Forget charging for a week: No new headphones last that long
What you need to know
- Nothing introduces the Headphone (a), which offers up to 135 hours of playback with ANC off – about five days of continuous listening on a single charge.
- Fast charging adds convenience, with a five-minute charge delivering up to five hours of playtime.
- Pricing starts at $199 (£149 / €159), with pre-orders starting on March 5 and general sales starting on March 13.
Concerns about battery life are still common with wireless headphones. Even high-end models from brands like Sony or Bose often need to be charged every few days. Now, Nothing beats a bold claim: a new set of in-ear headphones that can last almost a week.
The company recently announced Headphone (a), which combines Nothing’s unique design with long battery life and some smart controls for everyday use.
If you’ve seen a Nothing product before, you know the style: industrial design with a fun touch. Headphone (a) keeps that style but adds a bright personality.
There are four color options: pink, yellow, white, and black. They weigh 310g and have breathable memory foam cushions for comfortable, long listening.
They have an IP52 rating, so they are protected from dust and minor splashes. This means that a sweaty workout or light rain shouldn’t cause problems.
Five days of battery life (yes, really)
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The main feature is battery life. Nothing said Headphone (a) can last 135 hours when ANC is turned off, which is about five days of listening to one case non-stop.
That’s a big jump compared to other headphones in this price range. For example, the Sony WH-CH720N lasts about 35 hours with ANC, the Soundcore Space One about 55 hours without ANC, and the JBL Live 770NC about 65 hours.
Even top models like the Sony WH-1000XM5 offer around 30 hours with ANC. If Nothing’s claims are accurate, these could be some of the most durable headphones available.
Charging is fast too. It goes without saying that a five-minute charge gives you nearly five hours of playtime, so you can power up quickly before you leave.
Physical controls instead of touch frustration
One of the most interesting options here is how to connect the headphones. Instead of just using touch, Nothing has added three physical controls to the earcups: a roller, a paddle, and a button. This allows you to adjust the volume, skip tracks, and change ANC modes.
The button also unlocks some unique features. Channel Hop allows you to switch between apps or activities without using your phone. Camera shutter mode turns the headphones into a remote control for taking photos or videos with your paired smartphone.
Inside, the Headphone (a) uses titanium-coated 40mm drivers and supports Hi-Resolution Audio Wireless with LDAC. This should give you better streaming quality with compatible devices.
Sound control is handled by dynamic active noise cancellation with three levels – low, medium, and high – and a transparent mode if you want to hear what’s going on around you. Dual feedforward and feedback microphones help the system adjust in real time based on your surroundings.
Phones are also being developed. The three-microphone AI system, trained on over 28 million sound scenarios, works to keep your voice clear in noisy environments.
For sound customization, the Nothing X app offers 8-band EQ, bass boost, and lets you share sound profiles with the Nothing community.
Nothing is aimed at the mid-range headphone market with this release. Headphone (a) will cost £149, $199, or €159. Pre-orders begin on March 5. General sales for the Black, White, and Pink versions begin on March 13. The limited-edition yellow model will be available on April 6.
Android Central Take
This massive 135-hour battery is a necessary change in the mid-range audio market. For the longest time, we accepted batteries for 40 to 50 hours and had to schedule a charge before each trip or commute. Now that the quality has almost tripled while the price is kept at $199, Nothing offers more than a fresh look. The company gives you the freedom to leave your charging cable at home for weeks.
