Nothing Headphone (1) Pro arrives with triple drivers, adaptive ANC, and up to 68 hours of battery life
Nothing has officially introduced the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro, a new pair of premium over-ear headphones designed for listeners who want standout design, high-end audio features, and long battery life in one package. Announced during a press event in New York City on September 29, the new model builds on the original Nothing Headphone (1) with a more advanced sound system, upgraded noise cancellation, and a refined build.
In the US, the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro is priced at $399 and is available in black or white. The headphones also ship with a hard-shell carrying case, a USB-C cable, and a 3.5 mm audio cable.
Nothing is once again leaning into its recognizable design language. The Headphone (1) Pro features aluminum and transparent elements, giving it the futuristic look the brand is known for. This time, the company has added a titanium alloy and glass headband for a more premium feel. Despite the added materials, the headphones weigh 327 grams, making them slightly lighter than the original 329-gram model. They are still on the heavier side compared with some competing premium headphones, but the extra weight reflects the use of more durable materials rather than an all-plastic construction.
The biggest upgrade is inside the earcups. Instead of using a single 40 mm dynamic driver per side, the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro uses a triple-driver setup in each ear. This includes a 40 mm dynamic driver for bass, a 13 x 8 mm precision driver for vocals and midrange, and a separate xMEMS solid-state tweeter for high frequencies.
The xMEMS tweeter is one of the more unusual features for over-ear headphones. It uses a silicon diaphragm that Nothing says is far stiffer than traditional plastic, allowing it to react faster to quick changes in sound. In real-world listening, this setup is intended to deliver cleaner highs, better instrument separation, and a more detailed overall sound.
Nothing has also partnered with Metropolis Studios for audio tuning. Users can choose from multiple EQ profiles, while a Flat EQ mode is included for those who prefer a more neutral sound. Interestingly, this mode can be activated directly from a physical switch on the headphones, making it easy to change the sound without digging through an app.
Active noise cancellation has also been improved. The Nothing Headphone (1) Pro uses a total of ten microphones to detect outside noise and wind. According to Nothing, the adaptive ANC can reduce noise by up to 46 dB in laboratory conditions. A transparency mode is included as well, allowing users to hear their surroundings without removing the headphones.
Battery life is another major selling point. With AAC and ANC turned off, the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro can deliver up to 68 hours of playback. With active noise cancellation enabled, battery life is rated at up to 30 hours. When using LDAC, Nothing claims up to 53 hours with ANC off and up to 28 hours with ANC on.
Fast charging is supported too. A quick five-minute charge can provide up to four hours of listening time, while the 1,060 mAh battery takes around two hours to fully recharge.
For wireless connectivity, the headphones support Bluetooth 6.1, along with LDAC, AAC, and LC3 codecs. Multipoint pairing is also available, allowing the headphones to connect to two devices at the same time. Additional convenience features include Auracast, Google Fast Pair, and Microsoft Swift Pair.
Wired listening is supported through both USB-C and a 3.5 mm audio jack. Over USB-C, the headphones support audio up to 24-bit/192 kHz, while the 3.5 mm connection supports up to 24-bit/96 kHz. The Headphone (1) Pro also includes Spatial Audio with head tracking, as well as wear detection that automatically pauses playback when the headphones are removed.
Nothing has kept physical controls as a major part of the user experience. A roller control handles volume, playback, and ANC functions, while a toggle switch is used for skipping tracks and managing calls. This should appeal to users who prefer tactile controls over touch gestures.
The headphones carry an IP52 rating, which means they offer basic protection against dust and light dripping water. However, they are not designed for heavy rain or strong splashes, so they should be treated more like indoor and travel headphones than rugged outdoor gear.
At $399, the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro enters a competitive premium headphone market. Its combination of triple drivers per ear, xMEMS tweeters, adaptive ANC, Hi-Res wired and wireless audio support, and up to 68 hours of battery life makes it one of Nothing’s most ambitious audio products so far. For users who want a distinctive design paired with serious audio hardware, the Headphone (1) Pro could be one of the most interesting over-ear headphone releases of the year.
