How does the Headphone (a) differ from the Nothing Headphone (1)?

The Headphone (a) is a budget-oriented alternative, sharing the same physical control system but positioned at a lower price point. Both carry Nothing's distinctive design philosophy, with the main differences lying in price and the finer details of audio tuning and materials.

Does the Headphone (a) support Active Noise Cancellation?

Yes. ANC is included with three presets, switchable directly via the Button control on the headphones without needing to reach for your phone.

Is the 135-hour battery claimed with ANC on or off?

Nothing hasn't specified this clearly — a common practice in headphone battery claims. The 135-hour figure most likely reflects usage with ANC disabled. Actual battery life with ANC active will be lower, as is standard across the industry.

Can the Headphone (a) be used with non-Nothing phones?

Absolutely. The headphones work with any Bluetooth-enabled device. LDAC and Channel Hop are available on Android and iOS, though the Nothing X app provides the most complete experience when paired with Nothing phones.

Why is the yellow color launching later?

Yellow is a limited-edition colorway launching on April 6 — about three weeks after the three standard colors. Nothing has positioned it as an exclusive option for those who want something a little more distinctive.

Nothing Headphone (a): 135-Hour Battery Life in Four Colors at a Budget Price

Alongside the Phone (4a) launch event on March 5, 2026, Nothing unveiled something entirely new to its lineup: the Headphone (a) — the brand's first affordable over-ear headphones, bringing Nothing's signature design language to a more accessible price point.

Exceptional Battery Life

The Headphone (a) is advertised with a remarkable 135-hour battery life on a single charge. And for those moments when the battery runs low, just five minutes of charging delivers five hours of playback.

Design and Build

The headphones weigh 310g and feature memory foam cushions for extended comfort, along with an IP52 rating for dust and sweat resistance. They come in four colors: pink, yellow, white, and black.

Controls: Borrowed from the Headphone (1) Flagship

The Headphone (a) shares the same three-control system as the Nothing Headphone (1): the Roller, Paddle, and Button, offering a precise and physical way to adjust volume, navigate media, and switch ANC modes without relying on touch gestures. The Button can also act as a remote camera shutter, and the Channel Hop feature lets users skip through apps and functions instantly with a single press.

Audio: Titanium Drivers and LDAC Support

The Headphone (a) carries Hi-Resolution Audio Wireless certification and supports the LDAC codec. It sports 40mm titanium-coated drivers for powerful, distortion-free sound. ANC comes with three presets, three microphones handle calls, and the Nothing X app provides an eight-band EQ alongside a real-time Bass Enhancement algorithm.

Pricing and Availability

The Headphone (a) launches in white, black, and pink on March 13, 2026, priced at £149 / $199 / €159. The limited-edition yellow colorway follows on April 6. Pre-orders are already open via Nothing's official website and select partners.