Compare Nothing Headphone (1) vs Beats Studio Pro Headphones

Sound quality was the most divisive area: some loved the tuned or EQ-adjusted sound, while many criticized the default tuning as dark, flat, or compressed.

Reviewers generally found the Studio Pro sound better and more balanced than older Beats, though some said class leaders are more refined.

Low-latency mode was treated positively as a useful gaming/video feature for reducing delay.

Wired USB-C use was praised for eliminating lag in a gaming/editing-style use case.

Passive isolation was a clear strength, with the ear pads and seal repeatedly helping noise reduction even before ANC.

Passive isolation depended heavily on fit and seal, helping some listeners while causing performance drops for others.

Frequency-response evidence was mixed: some heard balanced tuning, while others found the default curve dark, uneven, or treble-recessed.

Measured and subjective comments generally viewed the frequency response as close to target and more balanced than older Beats tuning.

Background-noise reduction was mixed: lab-style and street testing praised attenuation, while some reviewers noted weaker handling of voices or sudden sounds.

ANC background artifacts were a recurring caveat, including adaptive shifts, audible hiss, and leakage of chatter.

Spatial audio was mixed: some found it useful for movies and broad device support, while others called it weak, limp, or harmful to music.

Spatial audio worked well for Apple movies and supported immersion, but at least one reviewer still found it gimmicky or unappealing.

Microphone noise reduction was generally strong, with reviewers praising background suppression, though one noted echo/reverb issues.

Microphone noise reduction was praised in several call tests, but other reviewers found background rejection inconsistent or damaging to voice clarity.

Bass impressions were split: some heard controlled punch and texture, while others described muddy bass or weak low-frequency precision before EQ.

Bass was widely described as strong, controlled, and enjoyable, with a few reviewers wishing for tuning flexibility.

Soundstage was often criticized as narrow or compressed, though a few reviewers heard decent width after tuning or in positive listening sessions.

Soundstage impressions were split: some heard a compact or closed stage, while others found the image reasonably spacious for closed headphones.

ANC was generally viewed as strong for the price and effective in everyday noise, though several reviewers said Sony, Bose, or AirPods Max still outperform it.

ANC was usually considered good to very good, but not consistently at the very top of the premium class.

Wind handling was mixed: some mic suppression impressed reviewers, while ANC or voice noise gating struggled in wind.

Wind handling was mixed: some mics reduced wind well, while others struggled or could not fully block wind noise.

One review said audio sounded best with ANC off because switching ANC on narrowed and muted the presentation.

ANC sometimes added hiss or white-noise artifacts, creating a mild audio-side drawback.

Wear detection performance was poor in one long-term Mac test, where it reportedly never worked.

Wear detection performance was scored poorly because reviewers identified it as a missing high-end feature.

EQ customization was a standout feature, repeatedly described as powerful, granular, and sometimes essential for fixing the stock tuning.

EQ customization was one of the strongest complaints because wireless listening lacks adjustable EQ.

Smart listening features were positively supported by Personal Sound, which was described as a useful way to personalize tuning.

Smart listening features felt underdeveloped because the headphones lack several premium convenience features.

Reviewers consistently praised the broad feature set, especially customization, spatial options, ANC controls, and app-driven extras.

Advanced features were mixed, with useful cross-platform extras offset by missing iOS-native and premium functions.

Voice prompts and feedback split reviewers sharply: one loved the mode sounds, while others found cues uncomfortable, awful, loud, or jarring.

Voice prompts and feedback were weak because reviewers noted missing audio prompts for modes.

The app was one of the product’s strongest points, with reviewers praising its layout, speed, settings, and unusually deep EQ tools.

The app and platform controls were useful, especially on Android or iOS, but not a deep customization hub.

Setup and software simplicity were praised through Google Fast Pair, an easy app, and automatic pairing behavior.

Setup was usually simple, especially with fast pairing, though customization depth was limited.

Physical controls were a standout strength, widely praised for tactility and usability, although a few reviewers found the layout or paddle/roller behavior finicky.

Physical buttons were often praised for simplicity and reliability, though some reviewers disliked the loud or clunky actuation.

Bluetooth reliability was supported by positive connectivity evidence, including Bluetooth 5.3 range and dual-device support.

Bluetooth reliability was generally positive, with reviewers citing stable connections and strong range.

Voice assistant integration was positively supported through the customizable button and Gemini/assistant access.

Voice assistant support worked well for Apple users, especially hands-free Siri.

Call mic quality was mixed-to-positive: several reviewers heard clear calls, while others described the mic as merely fine, tinny, or robotic.

Call quality ranged from excellent to disappointing, with strong results in some tests and muted voice pickup in others.

Water/sweat resistance was praised as rare for premium over-ears, though PCMag cautioned that IP52 is still limited.

Water and dust resistance was criticized as absent for a Bluetooth headphone at this level.

LDAC support was consistently treated as a positive, especially for Android/high-res wireless listening.

LDAC was also cited as absent, especially compared with Sony alternatives that support it.

Wear/on-head detection was praised in early reviews as useful and working well, though related long-term Mac behavior was criticized elsewhere.

