Compare Nothing Headphone (a) vs Soundcore Anker Space One

Most reviewers find the sound enjoyable and impressively capable for the price, especially after a little EQ work. Critical listeners still hear some loss of refinement versus pricier models.

Sound ranges from clean and enjoyable to boomy, harsh, or dull, depending on taste and tuning. HearID and EQ often improve wireless listening, while passive wired playback draws more criticism.

Wear-detection performance is effectively absent because the headphones do not detect removal for automatic pausing.

Wear sensing is exceptionally reliable in some accounts but inconsistent in others. Calibration is another setup step that at least one tester finds inconvenient.

Turning ANC or transparency on can subtly change the sound signature, most noticeably by adding some bass weight.

One sound-focused assessment finds that switching ANC on adds excessive bass and spoils the improvement achieved with HearID.

ANC and transparency can slightly alter the tonal balance, especially by changing bass weight, but the effect is described as noticeable rather than disastrous.

An ANC-on sound test reports a large bass increase that undermines previously improved tuning.

ANC itself avoids obvious hiss in one test, while another reviewer hears a moderate background hiss in the strongest mode.

One ANC assessment specifically praises the absence of background hiss.

The presentation can feel immersive for music, even if the dedicated spatial processing is less consistently liked.

Layered vocals can sound wide and immersive, but another test finds the overall presentation too confined to feel expansive.

Sound leakage is context-dependent: two reviewers noticed some bleed at louder levels, while another found virtually none.

One long-term account finds leakage low enough that a nearby listener hears only faint sound, even during louder playback.

Gaming performance is promising in the test that covered it, with clear positional cues and useful low-latency behavior.

Portable and casual gaming can work well, especially through the analog cable. Wireless delay is noticeable in some tests, making these less suitable for latency-sensitive play.

Background-noise suppression can be impressively strong, including traffic, fans, and wind in some tests, but other reviewers found the voice processing less reliable.

Noise suppression sometimes keeps road noise and chatter well behind speech. In less favorable tests, processing squeezes or clips words and makes voices sound unnatural.

The tuning lands between balanced and consumer-friendly V-shaped depending on the reviewer, with bass and treble emphasis keeping it from being truly neutral.

Tonal balance divides listeners: some praise balanced, precise playback, while others find the stock U-shaped tuning too bass-heavy. Personalization can help, but not everyone finds the imbalance easy to fix.

ANC is widely considered good to very good for the price, especially on low-frequency travel noise. It usually trails premium Sony and Bose models and can let more voices or higher-frequency sounds through.

ANC is widely praised for reducing office chatter, appliances, and travel noise at a budget price. Deep rumble, adaptive-mode choices, fit, and comparisons with flagships produce more qualified or negative results.

The sound is lively and dynamic, with energetic playback that gives pop and electronic music plenty of momentum.

Drums can deliver engaging punch and power on hip-hop tracks, even in a review that dislikes the overall bass-heavy balance.

Soundstage impressions are mixed. Some hear a notably open or wider-than-expected presentation, while others find it close, narrow, or only average for closed-back headphones.

Some listeners enjoy wide, layered vocals, while others hear a confined presentation inside the head. Comparisons with the Pro and Sony models often favor those alternatives for openness or depth.

Wind handling is inconsistent: some microphone tests suppress wind remarkably well, while another reviewer found wind routinely cut through during outdoor use.

Wind reduction helps in several accounts, especially with ANC active. Its effect is weaker or inconsistent in transparency mode, and outdoor calls can still suffer.

Video use showed excellent sync in the tested cases, with reviewers reporting no noticeable Bluetooth lag during everyday playback and editing.

Movies and videos generally stay well synchronized on Android and iPhone. Several accounts report no visible lag, including one using LDAC.

Passive isolation can be quite effective with a good seal, but glasses or fit issues can weaken it noticeably.

The pads often block a useful amount of chatter and higher-frequency noise before ANC is enabled. Deep rumble and seals that break during head movement remain limitations.

Bass is one of the most divisive traits: many enjoy its punch and sub-bass weight, while others find the default tuning boomy, muddy, or overly dominant.

