Nothing Headphone (a) Review: Affordable ANC Headphones With Massive Battery

Nothing Headphone (a) has entered the mid-range headphone market with a focus on long battery life, active noise cancellation, and upgraded sound performance. The new wireless headphones launched on March 13, 2026, offering a significantly lower price than the company’s previous model.

The release has drawn attention because it improves several areas criticized in the earlier Nothing Headphone (1). The new model introduces a wider soundstage, updated design tweaks, and a feature set aimed at everyday listeners across both Android and iPhone ecosystems.

Nothing Headphone (a) focuses on sound, battery, and usability

The Nothing Headphone (a) uses 40mm drivers and supports several connectivity options including Bluetooth 5.4, LDAC high-resolution wireless audio, USB-C wired audio, and a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. These options allow users to switch between wireless listening and wired playback without limitations.

Sound tuning represents one of the biggest changes compared with the earlier generation. The headphones deliver a noticeably wider soundstage, which allows instruments and vocals to spread more naturally across the audio mix. This creates a more open listening experience, particularly with energetic genres such as pop and electronic music.

Out of the box, the headphones may appear slightly bass-heavy due to a preset called “More Bass.” Users can switch to a balanced sound profile through the companion app. The adjustment restores a more neutral presentation and improves clarity in acoustic recordings or instrument-focused tracks.

The mid-range remains clear and expressive, allowing guitars and vocals to stand out even in complex songs. Treble frequencies are also tuned to avoid harshness while still maintaining brightness during louder musical passages.

Another notable addition is spatial audio processing. The headphones include two listening profiles called Concert and Cinema. Concert expands the soundstage to simulate speakers in front of the listener, while Cinema slightly boosts dialogue and directional effects for video content.

Battery life stands out as one of the strongest features. The Nothing Headphone (a) promises up to 75 hours of listening with active noise cancellation turned on and as much as 135 hours with ANC disabled. That figure places the headphones among the longest-lasting wireless models currently available in this price category.

Design adjustments and controls improve everyday use

The design keeps Nothing’s recognizable style but softens the visual elements that made the earlier model look overly futuristic. The earcups now feature smoother curves, and the materials shift from aluminum to lighter plastic construction.

Despite the slight weight reduction, the headphones still weigh about 310 grams. That makes them heavier than several competitors in the same price segment. A stronger clamping force helps keep them stable on the head, though some users may notice the pressure during extended listening sessions.

Control options remain a highlight. The headphones include a physical roller for volume adjustment and a rocker switch for track navigation. These tactile controls allow users to change volume or skip songs without relying on touch gestures.

A customizable button adds further flexibility. It can activate voice assistants, toggle equalizer settings, control a camera shutter remotely, or mute the microphone during calls.

The companion mobile app expands these controls with adjustable noise cancellation modes, equalizer presets, spatial audio settings, and dual-device connectivity. The interface is designed so users can find essential features quickly rather than navigating complex menus.

There are a few omissions. The headphones do not include automatic pause detection when removed from the head. They also ship without a hard protective case, instead including a lightweight drawstring pouch.

Overall, the Nothing Headphone (a) positions itself as a feature-rich option for listeners seeking strong sound quality, practical controls, and exceptional battery life without paying premium headphone prices.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

What is the price of Nothing Headphone (a)?

The Nothing Headphone (a) launched with a starting price of about $199, £149, or AU$329 depending on the region. This places it in the mid-range headphone segment.

How long does the Nothing Headphone (a) battery last?

The headphones offer up to 75 hours of battery life with active noise cancellation enabled. With ANC turned off, battery life can reach approximately 135 hours.

Does Nothing Headphone (a) support wired audio?

Yes. The headphones support USB-C audio and also include a 3.5mm headphone jack for traditional wired listening.