Aside from the Nothing Phone (4a), we also tried the new Nothing Headphone (a). Nothing is clearly expanding its ecosystem, and this headphone is aimed at users who want a stylish audio companion without sacrificing core features.
If you are considering getting one, here is what you need to know first.
Design and Comfort
The Nothing Headphone (a) features a transparent design similar to the Nothing Headphone (1), but with a cleaner and slightly simplified look. It still carries that signature Nothing aesthetic, making it stand out compared to typical headphones in this price range.
In terms of comfort, the wearing experience is similar to the Headphone (1), but this one is noticeably lighter. It is comfortable even during long listening sessions and does not feel overly fatiguing.
The earpads are soft and feel durable. However, they do not appear to be replaceable, which could be a concern in the long run, so it is something you need to take care of.
It comes in White, Black, Pink, and Yellow. The Pink colorway is easily one of the best-looking options, especially when paired with the Pink Nothing Phone (4a). The Yellow variant is more eye-catching, though it may not appeal to everyone.
Build quality also feels solid. The materials used feel premium for the price, and the structure is flexible enough that it does not feel fragile during daily use.
Audio Performance, Noise Cancellation, Mic Quality
The Headphone (a) is equipped with 40mm drivers with a titanium-coated diaphragm and supports a 20Hz to 40,000Hz frequency range.
In actual use, the sound profile leans slightly warm with a noticeable bass boost. The bass is punchy and satisfying, making it a good match for casual listening, pop, and bass-heavy tracks. You can further enhance it using the app’s bass boost feature, which goes up to level 3. I personally kept it at level 1, which already adds enough depth without overpowering the mix.
The mids are clear and well-presented, allowing vocals and instruments like guitars to come through nicely. The tuning feels clean by default, and the equalizer gives you enough flexibility if you want to tweak the sound further.
The highs are smooth and not piercing, especially when compared to some headphones in the same price range that tend to overemphasize treble. This makes it comfortable for long listening sessions.
Soundstage is also quite good for its class, giving a decent sense of space. The Nothing Headphone (a) also supports spatial audio, with options like concert mode and cinema mode, which adds a bit more immersion depending on what you are watching or listening to.
For noise cancellation, it performs better than expected. Aside from its over-ear design, it supports up to 40dB adaptive active noise cancellation. In real-world use, it significantly reduces background noise like traffic or ambient chatter. It is not class-leading, but it is competitive within its price segment.
You can adjust the ANC strength through the Nothing X app, and there is also a transparency mode if you need to stay aware of your surroundings.
For calls, the microphone quality is decent. Voices are clear enough for meetings and casual calls, but it is not its strongest feature. Compared to some competitors, mic clarity is slightly behind, so this may not be ideal if you rely heavily on voice calls.
Battery and Connectivity
The Nothing Headphone (a) is powered by a 1,050mAh battery, rated for up to 135 hours depending on usage and settings.
In actual use, battery life is impressive. I only had to charge it once or twice over several days of use, which already says a lot about its efficiency. Charging is done via USB-C and takes around 2 hours.
For connectivity, you can use Bluetooth or a 3.5mm headphone jack. Both are stable, but using a wired connection is still better if you want lower latency, especially for gaming or video editing.
Bluetooth usage also drains the battery faster, so using it wired with a laptop is a practical option if you want to extend battery life.
Verdict
The Nothing Headphone (a) positions itself well in the midrange headphone category. It may not be the most technically accurate in terms of audio or the best for call quality, but it delivers a strong overall package. You are getting good, bass-friendly sound, long battery life, effective noise cancellation, and a standout design that is hard to ignore.
This is best suited for students, casual listeners, and users who value aesthetics as much as performance. If you want a headphone that looks unique and performs reliably for everyday use, this is an easy recommendation.
Overall, the Nothing Headphone (a) is not trying to be the best at everything, but it succeeds in being one of the most well-rounded and stylish choices in its category.
Price and Availability
Nothing Headphone (a) – PHP 10,490 | Shopee link | Lazada link
The Nothing Headphone (a) is now available at Digital Walker and Beyond the Box for only PHP 10,490.
