All you need to know about the Nothing Headphones (a) is that at £149 they're one of the best audio deals around right now – and that's not a discounted price.
British tech company Nothing has followed up its Nothing Headphone (1) from 2025 with a new model that costs half the price but is a better product overall.
For half the price, you get a bold design, great sound quality and a fantastic battery that lasts 135 hours, over five days. Even with ANC on, it can run for 75 hours. With tactile physical controls, strong ANC and Hi-Res compatibility, it's unbelievable that it costs just £149.
What I don't like
First, they don't have a hinge, so they don't fold as compactly as other more expensive models like the Sony WH-1000XM6, Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2, or Beats Studio Pro.
Also, to save money, Nothing includes a strange drawstring bag instead of a sturdy box, which looks more like a travel bag than a protective storage bag.
Aside from these details, it's hard to find any real faults with these headphones considering the price.
Design and comfort
Nothing has ditched the transparent design of the Headphone (1) and gone with a glossy opaque plastic. I tested the white version, but they also come in pink and yellow, and the black one looks very classy.
They are tight on my large head, but they are more comfortable for hours of use than Beats, while Bose remains the most comfortable on the market.
Sound quality
Headphone (a) sounds just as good, if not better, than Headphone (1). The older models were tuned by KEF audio firm, but this time Audiodo has helped with Audiosphere technology, adjusting the spatial processing and soundstage. The result works very well.
When using the Nothing X app and the EQ set to Balanced, the sound is bright and balanced, with a layer of bass that you can tone down as desired. Tested with the Nothing Phone (4a) and the Qobuz Hi-Res service, the guitars on Suede’s “Animal Nitrate” are crisp and satisfying, while GZA’s “Liquid Swords” has you moving along.
Every genre sounds good, and with a few EQ adjustments in the Nothing X app for Android or iPhone, you can find the perfect balance to your taste.
Comparison with competitors
The Sony WH-1000XM6 sound a little better, but at £399, the Headphone (a) is very close to their quality for £250 less. The ANC isn't as powerful as the Sony's, but it blocks out outside noise well.
For direct connections, you can use the 3.5mm or USB-C cable, with support for LDAC Hi-Res, offering advanced playback options.
Physical controls are preferable to touch panels, with a volume knob, play/pause button, and the ability to change modes. There's also a customizable button for functions like launching the camera.
Headphone (a) is the perfect example of the Nothing philosophy: striking design, performance that exceeds the price, and a sound experience that amazes. If you want great headphones on a budget, these should be at the top of your list.
Sony and Bose may offer better ANC and slightly stronger audio, but Nothing proves that you don't have to pay a premium for great headphones in 2026. /GazetaExpress/
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