Nothing has introduced the Headphone (1) Pro, a new over-ear wireless headphone designed around a three-driver acoustic system, upgraded active noise cancellation and extended battery life. Announced on October 13, the headphones carry a listed price of 3,999 yuan in China, with an introductory price of 2,999 yuan.
We previously covered the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro leak, which outlined the rumored audio hardware and battery life before the official announcement.
The new model combines a distinctive industrial design with titanium and aluminum construction, physical controls, Bluetooth 6.1 connectivity and support for high-resolution audio. Nothing has also increased the maximum advertised noise-cancellation depth from 42dB on the original model to 46dB.
With support for LDAC, USB-C audio, a traditional 3.5mm connection and spatial audio with head tracking, the Headphone (1) Pro aims to serve listeners who want more control over sound quality and everyday listening.
Nothing Headphone (1) Pro Price and Design
The Nothing Headphone (1) Pro is available in black and white finishes. It weighs approximately 327 grams, placing it in the full-size over-ear headphone category.
Nothing has made several adjustments intended to improve wearing comfort. The headband is wider, the ear cushions are thicker, and the foam is reportedly 50% softer than before. The ear cups can also tilt by up to 20 degrees, helping them adjust to different head shapes.
The exterior continues Nothing’s recognizable design approach, combining titanium and aluminum with glass replacing some of the plastic used in the construction. The headphones also carry an IP52 protection rating, although this should not be interpreted as making them suitable for swimming or heavy water exposure.
Physical controls remain a central part of the design. Instead of relying entirely on touch gestures, the Headphone (1) Pro retains a combination of a paddle-style control and a scroll wheel. These controls provide a more direct way to manage playback and adjust settings.
At 2,999 yuan during the introductory sale, the headphones enter the premium segment. Their overall value will depend on how the three-driver system, noise cancellation and comfort perform in everyday use.
To understand the changes in the new model, compare it with our earlier report on the original Nothing Headphone (1) specifications.
Three-Driver Audio System Covers 20Hz to 40kHz
The most distinctive technical feature is the three-driver acoustic architecture. Rather than relying on a single dynamic driver in each ear cup, the Headphone (1) Pro combines two dynamic drivers with an xMEMS solid-state tweeter.
The three components are designed to cover different parts of the audio spectrum.
- 40mm dynamic driver: Uses a ceramic-coated PET diaphragm and is specified for the 20Hz–10kHz range, with an emphasis on lower frequencies.
- 13 × 8mm precision dynamic driver: Uses a PEN diaphragm and covers the stated 5kHz–15kHz range.
- xMEMS solid-state tweeter: Measures 3.2 × 6.0 × 1.15mm and uses a silicon-based diaphragm, with a specified range of 10kHz–40kHz.
The combined advertised frequency response spans 20Hz to 40kHz. The overlapping ranges allow the three drivers to contribute across different portions of the spectrum, although the actual crossover design and tuning will play an important role in the final sound.
Nothing says the headphones have received Hi-Res Audio certification for both wired and wireless listening. Codec support and a broad frequency-response specification can be useful indicators, but neither alone guarantees superior sound quality. Listening tests will be needed to assess bass control, vocal clarity, treble detail and performance across different music genres.
Metropolis Studios Tuning and Spatial Audio
Nothing worked with London’s Metropolis Studios on the Headphone (1) Pro’s sound tuning. The collaboration is intended to give the headphones a more considered audio profile for music listening.
A physical control lever can activate a Flat EQ setting, providing a more neutral starting point for listeners who prefer less sound coloration. This is particularly useful for people who want to compare the default tuning with a flatter presentation.
The spatial-audio system includes five presets: Standard, Live House, Club, Concert Hall and Studio B. These modes are designed to create different listening environments, from a conventional presentation to a more spacious or venue-inspired effect.
The headphones also support spatial audio with head tracking. This feature can adjust the perceived position of audio as the listener moves their head, depending on the supported content and playback configuration.
For users who prefer a personalized sound profile, the Nothing X app provides additional customization options, including Personal Sound features. The effectiveness of these adjustments will depend on individual hearing preferences and the source material.
Active Noise Cancellation Reaches 46dB
Noise cancellation is another major upgrade. The Headphone (1) Pro is rated for up to 46dB of active noise cancellation, compared with the original model’s advertised maximum of 42dB.
The system uses 10 microphones to monitor surrounding sound and adjust noise reduction in real time. Nothing also claims that the effective noise-cancellation coverage has increased by 40% compared with the first-generation headphones.
These figures describe the manufacturer’s stated capabilities rather than a guarantee that all external noise will be eliminated. Actual results vary according to frequency, fit, background conditions and the type of sound being blocked. Low-frequency aircraft or engine noise, for example, can behave differently from nearby voices.
A transparency mode is included for situations where users need to hear their surroundings without removing the headphones. For calls, a separate four-microphone arrangement and processing algorithms are designed to improve voice pickup.
