Nothing Headphone (a) review: The superior option for design and button enthusiasts
Published: (March 6, 2026 at 03:00 PM EST)
3 min read
Source: ZDNet
Source: ZDNet
[](https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?mid=48011&id=423585&clickref=subid_value&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fus.nothing.tech%2Fproducts%2Fheadphone-a%3FColour%3DWhite)
### ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Nothing’s new **Headphone (a)** is available now for **$199**.
- Unique design, long battery life, great sound, and intuitive button controls.
- Lighter than previous models, but still feels a bit clunky after extended wear.
[Buy Headphone (a) for $199 →](https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?mid=48011&id=423585&clickref=subid_value&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fus.nothing.tech%2Fproducts%2Fheadphone-a%3FColour%3DWhite)
*Follow ZDNET:* [Add us as a preferred source on Google](https://cc.zdnet.com/v1/otc/00hQi47eqnEWQ6T9d4QLBUc?element=BODY&element_label=Add+us+as+a+preferred+Google+source&module=LINK&object_type=text-link&object_uuid=5e5d2e64-4b30-43e6-8555-26eac7e449f3&position=1&template=article&track_code=__COM_CLICK_ID__&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fpreferences%2Fsource%3Fq%3Dzdnet.com&view_instance_uuid=379e95d2-6b56-476b-a90b-043a8dd63bd3)
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### Why headphones still matter
Good sound is easy to find, but differentiation comes from battery life, smart features, and visual style.
Nothing (London‑based) gives its headphones:
- **75 h** of playback with ANC on (up to **135 h** with ANC off)
- Smart, intuitive controls (scroller, paddle, roller)
- A distinct, minimalist aesthetic
**Also:** [Forget iPhone 17e – Nothing’s Phone 4a Pro costs less and looks a whole lot better](https://www.zdnet.com/article/nothing-phone-4a-pro-event-announcement-mwc-2026/)
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## Headphone (a) review
I tested the over‑ear **Headphone (a)** for a week. Highlights:
- **Sound:** Neutral, clear, great for all‑day listening. EQ can be tweaked in the Nothing X app, with community presets available.
- **Noise cancellation:** Effective without isolating you completely, reducing headphone fatigue.
- **Controls:** Physical paddle (track skip), roller (volume), and a multifunction button (assignable actions, e.g., hands‑free photo capture).
- **Battery:** 75 h with ANC, 135 h without – enough for several days of use.
**Also:** [These fashion‑forward headphones have no business sounding this good for the price](https://www.zdnet.com/article/nothing-headphone-1-review/)
### What I liked most
The **paddle & roller** let me control playback without touching my phone—a huge convenience for work and commuting.
*Image: Physical controls on the headphones (Nina Raemont/ZDNET)*
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## What I’d like to see next
- **Improved comfort:** Still feels a bit clunky after a full workday and can irritate pierced ears.
- **In‑ear detection:** Automatic pause/resume when the headphones are removed/put back on would be a welcome addition.
**Also:** [What is Bluetooth 6.0? How the latest standard fixes audio problems we’ve learned to live with](https://www.zdnet.com/article/what-is-bluetooth-6-headphones/)
---
### Best headphone deals of the week
| Deal | Price (save) |
|------|--------------|
| Deal 1 | **$248** (save $152) |
| Deal 2 | **$170** (save $181) |
| Deal 3 | **$400** (save $150) |
| Deal 4 | **$299** (save $130) |
| Deal 5 | **$199** (save $150) |
*Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team and may be unrelated to this article.*
---
*Nothing launched Headphone (a) alongside its [Phone 4a series](https://www.zdnet.com/article/nothing-phone-4a-colors-first-look/) on March 5. The headphones integrate with the Phone 4a via the Nothing X app, offering features like ChatGPT‑powered news and the Essential Space hub.*
*Previous Nothing audio products (Open‑ear, Ear (a)) set a high bar for sound quality, and Headphone (a) continues that tradition.*
## ZDNET Buying Advice
**Nothing Headphone (a)** – [Buy here](https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?mid=48011&id=423585&clickref=subid_value&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fus.nothing.tech%2Fproducts%2Fheadphone-a)
- **Color options** – neutral shades, expressive baby‑pink, and an exclusive “egg‑yolk” yellow.
- **Design** – striking and instantly eye‑catching.
- **Sound quality** – surprisingly rich and detailed after just a few days of use.
- **Battery life** – exceptionally long, keeping you powered through long listening sessions.
- **Touch controls** – intuitive and responsive, a feature many flagship headphones still lack.
### Value proposition
- **Price:** $199 – [see pricing details](https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?mid=48011&id=423585&clickref=subid_value&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fus.nothing.tech%2Fproducts%2Fheadphone-a%3FColour%3DWhite)
- Offers many premium features typically found in higher‑priced, established headphone brands.
Overall, the Nothing Headphone (a) delivers a compelling mix of style, performance, and affordability.