Nothing has consistently aimed to disrupt the tech landscape with products that blend distinctive design with thoughtful functionality. Following the success of their transparent earbuds and phone, the Nothing Headphone (1) arrives with high expectations, promising to extend the brand’s unique aesthetic and user-centric philosophy to over-ear audio.

Design and Build Quality
True to Nothing’s ethos, the Headphone (1) immediately stands out with its signature transparent design. The outer shell of the earcups and a portion of the headband reveal the intricate internal acoustic chambers and components, showcasing the engineering within. This isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a bold statement that invites curiosity and appreciation for the craftsmanship. The design features clean geometry and premium materials, resulting in a distinct, functional silhouette.

Aluminium is used in key structural parts to avoid unnecessary weight, while precision-moulded polycarbonate brings flexibility and balance. The nickel-plated diaphragm of the driver further contributes to durability and clarity. The materials feel premium, and the earcups feature a soft, matte finish that resists fingerprints. The overall construction feels robust, with no creaking or flimsy parts, having undergone over 50 different tests covering headband extension, drop impact, sweat, twist, and temperature resistance.

Tech Specs
The Nothing Headphone (1) boasts a competitive set of specifications that align with Nothing’s brand philosophy of delivering premium features at a reasonable price point. The headphone itself measures 173.85 mm x 78 mm x 189.25 mm and weighs 329 g, while its case is 220 mm x 220 mm x 52 mm and weighs 264 g. For sound, it features a 40 mm dynamic driver with 16 Ω impedance and a PU, nickel-coated diaphragm, with sound tuning provided by KEF.

It includes adaptive bass enhancement, spatial audio, an 8-band custom EQ, and on-head detection. Connectivity is handled by Bluetooth v5.3, supporting AAC, SBC, and Hi-Res Audio (LDAC codecs). Its Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is adaptive up to 42 dB, offers a Transparent Mode, and covers a 2000 Hz frequency range. Controls are intuitive, utilizing a roll, paddle, and button system.

Physical controls (Roller, Paddle, Button) are remappable for playback, volume, voice assistant, or ANC. Voice assistant integration includes ChatGPT and support for Essential Space, a new feature for quick voice note capture, smart sorting, and hands-free logging. For connectivity, it offers dual connection for seamless device switching and a Low Lag Mode for gaming or video. Additional features include Find My Device functionality, over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates, clear battery status display for earcups and case, and a News Reporter Widget.

Comfortability
Comfort is paramount for over-ear headphones, especially during extended listening sessions. The Nothing Headphone (1) excels here, thanks to its balanced comfort design. The PU ear cushions are generously padded with plush memory foam, covered in soft material. They fully encompass the ears without pressing against them, making them suitable for various ear sizes. The clamping force is well-balanced – secure enough to stay put without feeling overly tight.

The adjustable headband features a comfortable silicone pad that distributes weight evenly across the crown of the head. At 329g, they feel remarkably light, allowing for hours of comfortable wear, whether you’re commuting, working, or simply relaxing.

Nothing X App
The Nothing Headphone (1) pairs seamlessly with the Nothing X app (available on both Android and iOS), serving as the central hub for customisation. The app’s interface is clean, intuitive, and mirrors Nothing’s minimalist aesthetic, offering an advanced 8-band customisable EQ with presets and profile sharing, alongside flexible ANC modes such as High, Medium, Low, Transparency, and AI-powered Adaptive ANC that dynamically adjusts noise cancellation by monitoring environmental noise every 600ms and wearing detection every 1875ms.

Battery
Powering the device is a 1040 mAh battery, offering impressive playback times: with AAC, up to 80 hours with ANC off and 35 hours with ANC on; with LDAC, up to 54 hours with ANC off and 30 hours with ANC on. Charging is quick, providing 5 hours of playback (ANC off) or 2.4 hours (ANC on) from just a 5-minute charge.

Audio Quality
To thoroughly evaluate the audio performance of the Nothing Headphone (1), a diverse selection of tracks was used, focusing on different genres and sonic complexities. “Vinveli Nayaga” and “Muththa Mazhai” from Thug Life (Music by A.R. Rahman) were used to test bass depth, clarity, vocal separation, soundstage, and the richness of traditional Indian instrumentation. “Ramayana (The Introduction Theme)” by Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman assessed dynamic range, orchestral scale, and the rendering of complex layers. “Poivaa Nanba” from Kuberaa (Music by Devi Sri Prasad) focused on vocal nuances and percussive clarity.

