Nothing is taking a swing at the premium over-ear market with the Headphone (1) Pro. Priced at ₹34,999 (~$399), this new flagship disrupts the safe single-driver status quo by packing a sophisticated triple-driver acoustic architecture into a transparent, glass-accented chassis. Following the more budget-friendly Headphone (a) and the original Headphone (1), this release aims squarely at enthusiasts wanting granular sound shaping without paying Apple-level luxury taxes.
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Quick Highlights:
- Triple-driver setup (40mm bass, midrange driver, xMEMS treble driver)
- Physical Flat EQ switch developed in collaboration with Metropolis Studios
- Bluetooth 6.1, LDAC support, and USB-C lossless audio up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Official US pricing: ₹34,999 (~$399) (Available now via Nothing, Amazon, and Best Buy)
Triple-Driver Silicon Architecture and Acoustic Tuning
Most over-ear wireless headphones rely on a single 40mm dynamic driver to handle everything from deep synth sub-bass to delicate vocal harmonics. Nothing rejects this monolithic approach. The Headphone (1) Pro utilizes a three-driver array per ear cup. A large 40mm dynamic driver manages low frequencies, a secondary precision midrange driver handles vocals and instruments, and an xMEMS silicon-diaphragm treble driver tackles crisp high-frequency transients.
Independent testing from SoundGuys and early evaluations by Gizmodo note that this architectural shift yields tangible dividends in instrumental separation and clarity. Bass lines punch hard without bleeding into the mids, and complex tracks maintain structural integrity even under heavy loads. Complementing this hardware is the Nothing X companion app, which offers a full parametric EQ alongside downloadable community presets. For critical listeners, a physical switch on the left ear cup instantly engages a flat EQ mode designed with London’s Metropolis Studios to strip away artificial coloration.
Active Noise Cancellation and Platform Connectivity
Active noise cancellation is powered by a 10-microphone array and a redesigned silicone baffle wall that improves the physical acoustic seal over previous iterations. SoundGuys measured total average attenuation at roughly 87.4%, scoring an 8.7 out of 10. While highly competent for daily commutes and office environments, it sits just a fraction behind market leaders like the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Gen 2.
Connectivity represents a major strong suit for non-Apple users. The headphones support Bluetooth 6.1 with SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs, alongside LE Audio and Auracast capabilities. Wired enthusiasts are well-served with a traditional 3.5mm analog jack and USB-C digital listening capable of up to 24-bit/192kHz lossless playback.
Market Context & Predecessor Comparison
The Headphone (1) Pro addresses the primary criticism leveled against the original Headphone (1), which stumbled in raw audio fidelity despite an arresting industrial design. By ditching previous tuning partnerships and engineering a custom multi-driver layout, Nothing has successfully elevated its acoustic credibility.
At ₹34,999 (~$399), the headphones undercut the ₹48,499 (~$549) Apple AirPods Max 2 while offering vastly superior connectivity codecs, physical controls, and a lower weight of 327 grams. However, they face fierce competition in the upper-mid tier from established audio giants. The included hard plastic carrying case, styled after vintage tech aesthetics, leaves the headband exposed and adds noticeable bulk, mirroring some of the ergonomic controversies of Apple’s design philosophy.
Technical Specifications & Feature Comparison
| Feature | Nothing Headphone (1) Pro | Nothing Headphone (1) | AirPods Max 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ₹34,999 (~$399) | ₹26,499 (~$299) | ₹48,499 (~$549) |
| Weight | 327g | 330g | 386.2g |
| Driver Architecture | Triple-driver (Bass, Mid, xMEMS Treble) | Single 40mm Dynamic | Single Custom Dynamic |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 6.1 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Hi-Res Codecs | LDAC, AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Wired Audio | 3.5mm jack, USB-C (24-bit/192kHz) | USB-C | USB-C (24-bit/48kHz) |
| Battery (ANC On) | Up to 30 hours | Up to 35 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| Water Resistance | IP52 | None | None |
Target Audience: Who Should Upgrade?
Owners of the original Headphone (1) will find a massive leap in audio clarity, refined comfort, and more versatile tuning controls that justify the transition. Users locked entirely into the Apple ecosystem are still better served by the seamless device switching and deep integration of the AirPods Max 2, but Android and mixed-device users gain an exceptional hardware value here.
Nothing Headphone (1) Pro Review: Indian Pricing & Availability
For buyers in India tracking import trajectories, premium audio gear of this tier typically faces an 18% Goods and Services Tax alongside standard import tariffs if sourced globally. Local availability via online retail partners usually aligns with festive discounting seasons. Complete support for high-resolution LDAC streams pairs exceptionally well with modern Android flagships from OnePlus, iQOO, and Samsung dominating the local market, making wired and wireless high-res playback fully functional without proprietary ecosystem locks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro for wired listening?
Yes. The headphones support both a traditional 3.5mm analog cable and high-resolution USB-C digital audio up to 24-bit/192kHz, giving you maximum flexibility across different source devices.
What does the flat EQ switch actually do?
Developed in collaboration with Metropolis Studios, flipping the physical switch on the left ear cup instantly bypasses digital sound processing and custom EQ settings to present a neutral, uncolored audio profile preferred by mixing engineers.
Are these headphones sweat-resistant for workouts?
The Headphone (1) Pro carries an IP52 rating, providing protection against dust and minor liquid splashes like light rain. However, they are not designed or certified for intense gym sessions or heavy sweat exposure.
The Verdict
Nothing has crafted a genuinely compelling pair of flagship cans that prioritize acoustic engineering over empty marketing hype. While noise cancellation trails the absolute market ceiling, the triple-driver fidelity, extensive wired connectivity, and transparent styling make the Headphone (1) Pro a standout choice for discerning listeners.
