TLDR Review: Nothing Headphone (a) 2026
Verdict
The Nothing Headphone (a) 2026 offers a compelling package with stellar sound, outstanding battery life, and effective noise cancellation at a very attractive price point. Its customizable app and sleek design make it a personal favorite among budget-conscious audiophiles and casual listeners alike. However, be aware that recent firmware updates have introduced some sound harshness and connectivity quirks, so if you prioritize perfect sound out of the box, you might want to explore alternatives like the Sony WH-1000XM4 or Sennheiser Momentum 4 for a more polished experience. Still, for overall value, these headphones are hard to beat.
- Top pro:
- Excellent sound quality that is comparable to or slightly better than high-end headphones, with punchy bass and clear mids
- Top con:
- Some connectivity issues and pop noises when using the 3.5mm cable via USB-C DAC
Pros
- •Excellent sound quality that is comparable to or slightly better than high-end headphones, with punchy bass and clear mids
- •Impressive battery life, offering up to 135 hours with ANC on and LDAC
- •Effective active noise cancellation (Real Time Adaptive ANC) capable of blocking out loud external noises
- •Customizable sound via an intuitive app, including EQ adjustments, spatial audio, and bass boost
- •Comfortable fit suitable for long wear, with a lightweight design and no pressure issues
- •Dual-device connectivity supports seamless switching between gadgets
- •Supports high-res wireless audio with LDAC and includes multiple connection options like USB-C and 3.5mm ports
- •Stylish, modern design in black that feels durable and premium
- •Easy setup and firmware updates via the app, with tactile media controls for effortless navigation
- •Microphones provide clear call quality, suitable for voice calls in quiet environments
Cons
- •Some connectivity issues and pop noises when using the 3.5mm cable via USB-C DAC
- •Firmware updates have, according to reviews, sometimes negatively affected sound quality, introducing harshness post-update
- •Transparency mode can produce buzzing, muffled audio, and background noise—likely firmware related
- •Wired mode requires the headphones to be powered on, as unpowered wired listening isn't supported
- •A few users found the sound slightly harsh after updates, impacting overall listening pleasure
- •While the noise cancelling performs well, it may not surpass premium models like Sony WH-1000XM4 in all aspects
- •Limited water resistance (IP52), so not ideal for heavy outdoor exposure or intense workouts
- •Microphone quality for calls can sound distant; not perfect for noisy environments
- •Not in-ear detection, so no auto pause when removing headphones
- •Slightly heavier than some competitors, though still quite comfortable for long-term use
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How we researched this
About this review: it summarizes the professional reviews and customer ratings ShopSavvy collected for this product, alongside prices from 1 retailer in ShopSavvy's price data, most recently seen Jun 15, 2026.
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