“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen examined vocal harmonies and multi-layered instrumentation, while “Hotel California (Live Acoustic)” by Eagles tested acoustic guitar detail and live presence. “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson evaluated bassline punch and percussion crispness. “Limit to Your Love” by James Blake assessed sub-bass extension and electronic textures, and “Take Five” by Dave Brubeck Quartet focused on instrument timbre and jazz separation.

The Nothing Headphone (1) delivers a sound profile that aims for a balanced yet engaging listening experience, developed in partnership with KEF, the UK’s leading audio brand. This collaboration combines cutting-edge audio engineering with expert sound tuning for a high-fidelity listening experience with a natural signature sound. Leveraging KEF’s technical expertise and state-of-the-art design and modelling tools, the headphones are precisely tuned to deliver exceptional sound quality across all modes, including Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), transparency, and spatial audio.

The bass is well-controlled and punchy, providing a solid foundation without overwhelming the mix, further enhanced by adaptive bass enhancement. Vocals and instruments in the mid-range are clear, articulate, and present with a natural warmth, while the treble is crisp and extended, adding sparkle without harshness. The soundstage is surprisingly open for closed-back headphones, offering a decent sense of space and instrument separation, which is further enhanced by Nothing’s innovative built-in spatial audio with head tracking, performing computations directly on the headphones using a six-axis sensor and an AI-trained algorithm for a cinema-grade experience.

Overall clarity is impressive, allowing individual elements in complex mixes to be discerned, and the headphones handle dynamic shifts effectively. For versatile connectivity, it supports both USB-C lossless and 3.5mm audio ports. The Nothing Headphone (1) is priced at AED 999, placing it competitively in the mid-to-high range. While it faces stiff competition from established brands, the Nothing Headphone (1) carves out its niche by offering a unique blend of striking design, solid build quality, excellent comfort, and a balanced, high-fidelity sound profile, making it a compelling alternative to more conventional offerings in its price bracket.

Verdict
The Nothing Headphone (1) is more than just an audio device; it’s a statement piece that successfully marries distinctive design with commendable performance. Its transparent aesthetic is genuinely refreshing in a sea of generic black and silver headphones, and the build quality feels robust and premium. Comfort is a major strong point, allowing for hours of fatigue-free listening due to its ergonomic design and low ear compression. The companion Nothing X app offers a comprehensive suite of customisation options, from an advanced 8-band EQ to AI-powered adaptive ANC and innovative spatial audio with head tracking, enhancing the user experience significantly.

Sonically, the Headphone (1) delivers a balanced and engaging sound, meticulously tuned in partnership with KEF, that caters to a wide range of genres. Its custom drivers, nickel-plated diaphragm, and enhanced damping ensure high-fidelity audio with impressive clarity and detail. While its ANC is highly adaptive, it might not surpass the absolute best in class, but it offers a compelling package that competes admirably with headphones in its price category.

Price: AED 999

In a market saturated with traditional in-ear and over-ear headphones, the Soundpeats PearlClip Pro emerges as a distinctive contender, offering a fresh take on personal audio. This innovative device combines a unique open-ear, clip-on design with a focus on comfort, situational awareness, and impressive battery longevity, similar to Huawei FreeClip.

Design and Build Quality
The most striking feature of the Soundpeats PearlClip Pro is its design. Unlike conventional earbuds that fit directly into the ear canal or hang loosely, the PearlClip Pro adopts a clip-on, open-ear design. The earbuds themselves are remarkably small and lightweight, weighing only 5.85g each. They are connected by a short, flexible cable to a larger unit that houses the battery and main electronics.

Regarding how the earbuds are placed, these small, lightweight earbuds are designed to rest gently on the outer ear, typically on the concha (the bowl-shaped part of the outer ear), without entering the ear canal. This open-ear placement is key to their comfort and situational awareness. Furthermore, an innovative directional hole design is incorporated, which helps to direct sound straight into the ear canal, minimising sound loss and maximising sound clarity despite the open-ear nature.

The build quality feels surprisingly good for its price point of AED 152. The plastics used are smooth and have a matte finish, resisting fingerprints. The clip mechanism is sturdy and provides a firm grip without feeling flimsy. The overall construction suggests a product designed for active use and portability.

The Unique Shape and Its Purpose
The unique “clip-on” and “open-ear” design of the PearlClip Pro serves several key purposes. Firstly, for comfort and awareness, by not being inserted directly into the ear canal, these earbuds eliminate the common discomfort associated with in-ear monitors, especially during long listening sessions. The open-ear design, which places the earbuds gently on the outer ear, also allows users to remain aware of their surroundings, making them ideal for outdoor activities, commuting, or office environments where situational awareness is crucial. This is a significant safety feature for runners or cyclists.

