The Nothing Headphone (1) Pro makes a stronger case on features than on value. Its three-driver design, adaptive noise cancelling and broad wired and wireless audio support are compelling on paper, and a September 2026 review report praised its noise cancelling and detailed sound. But that reviewer also questioned whether the improvement is worth paying more than for Nothing’s Headphone (a), and the Pro’s large, heavy case is a real portability trade-off. At the UK price of £349 listed by Nothing when checked in 2026, it is most appealing to buyers who specifically want its feature set—not simply anyone looking for a premium over-ear headset.
What is new about the Headphone (1) Pro?
Nothing’s official UK product page describes the Headphone (1) Pro as an over-ear headphone with three drivers in each ear cup: a 40 mm bass dynamic driver, a 13 × 8 mm precision dynamic driver and a 3.2 × 6.0 × 1.15 mm solid-state xMEMS treble driver. Nothing lists a 20 Hz–40 kHz frequency range. These are manufacturer specifications, not evidence by themselves that every listener will hear a better result. Nothing’s product page has the full specification list.
The Pro also brings adaptive active noise cancelling (ANC), which Nothing rates at up to 46 dB, and ten microphones. The “up to” figure is the company’s specification, not an independently verified measurement. A review report by Charles E. Dabbs, dated September 28, 2026, describes the ANC as effective in the reviewer’s test; the report is a republication that attributes copyright to TechRadar, and the original publisher page was not independently verified. Read the review report.
How does it sound and perform?
Dabbs’s review report praises the Pro’s detailed, integrated presentation and the way its multi-driver arrangement works together. The reviewer also found calls clear during testing and described the fit as more comfortable. Those are the reviewer’s impressions, not a guarantee of the same result for every listener, and the available evidence does not include independent lab measurements.
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- 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 review’s most useful caveat is that “more detailed” is not the same as “more enjoyable” for everyone. The reviewer found the cheaper Headphone (a) more energetic in sound, and questioned whether the Pro’s refinement justified the price premium for listeners who prefer that character. Sound preference is personal; if possible, compare the two with familiar music before choosing.
The Pro supports AAC, SBC and LDAC over Bluetooth, plus dual-device connection, Auracast broadcast audio, head-tracked spatial audio, Personal Sound and a physical Flat EQ switch. For wired listening, Nothing specifies USB-C audio up to 24-bit/192 kHz and AUX up to 24-bit/96 kHz. Those maximum formats depend on the audio source and connected device; the specification does not mean every stream or recording will be available at those resolutions.
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
How long does the battery last?
Nothing Support gives different maximum playback figures depending on codec and whether ANC is active. These are manufacturer claims measured at 25°C, 50% volume and default settings; Nothing says real-world duration varies with volume, source, interference, features and usage habits. Nothing’s battery-life support page provides the test conditions.
| Codec | ANC off | ANC on |
|---|---|---|
| AAC | Up to 68 hours | Up to 30 hours |
| LDAC | Up to 53 hours | Up to 28 hours |
Nothing also advertises up to four hours of playback from a five-minute charge with ANC off, or up to two hours with ANC on, under its test conditions. Treat all of these as company figures rather than guaranteed runtimes. The review report says the Pro’s battery endurance is modest compared with the less expensive Headphone (a), but its comparative figures should not be treated as current manufacturer specifications without checking the relevant product pages.
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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
What are the price and portability trade-offs?
Nothing’s UK store listed the Pro at £349 when checked in 2026. The review report published September 28, 2026, gives launch prices for three models in the markets it covers. They are historical launch/list figures, not current quotes; local prices and stock can change.
| Model | US | UK | Australia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nothing Headphone (1) Pro | $399 launch price, as reported by the review | £349 launch price, as reported by the review | Approximately AU$655 launch price, as reported by the review |
| Nothing Headphone (a) | $199 launch/list figure, as reported by the review | £149 launch/list figure, as reported by the review | AU$329 launch/list figure, as reported by the review |
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | $449 launch/list figure, as reported by the review | £399 launch/list figure, as reported by the review | AU$699 launch/list figure, as reported by the review |
The product page lists the headphones at 327 g and the hard-shell case at 383.5 g. The case weight is substantial if you routinely carry the headphones in a bag, and the review report specifically criticizes the case as large and heavy. Nothing lists a strap-loop case, 3.5 mm audio cable, USB-C cable and quick-start guide in the box, so the cables needed for the advertised wired connections are included.
