From PCMAG · Christian de Looper · · 2m
Nothing Headphone (1) Pro Review: Impressive Engineering, With a Few Rough Edges
Nothing Headphone (1) Pro offers detailed sound and best-in-class audio customization but has a problematic case.
In brief
Nothing Headphone (1) Pro offers detailed sound and best-in-class audio customization but has a problematic case. The Nothing Headphone (1) Pro provides detailed sound and advanced EQ customization but has a weak case design. Originally reported by PCMAG.
Price and Competition
The $399 Nothing Headphone (1) Pro sits below the $449.99 Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen).
Key Features
It includes a triple-driver-per-ear design, USB-C lossless audio, Auracast transmit and receive, a physical Flat EQ switch, and a deep parametric EQ.
Controls
The Pro model has a roller for volume, play/pause, and noise modes, a paddle for skipping tracks, and a voice assistant button on the right earcup.
App Experience
The Nothing X app allows reassigning controls, managing noise modes, and handling Auracast broadcasting and receiving.
Audio Quality
The triple-driver setup delivers detailed sound with strong bass, neutral mids, and crisp highs across various tracks.
Noise Cancellation
ANC is good but not the best; it blocks low-end rumble and mid-frequency noise but lets through inconsistent sounds.
Battery Life
Up to 68 hours with ANC off, dropping to 30 hours with ANC enabled; a five-minute charge gives four hours of playback.
Case Design
The carrying case is a hard, purse-like sleeve that leaves the headphones exposed and is criticized for being ugly and cheap.
EQ Customization
The Pro offers two EQ modes: a Simple EQ for basic adjustments and an Advanced EQ for detailed band-specific tuning.
Auracast Support
The Headphone (1) Pro can both receive and transmit Auracast broadcasts through the Nothing X app.
Wired Audio
USB-C supports lossless playback up to 24-bit/192kHz, and 3.5mm handles up to 24-bit/96kHz.
Driver Setup
Each earcup houses three drivers: a 40mm dynamic driver for bass, a 13mm-by-8mm precision dynamic driver for mids and treble, and a tiny solid-state xMEMS driver for highs.
Sound Performance
The headphones sound excellent on tracks like 'Silent Shout' and 'Drover', with clear bass and detailed highs.
Final Thoughts
The Nothing Headphone (1) Pro has impressive engineering but a problematic case design that detracts from its overall appeal.
The big picture
The Nothing Headphone (1) Pro provides detailed sound and advanced EQ customization but has a weak case design.