Secondly, for stability, the clip-on mechanism of the central unit ensures that it is securely fastened to your clothing or accessory, preventing the entire setup from bouncing around or falling out during movement. This makes them highly suitable for workouts, walks, or any activity where traditional earbuds might become dislodged.

Thirdly, for hygiene, the open-ear design reduces direct contact with the ear canal, potentially leading to better hygiene compared to in-ear designs that can trap moisture and earwax. Finally, regarding audio leakage versus openness, while traditional in-ear earbuds aim for sound isolation, the PearlClip Pro embraces an open soundstage. This means some sound leakage is inherent, but it’s a trade-off for the increased comfort and environmental awareness, though the directional hole design helps mitigate this somewhat.

Tech Specs
The Soundpeats PearlClip Pro comes equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a stable connection, lower latency, and improved power efficiency. It supports SBC and AAC audio codecs, providing decent audio quality for most users. The earbuds feature 12mm dual-magnet drivers and incorporate dynamic EQ for clear highs and deep bass. It also boasts a water resistance rating through IPX5, making them splash-proof and sweat-resistant, which is suitable for workouts. Charging is convenient via a USB-C port.

Battery Life
The Soundpeats PearlClip Pro excels in the battery department, leveraging its larger unit to house a more substantial battery than typical truly wireless earbuds. During our tests, we got around 6 hours of playback from the earbuds on a single charge, with an additional 18 hours provided by the charging case (the central unit), totaling an impressive 24 hours of combined playback. This is significantly higher than many compact TWS earbuds, making them excellent for long commutes, extended work sessions, or multiple workout sessions without needing to recharge.

The PearlClip Pro takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to fully charge from empty to 100% using a standard USB-C cable and a 5V/1A charger. A convenient feature is the 10-minute quick charge, which provides 2 hours of playtime. This is a reasonable charging time given the extended playback it offers.

Overall Audio Quality
The audio quality of the Soundpeats PearlClip Pro, considering its open-ear design, is surprisingly competent. It’s important to set expectations; open-ear designs inherently struggle to deliver the same bass impact and sound isolation as in-ear models. However, the PearlClip Pro does a commendable job within its category, enhanced by its 12mm dual-magnet drivers and dynamic EQ.

For the lows, the bass response is present but not overpowering. It’s more about subtle warmth and rhythm rather than deep, thumping impact. For an open-ear design, the bass is surprisingly articulate and doesn’t sound overly thin, providing a decent foundation without muddying the rest of the frequencies, with the dynamic EQ contributing to this enhanced bass.

The midrange is where the PearlClip Pro truly shines. Vocals are clear, natural, and forward, making podcasts, audiobooks, and vocal-centric music very enjoyable. Instruments such as guitars, pianos, and strings are well-represented, offering good detail and separation.

The highs are clear and extend well without being harsh. There’s enough sparkle to add detail and airiness to the sound, contributing to a pleasant listening experience.

To assess the audio quality, we used a wide range of songs. “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson was used to test bass presence, clarity of the iconic bassline, and overall separation of instruments; the PearlClip Pro handled the bassline with decent definition, and Michael Jackson’s vocals were front and center.

“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen helped evaluate vocal harmonies, dynamic range, and instrument layering, with various vocal tracks and instrumental shifts being well-articulated, showcasing the strong midrange. “Hotel California (Live Acoustic)” by Eagles allowed for assessment of acoustic detail, guitar tonality, and vocal intimacy, where the nuances of the acoustic guitars and Don Henley’s voice came through clearly.

“Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish was used to push the bass response and test the clarity of electronic elements and Billie’s whispered vocals; while the sub-bass rumble wasn’t as impactful as closed-back headphones, the unique textures and vocals were well-reproduced. Finally, “Symphony No. 5” by Ludwig van Beethoven (various movements) helped gauge orchestral dynamics, instrument separation, and overall soundstage; the PearlClip Pro managed to present a reasonably wide soundstage for an open-ear design, allowing for decent appreciation of the orchestral arrangement.

Verdict
The Soundpeats PearlClip Pro is a niche product that excels within its specific design philosophy. It’s not for audiophiles seeking immersive, bass-heavy sound isolation, but rather for those who prioritise comfort, situational awareness, and long battery life in a highly portable package. Its unique clip-on design is a genuine innovation for active users.

