playback with ANC off. The tradeoff is a sizable over-ear format, and the product data gives no weight or fold-flat dimensions to clarify portability. The camera shutter control is a useful extra for creators, but not a reason to buy if you seldom shoot from a distance.
Best for: Frequent travelers and remote workers who want over-ear comfort and long stated playback between charges
Not ideal for: Buyers seeking pocketable headphones or a compact commute setup; these are over-ear and the listing gives no folded dimensions
Driver:40 mm dynamicNoise cancellation:Hybrid adaptive ANC; High, Mid, Low, and Adaptive levelsListening modes:Transparency mode; spatial audioWireless audio:LDAC; Hi-Res wireless certificationBluetooth:5.4Microphones:5 HD microphonesBattery life:Up to 135 hours; up to 75 hours with ANC onFast charging:Five minutes provides up to 8 hours of playback with ANC offControls:Roller and paddle controls; Nothing X app
“Choose the black Headphone (a) if long over-ear listening between charges matters more than compact portability.”
Nothing Headphone (a), Pink
The pink Headphone (a) makes color the deciding detail while retaining the same long-runtime and noise-control profile listed for the black version. It offers up to 75 hours with ANC on, four ANC settings, transparency mode, LDAC, and Hi-Res wireless certification. Compared with the CMF Headphone Pro, the Headphone (a) lists more ANC-on playback time, while the Pro offers a physical bass and treble slider that this model does not list. The roller and paddle controls provide direct access to playback and noise modes, and the app adds personal sound settings. The pink finish will not suit every wardrobe or workplace, and the over-ear build remains less compact than Ear (3a). Choose this variant when the color is a real preference; its core feature set does not add a performance advantage over the black Headphone (a).
Best for: Listeners who want the Headphone (a)’s long-runtime feature set in a pink finish
Not ideal for: Buyers who prefer discreet colors or need smaller earbuds for pocketable everyday carry
Driver:40 mm dynamicNoise cancellation:Hybrid adaptive ANC; High, Mid, Low, and Adaptive levelsListening modes:Transparency mode; spatial audioWireless audio:LDAC; Hi-Res wireless certificationBluetooth:5.4Microphones:5 HD microphonesBattery life:Up to 135 hours; up to 75 hours with ANC onFast charging:Five minutes provides up to 8 hours of playback with ANC offControls:Roller and paddle controls; Nothing X app
“Choose the pink Headphone (a) if you want its long-runtime over-ear features and specifically prefer a more expressive finish.”
Nothing Headphone (a), White
The white Headphone (a) is the light-finish alternative for buyers who want the same feature mix as the black and pink versions. Its listed strengths include up to 75 hours with ANC on, four ANC settings, transparency mode, LDAC, and Hi-Res wireless certification. Like the other Headphone (a) variants, it has five HD microphones, spatial audio, and an app for personal sound settings. Compared with the CMF Headphone Pro, it offers longer stated ANC-on battery life; the Pro, in turn, lists a physical bass and treble slider for faster tone changes. The white finish is the defining distinction here, not a separate acoustic feature. An over-ear design is also less convenient to stow than the compact Ear (3a), and no weight or fold dimensions are provided.
Best for: Listeners who prefer a white over-ear design and want the Headphone (a)’s long stated ANC-on runtime
Not ideal for: People who want discreet dark headphones, pocketable earbuds, or clearly specified carrying dimensions
Driver:40 mm dynamicNoise cancellation:Hybrid adaptive ANC; High, Mid, Low, and Adaptive levelsListening modes:Transparency mode; spatial audioWireless audio:LDAC; Hi-Res wireless certificationBluetooth:5.4Microphones:5 HD microphonesBattery life:Up to 135 hours; up to 75 hours with ANC onFast charging:Five minutes provides up to 8 hours of playback with ANC offControls:Roller and paddle controls; Nothing X app
“Pick the white Headphone (a) if its finish suits your style and you want long ANC-on runtime in an over-ear model.”