Auto-play and wear detection were repeated omissions, and reviewers considered the missing auto-pause feature a major miss.

Sensor evidence was positive but limited, with one reviewer identifying proximity sensing as useful hardware.

Sensor support was weak because ear-detection sensors were missing.

Launch features were viewed positively because the headphones offered several differentiating features beyond visual design.

Launch feature completeness was criticized because head detection and other basics were missing.

Firmware support looked promising because a later Nothing X update added Personal Sound support.

Firmware outlook was uncertain where reviewers hoped for fixes but had no clear update timing.

Premium feel was widely praised, with reviewers saying the headphones feel expensive, solid, and better than expected at the price.

Premium feel was a recurring weakness because the plastic finish did not always match the premium price.

Headband padding was mixed: SoundGuys liked weight distribution, while The Guardian found the padding too thin after hours.

Headband padding was criticized by reviewers who found it scant or insufficient for long comfort.

Streaming-service integration was criticized in long-term use because Channel Hop/favorites behavior felt confusing.

Hi-res streaming service support was a plus through USB-C playback with compatible services.

Travel friendliness was mixed-to-negative because battery life is good but the case is bulky and the headphones do not fold up.

Travel friendliness was a clear strength due to compact folding, a small case, battery life, and wired options.

Portability was mixed: the headphones lie flat and can pack neatly in some cases, but they do not fold up and remain large.

Portability was a major strength thanks to folding and a very compact footprint.

Midrange clarity was polarizing, with some praising vocals while others heard too much lower-mid darkness or underemphasized midrange.

Midrange and vocals were usually clear and present, though one reviewer found a bit too much midrange boost.

Replaceable earpad evidence was weak-to-negative, with uncertainty around replacements and a long-term reviewer noting Nothing still did not sell them.

Replaceable earpad support was criticized where reviewers noted Beats did not offer easy official replacements.

Volume output was criticized by reviewers who wanted more headroom or found the roller caused accidental loud jumps.

Volume output divided reviewers, with one noting loud playback and another wanting more headroom for blasting music.

Repairability evidence was mixed-to-negative: The Guardian noted replacement cushions, but a long-term reviewer criticized the soldered battery.

Repairability was a concern because reviewers noted no direct Apple repair path or limited replacement support.

Treble clarity was a common weakness in negative sound reviews, with several reviewers hearing recessed, dull, or less crisp highs.

Treble was often praised for clarity and sparkle, but several reviewers found it sharp, intense, or overemphasized at times.

Find My support was considered useful but basic, with reviewers noting it mainly plays a sound rather than offering smarter tracking.

Find My support was useful, but reviewers noted limitations versus more advanced precision finding.

Instrument separation ranged from crowded and unclear in negative reviews to solid detail and separation in more positive listening impressions.

Instrument separation drew praise in several reviews, especially on complex tracks and spatially busy mixes.

Ear cup padding was mostly praised for soft memory foam and a good seal, though a few reviewers felt pressure or heat.

Ear pad changes helped comfort and seal for some reviewers, but stiffness and shallow cups remained concerns.

Maximum-volume clarity was positive in CNET’s testing, with almost no distortion even at high volumes.

At higher volumes, reviewers reported that clarity largely held up and distortion stayed controlled.

Smudge resistance was a weakness because the finish visibly picked up oil even if it wiped off easily.

Smudge resistance was weak on darker colors, which reviewers said showed fingerprints easily.

Overall recommendations were mixed-positive: many reviewers liked the value and debut effort, but sound tuning and comfort kept it from universal praise.

Overall recommendations were mixed: reviewers liked sound and features more at sale prices, but many flagged comfort, ANC, or value caveats.

Transparency mode was generally usable and often natural enough for conversations, but several reviewers found it less natural than Apple, Bose, or Sony.

Transparency mode received some of the strongest praise, often sounding natural, though a few reviewers heard hollowness or digital coloration.

Preset EQ feedback was mixed, with some finding treble/bass presets useful and others saying presets were not enough or should be skipped.

USB-C preset EQ modes were useful and generally worked as intended, but reviewers still wanted fuller EQ control.

Case feedback was mixed: some praised protection and compactness, while others found it too large, cheap-feeling, or annoying to zip.

Carry case reactions were mixed: reviewers liked the compact soft case, but several felt it was less protective or awkward.

Wired hi-res and USB-C digital playback were viewed as useful extras, with reviewers noting clearer or lossless wired listening.

The built-in DAC and USB-C hi-res playback were praised for cleaner or more present wired sound, with some execution caveats.

Reviewers liked that wired listening is covered with a 3.5mm jack, often alongside USB-C, making the headphones more flexible for planes and wired sources.

The 3.5mm input was appreciated as a practical wired listening option.

Cable quality was criticized because the included 3.5mm cable was only three-pole and could not carry microphone audio.

Cable quality drew a practical complaint from one reviewer who wanted a longer USB-C cable.

Ecosystem perks were useful for Nothing Phone users, but some exclusive features limited broader appeal.

Ecosystem integration was strong across Apple and Android, but some compromises remained compared with platform-specific rivals.

One reviewer specifically liked the slim profile because the headphones sit close to the head despite their bold styling.

