Nothing’s Headphone (1) Pro, launched in September 2026, combines a premium design with advanced audio tech, positioning itself as a high-end alternative to competitors like Sony and Bose at $399.
Design and Build: Aesthetic Meets Functionality
The Nothing Headphone (1) Pro features a rectangular, transparent design with machined aluminum and Panda glass accents, a hallmark of the brand’s aesthetic since its 2020 founding. Heute highlighted the use of titanium in hinge mechanisms, reducing weight compared to its predecessor, though the 327-gram model remains heavy relative to rivals like the 254-gram Sony WH-1000XM6. The redesigned headband and 8mm silicone “baffle wall” earpads, praised by Cnet, offer improved comfort and a tighter seal for enhanced noise cancellation.
The Headphone (1) Pro’s transparent design, described as “extravagant” by Heute, reveals an internal architecture under kratzfestem Panda Glass.
This material, paired with präzise verarbeitetem Aluminium
for the frame and matt glänzendes Titan
for hinges, gives the headphones a extrem hochwertig
feel. Despite a 327-gram weight, the design distributes pressure evenly, with a headband range of 132–169mm and a 20-degree tilt for adaptability to different head shapes, according to Heute.
The carrying case, noted as stilvolle aber unpraktische
by Cnet, is a hardshell model criticized for its weight and lack of foldability. This contrasts with the “faltbar” designs of competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM6. The headphones’ sichtbare Bauteilgruppe,
resembling a topographic map, is protected by the Panda glass, which also shields against dust via an IP52 rating, as detailed in Heute’s review.
Audio Performance: Triple Drivers and Spatial Sound
Heute detailed the Headphone (1) Pro’s three-driver system: a 40mm bass unit, a precision mid-range driver, and an xMEMS high-frequency driver, delivering extremely clean sound with detailed spatial audio. Cnet noted its triple-driver configuration rivals top-tier models, while Beyondpixels emphasized collaboration with Metropolis Studios for a “rundes Paket” of audio and functional features. The device supports Auracast and offers five spatial audio presets, including “Konzertsaal” and “Club,” via its companion app.
Hingucker mit High-Tech
The noise-canceling performance, described as close to top tier by Cnet, benefits from the redesigned internal architecture. Heute’s test highlighted the headphones’ ability to “phenomenally” block external sound, aided by an IP52 rating for dust and water resistance. However, the heavy carrying case, criticized as “unpractical” by Cnet, detracts from its portability.
Price and Competition: A Mid-Tier Challenger
Beyondpixels noted a €349 price point in Austria, positioning it as a “midfield” contender against premium brands. Cnet emphasized its value proposition: more affordable than many premium offerings while retaining advanced features like customizable EQ profiles and a personalized tone setting via the Nothing X app.
Despite its competitive pricing, the headphones face challenges. Their weight and non-folding design, unlike the Sony XM6 or Bose Ultra, may limit appeal for frequent travelers. However, the tactile controls—rated “among the best” by Cnet—offer a premium feel absent in touch-based interfaces, a feature Beyondpixels praised as “intuitive” for cold-weather use.
User Experience: Comfort and Customization
Users reported “massive” improvements in comfort, with Heute noting the “soft, thick” earpads and adjustable headband (132–169mm range) that spürbar an Gewicht eingebüßt compared to the original Headphone (1). Cnet highlighted the “sturdy” build and wear-detection sensors, pausing playback when removed. Beyondpixels’ testers appreciated the tactile feedback of physical controls, including a roller button for volume and ANC adjustments.
The Nothing X app allows for deep customization, including a 3-band EQ and community-shared profiles. However, the “Bass-Drop” and “Aufatmen” audio cues for settings changes, while distinctive, may take time to adjust to. Despite these nuances, the headphones’ blend of design, sound, and functionality positions them as a compelling option for audiophiles seeking a unique alternative to established brands.
Nothing Headphone (1) Pro im Test
Technical Collaboration and Design Philosophy
Nothing’s collaboration with Metropolis Studios, as noted by Beyondpixels, underscores its focus on both audio quality and user experience. The brand’s design ethos, rooted in transparency since its 2020 founding, is evident in the Headphone (1) Pro’s transparente Elemente
that reveal internal components. This aesthetic, likened to alte Game Boy-Modelle
by Beyondpixels, sets the headphones apart from competitors with runden Ohrmuscheln.
The headphones’ “weiche, dicke” earpads, described by Heute, and the flexiblem Silikon
inner barrier ensure a “lückenlosen” seal around the ears, enhancing noise isolation. The high-quality materials like glass and titanium
further reinforce the premium feel, though the non-folding design and heavy case remain points of criticism.
Market Positioning and Consumer Reception
Nothing, founded by Carl Pei, targets younger consumers seeking stylish alternatives to Apple and Samsung products. The Headphone (1) Pro, while priced higher than some models, offers a value component
with a $399 list price lower than the Apple AirPods Max 2 ($549), Sony WH-1000XM6 ($450), and Bose QuietComfort Ultra ($449), as noted in Source 1. This positioning aims to balance affordability with advanced features, though the “slightly heavy” build may deter some buyers.
Reviews highlight the headphones’ “intuitive” physical controls, a contrast to touch-based interfaces. Cnet praised the haptisches Feedback
of the “Drehrädchen” for volume and ANC, while Beyondpixels emphasized the “toll” design and functionality. However, the “unpraktische” carrying case and “nicht faltbar” design remain drawbacks, particularly for travelers.
Conclusion: A Premium Option with Trade-Offs
The Nothing Headphone (1) Pro represents a significant step forward for the brand, blending innovative design with competitive audio performance. While its weight, non-folding form, and carrying case limitations may deter some, its triple-driver system, spatial audio, and tactile controls position it as a strong contender in the premium headphone market. For consumers prioritizing style, sound quality, and unique features, the Headphone (1) Pro offers a compelling alternative to established brands.