Nothing Headphone (a) 2026 New, Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wireless Over Ear Bluetooth 5.4 ANC Headset with LDAC Hi-Res, 5 HD Mics Ultra Bass via APP, 135 Hours Playtime, Yellow
The Headphone (a) stands out in this lineup for its claimed 135-hour battery life, giving frequent travelers fewer charging stops than the Nothing Headphone (1) or CMF Headphone Pro. Its adaptive ANC and transparency mode cover the basics for switching between focused listening and hearing your surroundings, while LDAC support and app EQ offer room to tune the sound. The roller and paddle controls also make everyday adjustments easier without reaching for a phone.
That endurance comes with tradeoffs: the listing gives no weight, and its plastic construction may feel less substantial than buyers seeking a more premium build expect. ANC-on playback is listed at 75 hours, so the headline figure depends on noise cancellation being off. I’d choose it for long stretches away from an outlet, but the Headphone (1) is the stronger fit if KEF tuning and wired listening matter more.
Best for: Frequent travelers and commuters who want over-ear ANC headphones with long stretches between charges.
Not ideal for: Listeners who prioritize a documented lightweight build or want the Headphone (1)’s KEF-tuned sound and wired USB-C audio options.
Design:Over-ear wireless headphonesBluetooth:5.4Driver size:40 mmNoise control:Active noise cancellation with adaptive modeBattery life:Up to 135 hours; 75 hours with ANC onFast charging:5 minutes for up to 8 hours of playback with ANC offAudio codec:LDACEnclosure material:PlasticColor:Yellow
“Choose the Headphone (a) if battery endurance matters more to you than the Headphone (1)’s KEF tuning or wired audio options.”
Nothing Ear (Open) Open Ear Headphones, Ultra-Light with Adjustable Earhooks, Multipoint Connection Bluetooth Earbuds, Clear Voice Technology for AI Calls, IP54, Fast Charging, ChatGPT Supported
The Nothing Ear (Open) is the lineup’s pick for people who want audio without sealing their ear canals. Its hook design leaves you more aware of nearby sounds than the noise-blocking Nothing Ear (a), making it a better match for outdoor exercise or desk work where you need to hear conversations and surroundings. Multipoint pairing can also make switching between a laptop and phone more convenient, while the app offers EQ and a low-latency mode.
This open fit is a deliberate compromise: it cannot provide the isolation of the Ear (a)’s adaptive ANC, and the listing does not provide an IP rating for submersion. The 30-hour combined battery figure includes the case, with up to eight hours from the earbuds themselves. I’d pick these when awareness and a hook fit matter more than pocketable in-ear isolation or stronger noise cancellation.
Best for: Runners, cyclists, and office workers who want to listen while staying aware of nearby people and sounds.
Not ideal for: Commuters seeking quiet on loud transit or listeners who prefer sealed earbuds with active noise cancellation.
Design:Open-ear earbuds with adjustable hooksBluetooth:5.3Driver:Stepped driver with titanium alloy coatingMicrophones:Dual microphones with AI noise reductionWater and dust resistance:IP54Battery life:Up to 8 hours earbuds; 30 hours with caseConnectivity:MultipointApp features:Nothing X app EQ and low-latency mode
“Choose Ear (Open) for workouts and workdays where hearing your surroundings is more useful than blocking them out.”
Nothing Headphone (1) Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wireless Over-Ear Headphones with 6 Mics, 80Hrs Playtime, Hi-Res Audio, KEF-Tuned, Spatial Sound, Comfort Fit & Fast Charging Black
The Nothing Headphone (1) earns its place as the more audio-focused over-ear choice here. Its sound is tuned with KEF, and it supports LDAC, USB-C audio, and a 3.5 mm connection, giving it more listening options than the Headphone (a). Head tracking for spatial audio and an eight-band app equalizer add flexibility for people who like to tailor playback. The roller and paddle controls keep those adjustments accessible without relying on touch gestures.
