Nothing Headphone (a)
Headphones

Nothing Headphone (a)Price, Battery Life, Specs & 135-Hour Playback

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Released Guide updated

Headphone (a) is Nothing's lower-priced over-ear headphone, at $199. Nothing rates it at up to 135 hours of playback with noise cancelling off and 75 hours with it on, and it weighs 310 g with memory foam ear cushions. It has adaptive noise cancelling up to 40 dB, Hi-Res Audio with LDAC, and real buttons instead of touch panels.

Latest on Nothing Headphone (a)

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What Nothing Headphone (a) does best

  1. Travel

    With ANC off, playback runs up to 135 hours, and up to 75 hours with ANC on.

  2. Music

    Hi-Res certified wired and wireless, it uses LDAC to carry 24-bit/96kHz audio to a 40 mm titanium-coated driver.

  3. Calls

    AI Clear Voice and three microphones keep calls crisp and echo-free in crowds, cafes and wind.

Comparison

Compare headphones

How it compares

Price

$199

The official list price to buy it.

Weight

310g

Grams on your head. Lower is lighter.

Battery life

~75 hrs

How long it lasts on its own, away from a charger.

Price

Nothing Headphone (a)
$199
JBL Live 680NC
$159.95
Sony WH-CH720N
$179.99
Beats Solo 4
$199.99
Nothing Headphone (1) Pro
$399

Current list prices.

The headphones as worn, without the case.

Hours on one charge with noise cancelling on, where that figure is officially stated; otherwise the official headline figure. Prices are each product's lowest version. Battery life varies with use, settings and firmware.

If not this one

  • If noise cancelling decides itBose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)

    Six microphones keep noise cancelling working even when glasses or a hat break the seal, and city traffic rumble fades away.

    $359
  • If battery life decides itBeats Solo 4

    One charge lasted 63 hours with Spatial Audio on, and the 3.5 mm cable keeps music playing with no battery at all.

    $199.99

Most paired with

Everything it works with

What the Nothing Headphone (a) works with

Works with iPhone and Android.

Does the Nothing Headphone (a) work with iPhone?

Works

It works with iPhones on iOS 13 and above, and the Nothing X app for iPhone handles settings.

What you need
iOS 13 or later; the Nothing X app for settings.

Does the Nothing Headphone (a) work with the Apple Watch Series 12?

Yes. Apple Watch Series 12 plays audio to Bluetooth headphones and speakers.

See the Apple Watch Series 12 Guide

Does the Nothing Headphone (a) work with Windows PC?

Works

It pairs with Windows PCs through Microsoft Swift Pair, and dual connection works across Android, Windows and iOS.

Does the Nothing Headphone (a) work with Android?

Works

Android phones set it up with Google Fast Pair, and the Nothing X app is on Google Play.

What you need
The Nothing X app for settings.

Quick answers

All FAQs

Quick answers

How much does Nothing Headphone (a) cost?
$199 at Nothing's US store. It comes in White, Black, Pink and Yellow.
When did Nothing Headphone (a) come out?
Nothing announced it on March 5, 2026, and preorders opened that day. Open sales of White, Black and Pink started March 13. The limited-edition Yellow went on sale April 6.
Does it pause when I take it off?
No. Headphone (a) has no wear detection, so music does not pause on its own when you take it off.

Get Nothing Headphone (a) updates

Email me when there's news.

Works with

Does it work with…?

Works

Android phones set it up with Google Fast Pair, and the Nothing X app is on Google Play.

What you need
The Nothing X app for settings.
Works

It works with iPhones on iOS 13 and above, and the Nothing X app for iPhone handles settings.

What you need
iOS 13 or later; the Nothing X app for settings.
WorksWorked out from the official minimum

It works with every iPhone that runs iOS 13 or later, from the iPhone 6s on.

  • iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max: yes, on iOS 13 or later
  • iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air and iPhone 17e: yes, on iOS 13 or later
  • iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16e: yes, on iOS 13 or later
  • iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max: yes, on iOS 13 or later
  • iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max: yes, on iOS 13 or later
  • iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max: yes, on iOS 13 or later
  • iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max: yes, on iOS 13 or later
  • iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max: yes, on iOS 13 or later
  • iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone X: yes, on iOS 13 or later
  • iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus: yes, on iOS 13 or later
  • iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus: yes, on iOS 13 or later
  • iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus: yes, on iOS 13 or later
  • iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone SE (3rd generation) and iPhone SE (1st generation): yes, on iOS 13 or later
  • iPhone 17 Pro: yes, on iOS 13 or later
  • iPhone 17 Pro Max: yes, on iOS 13 or later
  • iPhone Air: yes, on iOS 13 or later
  • iPhone SE (2nd generation): yes, on iOS 13 or later
  • Any iPhone not listed: no, it cannot run that iOS version

Worked out from the official minimum ("iOS 13 or later") and Apple's list of the iPhones that run it, not a separate test. See the sources.

Works

It pairs with Windows PCs through Microsoft Swift Pair, and dual connection works across Android, Windows and iOS.

Works

It plays audio over a USB-C cable or a 3.5 mm cable, and both cables come in the box.

Most paired with

Does the Nothing Headphone (a) work with iPhone?

Works

It works with iPhones on iOS 13 and above, and the Nothing X app for iPhone handles settings.

What you need
iOS 13 or later; the Nothing X app for settings.

Does the Nothing Headphone (a) work with the Apple Watch Series 12?

Yes. Apple Watch Series 12 plays audio to Bluetooth headphones and speakers.

See the Apple Watch Series 12 Guide

Does the Nothing Headphone (a) work with Windows PC?

Works

It pairs with Windows PCs through Microsoft Swift Pair, and dual connection works across Android, Windows and iOS.

Does the Nothing Headphone (a) work with Android?

Works

Android phones set it up with Google Fast Pair, and the Nothing X app is on Google Play.

What you need
The Nothing X app for settings.

Does the Nothing Headphone (a) work with the Apple Watch Ultra 4?

Yes. Apple Watch Ultra 4 plays audio to Bluetooth headphones and speakers.

See the Apple Watch Ultra 4 Guide

What you need

Does the Nothing Headphone (a) work with Android?

Works

Android phones set it up with Google Fast Pair, and the Nothing X app is on Google Play.

What you need
The Nothing X app for settings.

Does the Nothing Headphone (a) work with iPhone?

Works

It works with iPhones on iOS 13 and above, and the Nothing X app for iPhone handles settings.

What you need
iOS 13 or later; the Nothing X app for settings.

Does the Nothing Headphone (a) work with Windows PC?

Works

It pairs with Windows PCs through Microsoft Swift Pair, and dual connection works across Android, Windows and iOS.

Supports

Works

Hi-Res Audio certified for wired and wireless listening, with LDAC up to 24-bit/96kHz.

Works

Dual connection keeps two devices connected; turn it on in the Nothing X app first.

What you need
Turn on dual connection in the Nothing X app (off by default).
Some features missing

Press and hold the Button for your phone's voice assistant. ChatGPT on the Button works only with a Nothing phone.

What works
Your phone's voice assistant from the Button, on any phone.
Good to know
ChatGPT on the Button needs a Nothing phone on the latest software.

How it works

Works

It charges over USB-C, full in 2 hours; 5 minutes gives up to 8 hours with ANC off.

Mar 5, 2026 · Announced
Headphone (a) announced
Nothing announced Headphone (a) at $199, with preorders opening the same day.
Mar 13, 2026 · Went on sale
Headphone (a) on sale
Open sales of Headphone (a) began in White, Black and Pink.

