Typically, choosing a pair of headphones looks like an unattainable alternative. There are heaps to select from, and the barrier to entry is sufficient to ship haptic chills down one’s backbone. If there’s one factor that almost all can agree on, it’s that Apple’s AirPods Max are in all probability the usual for folks contemplating headphones within the U.S., particularly if you happen to already personal an iPhone. However AirPods Max are so rattling costly, proper? Is it value shelling out $550 for a pair of headphones when opponents like Nothing’s $300 Headphone 1 exist and provide handsome AirPods options for a value that undercuts Apple by $250?
There’s loads to unpack in that query, however fortunately, I’ve examined each for you (and a lot of other audio products) and might provide my sage steering on the place to throw a whole lot of {dollars} if you have to save your self from the scourge of subway sounds or your neighbor’s incessant singing. First, let’s begin with the appears.
See Nothing Headphone 1 at Amazon
Headphone 1 vs. AirPods Max: Design
On the threat of mentioning the plain: AirPods Max and Nothing’s Headphone 1 look very completely different. Whereas Apple’s super-popular headphones go for a minimalist design, Nothing’s Headphone 1 have a retro-inspired look that riffs on cassette tapes of yore. Undoubtedly, you’ll have your individual ideas on which appears higher—these items are subjective in spite of everything—however from a extra goal standpoint, in addition they use completely different supplies that make them really feel noticeably completely different.
AirPods Max, for instance, use chrome steel and anodized aluminum, which implies two issues: they really feel extra premium, and so they’re additionally a bit of bit heavier—that’s simply physics for you. Nothing’s Headphone 1 wins factors for distinctive type, however they’re made principally from plastic and a bit of little bit of aluminum in order that they undoubtedly really feel loads cheaper however are additionally loads lighter. Which pair speaks to you is a matter of desire, however if you happen to’re searching for a lighter carry, Nothing’s Headphone 1 has AirPods Max beat: the burden breakdown right here is 329g in comparison with nearly 385g.
The Headphone 1 have a retro-inspired design. © Raymond Wong / GizmodoNothing’s Headphone 1 additionally increase on AirPods Max’s {hardware} with a complete host of bodily buttons that embody a devoted observe skip/fast-forward/rewind paddle, a quantity curler, and an on/off swap. AirPods Max have a crown for quantity adjustment and pause/play and that’s it; to the frustration of many, there’s no on/off swap. The variety of buttons on the Headphone 1 was a welcome shock once I examined them out, and whereas I want they have been a bit of extra refined and fewer finicky to make use of, they do set the Headphone 1 aside not simply from Apple however from just about each model of over-ear headphones.
Aesthetically, you’ll should dig deep and determine what you need out of a pair of headphones. If you’d like one thing that’s extra of a vogue assertion, the Headphone 1 are going to talk to you. If you’d like one thing that’s going to fade into the background, then AirPods Max are extra your velocity. Personally? I discover AirPods Max to be a bit on the boring facet, however I respect that not everybody cares about wanting the a part of a Brooklyn-based hipster. I’m opting for the Headphone 1 on this division for feeling lighter on my head and in addition bringing a design that I discover thrilling, smooth, and value writing residence about. Sorry, AirPods Max, chrome steel or not, the minimalism factor is a bit of bit drained.
Winner: Headphone 1
Headphone 1 vs. AirPods Max: Sound
Certain, your eyes could be the first manner you decide a pair of headphones, however finally, your ears are what actually matter. Consequently, you’re in all probability questioning: can Nothing’s Headphone 1 actually problem the AirPods Max within the sound division? The reply is… to be sincere, sure.
I used to be pleasantly shocked to seek out the sound on the Headphone 1—tuned in collaboration with hi-fi audio company KEF—truly held its personal towards the considerably dearer and widespread AirPods Max. Nothing’s headphones carried out significantly nicely within the low-to-mid-range frequencies, although—sorry, price range seekers—I feel Apple’s AirPods Max premium nonetheless means one thing within the audio division.
As I wrote in my evaluation, I nonetheless suppose Apple’s AirPods Max have a noticeable edge in the case of sound. Particularly, mids-to-highs have barely extra texture and room, which makes vocals really feel extra natural and clear. That being mentioned, Nothing holds its personal towards a competitor that costs a really hefty premium, and the truth that it comes shut in any respect is unquestionably a feat. Nonetheless, higher is healthier, and AirPods Max nonetheless really feel clearer and extra dynamically wealthy, even when by a detailed margin.
Winner: AirPods Max
Headphone 1 vs. AirPods Max: Consolation
An enormous motive why folks purchase over-ear headphones is that they might not like sticking earbuds inside their ears, which is honest, as a result of even essentially the most snug ear suggestions will develop into irritating over time. So, with consolation in thoughts, you’re in all probability questioning if AirPods Max really feel as luxurious because the supplies they’re made out of or, on the opposite facet of the coin, if Nothing’s Headphone 1 really feel rougher with much less premium supplies. On the threat of spoiling the consequence, this one is sort of too near name.