Battery life is strong at up to 80 hours, though the Headphone (a) claims substantially longer endurance, and ANC-on playback is listed at 35 hours. That makes the (1) a better fit for sound and connection flexibility than for the longest trips between charges. I’d choose it over the CMF Headphone Pro when wired listening and KEF tuning are priorities; the CMF has a more prominent bass-and-treble slider for quick tone changes.
Best for: Listeners who want KEF-tuned over-ear sound, wired options, and detailed EQ controls for home and travel.
Not ideal for: Travelers who put maximum battery life first, since the Headphone (a) lists longer playback.
Design:Over-ear wireless headphonesDriver:40 mmMicrophones:6Noise control:Hybrid ANC with adaptive and transparency modesBattery life:Up to 80 hours; 35 hours with ANC onAudio connections:Bluetooth, USB-C audio, and 3.5 mm jackAudio codec:LDACSound features:KEF tuning and spatial audio with head trackingColor:Black
“Pick the Headphone (1) if sound shaping and wired listening matter more than the Headphone (a)’s longer battery claim.”
Nothing Ear (a) Wireless Earbuds, 45dB Hybrid Noise Cancelling Earbuds, Hi-Res Audio, Advanced Equaliser, Dual Connect, 6 Mics, 42.5H Playtime Ear Buds Wireless Bluetooth, Black
For buyers who prefer compact in-ear headphones, the Nothing Ear (a) combines adaptive noise cancellation with dual-device connectivity and a case that brings total playback to more than 42.5 hours with ANC off. Its seal monitoring can adjust cancellation when it detects sound leakage, which helps keep noise reduction consistent as fit changes. Compared with the open-fit Ear (Open), this is the better choice for blocking distractions on a commute; the tradeoff is that it seals the ear canal rather than leaving ambient sound readily audible.
The 11 mm drivers are designed to give bass more room, and app EQ lets you adjust the balance. A ten-minute charge is listed to provide up to ten hours of playback with ANC off, but the strongest battery claims depend on settings. ChatGPT access also requires a Nothing-series phone, so that feature will not benefit every buyer. I’d choose these for portable ANC, not for open-ear awareness.
Best for: Commuters and phone-and-laptop users who want pocketable earbuds with adaptive ANC and multipoint pairing.
Not ideal for: Runners who need to hear surrounding traffic or buyers who do not want sealed in-ear earbuds.
Design:In-ear wireless earbudsDriver size:11 mmNoise control:Adaptive hybrid ANC, up to 45 dB as listedMicrophones:6Connectivity:Dual-device connectionBattery life:More than 42.5 hours with case, ANC offFast charging:10 minutes for up to 10 hours, ANC offLatency:11 msWater resistance:Listed as waterproof; no rating specified
“Choose Ear (a) for portable noise cancellation and device switching, especially if you prefer an in-ear seal to the Ear (Open) design.”
CMF BY Nothing Headphone Pro Active Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones Bluetooth 5.4 Over The Ear Headset, 50H ANC Playtime, Bass&Treble Slider, Custom EQ&Spatial Audio, Hi-Res LDAC, Light Grey
The CMF Headphone Pro makes sound changes unusually direct: its bass-and-treble slider gives listeners a physical way to adjust tone, while the Nothing X app adds custom EQ and spatial audio. That hands-on approach sets it apart from the KEF-tuned Nothing Headphone (1), which offers a broader set of wired listening connections, and the Headphone (a), which focuses on a much longer battery claim. The CMF is the straightforward pick for someone who likes adjusting sound on the fly and wants adaptive ANC for travel or work.
Its listed 50 hours of ANC-on playback is a useful endurance figure, though the product description’s rapid-charge claim applies with ANC off. At 283 g, it has a stated weight, but the listing also says the fit may start snug before easing with wear. I’d skip it if a loose clamp fit or the longest possible battery life is your priority.
Best for: Listeners who want over-ear ANC headphones with quick physical bass and treble adjustment for different music or video.