Punchy bass can make dance and hip-hop tracks lively, but some listeners find it boomy enough to bury vocals. Others want more physical impact, so bass appeal depends heavily on preference and EQ.

Mode-change audio cues are exceptionally clear and avoid the ambiguity or annoying spoken prompts found on some headphones.

Boot and pairing voice prompts sound unusually muffled in one account, making the feedback feel less polished.

There is no automatic Smart Pause when the headphones are removed, and reviewers explicitly criticize that omission.

Automatic pausing makes short interruptions convenient when detection works correctly. Reliability ranges from consistently quick responses to missed pauses.

Setup is consistently easy, with quick pairing and straightforward first-use behavior across the reviews that tested it directly.

Many accounts find pairing and app navigation straightforward, and HearID simplifies tuning for less experienced listeners. Others find multipoint setup or ANC settings awkward.

The Roller, Paddle, and physical buttons are one of the strongest points of agreement. Reviewers repeatedly call them intuitive, tactile, distinctive, and easier to use than touch controls.

Tactile buttons are generally easy to learn and find without reaching for a phone. Small buttons, limited customization, and combined volume/track controls can cause occasional mistakes.

Call quality is inconsistent across tests. Some reviewers hear clear, usable speech, while others report muffling, compression, or poor intelligibility in noisier conditions.

Calls can be clear in quiet rooms, with some tests also showing good outdoor performance. Other accounts report echo, warbling, clipping, and weak intelligibility when background noise rises.

The smart feature set is broad and potentially useful, though one reviewer questions how often extras such as AI-oriented functions will matter in everyday listening.

Easy Chat can make short conversations convenient without removing the headphones. Voice activation can trigger accidentally or stop too soon, making hand activation the more dependable choice for some users.

Nothing X is repeatedly praised as a clean, fast, capable companion app with unusually deep control over sound and headphone behavior.

The app earns frequent praise for broad sound and listening-mode controls. A few listeners find it overcomplicated or feel its many settings do little to improve the experience.

Bluetooth performance is a strength in the positive tests, with rock-solid connections, seamless switching, and no noticeable lag reported.

Range tests and everyday use often show stable Bluetooth connections through obstacles. LDAC can shorten usable range.

The advanced EQ is a standout feature, offering unusually deep frequency and Q-factor control for wireless headphones. It can substantially improve the stock tuning, though a few reviewers find it fiddly or constrained.

HearID and the custom EQ often make a substantial difference to balance and listening enjoyment. Others report only small improvements, so adjustment is useful but not a guaranteed cure.

The headphones pack in a broad modern feature set, and reviewers who discuss the software breadth consider it unusually rich for the price.

Adaptive listening controls and other premium-style conveniences help the feature set feel generous for the price.

The glossy black finish can collect fingerprints and dust extremely quickly.

The matte finish resists fingerprints well in the accounts that assess it, staying clean-looking after repeated handling.

USB-C is especially useful because it handles both charging and digital audio while retaining physical-control functionality in the tested setup.

USB-C handles charging, but missing USB audio disappoints listeners who want a direct digital connection to a computer or phone.

Wear-detection auto-pause is missing, an omission reviewers consider surprising at this price.

Automatic pause is a valued convenience and works reliably in several tests. Others report patchy behavior or object to the need for calibration.

The missing wear sensor is a clear hardware omission because the headphones cannot detect removal for automatic pause behavior.

The wear sensor supports useful automatic playback control. Detection performance varies, with both unusually reliable and temperamental behavior reported.

Automatic pause on removal is absent and repeatedly called out as a feature reviewers miss.

Removing the headphones can pause music automatically, a welcome convenience at this price. Some tests find the response reliable, while others encounter patchy behavior.

The thin headband padding can create pressure on the top of the head during longer sessions.

The soft, plush headband is often a comfort highlight. A few users report a top-of-head hotspot or a narrow shape that contributes to slipping.

Portability is a weak spot because the headphones do not fold inward and remain bulky in a bag, even though the cups can rotate flat.

Folding cups make the headphones easy to slip into a bag and more compact than some Sony alternatives. The Pro folds into an even smaller package.

