These Popular Noise-Cancelling Headphones Are on Sale at Their Lowest Price Ever
At $269, down from $299, these Nothing headphones are currently on sale at their lowest tracked price, according to price trackers . That discount puts them below heavyweights like Bose and Sony , which cost well over $400 while still promising powerful sound, active noise cancellation , and an undeniably distinctive design. The problem is that these headphones aren’t plug-and-play — you’ll have to spend some time in the Nothing X app to really unlock their potential, as this PCMag review notes . For those willing to tinker, though, they offer something different from the mainstream crowd.
The design is where Nothing makes its biggest statement. The earphones (1) continue the company’s see-through look, but add rectangular outer frames to the oval ear cups. It’s bold, though not everyone may like the shape. Comfort is good, but not exceptional. The earbuds are on the heavy side , and the clamping force can reportedly feel a little tight if you wear them for long periods. What they do have going for them are the controls. Instead of relying on unreliable swipes, you get a tactile scroll wheel for adjusting volume, a paddle for skipping tracks, and a button that can summon your assistant or cycle through noise modes. Each control feels distinct, making them more convenient to use on the go. Connectivity is also strong, with Bluetooth 5.3, Google Fast Pair, and support for high-res AAC, SBC, and LDAC . There’s also wired listening via USB-C (with lossless support) or the included 3.5mm cable.
Performance is mixed, but mostly in a good way. Out of the box, the 40mm drivers deliver a decent range, though things really open up once you tweak the EQ . This app excels, letting you tweak everything from basic presets to full multi-band adjustments so you can shape the sound exactly how you like it. That said, while the noise cancellation works well against constant hum like airplane engines or air conditioners, sudden noises and close voices come through better than with pricier options. Plus, they’re only IP52 rated, meaning they’ll handle dust and light splashes just fine, but they’re not built for downpours . As for battery life, you’ll get plenty of listening time, with around 35 hours with active noise cancellation on, 30 with LDAC on, and up to 80 without it.