Nothing Headphone (a) Review: The Best Budget Headphones of 2026?
When Nothing, the upstart smartphone company, launched its Headphone (1) last year, it sparked a journey from initial scepticism to genuine excitement. Many wondered if another phone brand could deliver in the crowded headphone market, but the Headphone (1) quickly proved itself with a blend of distinctive design, impressive audio quality, and deep customisation via a useful app. Priced at £299, it offered a compelling alternative to premium over-ear models, winning over budget-conscious audiophiles.
Design and Build Quality
Now, Nothing has unveiled the Headphone (a), slashing the price in half to just £150 without compromising on core features. The design is unmistakably Nothing, featuring grey and white materials encased in clear, shiny plastic, with optional pink, yellow, or black accents. While it uses more budget-friendly materials—forgoing aluminium, for instance—the overall aesthetic feels different rather than inferior. If comparing to children's toys, the Headphone (1) evokes Mechano, whereas the (a) leans towards Fischer Price, offering a playful yet sophisticated look.
On the head, the Headphone (a) excels in comfort and usability. It is noticeably lighter and more comfortable for extended wear, making it ideal for long listening sessions. The controls are best-in-class, featuring a tactile scroll-wheel for volume adjustment and a paddle for skipping tracks, ensuring intuitive operation without fumbling.
Sound Performance and Features
The sound drivers are identical to those in the flagship Headphone (1), though without the collaboration with high-fi company KEF. In testing, bass-heavy tracks sound marginally better on the (a), while more subtle instrumentation shines slightly more on the (1), but these differences are minimal. The companion app allows for personalised tuning, standing out from other headphone apps that often go unused after initial setup. While not for daily tweaking by casual users, it provides valuable flexibility for audio enthusiasts.
Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) is impressive for the price. It may not match industry leaders—where activating ANC can feel like being blasted into space—but it performs absurdly well for £150 headphones. A charming Nothing touch replaces annoying voice prompts with a subtle "zhuuum" or "ahhhhhh" sound when toggling ANC on or off, adding a unique user experience.
Battery Life and Overall Value
The battery life is arguably the standout feature, with up to 75 hours with ANC on or 135 hours with it off. This endurance means you can forget about charging for days, equivalent to multiple long-haul flights. If you manage to drain it, that's on you for not plugging in after such extensive use.
These headphones are easy to love, as noted in our Headphone (1) review, which highlighted frequent compliments from strangers. The Headphone (a) continues this trend, offering style and substance. At under £200, it faces little competition, making it a top choice for anyone seeking affordable, high-quality audio in 2026.
