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The Nothing Headphone (1) Pro makes a strong case for its $399 US list price with detailed, bass-rich sound, flexible EQ and satisfying physical controls. But its noise cancellation is a meaningful weakness: Gizmodo reviewer James Pero still heard train noise and conversation in subway use, and judged it behind the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen). Buy it for the sound and design—not on the assumption that its ANC is class-leading.
What the review found
Pero’s central verdict is enthusiastic about sound. He describes clear guitar and vocal detail, convincing stereo separation, and strong bass that does not overwhelm the rest of the mix. He also liked the personalized EQ. These are listening impressions, not results from controlled acoustic measurements. As Pero put it, “This is an excellent-sounding pair of wireless headphones.”
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The review’s “S-Tier” framing is an emphatic opinion about the listening experience, not an objective rating standard or evidence of consensus. The more useful takeaway is that sound quality is the Headphone (1) Pro’s headline strength, while noise cancellation is the main compromise.
Noise cancellation is the key trade-off
Nothing advertises ANC of up to 46 dB, explicitly describing that figure as a theoretical maximum whose real-world result varies by environment. The manufacturer also claims a 2 dB improvement over the earlier Headphone 1. Pero found the change subtle: in subway and busy-street use, he could still hear train noise and people talking, and judged the ANC average. His qualitative comparison favored the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) for noise cancellation; he said those models cost $50 more at the time of his review. That is his comparison, not a standardized head-to-head test or a current price survey.
#1 Best Overall
- Triple Driver Architecture: Experience balanced, detailed audio with Nothing Headphone (1) Pro wireless headphones, built around a dedicated three-driver system featuring a 40 mm bass driver, precision driver, and treble XMEMS driver. Each driver is engineered to handle part of the frequency range, working together to unlock deeper bass, sharper vocals and richer textures across music, gaming, and more.
- Certified Hi-Res Audio for wireless and wired listening: Enjoy high-quality wireless audio with LDAC, or connect via USB-C for lossless, high-fidelity playback at up to 24-bit/192 kHz.
- 10-Mic Real-time Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation: Nothing Headphone (1) Pro delivers up to 46 dB of Active Noise Cancellation with 10 microphones and a new silicone sound seal. Ten microphones monitor your surroundings and automatically adjust noise cancellation in real time to reduce unwanted background noise. A new 8 mm silicone wall baffle wall inside the ear cushion provides passive isolation, while Transparency Mode lets you hear your surroundings when needed.
- Studio-Level Tuning with Metropolis Studios: Nothing partnered with Metropolis Studios, home to some of the world’s most influential audio engineers, to bring studio-level tools to Nothing Headphone (1) Pro noise cancelling headphone. Listen to the raw track with Flat EQ for reviewing music, producing or mixing, discover new EQ Profiles and feel what it's like to listen in a recording studio through a unique Dynamic Spatial Audio mode.
- Spatial Audio & Advanced EQ: Dynamic Spatial Audio has five modes: Standard, Studio B, Live House, Club and Concert Hall. Advanced EQ gives you precise control over your sound, letting you drag tuning points across multiple drivers.
If blocking commuting noise is your top priority, the review gives you reason to compare alternatives in person or consult more direct ANC testing before choosing. Nothing’s maximum-decibel claim alone does not establish how well the headphones will handle your particular surroundings.
Sound, drivers and listening modes
Nothing says the headphones use three drivers, each covering part of the frequency range: a 40 mm bass dynamic driver, a 13 × 8 mm precision dynamic driver, and a 3.2 × 6.0 × 1.15 mm treble xMEMS driver. The architecture is unusual, but multiple drivers do not by themselves prove better sound; Pero’s favorable assessment comes from his own listening.
He liked the personalized EQ and Studio B spatial mode, while finding other spatial modes less natural. The Flat EQ switch is intended to let creators hear a less processed signal while checking a music or video mix. Pero saw potential value for hobbyist creators, but not a compelling reason for most listeners to buy these headphones.
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- Intelligent Noise Cancellation Adapts with You: Our Nothing headphone 1 feature advanced Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, powered by next-gen processors and adaptive mics, to block out distractions. Smart Adaptive Mode automatically adjusts to your environment, while Transparency Mode lets in ambient sound when you need awareness. Personalize your experience with four ANC settings (High/Mid/Low/Adaptive) for truly focused, crystal-clear listening
- Nothing x KEF Headphone (1) : Nothing Headphone (1) experience audio perfected through a unique partnership with British audio legend KEF. Leveraging over 60 years of acoustic expertise, Nothing Noise Cancelling Headphone delivers a naturally balanced sound stage where every note shines as artists intended. Enjoy unparalleled flexibility with Hi-Res Audio support including LDAC technology, USB-C audio, and a 3.5mm jack. Dual Connection capability lets you seamlessly switch between two devices
- Uninterrupted Audio with Immersive Sound: Engineered for all-day use, Nothing Headphones 1 deliver up to 80 hours of playtime (35 hours with ANC on). A quick 5-minute charge provides 5 hours of power. Coupled with this endurance is a lossless audio experience, Nothing Wireless Headphones offer Spatial Audio with head tracking and Hi-Res Wireless certification for exceptional clarity and a deeply immersive sound stage
- Sink In, Take Control: Designed for all-day wear, Nothing Bluetooth Wireless Headphone ergonomic frame and memory foam cushions provide a comfortable, secure fit. The Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphone features intuitive roller and paddle interface puts volume adjustment, playback, and noise mode switching at your fingertips, with full customization available in the Nothing X app. This thoughtful integration of form and function ensures a continuously surround sound Journey
- Explore the Nothing X app: Craft your unique audio profile with the Nothing X app's advanced 8-band equalizer.Tailor your Nothing Headphone 1 with Adaptive ANC settings and enhance depth with the Ultra Bass mode. Customize your Bluetooth active noise canceling headphones' touch buttons to execute your most-used commands instantly
Controls, comfort and case
The review praises the distinctive transparent styling, titanium details, tactile roller and paddle controls, and softer cushions. Physical controls can make everyday adjustments more direct than relying on touch gestures, though the review does not establish a measurable comfort advantage for every wearer.