One of many first issues that struck me concerning the Headphone 1 is that they match my head nicely, which will not be a promoting level for everybody, however for me, an individual with a small head, that’s an enormous win. Not solely was the match comfortable, however the vegan leather-based headstrap and earcups additionally felt comfortable and easy on my head and ears, respectively. There’s truly a fairly large distinction material-wise in the case of earcups on the AirPods Max, as Apple’s headphones are made with a mesh textile. These mesh supplies are designed to be extra breathable than their counterparts, and whereas I’m not an enormous cardio man, I’m prepared to guess that they may be extremely preferable to somebody who needs to put on headphones whereas exercising.
One other main distinction is within the head strap, which is a stable piece of plastic with reminiscence foam and vegan leather-based on the Headphone 1. That’s against AirPods Max, which have a mesh band that achieves a pair key issues. First, it helps cut back the burden of the headphones, which have some heft as a result of premium supplies. Secondly, the mesh band additionally (much like the mesh earcups) makes AirPods Max extra breathable, giving them an edge for anybody who’s extra fitness-focused.
In the end, each headphones are snug, even regardless of the burden distinction, however I feel I’m going to have to present AirPods Max the nod right here if simply because the supplies and design of the earcups and head strap make them extra appropriate for a greater diversity of use circumstances.
Winner: AirPods Max
Headphone 1 vs. AirPods Max: Battery Life and Options
Battery life is vital in any gadget, however for headphones, that metric feels much more vital since operating out of juice when you’re on an airplane or commuting to work generally is a enormous drag. Given the significance of battery life, you’d suppose that shelling out more cash for a premium product will get you extra juice as a given, proper? Couldn’t be extra flawed.
Nothing’s Headphone 1 trounce AirPods Max within the battery life division, delivering as much as 35 hours with lively noise cancellation (ANC) on versus AirPods Max’s 20 hours. I discover these battery life estimates to be correct in my testing, and if you happen to’re searching for extra longevity, the Headphone 1 have an edge.
Each pairs of headphones have just about all of the options you’d anticipate, together with transparency (mixes music and ambient noise), adaptive noise cancellation, and spatial audio. Each headphones even have software-based listening to assessments that help you customise the EQ of your audio to your particular listening to idiosyncrasies, and may also be custom-tuned both through Nothing’s X app or on iOS for Apple AirPods Max, although Nothing’s is extra granular. Each additionally reap the benefits of {custom} hi-res codecs if you happen to’re an audiophile searching for the very best, lossless sound, although iOS doesn’t assist LHDC (Low Latency Excessive Definition Audio Codec), so it is best to maintain your ecosystem in thoughts right here. I’ll say AirPods undoubtedly have a bonus if you happen to’re within the Apple ecosystem, since they swap extra seamlessly between working in your MacBook or iPhone.
Whereas feature-wise these headphones are just about a tie, Nothing will get the nod for having a for much longer battery life. It’s onerous to argue with not having to fret about charging up your headphones.
Winner: Headphone 1
Headphone 1 vs AirPods Max: ANC
element of any premium pair of headphones or earbuds is their skill to cancel exterior noise, and on that entrance, Apple’s AirPods Max at all times get excessive marks. However simply because Apple will get the kudos doesn’t imply that they’re essentially that good, proper? Fallacious.
AirPods Max do have an edge in the case of noise cancellation, and whereas Nothing boasts a powerful 52dB of cancellation, lab assessments from Sound Guys present that AirPods Max nonetheless beat the Headphone 1 with a powerful 88% noise discount in comparison with the Headphone 1’s 85% discount. Anecdotally, I can discover the distinction when switching between the 2 headphones, and I feel it has loads to do with the earcups. I discover AirPods Max’s cups create a tighter seal round my ears, which simply naturally blocks out extra sound. Apple’s noise-cancellation tech does the remainder. In the event you’re searching for headphones with really nice noise cancellation, Apple’s AirPods Max nonetheless get the purpose right here.
Winner: AirPods Max
Backside Line
Everybody has completely different priorities in the case of audio, however there are nonetheless some classes which might be unavoidable. You want your headphones to sound good, after all, however you additionally want them to suit your head, be snug, and block out noise successfully. Apple’s AirPods Max are nonetheless among the greatest at doing all of these issues, however they arrive with a burdensome premium which may scare lots of people away. Nothing’s Headphone 1, alternatively, nonetheless excel in these key metrics, and whereas they fall barely brief in main classes like sound high quality and ANC, in addition they make up for these shortcomings with a cool design, plenty of options, and a heck of loads of buttons.
When you have the cash and need the very best of the very best there’s no motive to not go Apple, however I’m a agency believer that Nothing’s Headphone 1 nonetheless get you a lot of the manner there, and if you happen to’re a fan of what Nothing is placing down within the design division, you received’t remorse saving your self $250 and going with the underdog.
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