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The Nothing Headphone 1 Pro makes a strong case as a premium noise-canceling headphone, but its supplied hard case is a real everyday-carry compromise. It protects the earcups while adding weight and bulk, with no cable compartment or USB-C charging cutout. In CNET’s September 29, 2026 review, David Carnoy rated the headphones 8.6 and listed them at $399 in the US; that price and score reflect that review, not a guaranteed current price or universal verdict.
What is the problem with the Headphone 1 Pro case?
The case is protective but less convenient than its purpose suggests. It fully covers the earcups and has a rubberized interior, yet Carnoy found it heavy and bulky. There is no dedicated place to store a cable, and no opening that lets you charge the headphones over USB-C while they remain inside. Loops are included, but a shoulder strap is not.
Carnoy summarized the trade-off 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).” Those are his usability and design judgments, not evidence of a measured defect in the headphones themselves.
What improves over the original Headphone 1?
CNET describes the Pro as a more substantial listening product, with a triple-driver design, softer earpads, a wider padded headband, premium metal details, and Panda glass windows. The review says it sounds more detailed and dynamic than the original model. The reported weights are close: 327g for the Pro and 329g for Headphone 1.
#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 stands out, and Carnoy praised its tactile controls: an on/off switch, volume roller, track paddle, and customizable button. A separate switch enables the flat EQ setting. These controls offer physical alternatives to managing playback entirely through a phone.
How does it sound and how effective is the noise cancellation?
Carnoy found the Pro’s sound detailed and dynamic, but his comparisons were subjective rather than a definitive ranking. He slightly preferred the tonal balance of the Sony WH-1000XM6, while finding AirPods Max 2 sound more controlled and refined. His preferred presentation varied by headphone and tuning, so the review does not establish a single objective sound winner.
In his tests on New York streets and against an HVAC rumble at home, Carnoy found the Pro’s ANC improved over the original Headphone 1. He judged it a little behind AirPods Max 2, Sony WH-1000XM6, and second-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones overall. He also found call-noise suppression strong, although callers could tell he was outdoors and using headphones. These are observations from one reviewer’s tests, not a guarantee of results in every setting.
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 features and battery claims does the review report?
CNET reports Bluetooth 6.1, Auracast, wear detection, and support for AAC, SBC, LDAC, and LC3 codecs. For wired listening, the review says USB-C playback supports lossless audio up to 24-bit/192kHz. It also reports an IP52 splash- and dust-resistance rating; that rating should not be read as a guarantee of protection beyond its stated scope.
Battery figures are claims from Nothing as reported by CNET, not independently established measurements in the review: up to 30 hours with ANC on and up to 68 hours with ANC off. Nothing also claims up to two hours of ANC-on listening after a five-minute charge. Actual runtime can depend on use and conditions.
How does the Pro compare with other premium headphones?
CNET’s review positions the Pro against three premium alternatives. The listed prices below are figures in that September 29, 2026 review, not verified current retailer prices; weights are also as reported by CNET.
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
| Headphones | Review-listed price | Reported weight | Review comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nothing Headphone 1 Pro | $399 | 327g | Detailed, dynamic sound; ANC improved over the original Headphone 1, but Carnoy judged it slightly behind the named rivals overall. |
| Apple AirPods Max 2 | $549 | 385g | Carnoy found the sound more controlled and refined and ANC slightly ahead in his testing. |
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | $450 | 254g | Carnoy slightly preferred its tonal balance and found it more comfortable over long listening sessions. |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd gen) | $449 | 254g | Carnoy found it more comfortable over long listening sessions and judged its ANC slightly ahead in his testing. |
The weight figures make the trade-off easier to interpret: the Pro is much lighter than AirPods Max 2, but heavier than the Sony and Bose models. Comfort and sound preference remain personal, and the case’s portability drawbacks are a separate consideration from how the headphones perform when worn.
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Who should consider the Nothing Headphone 1 Pro?
The Pro is worth considering if you want distinctive design, tactile controls, the reported wired USB-C audio capability, and a sound presentation Carnoy found more detailed and dynamic than the original Headphone 1. It is a less compelling fit if a compact, light carry setup is a priority: the case adds bulk, lacks cable storage, and does not allow USB-C charging while the headphones are enclosed. The reviewer’s comparisons also place ANC and some aspects of sound behind particular premium alternatives, so those priorities may matter more than the Pro’s design.
Source: CNET’s review by David Carnoy, updated September 29, 2026.
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