Not everyone wants subtle headphones. Some prefer a pair that makes a statement the moment they walk into a room. The Nothing Headphone (a) embraces that idea completely, pairing striking, conversation-starting design with surprisingly capable active noise cancellation. In fact, once you put them on, you probably won't hear the compliments coming your way. Before we give more reasons why this pair is easy to love, let's get into the review.
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| Nothing Headphone (a) |
DESIGN and BUILD:
The Nothing Headphone (a) opts for an all-plastic build, and while that may raise concerns about premium quality at first, the decision pays off in everyday use. The lightweight construction makes the pair far more comfortable to wear, which is especially important for over-ear headphones.
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| Closer look at the Nothing Headphone (a) |
There's no shortage of visual details on the Nothing Headphone (a), but the design never crosses into overdone territory. Instead, the different elements work seamlessly together to create the clean industrial aesthetic that Nothing has built its identity around.
Read: Nothing Headphone (a) Arrives in PH for Only Php10,490
While many modern audio devices rely heavily on touch-sensitive controls, the Nothing Headphone (a) takes a different route with unconventional physical buttons that feel satisfyingly tactile to use. It has a power slider which helps prevent accidental turn-ons while the headphones are tucked inside a bag, saving battery from being drained for no reason.
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| The Nothing Headphone (a) has a physical power slider next to its USB-C and 3.5mm audio ports. |
The physical controls also remove the guesswork from everyday use. Instead of wondering whether a command registered, the dedicated Bluetooth button gives immediate feedback. One press is all it takes to know the headphones are already in pairing mode.
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| Nothing Headphone (a) Bluetooth button |
Another quirky detail is the next-and-previous track selector, which at first glance looked more like a memory card slot than a media control. More impressive though, is the round volume control, which might just be the best physical feature on the headphones. The smooth twisting motion makes adjusting volume levels feel far more intuitive than repeated taps or button presses.
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| Nothing Headphone (a) volume roller and paddle |
Sitting quietly on the right earcup is an unassuming button that blends so seamlessly into the design that we initially assumed it was purely aesthetic. By default, it functions as a dedicated AI or voice assistant trigger, but through the Nothing X app, it can be reassigned to noise control, camera shutter, mic mute, EQ presets, or disabled entirely.
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| The Nothing Headphone (a) is supported by the Nothing X app. |
The level of customization is part of what makes the Nothing Headphone (a) even more enjoyable to use. The Nothing X app offers plenty of personalization options, from remapping buttons to fine-tuning audio settings to better match your preferences.
Like other devices made with a plastic chassis, the Nothing Headphone (a) can show signs of wear such as scratches over time. For safekeeping, Nothing bundles a drawstring bag to help protect the headphones during storage or travel.
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| Nothing Headphone (a) free carry pouch |
ERGONOMICS:
Comfort comes naturally with the Nothing Headphone (a), thanks to its ergonomic padding system. The headband uses foam wrapped in faux leather that rests smoothly on the crown of the head, while the earcups are similarly cushioned, providing a soft, secure fit that avoids the typical "clamping" sensation of over-ear headphones.
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| Nothing Headphone (a) ear cushion |
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| Nothing Headphone (a) padding |
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| Nothing Headphone (a) headband foam |
BATTERY:
On paper, the battery endurance of the Nothing Headphone (a) is nothing short of impressive. With up to 75 hours of playback with ANC turned on and 135 hours without it, the headphones feel dependable enough to survive even the busiest days without needing frequent charging.
Related: Nothing Phone (4a) Pro Arrives in the PH for Php34,990
During our time with the Nothing Headphone (a), we've been using it for about two weeks straight since a single full charge out of the box. Even after that period of intermittent music and movie use, it still had around 60% battery left. That's a strong indication of just how efficient its battery life is in real-world use.
Recharging the Nothing Headphone (a) is done through a USB-C port located beside the 3.5mm audio jack. Nothing also includes a 1.2-meter cable in the box, adding a bit more convenience right out of the package.
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| Nothing Headphone (a) free 1.2m charging and audio cables |
AUDIO QUALITY:
Of course, the Nothing Headphone (a) delivers exactly what it’s designed to do. It packs impressive tech under the hood that even non-audiophiles will appreciate. Its 40 mm drivers hit a sweet spot for over-ear headphones, delivering punchy bass without muddying the overall sound. Meanwhile, the titanium-coated dome helps keep distortion low and highs crisp, even at louder volumes.
The headphones also support a wide 20 Hz to 40,000 Hz frequency range. In simple terms, that means deep low-end rumble and enough headroom for hi-res audio from platforms like Tidal or Apple Music.
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| Nothing Headphone (a) when worn |
Bottom line: these headphones are built with materials and tuning you’d normally expect at a higher price point. If you want a pair that performs well across different genres and listening styles, the Nothing Headphone (a) is worth serious consideration.
Next read: Nothing Phone (4a) Officially Launches in PH for Only Php21,990
It's also worth noting that the headphones still work wired — just plug in the included 3.5 mm cable and you're good to go. Great for flights, long commutes, or whenever your battery's running low. The one thing we'd have loved to see is automatic wear detection, but it's a small miss at this price point.
CONCLUSION:
The Nothing Headphone (a) is one of those rare pairs that manages to look good, sound good, and last long — without asking you to spend a fortune. The design is bold without being excessive, the ANC actually works, and the battery life is genuinely hard to fault. Audio performance punches above its weight class, and the physical controls add a layer of tactile satisfaction that touch-based competitors simply can't replicate.
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| Nothing Headphone (a) box |
If you're shopping for your first serious pair of over-ear headphones — or just want an upgrade that won't disappoint — the Nothing Headphone (a) is absolutely worth your attention. It retails for P10,490 in the Philippines.