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The Nothing Headphone (1) Pro makes its strongest case with detailed, engaging sound, flexible EQ and distinctive tactile controls. Gizmodo reviewer James Pero called it “an excellent-sounding pair of wireless headphones.” Its main weakness is noise cancellation: in his subway and busy-street listening, train noise and conversation remained audible. At a US list price of $399, it is most compelling for listeners who put sound and design ahead of class-leading ANC.
How good does the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro sound?
Sound is the review’s clear highlight. In his listening, Pero heard rich detail, clear guitar and vocal parts, good stereo separation, and bass with presence that did not overwhelm the rest of the mix. Those are subjective listening impressions, not results from controlled measurements.
Nothing says the headphones use three drivers—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—with each handling part of the frequency range. The architecture is unusual, but the number or type of drivers alone does not establish sound quality; the positive assessment here comes from the reviewer’s listening.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteEQ and spatial audio
Pero liked the personalized EQ option and the Studio B spatial-audio mode. He found the other spatial modes less natural. Whether spatial processing is an improvement will depend on the track and listener, so it is worth treating it as an optional effect rather than a reason to expect every recording to sound better.
#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.
Is its noise cancellation good?
ANC is the important compromise. Nothing advertises noise cancellation of up to 46 dB, explicitly describing that figure as a theoretical maximum and noting that real results vary by environment. In Pero’s use on the subway and busy streets, train noise and people talking were still audible; he judged the cancellation average and behind the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen).
The review also reports Nothing’s claim that ANC improves by 2 dB over the earlier Headphone 1. Pero found that change subtle in practice. Neither the advertised maximum nor the claimed generational difference should be read as a standardized independent comparison: the review provides real-world impressions, not laboratory measurements.
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
What stands out about the design and controls?
The transparent styling and titanium details give the headphones a distinctive look. Pero liked the tactile roller and paddle controls, which offer a physical alternative to touch-only operation, and found the cushions softer. Comfort is personal, and the review does not establish how the fit will work for every head shape or long listening session.
Flat EQ switch and hard case
A dedicated Flat EQ switch is aimed in part at creators who want to check a music or video mix with a less processed signal. Pero saw potential for hobbyist creation, but not a compelling reason for most listeners to buy the headphones.
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
The included hard case weighs 384 g—more than the headphones themselves—and leaves the headband exposed. Pero liked the case, though its weight and exposed headband may not suit buyers seeking the lightest or most protective travel setup.
Battery life, connections and wired audio
Nothing’s battery figures are manufacturer laboratory results measured at 25°C and 50% volume, with other features at default settings. The company warns that actual battery life can vary. Its published playback estimates differ by codec and whether ANC is on:
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
| Codec and ANC setting | Nothing’s stated playback |
|---|---|
| AAC, ANC off | Up to 68 hours |
| AAC, ANC on | Up to 30 hours |
| LDAC, ANC off | Up to 53 hours |
| LDAC, ANC on | Up to 28 hours |
These are manufacturer estimates under the stated conditions, not a guarantee of day-to-day runtime. Pero’s one-hour listening check did not establish battery depletion: the app displayed battery in 10% increments and still showed 100% afterward.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Nothing lists Bluetooth 6.1, dual-device connection, USB-C and 3.5 mm wired connections, and spatial audio with head tracking. For wired playback, the company specifies up to 24-bit/192 kHz over USB-C and up to 96 kHz/24-bit over 3.5 mm AUX; actual playback depends on the source and connected device.
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
Nothing also says a five-minute charge can provide up to four hours of playback with ANC off. That is a manufacturer claim, and the company’s stated battery conditions apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Price and who should buy it
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 transaction prices; check local availability and current pricing. No marketplace offer or seller is established here.
At that price, the purchase makes the most sense if you value the reported sound, EQ options, tactile controls and distinctive design more than strong noise cancellation. If blocking surrounding noise is your priority, the review’s qualitative comparison favors the named Sony and Bose alternatives for ANC; it did not conduct a standardized head-to-head test or fresh market survey.
Calling the headphones “S-Tier” is Pero’s emphatic opinion in Gizmodo’s review title, not an objective rating or evidence of consensus. The more useful takeaway is the split verdict: excellent-sounding in his listening, with ANC that did not impress him to the same degree.
Quick Recap
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.