Rank #4
- Dynamic Noise Cancellation Tailored for You: Experience the Nothing Headphone (a) with cutting-edge Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, utilizing state-of-the-art processors and adaptive microphones to eliminate distractions. The innovative Smart Adaptive Mode adjusts seamlessly to your surroundings, while the Transparency Mode allows ambient sounds for situational awareness. Select from four customizable ANC levels (High/Mid/Low/Adaptive) for a personalized listening journey
- Endless Listening with Rich Sound Quality: Crafted for 5 HD Mics, our Nothing Headphone (a) Bluetooth Headphones Over the Ear boasts a Spatial Audio with Hi-Res Wireless certification for remarkable clarity and an immersive auditory experience, Noise Cancelling Headphone with impressive battery life of up to 135 hours (75 hours with ANC on). A rapid 5-minute charge delivers 8 hours of playback time (ANC off)
- Remote Camera Shutter: Control your camera with a simple press of your Wireless Over-Ear headphones. No more running back and forth—just smooth, uninterrupted content creation. Perfect for vlogs, outfit checks, selfies, or group shots. Frame, get into position, and capture instantly.(On Nothing OS: Directly activates the camera; one press to record. On iOS & Android: Quickly capture or control recording if the camera function is already open)
- Comfort Meets Control: Designed for all-day comfort, the Nothing Headphones Wireless Over Ear features an ergonomic design with memory foam cushions for a secure fit. The Over Ear Bluetooth Headphones design includes an intuitive roller and paddle interface, providing easy access to volume controls, playback, and noise mode switching. The Nothing X app allows for extensive customization, ensuring a continuous, immersive sound experience
- Built For Your Unique Style: Start with your Personal Sound Profile and immerse yourself in Nothing X APP (with Ultra Bass included). Nothing Active Noise Canceling Headphones with Spatial Audio for concert or cinema-level listening for quick access to your most-used commands
Are they water resistant?
Nothing lists an IP52 rating based on laboratory testing and explicitly says the headphones are not waterproof. That rating should not be read as permission to wear them in the shower, swim with them or use them for water sports. The product page does not establish suitability for hard exercise, either, so buyers seeking headphones for sweaty workouts should not assume the rating covers that use.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the Headphone (1) Pro worth buying?
The review report rates the Pro 4/5 for sound, 3/5 for value and 4/5 overall after a stated two weeks of testing. Those scores belong to that reviewer and outlet, not to an independent test program; the report’s original TechRadar page was not independently verified. Its central verdict is useful nonetheless: the Pro’s feature set and sound impressed the reviewer, but value is harder to defend against the Headphone (a), especially for listeners who prefer the cheaper model’s more energetic presentation.
Best Value
- The Groundbreaking New Sound - Latest wireless over ear Bluetooth headphones from CMF by Nothing, Headphone Pro, Features LDAC and Dual Hi-Res Certification. with customized 40mm dynamic drivers to deliver a more remarkable listening experience than ever before
- Broad Compatibility, Simple to Use - An ideal headphone choice for iOS and Android, it supports various streaming devices via Bluetooth pairing or AUX and is also compatible with macOS & Windows. With built-in Google Fast Pair & Microsoft Swift Pair, it is ready to use right out of the box for most
- Less Noise, Purer Sound - Experience up to 40 dB of Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation that elevates your listening experience and immerses you more fully in the music. Need to hear ambient sound? Just press the ANC button to toggle Transparency Mode instantly
- All-Day Endurance and Comfort - Enjoy up to 50 hours of non-stop ANC-on wireless playtime, Our over-ear headphones featuring memory foam earpads and a cap-friendly headband that offer all-day comfort and stylish portability, from a quick podcast to hours of deep focus...
- Built For Your Unique Style - Featuring Personal Sound Profile & CMF Spatial Audio. Why settle for standard sound? Explore your own concert/cinema-level experience for each listening session. Customizable via the Nothing X app
Before deciding, compare current prices in your market and weigh the factors that matter to your use:
Quick Recap
- Choose the Pro if its three-driver configuration, adaptive ANC, LDAC, wired audio options and additional features are priorities, and the higher price fits your budget.
- Consider the Headphone (a) if you want to spend less or prefer the more energetic sound character described by the reviewer. Check current battery and connectivity specifications directly before comparing.
- Compare alternatives carefully if you are focused on battery life or portability. Match codec and ANC settings when comparing runtime, and consider the case as well as the headphones when judging what you will carry.
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.