On the positive side, its exceptional comfort stems from the open-ear design, which eliminates ear canal fatigue. It offers excellent situational awareness, making it ideal for outdoor activities and safe commuting. The secure clip-on mechanism keeps the unit stable during movement. A significant advantage is its outstanding battery life, providing 6 hours from the earbuds and an additional 18 hours from the charging case for a total of 24 hours.

The earbuds deliver clear midrange and treble, ensuring vocals and instruments sound natural and detailed, and provide good call quality with ENC for clearer voice transmission. Furthermore, it boasts solid build quality, feeling durable and well-made, and is highly portable and lightweight, easy to carry and forget it’s there. The quick charge feature is also a notable convenience.

However, there are some drawbacks. Due to its open-ear design, it has limited bass impact and is not recommended for bass enthusiasts. Sound leakage is inherent, meaning others nearby might hear your audio at higher volumes. It lacks Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) as it’s not designed for noise isolation. Lastly, it’s not suited for immersive listening, as it lacks the sealed-off soundstage of in-ear or over-ear headphones.

The Soundpeats PearlClip Pro is a highly recommended option for individuals who value comfort, safety, and extended battery life over deep bass and complete sound isolation. It’s a fantastic companion for workouts, outdoor adventures, or simply for those who want to enjoy audio while remaining connected to their environment. If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional earbuds that won’t fall out and will keep you aware of your surroundings, the Soundpeats PearlClip Pro is a compelling choice.

Price: AED 152

Huawei is making a bold new statement with the FreeBuds 6. These open-fit earbuds promise a rich tapestry of notes and immersive bass with an open-fit design, all made possible thanks to an innovative dual-driver system. But what strikes the notes is not just the sound itself. The striking new design and the incredibly impressive call clarity launches these new earbuds to the top spot in the market.

Being the first open-fit earbuds to incorporate a dual-driver unit is no small accomplishment. Huawei has evidently grappled with the conundrum of fitting a sophisticated dual-driver architecture into a compact, lightweight form factor. The payoff is a remarkable, earbuds that are notably smaller than many conventional in-ear earbuds but sound unreal.

Their approach has been meticulous. It stacks high and low frequency dual-magnetic high-sensitivity driver units in a small space. The acoustic system is designed to work independently for a pure, distortion-free sound quality. Bolstering the low-end frequencies is a dedicated booming bass system powered by an 11mm dual-magnetic driver unit augmented by the new Bass Turbo 2.0 technology. The UHF planar diaphragm driver has a wider high-frequency range and can reach 48 kHz. Each unit operates in tandem, each focusing on its optimal frequency band to deliver a cohesive and high-definition acoustic experience.

Beyond music, Huawei has placed a strong emphasis on call quality, especially in challenging environments. The FreeBuds 6 introduce a Voice Pick-up Unit bone conduction microphone. This works to deliver highly accurate voice recognition, isolating your speech even amidst a cacophony. This allows for crystal-clear audio calling even with wind speeds up to 8m/s. So, whether you’re on a blustery commute, cycling through the city, or navigating a bustling airport terminal, both you and the person on the other end will be able to have clear communication without unwelcome interruptions. Adding a touch of convenient innovation, the FreeBuds 6 also support head movement interaction, allowing users to answer or reject calls by simply nodding or shaking their head.

One of the inherent trade-offs with open-fit earbuds is often a lack of noise isolation compared to their sealed in-ear counterparts. However, the FreeBuds 6 are capable of reducing external noise interference in everyday settings like offices, cafes, parks, and squares. This allows users to immerse themselves in music or focus fully on their calls, while balancing between situational awareness and focused listening.

The design of the HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 is both fashionable and functional, featuring a curved water droplet shape. This smooth, streamlined design is engineered for an ergonomic fit across a wide range of ear shapes. The stem’s thickness gradient ensures both smoothness and comfort, while the handle maintains the graceful droplet shape, making them unique and recognisable. Compared to previous editions, each FreeBuds 6 earbud stem is reportedly 9% lighter and 12% smaller, making them feel feather-light on the ears and suitable for all-day use.

Battery life is a crucial factor for any wireless earbuds. The HUAWEI FreeBuds 6 boast a superb all-day power capacity, offering up to a whopping 36 hours of music playback with the charging case. For those in a hurry, a quick 5-minute charge is said to provide 2.5 hours of music playback, easily enough to cover an intercity commute.

The FreeBuds 6 present a compelling package, particularly for those who prioritise comfort and call quality without wanting to be completely sealed off from their surroundings. The FreeBuds 6 provide a good middle ground for users who want to stay aware of their environment while still enjoying audio immersion.

– Partner Content