Affordable Nothing Headphone (a) could launch soon as brand looks to expand audio lineup

Nothing launched its first over-ear headphones last year, simply called the ‘Nothing Headphone (1)’. It’s not an overly priced product, but it would still fall in the more premium category. Nothing might be working on a more affordable model of the Headphone (1). Fresh leaks suggest the company is working on a new headset called the Nothing Headphone (a), which is expected to sit below the Headphone (1).

According to a Dealabs report, the Nothing Headphone (a) could launch on March 12th, with pre-orders opening a week earlier on March 5th. The headphones are tipped to arrive in multiple regions, including Europe and other global markets, and may be offered in four colour options: Black, Pink, White, and Yellow. While Nothing hasn’t officially confirmed the product yet, the timeline seems likely, as this is when the Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro made their debut last year. So we could see a new (a) series product around this time too.

Price is where the biggest difference lies. The Nothing Headphone (a) is said to cost EUR 159 (Rs 17,000 approx) in Europe and GBP 149 in the UK, making it almost half the launch price of the Nothing Headphone (1), which debuted at EUR 299 (Rs 32,000 approx). In India, the Headphone (1) was launched for Rs 21,999, and if Nothing follows similar pricing logic, the Headphone (a) could be priced under Rs 15,000. That would place it squarely in competition with popular models from Sony and JBL in the mid-range segment.

While specific features of the Headphone (a) are still unknown, it is expected to offer fewer premium touches compared to the Headphone (1). For reference, the current flagship model stands out with its transparent design, tactile physical controls, 40mm dynamic drivers tuned by KEF, up to 42dB active noise cancellation, LDAC support, dual-device connectivity, and battery life of up to 80 hours without ANC.

Nothing is expected to keep the transparent design even on the Headphone (a), but in a more limited manner. The materials may be different, too, along with a smaller set of premium features. Still, it would be a more affordable option, making it an alternative to the Headphone (1).

If design, battery life, and premium tuning matter most, the Nothing Headphone (1) still stands out, especially during sales. But if the Nothing Headphone (a) delivers solid sound quality, decent ANC, and Nothing’s signature design at a noticeably lower price, it could be a strong option for users who want an affordable alternative to the Headphone (1). As always, waiting for full specifications and India-specific pricing will be key before making the call.