Nothing has launched the Headphone (a), a bold entry in the over-ear market with a claimed 135-hour battery life — roughly five days of continuous playback with ANC off. The company is targeting the upper mid-range segment with a price of $199 (£149 / €159), aiming to eliminate the daily charging anxiety that plagues most wireless headphones.

This launch directly challenges established brands like Sony and Bose, whose top models typically offer 30-50 hours of battery life. The Headphone (a) also features fast charging, delivering five hours of playback from just five minutes of charging. With four color options — pink, yellow, white, and black — and a distinctive industrial design, Nothing is betting that consumers want both style and substance.

The headphones include physical controls (roller, paddle, button) instead of touch gestures, along with adaptive ANC, transparency mode, and LDAC support for Hi-Resolution Audio Wireless. A three-microphone AI system promises clear calls in noisy environments. Pre-orders begin March 5, with general sales starting March 13 for most colors.