The noise-canceling Nothing Headphone A are down to their lowest price to date
Source: The Verge
Where to Buy
- Amazon:
$199→ $169 - Nothing Store:
$199→ $169
Design & Build
- Over‑ear design with rectangular ear cups and oval enclosures.
- Opaque colour finish (as opposed to the see‑through housing of the Headphone 1), giving a more subdued look.
- Comfortable headband and memory‑foam ear cups.
- Physical controls for playback, volume, noise‑cancellation level, and more—no capacitive touch buttons.
- IP52 rating (resistant to sweat and light rain).
- Wired listening via USB‑C and 3.5 mm ports.
Sound Quality & EQ
Out of the box, the sound is modest, but the Nothing X app (available for Android and iOS) provides a robust EQ that lets you fine‑tune the audio to your liking. The app’s presets are easy to adjust, offering a level of customization uncommon for sub‑$200 headphones.
Noise Cancellation
- Active noise cancellation (ANC) works well for the price, especially for low‑frequency ambient noise.
- Three ANC levels plus an adaptive mode let you tailor the cancellation to your environment.
- ANC performance on the microphone side is less effective for calls, so you may need to rely on the built‑in mic’s basic noise reduction.
Verdict
Nothing’s second over‑ear offering retains the best aspects of the Headphone 1—comfortable fit, solid build, and decent ANC—while dropping the price to a more accessible $169. Though the sound isn’t class‑leading straight out of the box, the app’s EQ makes it easy to improve. Overall, it’s a compelling option for anyone seeking a stylish, feature‑rich headphone without breaking the bank.
Read our full Headphone A review.