The 3.5mm input is genuinely useful for wired listening, including plane use while keeping ANC active.

The analog jack provides useful access for flights, gaming, and depleted batteries. Passive wired music can sound dull or muddy compared with powered wireless playback.

The design remains conspicuous rather than discreet. Reviewers who want headphones that blend in caution that these are intentionally attention-grabbing.

The colorways and understated finish often look more expensive than the price suggests. A bulky silhouette makes the design less discreet in some comparisons.

Headband adjustment works, but multiple reviewers find the slider friction, top-mounted sizing, or general adjustment process fiddly.

Flexible headband adjustment accommodates varied head sizes, including larger heads. Most accounts find sizing easy and smooth.

The cups rotate for around-the-neck wear, but one reviewer found the rectangular shells rub or knock together when rotated.

Floating earcups help achieve a flush fit and swivel conveniently for storage or neck wear. The Pro model offers more rotation range.

Glasses compatibility depends on fit: one reviewer found little pressure on glasses, another found them comfortable over spectacles, while seal loss bothered a different tester.

One fit test found the earcup shape less comfortable with glasses and noted potential pressure points.

IP52 is useful for sweat and light drizzle, but reviewers consistently caution that it is not protection for heavy rain or serious water exposure.

The lack of an IP rating makes these a poor choice for rain or gym use in the accounts that assess this limitation.

Even when pushed loud, the headphones were praised for staying composed rather than falling apart with obvious distortion.

One test found little distortion at higher volumes, and another praised clean high-level bass. A separate account reports upper mids and treble falling apart around 80% volume.

Once adjusted, the fit can stay securely in place while walking without unwanted shifting.

The headphones often stay secure for walking and light activities. Loose fit and broken seals during movement make running or more vigorous use less dependable.

Connectivity is unusually versatile, combining Bluetooth with USB-C digital audio and a 3.5mm wired option.

Wired and wireless options provide useful connection flexibility for everyday listening.

Treble is often praised for crispness and detail, but several reviewers also report sibilance or abrasive upper frequencies on certain tracks.

Treble earns praise for crispness in some setups and criticism for harshness or missing detail in others. HearID and selected presets can smooth the highs or bring them forward.

The integrated microphone array can capture speech clearly in favorable conditions, although broader call-quality tests are more mixed.

Built-in microphones are useful for clear quiet-room calls, but results in noise vary widely. Some listeners encounter echo or clipped speech during louder surroundings.

Overall sentiment is strongly positive, although not unanimous. Most of the explicit satisfaction comments are enthusiastic, while one reviewer remains clearly lukewarm on the sound.

Enthusiastic listeners report real enjoyment and impressive overall value. Dissenting accounts describe unmet expectations, boredom, or disappointment.

Vocals and mids are generally clear and well controlled, though a few reviewers hear recessed body or odd upper-mid emphasis in the stock tuning.

Several listeners hear clear vocals after personalization, while others describe thin, recessed, or muffled mids. Stock bass can crowd voices and guitars.

The drawstring pouch is one of the most repeated complaints. Reviewers generally see it as flimsy or inadequate protection compared with a proper hard case.

The color-matched pouch is a welcome inclusion for some budget shoppers. Frequent travelers often want a hard case because the bag offers little impact protection.

Android pairing is especially smooth with Google Fast Pair, which worked seamlessly in the review test.

Android setup is comparatively easy, with Fast Pair simplifying initial connection. Compatible phones also benefit from higher-resolution playback.

One reviewer found the maximum loudness a little restrained and wanted a few more volume steps for very loud listening.

Output is ample for many listeners and offers useful quieter settings. A few reviewers find maximum volume too restrained for their preferences.

The large ear cushions provide plentiful padding and enough room to keep ears from feeling cramped.

Many listeners like the plush, spacious cushions and room around their ears. Others find the pads hard or prefer the softer cushioning on rival headphones.

The overall recommendation is strongly positive: reviewers repeatedly call these an easy recommendation, a great pick, or a no-brainer in their price class.

