Nothing Headphone (1) Pro Brings Studio Ambitions
The Nothing Headphone (1) Pro is designed to push the British technology company further into premium audio, combining a three-driver architecture with studio-focused tuning and advanced connectivity. Priced at $399, the new over-ear headphones are positioned above Nothing’s existing audio products and are aimed at listeners who want more than conventional everyday noise-canceling headphones.
Nothing has partnered with Metropolis Studios on the tuning of the Headphone (1) Pro, putting professional listening and music production closer to the center of the product’s identity. The company is also retaining its distinctive industrial design while adding upgraded hardware underneath the transparent-inspired exterior.
The result is a pair of headphones that attempts to combine several categories in one device: studio-oriented listening, high-resolution music playback, active noise cancellation and everyday wireless use.
For Nothing, that represents a significant step beyond simply making headphones that look different.
Nothing Headphone (1) Pro Uses Three Drivers
One of the biggest changes in the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro is its triple-driver configuration.
Instead of relying on one driver for the entire frequency range on each side, Nothing divides the audio duties among three components. The system includes a 40mm bass dynamic driver, a 13 × 8mm precision dynamic driver for the middle frequencies and a compact xMEMS solid-state driver dedicated to high frequencies.
That architecture is important because headphones traditionally have to balance bass, vocals, instruments and treble through a single driver in each earcup. A multi-driver design gives manufacturers more ways to separate those responsibilities.
Nothing is using the xMEMS driver specifically for the upper end of the frequency range. The company lists a frequency response of 20Hz to 40kHz, although the practical benefits of frequencies above the limits of human hearing depend on the entire audio system and listening chain.
The company has also worked with Metropolis Studios to tune the headphones, reinforcing the product’s emphasis on accurate and detailed music reproduction.
Studio Tuning Is the Headphone’s Biggest Talking Point
The studio angle is perhaps the most unusual part of the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro.
Nothing says the headphones were tuned with Metropolis Studios, a London recording facility, with the goal of providing a listening experience suitable for critical audio work as well as everyday music consumption. WIRED reports that the company wants the headphones to appeal to studio users while remaining practical for commuters and general listeners.
A dedicated Flat EQ switch is another important feature.
Rather than forcing users to open an application whenever they want to change their listening profile, the physical switch provides a more direct way to activate the flat EQ setting. This can be particularly useful for people who want a more neutral presentation when working with music.
The Nothing X application also provides additional sound customization, including personal sound features and a parametric EQ. Independent testing from SoundGuys found that the Pro model’s parametric EQ provides more flexibility than the system available on the earlier Headphone (1).
That makes the headphones interesting not only for consumers who want a particular sound signature but also for enthusiasts who like to fine-tune their listening experience.
Nothing Headphone (1) Pro Offers High-Resolution Audio
The Nothing Headphone (1) Pro is also built around modern high-resolution audio standards.
For wireless listening, the headphones support LDAC, alongside AAC and SBC. For wired use, the USB-C connection can handle lossless audio at up to 24-bit/192kHz, while the 3.5mm connection supports high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/96kHz.
That flexibility gives users several ways to connect the headphones.
Bluetooth is convenient for phones and computers, while USB-C provides an option for listeners who want a digital wired connection. The traditional 3.5mm input also remains available for compatible audio equipment.
The headphones use Bluetooth 6.1 and support dual-device connections, allowing users to connect two devices at the same time. Nothing also includes low-latency functionality for situations where synchronization between audio and video matters.
Active Noise Cancellation Gets a Major Role
Although Nothing is emphasizing studio listening, the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro is not designed exclusively for recording environments.
The headphones include real-time adaptive active noise cancellation with a claimed cancellation depth of up to 46dB. There is also a transparency mode for allowing environmental sounds through when users need to remain aware of their surroundings.
WIRED’s early assessment found that the ANC performs well against common low-frequency background sounds, including airplane and air-conditioning noise, while The Verge similarly reported strong performance during initial testing.
However, ANC performance can vary considerably depending on ear shape, fit and environmental conditions. That means the manufacturer’s maximum figure should not be interpreted as a guarantee of identical performance for every user.
SoundGuys also found that maintaining a consistent seal can affect noise attenuation, particularly when the listener moves their jaw or has factors that interfere with the ear-pad seal.
Battery Life Reaches Up to 68 Hours
Battery endurance is another area where Nothing has made the Headphone (1) Pro considerably more ambitious.
The company rates the headphones for up to 68 hours of playback with ANC turned off when using AAC. With ANC enabled, the rated battery life falls to 30 hours. LDAC use reduces those figures further, with Nothing listing up to 53 hours without ANC and 28 hours with ANC.
Fast charging is also supported.
According to Nothing, a five-minute charge can provide up to four hours of playback with ANC disabled, while five minutes can provide two hours with ANC enabled. The battery has a capacity of 1,060mAh.
Actual battery life will depend on volume, codec, ANC settings, connectivity and other features. Nevertheless, the headline endurance gives the headphones plenty of room for long travel days and extended listening sessions.
A Distinctive Nothing Design
The Nothing Headphone (1) Pro retains the company’s recognizable design philosophy rather than adopting the anonymous appearance common among premium over-ear headphones.
The headphones weigh approximately 327 grams and come with a hard-shell carrying case. Nothing also includes a 3.5mm audio cable and USB-C cable in the box.
