Nothing Headphone 1 Review: As Good as They Look?

MKBHD reviews the Nothing Headphone 1: strong design and value at $300, but Sony XM6 beats it on ANC and sound quality.

• Nothing Headphone 1 costs $300 vs. Sony XM6 at $450 — MKBHD questions if the gap justifies the premium.
• ANC rated B+ vs. Sony’s A+: plane engine noise audible on Nothing, never on Sony XM6.
• Transparency mode weak — wearer’s own voice sounds too boomy, making conversations uncomfortable.
• Sound tuned by KEF; MKBHD bought KEF MU7 ($220 on Amazon) to verify it wasn’t a white-label — confirmed different enough product.
• Physical buttons and slider instead of touch controls; customizable button via app; dual Bluetooth device support.
• 35-hour battery, 3.5mm + USB-C audio, LDAC support, spatial audio — full feature set for the price point.
• Doesn’t fold flat, and the zipper case called out as a universal annoyance compared to Sony’s magnetic buckle.

2025-07-01 · Watch on YouTube