Not ideal for: People sensitive to clamp pressure or travelers who want the longest stated playback between charges.
Design:Over-ear wireless headphonesBluetooth:5.4Driver size:40 mmNoise control:Adaptive ANC, up to 40 dB as listedBattery life:Up to 50 hours with ANC onFast charging:5 minutes for up to 4 hours, ANC offAudio codec:LDACWeight:283 gColor:Light Grey
“Choose the CMF Headphone Pro if you value quick physical sound adjustments and ANC-on endurance over the Headphone (a)’s longer maximum battery claim.”
Nothing Ear (3) Wireless Earbuds
Among the in-ear picks, Nothing Ear (3) is the clearest fit for people whose calls happen in loud places. Its standout feature is Super Mic in the charging case, which targets your voice when you hold the case close; that gives it a call-focused advantage over Nothing Ear (Open), whose open design favors hearing your surroundings while listening. The earbuds also pair 45 dB hybrid ANC with transparency mode, so they can switch between blocking distractions and letting ambient sound through. A 12 mm driver, ceramic diaphragm, six microphones, and app EQ provide flexibility for music and calls. The tradeoff is that the case mic requires a deliberate gesture and close positioning, while the in-ear fit may not suit listeners who prefer an open earhook design.
Best for: Frequent callers who take meetings or send voice messages in noisy public spaces and want in-ear noise cancellation.
Not ideal for: Runners and listeners who want to hear traffic or conversation while wearing earbuds; Nothing Ear (Open) better suits that use.
Noise cancellation:Smart hybrid ANC, up to 45 dBMicrophones:Six HD microphones; case-integrated dual-microphone Super MicDriver:12 mm dynamic driver with ceramic diaphragmBluetooth:Bluetooth 5.4Audio features:Hi-Res Wireless audio supportControls and tuning:Nothing X app with adjustable EQ, Ultra Bass, and Adaptive ANCConnectivity:Dual Connect
“Choose Nothing Ear (3) if clearer calls in loud settings matter more than an open fit or a simple case-free call setup.”
Nothing Ear (Open) Open Ear Headphones
Nothing Ear (Open) takes a different route from Nothing Ear (3): its earhooks leave the ear canal open, making it a better match for outdoor workouts and days when announcements or nearby conversation matter. The 8.1 g earhooks use a tilted, three-point balance design intended to stay secure during movement, while IP54 protection adds reassurance around dust and sweat. Its 30-hour combined playback claim and multipoint pairing make it useful across a workday, too. The compromise is inherent to open listening: it cannot seal out surrounding noise like Ear (3) with its hybrid ANC, and bass impact may feel less contained. I’d choose this model for awareness and fit security, but skip it for focused listening on noisy commutes.
Best for: Runners, cyclists, and office listeners who want a secure earhook fit while remaining aware of their surroundings.
Not ideal for: Commuters seeking strong noise isolation or listeners who want the sealed, ANC-enabled experience of Nothing Ear (3).
Design:Open-ear wireless earbuds with adjustable earhooksEarbud weight:8.1 g per earhookBluetooth:Bluetooth 5.3Microphones:Dual microphones with AI noise reductionWater and dust resistance:IP54Battery life:Up to 8 hours from earbuds; up to 30 hours with charging caseConnectivity:Multipoint pairingAudio tuning:Nothing X app EQ and low-latency gaming mode
“Pick Nothing Ear (Open) for workouts and everyday listening where awareness matters more than noise cancellation.”
Nothing Headphone (1) Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
For listeners who want over-ear comfort and long stretches between charges, Nothing Headphone (1) is the strongest fit in this group. Its up to 80 hours of playback (35 hours with ANC on) outlasts the supplied battery claims for the earbuds, while memory foam cushions and adaptive hybrid ANC make it more suited to extended desk or travel listening. The KEF tuning, LDAC support, USB-C audio, and 3.5 mm jack offer more ways to listen than the compact Ear (3). That larger format comes with a portability cost: it is an over-ear headset rather than a pocketable pair of earbuds, and ANC reduces the headline battery figure. Choose it for endurance and listening flexibility; choose Ear (Open) when a lightweight, awareness-friendly workout option matters more.