Physical controls remain an important part of the design.
A roller controls volume, while a paddle provides track and call controls. There is also a dedicated switch for the Flat EQ function. These controls reduce the need to constantly interact with a phone when adjusting basic playback functions.
The Verge specifically highlighted Nothing’s tactile controls, including the volume roller, while noting a compromise with the supplied case: the case protects the earcups but leaves part of the headband exposed.
That unusual approach is consistent with Nothing’s broader strategy of making its products visually recognizable.
Auracast Adds Another Interesting Feature
The Nothing Headphone (1) Pro also supports Auracast, a Bluetooth technology designed to allow compatible devices to broadcast and receive shared audio streams.
Nothing says the headphones can work as both an Auracast receiver and transmitter through the Nothing X app.
The feature could eventually become more useful as Auracast infrastructure expands in public venues, transportation systems and other shared listening environments.
For now, its importance will depend on how quickly compatible broadcasts and devices become widespread.
Nothing Headphone (1) Pro: Key Specifications
| Feature | Nothing Headphone (1) Pro |
|---|---|
| Price | $399 |
| Design | Over-ear |
| Drivers | Triple-driver system |
| Bass driver | 40mm dynamic |
| Precision driver | 13 × 8mm |
| Treble driver | xMEMS solid-state |
| Frequency response | 20Hz–40kHz |
| ANC | Adaptive ANC, up to 46dB |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 6.1 |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC, LDAC, LC3 for broadcast |
| USB-C audio | Up to 24-bit/192kHz |
| 3.5mm audio | Up to 24-bit/96kHz |
| Battery | Up to 68 hours without ANC |
| Battery with ANC | Up to 30 hours |
| Weight | 327g |
| Auracast | Yes |
| Water/dust resistance | IP52 |
Specifications are based primarily on Nothing’s official product information.
How the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro Compares With Premium Rivals
At $399, the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro enters a highly competitive section of the wireless headphone market.
Sony, Bose and Apple already have established premium models with strong noise cancellation, mature software ecosystems and significant brand recognition. The Nothing model therefore needs to offer something beyond basic ANC and wireless playback.
Its biggest differentiators are the three-driver architecture, studio-oriented tuning, xMEMS treble driver, physical Flat EQ switch, extensive equalizer controls and Auracast functionality.
The Verge noted that the Headphone (1) Pro competes with products such as Sony’s WH-1000XM6, Apple’s AirPods Max and Bose’s flagship headphones, while its triple-driver approach sets it apart from several mainstream alternatives.
SoundGuys also points to the product’s combination of connectivity, parametric EQ and other advanced features as major parts of its appeal.
That does not automatically make the Nothing headphones superior in every category. Instead, it gives the Pro model a distinct technical approach at a price where buyers have numerous established alternatives.
Is the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro Made for Everyone?
The Nothing Headphone (1) Pro appears to be aimed at a fairly broad audience despite its studio credentials.
Music producers and critical listeners may be interested in the Flat EQ mode, triple-driver configuration and Metropolis Studios tuning. Audiophiles may appreciate the wired USB-C connection and parametric EQ.
At the same time, commuters and frequent travelers can take advantage of adaptive ANC, transparency mode, long battery life and wireless connectivity.
There are compromises, however.
The headphones weigh 327 grams, which is substantial compared with some competitors. ANC performance can also vary with fit, and the $399 price puts the product directly into competition with well-established premium models.
The company’s challenge will therefore be convincing buyers that the additional audio architecture and studio-focused features justify choosing Nothing over brands that have spent years developing premium headphone ecosystems.
The Bigger Picture for Nothing’s Audio Business
The Nothing Headphone (1) Pro represents more than a specification upgrade.
Nothing has already established a recognizable identity in consumer electronics through distinctive hardware design and software experiences. Moving into more serious audio products gives the company another opportunity to differentiate itself from larger competitors.
The partnership with Metropolis Studios is particularly significant because it shifts the conversation away from specifications alone.
Triple drivers, Bluetooth 6.1 and high-resolution audio are useful technical features, but the final listening experience depends heavily on tuning and implementation. By highlighting studio collaboration, Nothing is signaling that the company wants the Pro model to be considered a serious music-listening product rather than simply another lifestyle accessory.
The approach also reflects a wider trend in premium headphones: manufacturers are increasingly combining consumer convenience with features traditionally associated with more specialized audio equipment.
Final Takeaway
The Nothing Headphone (1) Pro is an ambitious $399 entry into the premium headphone market. Its combination of three dedicated drivers, xMEMS technology, Metropolis Studios tuning, adaptive ANC, high-resolution wired audio and extensive customization gives it a distinctive technical profile.
Its 68-hour maximum battery rating also makes it practical for users who prioritize endurance, while USB-C lossless audio and the Flat EQ switch give the headphones stronger credentials for listeners who want more control over their music.
The product will still face intense competition from established premium headphones, particularly in noise cancellation and ecosystem integration. Independent testing also suggests that fit can influence ANC performance significantly.
Ultimately, Nothing is betting that distinctive design and studio-oriented audio engineering can make the Headphone (1) Pro stand out in an increasingly crowded premium market.
For users interested in a headphone that sits somewhere between everyday wireless convenience and more critical music listening, the new Nothing flagship offers a compelling set of features to investigate.
