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If Nothing Headphone (1) is not the right fit, the strongest alternatives to compare are Sony WH-1000XM6, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), Apple AirPods Max (USB-C), and Bose QuietComfort Headphones. There is no single best choice for everyone: weigh the noise you need to block, your preferred sound, how the earcups fit, your phone ecosystem, and how often you travel with them.
Which Nothing Headphone (1) alternative should you choose?
Start with the problem you want the replacement to solve. Sony and Bose’s Ultra are premium options for commuting and travel; AirPods Max is especially worth considering if you use Apple devices; and Bose QuietComfort Headphones offer a less feature-rich route into Bose’s noise-cancelling line. These are decision cues, not a universal ranking: reviews use different methods, and comfort and sound preference vary from person to person.
| Model | Best reason to consider it | What to weigh |
|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | SoundGuys describes it as a current all-rounder for commuting and travel and compares it with Nothing and AirPods Max. | That is a reviewer assessment, not a guarantee it will suit every listener. Comfort impressions vary; check current price and availability. SoundGuys’ Sony WH-1000XM6 review. |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | A current premium Bose option with ANC, CustomTune, and Quiet, Aware, Immersive, and Cinema modes. What Hi-Fi? says it cancels more noise across frequencies than Nothing Headphone (1). | Bose’s product details and battery figures are manufacturer claims, while What Hi-Fi?’s comparison is a review assessment. Bose’s US product page and What Hi-Fi?’s comparison. |
| Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) | A particularly relevant option for Apple-device users; SoundGuys notes that the USB-C variant supports wired lossless audio over a digital USB-C cable. RTINGS says AirPods Max tests better than Nothing for ANC and audio accuracy. | Keep the USB-C model distinct from the Lightning version and check compatibility with your devices. The cited reviews place it in the premium segment. SoundGuys’ Sony and AirPods Max comparison and RTINGS’ comparison with Nothing. |
| Bose QuietComfort Headphones | RTINGS’ direct comparison finds slightly stronger ANC than Nothing and deeper earcups with softer padding. Bose lists ANC and 24-hour battery life for this model in its family comparison. | It has fewer personalization features than the Ultra. Price and availability can change. RTINGS’ comparison with Nothing and Bose’s family comparison. |
| Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless | SoundGuys identifies it as an alternative and characterizes it as strong on sound. | The same brief comparison says its ANC trails Sony’s. Consult a full product review for detailed feature or performance comparisons. SoundGuys’ comparison. |
| JBL Tour One M3 | SoundGuys identifies it as an alternative with comfort, connectivity, and battery strengths. | SoundGuys characterizes its sound less favorably; the brief comparison is not a substitute for a full review. SoundGuys’ comparison. |
How well do the alternatives cancel noise?
ANC performance depends on the sound being blocked and on the test method. Low-frequency engine or road rumble is not the same challenge as voices or higher-pitched office sounds, so a single overall figure cannot reliably predict your experience.
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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11In SoundGuys’ direct comparison of Nothing Headphone (1) with the first-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra, the headphones had similar average total attenuation in that measurement: Bose did slightly better below 200 Hz, while Nothing was steadier through the mid and high frequencies. SoundGuys reported 85% average total attenuation across the frequency range for that specific comparison in 2025. That result is not a general score for either product, nor does it compare Nothing with Bose’s current second-generation Ultra. SoundGuys’ Nothing and first-generation Bose Ultra comparison.
#1 Best Overall
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling: 2 internal and 2 external mics work in tandem to detect external noise and effectively reduce up to 90% of it, no matter in trains or offices.
- Immerse Yourself in Detailed Audio: The noise cancelling headphones have oversized 40mm dynamic drivers that produce detailed sound and thumping beats with BassUp technology for your every travel, commuting and gaming. Compatible with Hi-Res certified audio via the AUX cable for more detail.
- 40-Hour Long Battery Life and Fast Charging: With 40 hours of battery life with ANC on and 60 hours in normal mode, you can commute in peace with your Bluetooth headphones without thinking about recharging. Fast charge for 5 mins to get an extra 4 hours of music listening for daily users.
- Dual-Connections: Connect to two devices simultaneously with Bluetooth 5.0 and instantly switch between them. Whether you're working on your laptop, or need to take a phone call, audio from your Bluetooth headphones will automatically play from the device you need to hear from.
- App for EQ Customization: Download the soundcore app to tailor your sound using the customizable EQ, with 22 presets, or adjust it yourself. You can also switch between 3 modes: ANC, Normal, and Transparency, and relax with white noise.
What Hi-Fi? later characterized the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) as cancelling more noise across frequencies than Nothing Headphone (1). RTINGS’ comparisons also find advantages for Bose QuietComfort Headphones and AirPods Max in their respective tests against Nothing. Because these are different products and test setups, use them as directional comparisons rather than a unified league table.
How do their sound and EQ compare?
SoundGuys describes Nothing Headphone (1)’s default tuning as dark and bass-forward, with weaker mids and treble, while noting its eight-band parametric EQ can adjust the sound. If you like the Nothing’s low-end emphasis but want to change its balance, that EQ flexibility may matter more than switching brands. If you prefer a different default presentation, listen to alternatives before buying: an EQ can change tonal balance, but it cannot make subjective preferences identical.
Rank #2
- Block the World, Keep the Music: Four built-in mics work together to filter out background noise — whether you're in a packed office, on a crowded commute, or moving through a busy street — so every beat comes through clean and clear. (Not available in AUX-in mode.)