Best for: Frequent travelers and desk listeners who prefer over-ear comfort, wired listening options, and long battery life.
Not ideal for: Runners and buyers who prioritize pocketable earbuds or hearing their surroundings while listening; Nothing Ear (Open) is designed for that use.
Form factor:Wireless over-ear headphonesNoise cancellation:Hybrid ANC with High, Mid, Low, and Adaptive settingsBattery life:Up to 80 hours; up to 35 hours with ANC onQuick charging:Five minutes of charging provides up to five hours of playbackAudio:KEF-tuned sound with Hi-Res Audio and LDAC supportWired connections:USB-C audio and 3.5 mm jackMicrophones:Six microphonesControls:Roller and paddle controls; customizable through Nothing X app
“Choose Headphone (1) if you want Nothing’s over-ear option for long listening sessions, with ANC and flexible wired or wireless audio.”
How We Picked
I ranked these picks by how clearly each one serves a distinct buyer need within the Nothing and CMF lineup. I weighed the advertised listening format, noise-control approach, battery claims, sound-adjustment tools, call features, durability details, and portability. I also considered whether a model’s strengths make sense for everyday use, travel, exercise, or open-ear listening, and whether its drawbacks could frustrate someone choosing it for the wrong reason.
The order gives priority to broad usefulness and clear feature differentiation. The Nothing Headphone (1) leads for its combination of over-ear design, hybrid ANC, KEF tuning, spatial sound, and listed battery life; the CMF Headphone Pro follows for its direct sound controls and more accessible feature set. Earbuds and open-ear models rank by their specific fit and listening use cases. Color variants appear as separate listings in the supplied lineup, but they do not represent distinct feature choices.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Nothing Headphones
Choosing among Nothing headphones starts with how and where you listen. I’d settle the fit and isolation question before comparing codec support or battery claims, since those choices shape comfort and day-to-day usefulness more than a long feature list.
Choose the fit before the feature list
Over-ear headphones, sealed earbuds, and open-ear buds solve different comfort and awareness needs. Over-ear models can suit long desk sessions or travel, but they take more space and may feel warm during movement. Sealed earbuds are easier to carry and can provide a more isolated listening experience, though not everyone finds in-ear tips comfortable. Open-ear designs leave the ear canal unobstructed, which can help when you need to hear nearby activity. A common mistake is choosing by battery or ANC claims before checking whether you actually like wearing that style for hours.
Match noise control to your surroundings
Active noise cancellation can help reduce steady background sounds, but it does not make every environment silent. Think about whether you mostly listen on commutes, in a shared office, outdoors, or at home; each setting changes how useful isolation is. Open-ear listening makes more sense when awareness matters, while a sealed fit is generally the more natural direction when you want fewer outside sounds. ANC performance also depends on fit, especially with earbuds, so a feature label alone cannot predict your experience. Avoid choosing maximum isolation for outdoor activity if hearing your surroundings is part of staying comfortable and alert.
Treat battery figures as model-specific claims
Listed battery figures are useful for comparing manufacturer claims, but they may depend on volume, codec, ANC, and other settings. Check whether a figure refers to the headphones alone, includes a charging case, or describes use with noise cancellation disabled. A large headline number is less valuable if your actual routine involves frequent calls, high volume, or ANC. Fast charging can matter more than maximum runtime when you often forget to charge before leaving. Choose enough battery for your longest regular listening stretch, rather than assuming the biggest number is automatically the best fit.