The low-key styling and reduced branding were praised by reviewers who liked a cleaner, more discreet Beats look.

Wear detection auto-pause was criticized in long-term Mac use, where the reviewer said over-ear detection was god-awful.

Wear detection auto-pause was repeatedly criticized as absent, especially at the price.

The six-month review praised the app for working on both iOS and Android, supporting strong Android usability.

Android compatibility was a major strength, with reviewers praising cross-platform support and Android-specific pairing features.

Connectivity was a major strength, with reviewers praising the mix of USB-C, 3.5mm, multipoint, and app/device support.

Connectivity options were a strength, with Bluetooth, 3.5mm, and USB-C audio repeatedly appreciated.

Headband adjustability drew mixed but mostly positive feedback, with smooth adjustment praised and one top-mounted mechanism criticized.

Headband adjustability was praised for allowing precise fit changes.

Fit stability was praised where reviewers described a secure fit without excessive tightness.

Stability was positive where tested, with reviewers finding the fit secure during movement.

USB-C was praised as a useful wired audio and charging option, especially for modern devices and lossless playback.

USB-C was a standout upgrade for charging, wired audio, and lossless listening, despite some mode limitations.

Multi-platform use was praised in long-term testing because the app works across iOS and Android with most features available on both.

Multi-platform compatibility was one of the strongest differentiators, especially for users moving between Apple and Android.

Codec support was treated positively, with SBC/AAC/LDAC and high-res support helping the value proposition.

Codec support was judged limited because Bluetooth playback is restricted to AAC and SBC, without higher-quality options.

Multipoint reliability was treated positively, with reviewers highlighting quick switching and two-device connection.

Multipoint was a repeated weakness because support was limited, missing, or less flexible than expected across platforms.

Auto power/sleep behavior drew criticism in long-term use, especially when connected to a Mac.

Auto-off was a small positive where mentioned, with the headphones shutting down after inactivity.

Value was generally positive because the headphones undercut major rivals while offering strong build, controls, battery, ANC, and EQ, though weak default sound hurt value for some.

Value depended heavily on sale pricing: many reviewers disliked the launch price but became more positive at discounts.

Sustainability materials were a weakness because The Guardian said the headphones were not made with recycled materials.

Recycled materials were noted positively, though sustainability reporting and repair options were more limited.

Clamping force was generally secure and comfortable, but PCMag found it tighter than preferred.

Clamping force was a common caveat, with several reviewers finding the fit tight or pressure-heavy.

Build quality was broadly praised as solid, premium, and better than expected, though one reviewer worried about long-term headband durability.

Build quality split reviewers sharply, from durable and robust to plasticky or cheap for the price.

Long-term durability evidence was limited, but one reviewer worried about cosmetic dings from the rectangular cups.

Durability over time was viewed positively in CNET's hands-on assessment, particularly compared with older Studio hinge concerns.

Comfort was usually positive over hours of use, but weight, heat, piercings, glasses, and headband pressure made it less universal.

Comfort was the most divisive area: some reviewers wore them for hours, while others found the fit tight, shallow, or uncomfortable.

Weight comfort was mixed: reviewers often found them wearable, but their 329g weight was repeatedly noticed against lighter Sony/Bose options.

Weight was a mild positive where mentioned, with the headphones considered relatively light.

Design was one of the most discussed strengths, repeatedly praised as distinctive, premium, and eye-catching, though also polarizing.

Design was generally viewed as stylish, mature, and recognizable, though some reviewers found it too familiar or plain.

Battery life was one of the clearest strengths, repeatedly praised for 35+ hours with ANC and exceptional longevity without ANC.

Battery life was usually considered solid, with some tests exceeding claims, though a few rivals last much longer.

Charging was praised, especially the fast-charge claims and real-world usefulness before trips or commutes.

Fast charging was consistently received positively, with short charges giving several hours of playback.

One review found ANC changed the sound signature negatively, narrowing and muting more complex tracks.

Mechanical or earpad-adjacent noise was a minor annoyance, including loud clicks or popping during use/folding.

Immersive audio was weak in TechRadar’s testing, where spatial effects added little and sometimes harmed movie or podcast playback.

LE Audio readiness was marked down because TechRadar noted the lack of Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast.

Apple H2 chip support was a consistent miss for reviewers expecting deeper Apple feature upgrades.

Bluetooth 5.3 was described as up to date, giving the headphones a modern wireless baseline.

Smart Pause performance was praised by TechRadar, which said wear detection and multipoint both worked perfectly once enabled.

aptX was treated as a missing Android-friendly codec, limiting high-quality Bluetooth options for Android users.

The gaming/movie preset was considered useful where reviewers evaluated the USB-C EQ modes.

Included accessories were viewed positively where reviewers noted the full cable-and-case package.

The integrated microphone hardware worked well in some tests but could sound muffled in others.

Replaceable pads or headband support was weak in reviews that noted limited official replacement options.

Auracast was a weakness only by absence, with TechRadar saying the lack of LE Audio and Auracast keeps them from feeling fully future-proof.

Dolby Atmos with head tracking was praised as enjoyable or useful on Apple devices.