Nothing has always been a brand that likes to do things a little differently, and its latest Headphone (1) Pro is no exception. Building on the company’s distinctive design language, these new over-ear headphones bring together an ambitious triple-driver audio system, enhanced active noise cancellation and a host of thoughtful features aimed at making everyday listening more enjoyable. Priced at S$549 in Singapore, they certainly sit in the premium headphone segment, but there is plenty here that makes them an interesting proposition. What particularly catches my attention is Nothing’s effort to go beyond the usual headphone formula, combining its signature transparent aesthetics with more sophisticated audio technology.
Nothing Looks Quite Like It
Design has always been one of Nothing’s biggest talking points, and the Headphone (1) Pro carries that philosophy forward with a distinctive appearance. Its transparent glass window offers a glimpse of the triple-driver architecture within, giving the headphones a character that sets them apart from the sea of conventional over-ear designs. I also like the attention given to the construction, with machined aluminium components and titanium alloy arms that are said to be 45% lighter than those on the original Headphone (1). The upgraded 9H Panda Glass adds another layer of protection, while the IP52 rating provides some reassurance against dust and limited water exposure. At 327g, they aren’t exactly the lightest headphones around, but Nothing has made some meaningful improvements to their ergonomics.
Designed for Listening Comfort
Comfort is another area where Nothing appears to have put considerable thought into the Headphone (1) Pro. The dual-layer ear cushions are reportedly 50% softer than those of the previous model, with improved adaptability for glasses wearers. There is also a 10% wider headband and 12% thicker padding to help distribute pressure more comfortably across the head. These improvements sound particularly promising for those who spend long hours listening to music, working or watching videos. I also appreciate the inclusion of a protective hard-shell carrying case, which makes it easier to bring the headphones along when travelling. It is these seemingly small details that can make a meaningful difference to the overall ownership experience.
A Triple-Driver Symphony
When it comes to audio, the Headphone (1) Pro takes a rather interesting approach with its triple-driver architecture. Instead of relying on a conventional single-driver arrangement, Nothing combines a 40mm dynamic driver for bass, a precision dynamic driver for vocals and an xMEMS driver for treble. Each driver is designed to handle a different part of the frequency range, with the aim of delivering deeper bass, more textured vocals and richer instrumental details. The main dynamic driver also features a new dual-magnetic system that promises 15% more bass punch and 26% higher sensitivity compared to the original Headphone (1). Meanwhile, the PEN diaphragm and silicon-based xMEMS driver are designed to bring greater clarity and precision to vocals and higher-frequency details. I particularly like the idea behind this setup, as it shows Nothing’s ambition to deliver a more layered and engaging listening experience across different music genres.
Sound That Speaks Your Language
There is also plenty of room to personalise the listening experience. Nothing has collaborated with London’s Metropolis Studios to develop a collection of sound profiles, including settings tailored for genres such as Neo-Jazz, Rock, UK Rap, Grime and Electronica. Those who prefer a more neutral presentation can also switch to Flat EQ, which is designed to minimise artificial sound processing. Through the Nothing X app, users can further fine-tune their listening experience with an advanced equaliser, community-created presets and Personal Sound profiles that adapt the audio output to their individual hearing characteristics. With Hi-Res Audio certification for both wired and wireless listening, as well as USB-C lossless playback of up to 24-bit/192kHz, the Headphone (1) Pro also caters to those who appreciate having more flexibility in how they enjoy their music.
Tune Out the Noise, Stay Connected
For those who frequently listen to music while commuting or working in busy environments, noise cancellation is another important consideration. Thankfully, Nothing has equipped the Headphone (1) Pro with its most advanced ANC system yet, featuring up to 46dB of active noise cancellation supported by a total of 10 microphones. Its adaptive ANC technology can automatically adjust the noise-cancelling intensity according to the surrounding environment and earcup fit, while Transparency Mode allows outside sounds to come through more naturally when needed. I also appreciate the attention given to call quality, with Clear Voice Technology using dedicated microphones and environmental noise cancellation to help keep conversations clearer in noisier surroundings. Together, these features make the headphones sound like a versatile companion not just for music, but also for work calls and everyday commuting.
Keeping the Music Going
Battery life is another particularly appealing aspect of the Headphone (1) Pro. With ANC switched off, Nothing claims up to 68 hours of playback using AAC, while enabling noise cancellation still allows for up to 30 hours of listening. Even when using LDAC, the headphones are rated for up to 53 hours without ANC and 28 hours with it enabled. This should offer plenty of flexibility for those who listen to music throughout the day or frequently travel long distances. And when the battery eventually runs low, a quick five-minute charge provides up to four hours of playback with ANC disabled.
Verdict
All things considered, the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro makes a strong impression with its distinctive design, ambitious audio setup and impressive collection of everyday features. I particularly like how Nothing has combined its signature styling with thoughtful upgrades in comfort, noise cancellation and sound customisation. At S$549, they are certainly a premium investment, but for those who want their headphones to sound as interesting as they look, the Headphone (1) Pro certainly makes a compelling choice.
In Singapore, the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro is available for purchase via nothing.tech, Nothing’s official stores on Shopee, Lazada and TikTok Shop, Challenger and other authorised retailers.