The Nothing Headphone 1 Pro makes a persuasive case as a premium noise-canceling headphone, but its included hard case is an awkward everyday-carry trade-off. CNET lists the headphones at $399 and rates them 8.6; those are the review’s US price and score, not a guarantee of today’s price or a universal verdict.
What the case gets right—and wrong
The hard-shell case fully covers the earcups and has a rubberized interior. CNET reviewer David Carnoy found it protective and easy to use, but too bulky and heavy for convenient daily carry. It has no compartment for a cable and no cutout for charging the headphones over USB-C while they are inside. Loops are included, but a shoulder strap is not.
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Carnoy summed up the mismatch with the section heading “The case is a bit much and not enough.” He also wrote, “I didn’t care for the case, which seems to detract a bit from the seriousness of the headphones (by that I mean the headphones seem to have audiophile aspirations).” That is his assessment of the case’s usability and presentation, not a measured defect in the headphones.
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What changes in the Headphone 1 Pro
Carnoy describes a triple-driver design, softer earpads, a wider padded headband, premium metal details, and Panda glass windows. CNET reports the Pro weighs 327g, compared with 329g for the original Headphone 1. The small weight reduction is not the main change: the review says the Pro sounds more detailed and dynamic than its predecessor.
#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.
The rectangular, cassette-inspired design is distinctive, and the physical controls are a practical strength. The review highlights an on/off switch, volume roller, track paddle, and customizable button. A separate switch selects the flat EQ setting.
Sound, noise cancellation, and calls
The review’s sound comparisons are subjective rather than an objective ranking. Carnoy slightly preferred the Sony WH-1000XM6’s tonal balance, while he found the AirPods Max 2 more controlled and refined. His preferred presentation depends on the comparison, so the review does not establish a single sound winner.
Carnoy tested noise cancellation on New York streets and against HVAC rumble in his apartment. He found the Pro’s ANC improved over the original Headphone 1, but a little behind the AirPods Max 2, Sony WH-1000XM6, and second-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones overall. He found call noise suppression strong, though callers could tell he was outdoors and using headphones. These are the reviewer’s observations, not results from a standardized comparative test described in the review.
Rank #2
- 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
Nothing claims noise reduction of up to 46dB. That is a manufacturer claim reported by CNET, not an independently established measurement in the review.
Connectivity, battery, and fit
CNET reports Bluetooth 6.1, Auracast, wear detection, and AAC, SBC, LDAC, and LC3 codec support. It also reports USB-C wired lossless playback up to 24-bit/192kHz. For listeners who want wired playback, that capability is distinct from the case’s lack of a charging cutout: the headphones cannot be charged over USB-C while stored inside it.
Nothing’s battery claims, as reported by CNET, are up to 30 hours with ANC on and up to 68 hours with ANC off. The company also claims up to two hours of ANC-on listening from a five-minute charge. These are advertised maximums, not battery-life results independently established by the review.
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
CNET reports an IP52 splash- and dust-resistance rating. Treat that as the stated rating, not a broader promise of protection against every exposure to water or dust.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsHow it compares with other premium headphones
CNET’s review lists the following prices and weights for the models it discusses. Prices are figures in that review, not verified current offers; check the seller and region before buying.
| Model | Price listed by CNET | Weight reported by CNET | Review context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nothing Headphone 1 Pro | $399 | 327g | Case is protective but bulky, heavy, and lacks cable storage and a USB-C charging cutout. |
| Apple AirPods Max 2 | $549 | 385g | Carnoy found the sound more controlled and refined, and its ANC slightly ahead in his testing. |
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | $450 | 254g | Carnoy slightly preferred its tonal balance and found it, along with the Bose model, a little more comfortable over long listening sessions. |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd gen) | $449 | 254g | Carnoy found ANC slightly ahead in his testing and the fit a little more comfortable over long sessions. |
On the information in this review, the Nothing model’s clearest compromise is not its listening feature list but its case. The review offers specific comparative judgments about sound, ANC, and comfort, but does not establish comparable battery-life results or case measurements for every alternative.
Quick Recap
Who should consider the Headphone 1 Pro?
- Consider it if you want the reported wired USB-C lossless option, a broad list of wireless codecs, tactile controls, and a more detailed and dynamic sound than CNET found in the original Headphone 1.
- Think twice if you regularly carry headphones in a bag and expect a compact case with space for a cable or access to the charging port while stored.
- Compare fit in person if possible if long-session comfort or lower weight is a priority; Carnoy found the lighter Sony and Bose models a little more comfortable over long listening sessions.
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.
