# 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.
- Title: Nothing Headphone (1) Pro Review: Impressive Engineering…
- Summary: Nothing Headphone (1) Pro offers detailed sound and best-in-class audio customization but has a problematic case. The Nothing Headphone (1) Pro provides…
- Keywords: nothing headphone 1 pro, nothing, headphone, audio customization, anc, usb-c, auracast, battery life, case design, technology, Pro, Review
- Source: PCMAG — https://pcmag.com/reviews/nothing-headphone-1-pro
- Author: Christian de Looper
- Published: 2026-11-02T20:53:23+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: nothing headphone 1 pro, nothing, headphone, audio customization, anc, usb-c, auracast, eq, battery life, case design, technology
## 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.
## Key takeaway

The Nothing Headphone (1) Pro provides detailed sound and advanced EQ customization but has a weak case design.