At a glance

Nothing Headphone (a)THIS PRODUCTNothing Headphone (a)Beats Solo 4COMPARE WITHBeats Solo 4
Noise cancellation
Adaptive ANC up to 40 dB, three levels, plus Transparency Mode
Passive noise isolation from the UltraPlush on-ear cushions
Works with
iPhone (iOS 13 and above) and Android with the Nothing X appGoogle Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair
iPhone and Android: one-touch pairing and Find My or Find My Devicehands-free Hey Siri on iOS
Price
$129 (regularly $199)
$149.95 (regularly $199.99)
Spatial audio
Static Spatial Audio modes in the Nothing X app
YesPersonalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
Weight
310g
217g
Technical specs
Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.4 with dual connection (two devices)USB-C and 3.5mm wired audio
Bluetooth 5.3 (Class 1)wired audio over USB-C or 3.5mm
Status light
White LED status light (breathing while charging, solid when full, flashing when pairing)
Indicator light on the right earcup
Controls
Mechanical Roller, Paddle and Button: volume, playback, tracks and noise modes
The 'b' button for music, calls and your voice assistantpress above or below it for volume
Battery
Up to 135 hrs with ANC off, up to 75 hrs with ANC on (AAC, 50% volume)
Up to 50 hrsa 10-minute Fast Fuel charge gives up to 5 hrs
Lossless audio
Hi-Res Audio certified, wired and wireless, with LDAC
Yeswired over USB-C or the 3.5mm cable
Case
Carry pouch
Soft protective case
Nothing Headphone (a)
Nothing

No need to rush.

Nothing's forcing the decision right now, so there's no need to rush.

Nothing Headphone (a)

About Nothing

Nothing is a London technology company, co-founded and led by Carl Pei. It builds smartphones, audio products and AI tools around a design language it calls transparent in appearance and ethos, which is why you can see inside almost everything it makes.

Visit Nothing
More from Nothing we cover
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What would make this a buy?

A meaningful discount or a return to a well-supported past low would change this recommendation.

Where to buy

StorePriceIn stockAction
Nothing$129In stockBuy
Target$129Buy
Best Buy$199Buy

Price history

No new model is close, and it's at its 30-day low.

Lowest in 30 days
$129Oct 25
Highest in 30 days
$199Oct 21
Stores we check
3Nothing is cheapest
On sale since
Mar 13, 2026
Price checks
21 over 9 days

All headphones prices

Returns and warranty

Returns
30-day returns· the clock starts the day it arrives
Warranty
1-year warranty
Returns and warranty details

Returns

  • You pay return shipping

    You pay the cost of sending it back.

  • Send it back like new

    You can return it for any reason within 30 days of getting it. Keep it in reasonable condition and send it back in the original box. Nothing may take money off for any loss of value.

Warranty

Covered

  • Defects in materials and workmanship

    The hardware as originally supplied: repair or replacement for defects caused by workmanship or build materials.

Not covered

  • Water damage

    Exposure to liquid, moisture, dampness, sand or dirt.

  • Accidents and misuse

    Accidents, neglect, misuse or abnormal use.

  • Scratches and dents

    Scratches, dents and cosmetic damage, unless Nothing caused them.

  • Normal wear and aging

    Ordinary wear and tear.

  • Loss or theft

    Damage from external causes including theft, fire and flooding.

  • Repairs by other shops

    Repairs by unofficial repair centers, or modifications.

  • Bands and accessories

    Software, consumable items and accessories, even if sold together with the product.

  • How it gets fixed

    Repair or replacement (rebuilt, reconditioned or new), chosen by Nothing. Covered repairs and replacements, including shipping and handling, are free within the warranty period. Repair or replacement does not extend the warranty.

Good to know

  • Items marked non-returnable on the site

    No refunds on products the site marks as non-returnable.

  • Faulty or not-as-described products

    If it is faulty and you tell Nothing within 30 days of delivery, you can pick repair, replacement or refund. A refund due after inspection is paid within 14 days of your notice.

What's in the box

What comes in the box with the Nothing Headphone (a)?

Here is what you get when you open it.

Nothing Headphone (a)
Carry pouch
3.5 mm audio cable
USB-C cable
Quick start guide

From Nothing. Checked Oct 21, 2026.

