Nothing's new budget over-ear headphones deliver premium features at a surprisingly low price point, with 135-hour battery life and customizable controls that rival more expensive models.
Nothing has entered the budget headphone market with a bang, launching the Headphone (a) at a price that makes its own Headphone (1) seem overpriced. At just £149 / $199 / €159, these over-ear cans pack an impressive feature set that punches well above their weight class.
The unboxing experience is straightforward but functional. Inside the box, you'll find the headphones themselves, a simple carrying bag (unpadded, so don't expect serious protection), a USB-C charging cable, and a 3.5mm audio cable for wired listening. The minimalist approach extends to the packaging, which aligns with Nothing's design philosophy of stripping away unnecessary frills.
Where the Headphone (a) really shines is in its specifications. The 40mm titanium-coated drivers promise quality sound reproduction, while three-level active noise cancellation (ANC) gives you control over your listening environment. LDAC support means high-resolution wireless audio for compatible devices, and the Hi-Resolution Audio Wireless certification backs up the audio quality claims.
The design language borrows heavily from the more expensive Headphone (1), which isn't a bad thing at all. You get the same clean aesthetic with customizable colored cups, and the headphones come in classic white or black finishes. The physical control scheme is particularly noteworthy - Nothing calls them Roller, Paddle, and Button, and they're surprisingly versatile. Through Nothing's companion X app, you can customize these controls extensively, even using the headphones as a remote shutter for your smartphone camera.
But the headline feature has to be the battery life. One hundred thirty-five hours of use is absolutely staggering - that's nearly six days of continuous playback. To put that in perspective, the Headphone (1) tops out at 80 hours, and most premium headphones struggle to break 40 hours. This kind of endurance means you could travel for weeks without needing to charge, or simply never worry about battery anxiety in daily use.
The comfort factor is equally impressive. The memory foam ear cushions feel substantial and comfortable, and extended listening sessions don't result in the ear fatigue that plagues many over-ear designs. The clamping force feels just right - secure without being restrictive, even on larger head sizes.
At this price point, Nothing has essentially delivered a flagship experience with mid-range pricing. The combination of exceptional battery life, solid audio specs, premium build quality, and thoughtful features like customizable controls makes the Headphone (a) a compelling option for anyone in the market for over-ear headphones. Whether you're an audiophile on a budget or simply someone who values good design and long battery life, these headphones deserve serious consideration.
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