The hard case weighs 384 g—more than the headphones themselves—and leaves the headband exposed. Pero liked the case, but its weight and shape may be a drawback for buyers who want a compact, lightweight carry option.
Battery life and wired listening
Nothing’s support figures are laboratory results measured at 25°C and 50% volume, with other features at default settings; actual battery life varies. The manufacturer’s published maximums depend on codec and whether ANC is enabled:
Rank #3
- Intelligent Noise Cancellation Adapts with You: Our Nothing headphone 1 feature advanced Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, powered by next-gen processors and adaptive mics, to block out distractions. Smart Adaptive Mode automatically adjusts to your environment, while Transparency Mode lets in ambient sound when you need awareness. Personalize your experience with four ANC settings (High/Mid/Low/Adaptive) for truly focused, crystal-clear listening
- Nothing x KEF Headphone (1) : Nothing Headphone (1) experience audio perfected through a unique partnership with British audio legend KEF. Leveraging over 60 years of acoustic expertise, Nothing Noise Cancelling Headphone delivers a naturally balanced sound stage where every note shines as artists intended. Enjoy unparalleled flexibility with Hi-Res Audio support including LDAC technology, USB-C audio, and a 3.5mm jack. Dual Connection capability lets you seamlessly switch between two devices
- Uninterrupted Audio with Immersive Sound: Engineered for all-day use, Nothing Headphones 1 deliver up to 80 hours of playtime (35 hours with ANC on). A quick 5-minute charge provides 5 hours of power. Coupled with this endurance is a lossless audio experience, Nothing Wireless Headphones offer Spatial Audio with head tracking and Hi-Res Wireless certification for exceptional clarity and a deeply immersive sound stage
- Sink In, Take Control: Designed for all-day wear, Nothing Bluetooth Wireless Headphone ergonomic frame and memory foam cushions provide a comfortable, secure fit. The Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphone features intuitive roller and paddle interface puts volume adjustment, playback, and noise mode switching at your fingertips, with full customization available in the Nothing X app. This thoughtful integration of form and function ensures a continuously surround sound Journey
- Explore the Nothing X app: Craft your unique audio profile with the Nothing X app's advanced 8-band equalizer.Tailor your Nothing Headphone 1 with Adaptive ANC settings and enhance depth with the Ultra Bass mode. Customize your Bluetooth active noise canceling headphones' touch buttons to execute your most-used commands instantly
| Codec and ANC setting | Manufacturer playback claim |
|---|---|
| AAC, ANC off | 68 hours |
| AAC, ANC on | 30 hours |
| LDAC, ANC off | 53 hours |
| LDAC, ANC on | 28 hours |
Nothing also claims up to four hours of playback from a five-minute charge with ANC off. Pero repeated the 30-hour ANC-on headline, but his one-hour listening check was inconclusive: the app displayed battery in 10% increments and still showed 100%. It should not be treated as an independent battery test.
For wired use, Nothing says USB-C playback supports up to 192 kHz/24-bit, while 3.5 mm AUX supports up to 96 kHz/24-bit. The actual playback resolution depends on the source and connected device.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Price and who should buy them
Nothing listed the Headphone (1) Pro at $399 in the US and £349 in the UK on October 7, 2026. These are regional manufacturer listing prices, not guaranteed checkout prices; stock and offers may vary. The Gizmodo review did not verify marketplace listings or sellers.
They make the most sense for listeners who prioritize detailed, engaging sound, want EQ flexibility and physical controls, and like the design. They are a less obvious fit if strong ANC is your first requirement, or if you would rarely use creator-oriented Flat EQ and spatial modes. The price asks you to value the sound and feature set enough to accept the ANC compromise.
Quick Recap
Sources
- Gizmodo review by James Pero, October 1, 2026 (review findings and impressions).
- Nothing US product page (US listing and manufacturer specifications).
- Nothing support: battery life (codec-specific laboratory figures and conditions).
- Nothing support: wired audio specifications (USB-C and AUX playback limits).
- Nothing UK product page (UK listing).
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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