Most accounts recommend these as affordable ANC headphones with useful features and comfortable fit. Sound-focused dissenters prefer cheaper Soundcore models or competing Sony headphones.

Instrument separation is usually described as clean and easy to follow, though it does not consistently reach the layering precision of more audiophile-focused rivals.

Separation can improve noticeably with EQ, but busy mixes sometimes push instruments behind vocals and bass. One comparison credits the Space One with stronger layer separation than its rival.

LDAC can produce a cleaner, clearer presentation than standard AAC on compatible devices, and reviewers value seeing it at this price.

LDAC is valued for compatible Android listening and adds an upscale feature at this price. It does not guarantee satisfying sound, and some listeners hear little benefit.

The feature set works well across Android and iPhone, making the headphones a strong cross-platform option rather than a single-ecosystem accessory.

Android, iPhone, and a range of home devices work well in the favorable compatibility reports. Wired access also makes portable consoles practical.

USB-C high-resolution playback can add a small improvement in separation and detail, though the reviewer considered the difference minor.

High-resolution playback is welcomed on compatible devices, particularly through LDAC on Android. These comments assess playback benefits rather than a separate built-in DAC.

Repairability takes a hit because replacement ear cushions are not officially sold, limiting an obvious wear-part replacement path.

Limited access to replacement cushions raises concern that normal wear could force disposal rather than a straightforward repair.

Fine detail is only average for the class: reviewers hear enough clarity for casual listening, but several note softer resolution and less precision than more expensive or hi-fi-oriented models.

Some accounts praise precise sound and good resolution, especially after tuning. Others find stock bass and treble obscure the detail in voices and instruments.

Transparency is usable for conversation and awareness, but opinions range from natural and effective to boxy, dark, or slightly artificial.

Adjustable transparency makes conversations and announcements practical, and many listeners find it surprisingly natural. Others hear muffling or prefer the more realistic pass-through of competing models.

The preset options are useful starting points, with Balanced often taming excess bass and the bass-focused modes appealing more to listeners who want extra low-end weight.

Preset variety helps some listeners find a preferred sound, with Bass Reducer, Piano, Lounge, and Pop offering specific improvements. The default profile divides opinion, and one test found none of the presets helpful.

The included cables make a positive impression, with one reviewer specifically surprised by their high quality.

The carrying bag is welcomed in one unboxing, while another account praises the overall presentation.

The plastic-heavy construction does not feel flagship-premium, and multiple reviewers notice the downgrade in material luxury compared with the Headphone (1).

The headphones can feel more expensive than their price suggests, but hollow plastic and cheap-feeling controls disappoint others. The Pro and some Sony models feel more refined.

Travel use benefits from the huge battery and competent ANC, with reviewers reporting comfortable multi-hour or flight use in favorable fits.

Comfort, battery endurance, folding, and ANC make these useful for commuting and longer journeys. The strongest appeal is everyday travel rather than the most demanding low-rumble isolation.

Imaging is strong enough for positional gaming cues such as footsteps and gunshots to come through clearly.

One direct comparison credits the Space One with slightly stronger spatial positioning than the competing headphone.

The ear cushions cannot officially be replaced, which is a meaningful long-term ownership drawback.

The apparent lack of replaceable ear cushions is criticized because worn pads may shorten the headphones’ usable life.

The pads are not officially replaceable, and reviewers specifically note that Nothing does not sell replacement cushions.

Pads and headband that appear difficult to replace create a concern about keeping the headphones usable after the cushioning wears.

The revised swivel hinges were specifically described as sturdier than the predecessor's.

Plastic joints draw concerns about design and folding mechanics. One owner reports the headband joint breaking after a year.

Early durability impressions are positive, including flexible headbands, a sturdier feel, and one harsh accidental-impact test that left no visible mark.

Long-term durability is a concern around plastic joints and wearing cushions. Reports include a joint failing after a year and earcup wear after a few years; some other concerns are expectations of future wear.

Clamping force is a recurring comfort concern. Some find the grip secure and well judged, but several describe it as too firm during extended wear.

Clamping is often gentle enough for long sessions while keeping the headphones in place. Some heads need break-in, while others find the grip too loose.