Together, these features make the Headphone (1) Pro suitable for consideration by commuters, office workers and frequent travelers. Independent testing will help establish how well the noise cancellation and microphone system perform in busy environments.
Bluetooth 6.1, LDAC and Wired Hi-Res Audio
The Headphone (1) Pro supports Bluetooth 6.1, connection to two devices and Auracast audio broadcasting. Dual-device connectivity is useful for people who regularly switch between a laptop and smartphone, while Auracast can enable compatible broadcast-audio experiences.
Supported wireless audio codecs include AAC, SBC, LDAC and LC3. LDAC can transmit higher-bitrate audio than some conventional Bluetooth codecs when the source device, settings and wireless conditions support it. LC3 is associated with Bluetooth LE Audio, while actual compatibility depends on the connected devices and software.
For wired listening, the headphones offer two options:
- USB-C: Supports audio up to 24-bit/192kHz.
- 3.5mm audio jack: Supports audio up to 24-bit/96kHz.
Keeping the traditional 3.5mm connection gives users an alternative for compatible laptops, audio equipment and other devices. USB-C provides another route for high-resolution playback without relying on a wireless connection.
However, the final audio quality will also depend on the music file, playback device, digital-to-analog conversion and headphone tuning. A high-resolution input specification does not automatically mean every track will sound better.
Up to 68 Hours of Battery Life
Nothing equips the Headphone (1) Pro with a 1,060mAh battery. According to the published specifications, the headphones can last up to 68 hours with active noise cancellation disabled, or up to 30 hours with ANC enabled.
The difference reflects the additional power required to operate noise cancellation and related processing. For users who listen for several hours a day, the stated endurance could reduce how frequently the headphones need charging.
Fast charging is also supported. A five-minute charge is advertised to provide approximately four hours of playback with ANC off, or two hours with ANC enabled.
As with other battery-life claims, actual results will depend on volume, codec, wireless conditions, ANC usage and other settings. Real-world testing will be necessary to determine how closely typical listening sessions match the maximum figures.
App Features and Everyday Controls
The Nothing X app provides a central place to adjust the Headphone (1) Pro’s supported features. Users can personalize sound settings, configure available listening modes and manage supported functions.
The headphones also include wear detection, which can help manage playback when they are removed or put back on. A low-latency mode is available for use cases where reducing the delay between video and audio matters.
Combined with the physical paddle and scroll wheel, these software options give users several ways to adjust the listening experience. The balance between physical controls and app-based customization may appeal to listeners who want quick access to common functions without opening a phone app every time.
Nothing Headphone (1) Pro vs. the Original Headphone (1)
The Headphone (1) Pro’s main advertised changes focus on sound hardware, noise cancellation and comfort.
| Feature | Nothing Headphone (1) Pro |
|---|---|
| Driver architecture | Three drivers, including an xMEMS tweeter |
| Advertised frequency response | 20Hz–40kHz |
| Maximum advertised ANC | Up to 46dB |
| Microphones | 10 for adaptive ANC; four for calls |
| Wireless connection | Bluetooth 6.1 |
| Supported codecs | AAC, SBC, LDAC, LC3 |
| Wired audio | USB-C and 3.5mm |
| Battery capacity | 1,060mAh |
| Advertised battery life | Up to 68 hours with ANC off; 30 hours with ANC on |
| Weight | 327g |
| Protection rating | IP52 |
| Introductory price in China | 2,999 yuan |
The original model was advertised with up to 42dB of noise cancellation, so the new 46dB rating represents a stated improvement. The three-driver arrangement is another significant technical distinction, while softer padding and adjustable ear cups address comfort.
Buyers should still compare independent reviews before deciding whether these changes justify the price. Comfort, tuning preferences and ANC performance can be just as important as the headline specifications.
Is the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro Worth Considering?
The Nothing Headphone (1) Pro brings together several features that are attractive in premium wireless headphones: a multi-driver acoustic system, adaptive noise cancellation, high-resolution audio support, spatial audio and a long advertised battery life.
Its physical controls and wired connections also offer practical flexibility. Listeners who alternate between wireless playback, a computer and dedicated audio equipment may appreciate having several connection options instead of relying exclusively on Bluetooth.
The main considerations are its 327g weight, the gap between advertised and real-world battery life, and the performance of the three-driver tuning. The IP52 rating provides limited protection, not full waterproofing, and the 46dB ANC figure should not be treated as a direct measure of performance in every environment.
At the introductory price of 2,999 yuan, the Headphone (1) Pro is an interesting new entry in the premium headphone category. Whether it stands out from established competitors will depend on independent listening tests, comfort over long sessions and how consistently its noise cancellation performs.
For now, its strongest selling points are the three-driver design, upgraded advertised ANC and flexible wired and wireless connectivity.