Nothing headphone (a): auriculare di diadema di qualità a prezzo accessibile

After testing the Nothing Headphone (a) for two weeks, I can confidently say these over-ear earphones are a game-changer in the affordable wireless segment. At just €159, they offer a level of quality and comfort that's hard to find in this price range.

Design e comfort

The Headphone (a) have a distinctive industrial look, with transparent sections on the earcups and opaque ones on the baffle. This unique aesthetic sets them apart from other budget options. The earcups are circumaural, meaning they fully envelop your ears, providing excellent passive noise isolation. The headband is adjustable, and the earcups pivot slightly for a comfortable fit.

While they're not the lightest at 310 grams, the weight is well-distributed, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods. Unfortunately, they don't fold up, so they might not be the most practical choice for travel.

Sound and connectivity

Sonically, the Nothing Headphone (a) are impressive. They deliver a balanced, detailed sound with good bass response. The 40mm drivers produce clear highs and a satisfying low-end punch. While they may not rival audiophile-grade models in terms of extension and nuance, they're more than capable of pleasing most casual listeners.

Nothing's custom app allows for EQ adjustments, and I found the built-in bass boost to be particularly effective. The app also features a stylish, intuitive interface that's a pleasure to use.

In terms of connectivity, the Headphone (a) excel. They feature Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C, and a custom button that can be programmed to perform various tasks, such as taking photos on your phone. Dual connectivity with two devices at once is also supported.

Active noise cancellation and calls

The active noise cancellation (ANC) on the Nothing Headphone (a) is decent, but not exceptional. It can effectively block out ambient noise in quiet environments, but struggles in noisier settings. The adaptive cancellation sometimes takes a few seconds to adjust, leading to some noticeable gaps in the noise floor. The transparency mode, while improved compared to previous Nothing models, still isn't ideal for conversations.

However, the microphones perform well for voice calls. The four-mic array ensures clear, crisp audio that's easily understood by the other party.

Conclusion

In summary, the Nothing Headphone (a) are an outstanding choice for anyone in the market for affordable, high-quality wireless earphones. Their unique design, comfortable fit, and impressive sound quality make them stand out in this price segment. While the ANC could be better and the earcups don't fold, these minor drawbacks are easily forgiven given the overall value proposition.

At €159, the Nothing Headphone (a) represent a rare sweet spot where quality, comfort, and price align. They're a must-buy for anyone seeking a reliable, enjoyable listening experience without breaking the bank.