When Nothing launched its maiden over-ear audio hardware, the tech world took notice. Eschewing the anonymous, matte-black corporate aesthetic favored by mainstream competitors, the company leaned heavily into its signature retro-industrial design language—blending 1990s gaming console nostalgia, cassette-tape transparency, and distinct mechanical tactility. Now, Nothing is back with a refined, highly ambitious successor: the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro.
Priced at £349, the Headphone (1) Pro is a clear statement of intent. It shifts the brand from a disruptor in the budget and mid-tier audio market into serious, premium territory. Armed with a sophisticated three-driver acoustic architecture, Bluetooth 6.1, high-res LDAC streaming, adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC) rated up to 46dB, and a headline-grabbing physical Flat EQ mode tuned in collaboration with London’s legendary Metropolis Studios, these cans are engineered to turn heads and satisfy demanding ears.
However, at nearly £350—and with the original, highly capable Headphone (1) still holding its own—the Pro model arrives at a crossroads. It represents a straightforward, unhesitating recommendation for newcomers looking for top-tier performance, but a far more complicated calculus for existing brand loyalists considering an upgrade.
Chronology and Hardware Evolution: From Concept to Pro
The trajectory of Nothing’s audio hardware has been swift. Following the initial success of their early audio ecosystem products and the affordable Headphone (a), the company recognized a gap for a true audiophile-grade device that retained its iconic design identity.
The development of the Headphone (1) Pro focused heavily on internal acoustic restructuring rather than a radical overhaul of the physical chassis. While the original model relied on a single unified driver approach with standard software tuning, the Pro iteration adopts a segmented, multi-transducer layout:
Bass: A custom 40mm dynamic driver designed to deliver deeper, more authoritative low-end response with improved sensitivity.
Mids: A 13 x 8mm precision dynamic driver dedicated entirely to vocal clarity and instrument separation.
Treble: A micro-sized solid-state xMEMS driver engineered to give high frequencies pristine space to breathe without harsh sibilance.
Alongside this acoustic redesign, Nothing overhauled the microphone array. The Headphone (1) Pro now features a 10-microphone system dedicated to both voice pickup and adaptive ANC, bringing its environmental isolation closer to industry heavyweights like Sony, Apple, and Bose.
Yet, external design changes have also sparked debate. Most notably, Nothing replaced the old soft-touch square PU leather carrying case with a rigid, pill-box-style hard-shell case that cradles the earcups while leaving the headband exposed. Described by some reviewers as a "handbag for your head," it represents a polarizing aesthetic gamble that prioritizes a smaller footprint over traditional, fully enclosed protection.
Supporting Data & Technical Specifications
For creators, audiophiles, and tech enthusiasts, the spec sheet of the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro reveals a remarkably capable piece of engineering:
Ergonomics & Comfort: Dual-layer soft cushions, 10% wider headband with 12% more padding, tailored fit for glasses wearers
Carrying Case: Hard-shell case with TPU interior lining and attachment loops for straps or carabiners
Official Responses and Expert Testing
Nothing’s design philosophy has always been rooted in provocation—inviting users to question what consumer tech should look and feel like. Speaking on the integration of the physical Flat EQ switch, company engineers emphasized the desire to bridge the gap between casual listening and professional studio monitoring.
According to professional testing, the collaboration with Metropolis Studios—the historic London recording facility that has hosted music icons ranging from Queen and Oasis to Yes—yields tangible results.
"A physical switch on the earcup removes Nothing’s added processing and gives you a neutral profile tuned with Metropolis Studios… for reviewing tracks, comparing mixes and making critical listening decisions. Because it’s a switch rather than an app preset, you can flip between normal listening and the flatter profile in a second."
Sound and Ergonomics in Practice
In real-world testing, the three-driver system proves its worth. Listening to complex, dynamic recordings reveals an expanded soundstage where bass carries legitimate weight without muddying the mid-range, and vocals achieve an intimate, textured presence.
Comfort has similarly been upgraded. Weighing in at 327g, the headphones manage their mass effectively. The widened headband and softer dual-layer memory foam cushions distribute pressure evenly, creating an accommodating fit for users wearing spectacles during long listening sessions—a common pain point in over-ear headphone design.
Furthermore, the physical controls remain a masterclass in usability. While the industry rushes toward finicky capacitive touch panels, Nothing retains its mechanical roller wheel and rocker paddle. These controls allow for blind, instinctive adjustments, though users should note that the paddle’s positioning can occasionally snag when leaning back against high-backed seats or aircraft headrests.
Implications: Who Should Buy the Headphone (1) Pro?
The release of the £349 Headphone (1) Pro forces potential buyers to evaluate their specific needs against Nothing’s pricing strategy.
1. The Verdict for Newcomers
For consumers stepping into the Nothing ecosystem for the first time, the Headphone (1) Pro is an easy recommendation. It delivers exceptional build quality, striking visual differentiation, top-tier active noise cancellation, robust battery performance (easily surviving long-haul international flights), and an innovative flat-response audio mode. It challenges established flagships from legacy audio brands while offering a distinct personality.
2. The Upgrade Dilemma for Current Owners
For existing owners of the original Headphone (1), the decision is significantly more complex. While the Pro model introduces undeniable technical improvements—sharper treble via xMEMS drivers, a punchier low-end, improved silicone acoustic seals, and the invaluable Metropolis-tuned Flat EQ switch—the original model remains remarkably competent.
If you are a music producer, video editor, or audio purist who will actively exploit the hardware-level Flat EQ switch for critical listening, the upgrade carries weight. However, for casual listeners who already own the first-generation model, the standard Headphone (1) does not feel obsolete.
Conclusion
Nothing’s Headphone (1) Pro is a triumph of engineering risk-taking. It avoids the trap of iterative complacency by introducing genuine acoustic innovations, such as its three-driver hybrid setup and physical studio-tuned Flat EQ switch. While its polarizing "handbag" carrying case and premium £349 price tag will prompt healthy debate among critics and consumers alike, the product succeeds where it matters most: delivering superior sound, enduring comfort, and a design identity that proudly refuses to blend into the crowd.
