These new premium headphones have a distinct vibe

Nothing has established a unique design identity, and its Headphone (1) blends style and functionality

- Tushar Kanwar

It’s barely been five years since its first product, but Nothing has quite the reputation for defying convention with its liberal use of a now-signature retro-transparent look. With the Headphone (1), its first over-the-ear wireless headphones, Nothing is confident these cans will find a place atop your crown, offbeat design notwithstanding. Yet, while Nothing’s earbuds have so far been priced in the mid-range or lower, their first foray into wireless headphones lands at ₹21,999, which then goes up against the likes of Sony, Bose and Sonos. Is it enough to earn Nothing a place on the big-boys’ table, on its first outing? You bet.

At first glance, these headphones look like little else one has seen over the years, a bit of a lovechild of Nothing’s retro-cool design language with the milled aluminum that Apple favours. With transparent cassette tape-like oval outer earcups sitting atop a squared-off aluminum housing, the headphones are available in black or white, both of which are eye-catching. All said, it’s definitely a vibe.