Decide whether sound customization will change your habits
Custom EQ and physical bass or treble controls are most useful when you actively adjust sound for different music, podcasts, or listening environments. If you set a comfortable sound profile once and leave it alone, those controls may matter less than fit, simple pairing, or call clarity. LDAC and Hi-Res labels describe supported audio capabilities, but the benefit depends on the source device, streaming or file quality, and connection settings. Check which features your phone supports before making codec support a deciding factor. Paying attention to how you listen can prevent a specification from outweighing everyday comfort.
Check calls, connections, and durability against your routine
Frequent callers should look beyond the microphone count and consider whether call-focused features match their usual setting, such as a noisy commute or a quiet home office. Multipoint can be helpful if you switch between a phone and computer, but it matters less if you use one device at a time. For workouts or outdoor wear, look for the listed water and dust protection and consider whether the fit is secure enough for movement. Do not assume that every model in a brand family shares the same durability rating or call features. Match each claim to the exact model and your own use before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the four Nothing Headphone (a) listings different headphones or just different colors?
Based on the supplied product names, all four Headphone (a) listings describe the same advertised feature set and differ by color: black, pink, white, and yellow. I’d choose among them based on the color you prefer, then confirm the exact model details on the listing before ordering. The repeated entries do not provide four distinct choices for ANC, battery claims, or audio features. If you want a different design or listening format, compare Headphone (a) with the over-ear Headphone (1), CMF Headphone Pro, or the earbud models.
Should I choose Nothing Headphone (1) or CMF Headphone Pro for over-ear listening?
Choose the Headphone (1) if you want the lineup’s premium over-ear feature mix, including hybrid ANC, KEF tuning, spatial sound, and a listed 80-hour playtime. The CMF Headphone Pro is a better match if you value direct bass and treble adjustment, custom EQ, and a listed 50-hour ANC playtime. The advertised figures use different wording, so they may not represent directly comparable listening conditions. Think about whether premium sound features or hands-on sound control will make a bigger difference in your routine.
Are the Nothing Ear (Open) a good choice if I want noise cancellation?
The Ear (Open) is designed around an open-ear fit, so it is intended for listeners who want to remain aware of nearby sounds rather than seal out their surroundings. If reducing outside noise is a priority, compare the in-ear Ear (a) or Ear (3), which list hybrid ANC. Open-ear listening may suit some walks, workouts, or calls, but nearby noise can remain part of what you hear. Choose it for the listening style, not as a substitute for ANC earbuds.
Is the longest listed battery life enough reason to pick Headphone (a)?
Headphone (a) lists up to 135 hours, which makes it stand out on the advertised battery figure among these over-ear listings. That number alone does not tell you how long it will last with ANC, high volume, calls, or other settings in use. If charging frequency is your main concern, check the manufacturer’s conditions for the claim and compare the runtime you need between charges. Also weigh fit, sound controls, and how you plan to use the headphones, since a large battery figure cannot compensate for an uncomfortable design.
Which Nothing option makes the most sense for a first pair of wireless headphones?
Start by deciding whether you prefer over-ear headphones or earbuds, since that choice has the biggest effect on comfort and portability. For over-ear use, CMF Headphone Pro offers straightforward sound adjustment, while Headphone (1) adds a more premium feature set. For compact in-ear listening, compare Ear (a) and Ear (3) by their advertised ANC and call features. A beginner does not need to prioritize every audio format or codec; a comfortable fit, easy controls, and the right level of isolation are better first filters.
Conclusion
For a single premium over-ear recommendation, I’d choose the Nothing Headphone (1). The CMF Headphone Pro is my value-minded pick for listeners who want adjustable sound without moving to the Headphone (1)’s feature tier, while Headphone (a) suits buyers drawn to its advertised long battery life and color choices. If you’re new to the lineup, choose by fit first: compare the CMF or Headphone (1) for over-ear listening and Ear (a) for sealed earbuds with ANC. For workouts or situations where awareness matters, the Nothing Ear (Open) is the specific-use pick; for in-ear noise cancellation, look at Ear (a) or Ear (3). Since several listings repeat the same model in different colors, focus on the design and features that match your routine.