Nothing’s Audacious Attempt: A Deep Dive into the Headphone (2nd Gen) ANC
Nothing. The name itself screams minimalism, a stark contrast to the increasingly feature-laden world of consumer tech. With their Ear (2) and now the Headphone (2nd Gen), they’re aiming to disrupt the audio market. These over-ear headphones promise premium sound, effective ANC, and that signature transparent design, all while undercutting established players. But does this audacious attempt truly deliver, or is it just clever marketing masking mediocrity? Let’s dissect the Headphone (2nd Gen) and find out.
The first thing that strikes you is the design. It’s undeniably Nothing. The transparent elements on the earcups offer a glimpse into the inner workings, a bold statement in a market dominated by sleek, homogenous aesthetics. Build quality is surprisingly solid; the headband feels robust, and the earcups swivel with reassuring resistance. However, the plastic construction, while lightweight, does lack that premium feel you might expect at this price point.
Performance is where these headphones need to shine, and for the most part, they do. The 40mm drivers deliver a balanced sound signature with clear highs, well-defined mids, and a respectable bass response. Bassheads might crave a little more thump, but for most genres, the sound is enjoyable and detailed. ANC performance is impressive, effectively silencing ambient noise like traffic and office chatter. It’s not quite on par with the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort series, but it holds its own against competitors in its price range. Transparency mode also works well, allowing you to hear your surroundings without removing the headphones.
Beyond the sound, the Headphone (2nd Gen) pack a decent feature set. Customizable EQ settings via the Nothing X app allow you to tailor the sound to your preferences. Multipoint connectivity is a welcome addition, enabling seamless switching between devices. Battery life is excellent, offering up to 40 hours with ANC enabled and even more with it turned off. However, call quality can be inconsistent, with some users reporting muffled audio or background noise issues. The touch controls on the earcups are responsive, but they can be a bit finicky at times, requiring a precise touch to register.
Ultimately, the Headphone (2nd Gen) is a compelling package that offers a unique blend of design, performance, and features. It’s not perfect, but it’s a strong contender in the mid-range ANC headphone market. The value proposition is strong for those who appreciate Nothing’s distinctive aesthetic and are willing to compromise slightly on premium materials for a lower price point.
Where to Buy:
Nothing Headphone Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones Quick Summary
Key Scores:
- Value: 91%
- Design: 93%
- Performance: 93%
- Quality: 91%
- Popularity: 92%
Top Pros
- ✅ The transparent design offers a unique and eye-catching aesthetic.
- ✅ Active Noise Cancellation effectively blocks out most ambient noise.
- ✅ Battery life is impressive, offering up to 40 hours with ANC.
Key Cons
- ❌ The plastic construction feels less premium than competitors.
- ❌ Call quality can be inconsistent and prone to background noise.
- ❌ Touch controls can be a bit finicky and require precise input.
