Nothing Headphone (a): 135 Hours Battery, LDAC and ANC for Just €159
A New Design Philosophy for the Entry-Level Over-Ear Category
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Nothing Headphone (a): 135 Hours Battery, LDAC and ANC for Just €159 · Source: Nothing
The Headphone (a) marks the next step in Nothing’s growing entry-level product line and introduces a more affordable over-ear model. Until now, the company has focused mainly on smartphones and true wireless earbuds within the (a) series. With the new Headphone (a), Nothing now expands that concept into the world of full-size headphones. For listeners who liked the design language of the earlier models, such as the Headphone (1), but preferred a lower price, the Headphone (a) creates a new option that remains visually consistent with the rest of the lineup.
Nothing Headphone (a): Features, Design, Battery Life and Price
Cheaper Over-Ear Keeps the Iconic Nothing Design
To reach the more accessible price point, Nothing made a few noticeable hardware adjustments. The Headphone (a) replaces several aluminum components with plastic elements, which reduces manufacturing cost and overall weight. However, the headband construction and the memory foam ear cushions remain largely unchanged compared to the more expensive model.
The control layout also stays the same. Physical buttons still handle playback, volume, and additional functions, which many users appreciated in earlier designs. This familiar control approach gives the Headphone (a) a straightforward user experience without forcing listeners into complex touch gestures.
Ingredients of the New Nothing Over-Ear
Inside the Headphone (a), Nothing installs 40-millimeter drivers with a titanium-coated surface. The diaphragm uses a PET and PU construction and follows a tuning similar to the original model. The frequency response leans slightly toward stronger bass, while the high frequencies appear more restrained. This tuning often appeals to everyday listening and modern streaming content.
Active noise cancellation also remains part of the package. The system can reduce environmental noise by up to 40 dB and relies on five microphones to analyze surrounding sound. Adaptive noise reduction adjusts the strength automatically, although the system does not constantly recalculate the environment in real time. Spatial Audio support is available as well, though the effect stays fixed and does not track head movement.
Connections to the Outer World
Connectivity features remain modern and practical. The Headphone (a) connects through Bluetooth 5.4 and supports several audio codecs, including AAC, SBC, and LDAC. Through LDAC, the headphones support Hi-Res Audio Wireless at 24 bit and 96 kHz. The Nothing X companion app allows users to adjust sound settings through an eight-band equalizer and personalized listening profiles.
Additional features include Bluetooth multipoint for connecting two devices simultaneously, Google Fast Pair, and Microsoft Swift Pair for quick setup. The headphones also include a transparency mode for awareness during listening sessions as well as algorithms designed to reduce background noise during calls.
Nothing Headphone (a): Long Battery, LDAC Audio and a Lower Price
Battery life stands out as one of the most surprising specifications of the Headphone (a). The internal battery reaches a capacity of 1060 mAh and allows extremely long playback times. Without active noise cancellation and LDAC, Nothing claims up to 135 hours (!) of listening.
Even with noise cancellation enabled, the Headphone (a) can run around 75 hours before requiring a recharge. With LDAC active, the runtime still reaches approximately 62 hours. A complete charge requires about two hours. The headphones weigh roughly 310 grams and carry an IP52 rating, which protects against dust and light moisture during everyday use.
Price and Availability
The Headphone (a) launches with a retail price of 159 euros and arrives in black, white, and pink color options (March 13th). Nothing also prepares a limited yellow edition that appears slightly later (April 6, 2026). Compared to the earlier model, which sells closer to the 299-euro range, the Headphone (a) clearly targets a broader audience. For listeners who want modern wireless features, strong battery life, and the distinctive Nothing design language, the Headphone (a) offers a more accessible entry point into the brand’s growing ecosystem.
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