These distinctive over-ear headphones will get you noticed for less thanks to Black Friday discounts
Nothing Headphone 1 are very tempting now prices have been slashed
Love ’em or hate ’em, you can’t deny the Nothing headphone 1 are a unique set of cans. I’ve got good news if you fall into the former camp – the unconventional wireless headphones have received a healthy price cut just in time for Black Friday. Having launched at $299/£299, you can currently snap up a pair for $239/£199.
The Headphone (1) saw Nothing effectively translate its signature see-through styling from smartphones and wireless earbuds to the over-ear class for the first time. When the rest of the headphone world likes to play things safe, it was a breath of fresh air – so much so we gave it the Highly Commended not in Stuff’s design of the year award.
It’s not just about the funky looks, either. The three different physical inputs were designed to be easily recognisable by touch alone, so you accidentally switch off noise cancelling when you were trying to wake your phone’s voice assistant.
I also came away impressed by how comfortable the Headphone 1 was to wear in my review, noting the padded ear cushions provided plenty of depth for your ears and clamping force was just right. Pivoting ear cups and a hard shell travel case are ideal for frequent flyers, too.
It’s got USB-C and 3.5mm for wired listening, higher quality LDAC Bluetooth, and a battery that’s good for up to 35 hours of ANC-on listening. Noise cancelling was also excellent for the asking price. Really, though, it’s the sound that’ll sell you on these headphones.
Speaker specialist KEF had a hand in the tuning, which has resulted in a lush, energetic presentation that isn’t short on volume and doesn’t skimp on low-end shove. I said it didn’t quite stack up to rivals in the £300 range – but while it’s significantly cheaper it’s a bit of a no-brainer.
Nothing usually charge £299 for the Headphone 1 in the UK, but they’re currently £199. That’s a substantial 33% saving. I’ve seen it at this price at Amazon, but most other retailers are doing similar reductions. Meanwhile, in the US these would typically set you back $299, but are discounted for Black Friday down to $239. Not as steep a drop, admittedly, but still enough to make them a smart choice over previous-gen alternatives from the likes of Sony and Sennheiser.
Tom Morgan-Freelander
Deputy Editor 