- Two Ways to Hear More: BassUp technology delivers deep, punchy bass and crisp highs in wireless mode — then step it up further by plugging in the included AUX cable to unlock Hi‑Res certified audio for studio-level clarity.
- 40 Hours. 5-Minute Top-Up: With ANC on, a single charge keeps you listening through days of commutes and long-haul flights. Running low? Just 5 minutes plugged in gives you 4 more hours — so you're never stuck waiting.
- Two Devices, Zero Hassle: Stay connected to your laptop and phone at the same time. Audio switches automatically to whichever device needs you — so a call never interrupts your flow, and getting back to your playlist is just as easy. Designed for commuters and remote workers who move smoothly between work and personal listening throughout the day.
- Your Sound, Your Rules: The soundcore app puts everything at your fingertips — dials your ideal EQ with presets or build your own, flip between ANC, Normal, and Transparency modes on the fly, or wind down with built-in white noise. One app, total control.
In its comparison, SoundGuys described the first-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra as more polished out of the box. Bose says its current second-generation Ultra uses CustomTune to adapt sound to the listener’s ears; that is a manufacturer feature claim, not an independent finding that every listener will prefer it. RTINGS says AirPods Max tests better than Nothing for audio accuracy, but accuracy and personal preference are not the same thing. Bose’s description of the current Ultra and RTINGS’ AirPods Max comparison.
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Which headphones are likely to feel more comfortable?
Comfort depends on head shape, ear size, glasses, clamp, heat, and the length of a listening session. Specifications and other people’s reviews can narrow the choices, but they cannot establish how a particular pair will fit you.
Rank #3
- WORLD’S BEST IN-EAR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2* so you can stay fully immersed in the moment.*
- BREAKTHROUGH AUDIO PERFORMANCE — Experience breathtaking, three-dimensional audio with AirPods Pro 3. A new acoustic architecture delivers transformed bass, detailed clarity so you can hear every instrument, and stunningly vivid vocals.
- HEART RATE SENSING — Built-in heart rate sensing lets you track your heart rate and calories burned for up to 50 different workout types.* With iPhone, you will have access to the Move ring, step count, and the new Workout Buddy,* powered by Apple Intelligence.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION — Communicate across language barriers using Live Translation,* enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 8 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge. Or up to 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid feature.*
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones: RTINGS says they have deeper earcups and softer padding than Nothing Headphone (1), a useful distinction if your ears touch the inside of the Nothing’s cups.
- Nothing Headphone (1): What Hi-Fi? found its weight distribution mixed, so its overall mass alone does not tell the whole comfort story.
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen): Bose describes its cushions and headband as designed for extended listening. Treat this as a manufacturer design claim, not a fit guarantee.
If long sessions are central to your decision, try the headphones on if possible or buy from a seller with a clear return policy. Pay attention to earcup depth and pressure after wearing them for more than a few minutes.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What matters for travel, wired listening, and phone compatibility?
Nothing Headphone (1)’s cups rotate but do not fold fully, according to What Hi-Fi?. The same review says the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) fold for travel, which can make them easier to pack. Check the included case and the space it takes in your bag before choosing; folding hinges alone do not determine total packed size.
Rank #4
- INCREDIBLE SOUND: Custom acoustic platform delivers rich, balanced audio for music, calls and everyday listening.
- LOSSLESS AUDIO SUPPORT: USB-C lossless audio and sound profiles optimize music quality across devices and environments. Additional option to use the 3.5 mm cable for a standard analog experience.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLING (ANC): block distractions at work, on flights or during your daily commute. Or use Transparency mode to let the sounds of your environment mix in with your music.
- SEAMLESS WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY: One-touch pairing with Apple & Android for easy switching across devices.
- SPATIAL AUDIO IMMERSION: Personalized dynamic head tracking, 360-degree sound for movies, music and immersive everyday listening.
For Apple-device users, AirPods Max (USB-C) is the variant SoundGuys identifies as supporting wired lossless audio over a digital USB-C cable. Do not assume the same connection details apply to the Lightning model, and verify that your device and cable support the setup you want. SoundGuys’ Sony comparison describes the WH-1000XM6 as offering stronger battery life and wireless features than AirPods Max, but that is a reviewer comparison rather than a universal result across every use pattern. SoundGuys’ comparison.
What to check before you buy
- Identify your main noise problem. Decide whether you most need to reduce low-frequency travel rumble, voices, or office noise; do not rely on one aggregate ANC number.
- Choose the sound presentation you prefer. Compare the default tuning and available EQ or personalization features, and distinguish accuracy claims from personal preference.
- Check the fit. Look for earcup depth, padding, pressure, and how the headband feels with your glasses or hairstyle.
- Confirm device and cable needs. Check the exact model generation and connector, especially for AirPods Max USB-C versus Lightning and any wired listening requirement.
- Consider packed size. Compare folding design and case dimensions if these headphones will travel in a crowded bag.
- Verify the current price and return terms. Prices, promotions, availability, and retailer policies change; the Bose US page’s displayed price and offer are time-sensitive rather than durable pricing.
For someone who values everyday listening and video editing, comfort and the ability to use a cable when the battery is low can outweigh a small difference in ANC. That is a useful individual decision pattern, not evidence that all buyers share those priorities.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