Beats 360$349.99Available nowGuide News
Beats Solo 4$199.99Available nowGuide News
Beats Studio Pro$299.99Available nowGuide News
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen)$359Available nowGuide News

Frequently asked questions

Questions about Nothing Headphone (a)

Top questions

How much does Nothing Headphone (a) cost?
$199 at Nothing's US store. It comes in White, Black, Pink and Yellow.
When did Nothing Headphone (a) come out?
Nothing announced it on March 5, 2026, and preorders opened that day. Open sales of White, Black and Pink started March 13. The limited-edition Yellow went on sale April 6.
Does it pause when I take it off?
No. Headphone (a) has no wear detection, so music does not pause on its own when you take it off.
Should I buy the Nothing Headphone (a)?
No need to rush. Nothing about the price makes today the day to buy. It is $129 at Nothing, price checked Oct. 29, 2026. See the full answer on the Nothing Headphone (a)
How long does the battery last?
Nothing rates it at up to 135 hours of playback with noise cancelling off and up to 75 hours with it on, using AAC at 50% volume. With LDAC, the figures are up to 90 and 62 hours.
Does it fast charge?
Yes. A 5-minute charge gives up to 8 hours of playback with ANC off, or up to 5 hours with ANC on. A full charge over USB-C takes 2 hours.
How good is the noise cancelling?
It has adaptive noise cancelling with three levels, low, mid and high, rated at up to 40 dB. Transparency Mode lets outside sound in when you need to hear it.
Does it support Hi-Res Audio and LDAC?
Yes. It is Hi-Res Audio certified for wired and wireless listening, and LDAC carries 24-bit/96kHz audio without a cable.
Can I use it with a cable?
Yes. It plays audio over USB-C and over a 3.5 mm cable, and both cables come in the box.
Can it connect to two devices at once?
Yes. Dual connection is off out of the box. Turn it on in the Nothing X app.
How do the controls work?
There are three physical controls. Roll the Roller to change volume, click it to play, and long-press it to switch noise modes. Click the Paddle to skip tracks. The Button takes photos and calls up your voice assistant.
Is it good for calls?
Nothing uses three microphones and AI Clear Voice Technology, trained on over 28 million real-world scenarios, to keep calls clear in crowds, cafes and wind.
How heavy is Nothing Headphone (a)?
310 g. The carry pouch adds 30 g.
What comes in the box?
The headphones, a carry pouch, a 1.2 m 3.5 mm audio cable, a 1.2 m USB-C cable for charging and USB audio, and a quick start guide.
Does it work with ChatGPT?
Only with a Nothing phone. On a Nothing phone running the latest software, the Button can open ChatGPT. On iPhone and other Android phones, the Button opens your phone's voice assistant.

Using it

What does it cost?
It costs $199. That is the list price.
How heavy is it?
It weighs 310g.
Does it have noise cancelling?
Yes, it cancels noise.
How does it connect?
It connects over Bluetooth 5.4.

Battery and charging

Does it charge over USB-C?
Yes, it charges over USB-C.

Price and models

Is there a newer one?
No. The Nothing Headphone is the current model.

Returns and warranty

How long do I have to return it?
30-day returns The clock starts the day it arrives.
Is there a restocking fee?
Restocking fee: not stated by Nothing
Who pays return shipping?
You pay return shipping You pay the cost of sending it back.
Can I return it if I opened or wore it?
Send it back like new You can return it for any reason within 30 days of getting it. Keep it in reasonable condition and send it back in the original box. Nothing may take money off for any loss of value.
How long is the warranty?
1-year warranty
Is water damage covered?
Water damage not covered Exposure to liquid, moisture, dampness, sand or dirt.
Is the battery covered?
Battery rules: not stated by Nothing

In the box

What's in the box?
Nothing Headphone (a), Carry pouch, 3.5 mm audio cable, USB-C cable, Quick start guide.

Works with

Does the Nothing Headphone (a) support Voice assistant / AI?
Press and hold the Button for your phone's voice assistant. ChatGPT on the Button works only with a Nothing phone. Some features missing
Does the Nothing Headphone (a) work with Windows PC?
Yes. It pairs with Windows PCs through Microsoft Swift Pair, and dual connection works across Android, Windows and iOS. Works
Does the Nothing Headphone (a) work with Wired audio (USB-C and 3.5 mm)?
Yes. It plays audio over a USB-C cable or a 3.5 mm cable, and both cables come in the box. Works

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