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The supplied case for Nothing Headphone (1) Pro covers the ear cups but leaves the headband exposed. SoundGuys argues that this repeats a key drawback of Apple’s AirPods Max Smart Case—and makes it more inconvenient by adding a bulky rigid shell that, when closed, blocks access to the charging port. The complaint is about the case, not the headphones’ sound.

What the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro case gets wrong

In an opinion article published September 30, 2026, SoundGuys writer Adam Birney describes a case that shields the ear cups while leaving the headband outside its protective shell. That design may leave the band vulnerable to scuffs or snags while the headphones are being carried. This is Birney’s assessment, not the result of independent testing.

Birney’s main practical criticism is that the case clamps around the headphones in a way that covers the charging port. In his account, charging means removing the headphones from the case first. The case also has no dedicated compartment for the included cables, so they need to be packed separately. Read the SoundGuys article.

Why the design is especially frustrating

A headphone case has a few basic jobs: protect the headphones, make them practical to carry, and keep useful accessories together. The criticism here is that the Nothing case falls short on coverage and convenience at the same time. Its hard shell adds structure and bulk, yet does not enclose the headband or provide a place for cables.

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#1 Best Overall
kwmobile Silicone Cover for Nothing Headphone (1) Case - Holder for Over-Ear Headphones - Grey
  • Practical Protection: This Headphone (1) cover helps protect your earphones from everyday dust, dirt and scratches
  • Cut-Out Design: Cutouts in the protective case allow you to charge your headphones without having to remove it
  • COMPATIBILITY: Compatible with Nothing Headphone (1)
  • Stylish: Made of soft silicone material, this case for over-ear headphones is lightweight yet durable
  • Button Closure: Thanks to the case's button fastening, you can store and transport your headphones with ease

The headphones do not fold, according to the SoundGuys article, which also characterizes the case as bulky and says it takes up as much bag space as a full-size case. That is a qualitative comparison, not a measured volume. A rigid shell can help prevent crushing, but it is less adaptable to tight packing than a soft pouch—and the exposed headband remains outside that shell.

What Nothing includes—and what it does not solve

Nothing’s UK product page describes a hard-shell case with protective TPU lining and strap loops. It lists the case, a USB-C cable, and a 3.5 mm audio cable among the in-box items. Those accessories are included; the criticism is that the case has no dedicated place to store them. Nothing Headphone (1) Pro product page.

Rank #2
Hard Case for Nothing Headphone (a) / Headphone (1), Box Only
  • [Compatible Models] Designed for Nothing Headphone (a) and Headphone (1) over-ear headphones. Case only; headphones and accessories are not included.
  • [Internal Size] Main compartment measures approximately 7.8 × 8.3 in, with 1.6 in lower depth and 1 in upper depth. Please check the dimensions shown in the product images before ordering.
  • [Accessory Storage] The mesh pocket stores a USB-C cable, 3.5 mm AUX cable, airplane adapter, cable tie, or cleaning cloth.
  • [EVA Protective Case] The structured EVA shell, soft lining, elastic strap, and carrying handle help organize the headphones for commuting, flights, office use, road trips, and home storage.
  • [Water-Resistant Exterior] The shell provides temporary protection from splashes and light rain, but the zipper is not waterproof. Do not submerge the case or leave it in wet conditions for an extended period.

Nothing’s support information confirms that the headphones support USB-C audio and wired audio through 3.5 mm Aux-In. It also says replacement ear cushions can be purchased through official support. Those details may matter to owners, but they do not change the case’s coverage or charging-access limitations. Nothing support: Headphone (1) Pro.

How it compares with the AirPods Max—and alternatives

Birney frames the exposed-headband layout as a carry-case drawback shared with the AirPods Max Smart Case. His argument is that Nothing makes the compromise harder to justify by pairing it with a rigid, bulky shell, while also obstructing charging access and omitting cable storage.

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Rank #3
Shell Case Cover for Nothing Headphone (1) Headphone (Clear Gray)
  • [Compatible] This Clear TPU protective case cover compatible with Nothing Headphone (1) headphone.Note:Please confirm the model before purchasing,only the protective case,the headphone deivce not included.
  • [Material] The Nothing Headphone (1) protective cover is made of High quality TPU material, ultra-thin and lightweight but durable.
  • [Unique Design] Snugly fits the Nothing Headphone (1) without adding any additional bulk. It accurately handle every hole and edge, and enhance the comfortable experience.
  • [Protection] This clear protective cover for Nothing Headphone (1) protect your headphone from scratches and damage during daily use.
  • [Easy to Install] Easy to install and disassemble, no tools required .Washable,quipped with a cleaning cloth for easy cleaning.

The article names the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) as alternatives that fold into their cases. That is an attributed comparison from Birney’s article, not a complete independent comparison of those products’ case designs.

What to look for if you want a better travel setup

Birney recommends a third-party hard case that fully closes and has room for cables, writing: “The fix I’ve recommended to AirPods Max owners for years is a third-party hard case that fully closes and has room for your cables.” He does not identify or test a specific case as compatible with Headphone (1) Pro, so check the fit before buying: a case that merely looks large enough may not close securely around these headphones.

Rank #4
kwmobile Silicone Cover for Nothing Headphone (1) Case - Holder for Over-Ear Headphones - Black
  • Practical Protection: This Headphone (1) cover helps protect your earphones from everyday dust, dirt and scratches
  • Cut-Out Design: Cutouts in the protective case allow you to charge your headphones without having to remove it
  • COMPATIBILITY: Compatible with Nothing Headphone (1)
  • Stylish: Made of soft silicone material, this case for over-ear headphones is lightweight yet durable
  • Button Closure: Thanks to the case's button fastening, you can store and transport your headphones with ease
  • Look for full coverage, including the headband, rather than ear-cup protection alone.
  • Check that the case closes without pressing on the headphones or their controls.
  • Confirm there is room for the USB-C and 3.5 mm cables if you want to keep them together.
  • Verify compatibility with Headphone (1) Pro specifically; no particular compatible third-party model is established here.
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Price context

SoundGuys reports a US manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $399 for Nothing Headphone (1) Pro. Nothing’s UK product page lists £349. These are market-specific reference prices from different sources, not directly comparable checkout prices; current retail pricing and availability may differ.

Best Value
Clangpeony Case for Nothing Headphone 1,2IN1 Clear TPU Ear Cups Cover & PC Headband Cover, Shell Covers Replacement Shockproof/Washable/Dust-Proof/Scratch-Resistant for Men Women (Clear)
  • 【Ultra-Thin & Stylish】Designed specifically for Nothing Headphones (1). Please confirm your headphone model before purchasing. (2-in-1 Set)
  • 【High-Quality TPU Covers】Enjoy durable, tear-resistant ultra-thin Clear TPU Ear Cups Cover & PC Headband Cover for a perfect fit and comfort without compromising sound or noise cancellation.
  • 【Comfortable & Elegant】Durable TPU Ear Cups Cover & PC Headband Cover enhance wearing comfort and protect your headphones from sweat and scratches.
  • 【Original machine mold opening】 Guard against scratches with our premium TPU case cover, featuring precise cutouts for easy access to headphone ports and buttons. Use the digital crown to adjust, control, and charge even with the case on.
  • 【Included】2* Clear TPU Ear Cups Cover & 2* PC Headband Cover. [Note: Does not include Nothing headphone (1)]

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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