At roughly 310g, the headphones are lighter than their predecessor but still heavier than many rivals, so some reviewers remain aware of the weight over time.

Low weight helps the headphones disappear during long desk sessions for many listeners. Lighter Sony models remain less noticeable, and one account reports weight-related pressure on top of the head.

Despite the move to more plastic, build quality is generally rated as sturdy and better than the price suggests. The construction feels less luxurious than flagship models but not broadly flimsy.

Plastic construction feels sturdy and well executed to some listeners, while others describe flimsy, hollow materials. The attractive appearance can promise more refinement than handling delivers.

Long-session comfort is highly head-dependent. Many reviewers wore them for hours or flights comfortably, while others needed breaks because of pressure, weight, or heat.

Soft padding and a relatively light fit commonly support hours of comfortable listening. Pressure hotspots, ANC pressure, earcup shape, and comparisons with lighter models qualify that praise.

The retro-futuristic, transparent styling earns substantial praise for being distinctive and fashion-forward. It is deliberately bold, so buyers who prefer conventional headphones may not share that enthusiasm.

Color choices and the sleek two-tone design earn frequent compliments. A few comparisons find the profile bulky or less polished than sleeker rivals.

Fast charging is excellent: several reviewers highlight that just a few minutes on USB-C can provide hours of playback.

Fast top-ups are useful when charge runs low before a trip. Charging interrupts Bluetooth playback in one account, and the Pro delivers more listening time from the same brief charge.

Battery life is the clearest consensus strength. Reviewers repeatedly call the 75-hour ANC figure and roughly 135-hour maximum class-leading, with real-world use generally supporting the claim.

Battery life usually lasts multiple long sessions or several days, with some tests exceeding the advertised ANC endurance. One test reached only 26 hours, and several competing models last longer.

Codec support is useful but not exhaustive: LDAC is a welcome inclusion at this price, while one reviewer wished Qualcomm codecs were also available.

Higher-resolution codec support is welcomed as an uncommon budget feature. One listener valued the option without hearing a clear improvement.

Multipoint is generally easy and reliable once enabled, with reviewers praising quick switching between a phone and laptop or other paired devices.

Laptop-to-phone switching is usually convenient and seamless, making the headphones useful for work. One test found setup clunky, and another disputed multipoint availability despite many successful reports.

Value is a major strength across the review set. Reviewers repeatedly say the $199/£149 positioning delivers unusually strong battery, controls, features, and sound for the money.

Many listeners see unusually strong value in the combination of ANC, comfort, endurance, and app features. Others feel disappointing sound makes competing models a better use of the budget.

Heat buildup is a recurring comfort weakness. The synthetic pads and closed design can make ears or the sides of the head warm, especially during longer sessions or workouts.

Enclosed pads can become warm or sweaty over time. Hot weather and workouts make the buildup more noticeable.

Automatic power-off is a welcome safeguard against accidentally leaving the headphones on and draining the battery.

PCMag awarded the headphones its Editors' Choice for midrange noise-cancelling headphones.

The included cables are mostly praised as sturdy or high quality, although one reviewer questioned the strain relief.

Nothing-phone integration adds extra shortcuts such as Channel Hop, but some functions work best inside Nothing’s own ecosystem rather than equally across Android devices.

An early update improved wear detection, but the account tracking it still found more work necessary.

The decibel meter and volume cap are welcomed for keeping listening levels in check. They appeal to users who want to protect hearing without continually watching the volume.

Covering the left earcup is a convenient way to have a quick conversation. Manual activation is often preferred to voice triggering because it is easier to control.

Xbox use is only partial: wired game audio works, but the reviewer could not get the headset microphones to function through the controller setup.

Bluetooth 5.3 is credited with stable connections in the account that evaluates its practical performance.

The dedicated assistant control is appreciated as a convenient physical shortcut by the reviewer who discussed it.

Hollow plastics can transmit handling sounds, and one long-term account describes cracking noises when positioning the headphones.

Spatial modes are mostly a mixed-to-negative extra: several reviewers hear hollow, processed, or echoey results, while a minority find the Concert effect useful for expanding the presentation.