Compare JBL Live 780NC vs Nothing Headphone (1) Pro

Most listening tests found clear, lively, satisfying sound that performs above its midrange positioning. A smaller group considered it merely solid or disappointing at full price because the bass-forward balance obscures refinement.

Sound quality is a major strength, with most hands-on reviewers praising the Pro’s clarity, detail and overall refinement. A few found the tuning merely good or behind top rivals, so it is not universally class-leading.

Wind performance varies: some call tests stayed clear with little audible wind, while others heard intrusion or saw transparency mode disengage. Strong gusts remain the harder case.

Wind handling is excellent by the standards of ANC headphones. Reviewers say the Pro nearly solves the wind-noise weakness of cheaper Nothing models and remains effective outdoors.

Noise-cancelling can alter the tonal balance, with adaptive processing sometimes making the headphones sound less bass-heavy.

Switching ANC on produced almost no noticeable change to the music in the direct comparison, which is an excellent result for sound consistency.

Adaptive ANC can reduce the bass-heavy balance, so listeners may hear a leaner signature when automatic compensation is active.

ANC has little audible effect on the music in the direct on/off comparison, preserving the headphone’s sound while reducing outside noise.

A faint ANC noise floor can be heard in very quiet rooms, but it stays unobtrusive and disappears once music starts.

Steady background noise and ANC hiss are well controlled: hums can disappear entirely, and the faint hiss heard on the older model is less perceptible here.

The presentation can feel pleasantly wide and open for a closed-back model, especially with spatial modes. Other tests found the native stage average or narrow, so expectations should stay realistic.

The presentation is wider and more open than earlier Nothing models, with strong spatial placement. It still sounds more closed-in than large open-back reference headphones.

Bass is deep, punchy, and fun for hip-hop, electronic music, movies, and workouts. It is also the biggest dividing line, with the default low end often sounding too boomy or overpowering until EQ is applied.

Bass is generally controlled and punchy rather than bloated, with good depth and timbre. Bass-heavy listeners may want more impact, and one reviewer specifically found the punch softer than expected.

The sound is lively, punchy, and expressive enough to keep energetic music engaging. Its smoother tuning can slightly soften the biggest dynamic swings.

The Pro can sound exceptionally lively and dynamic, especially in its processed listening modes.

Background suppression performs well against traffic, cafés, and general outdoor noise while often keeping speech intelligible. In extremely loud conditions it can become aggressive and clip the voice.

The microphones suppress environmental noise very effectively, with reports of callers hearing little background noise even in wind or around a lawnmower. Voice quality may still sound slightly processed.

Movie spatial mode adds convincing depth, scale, and a larger sense of space, making films feel more cinematic.

Spatial processing can make movies and other compatible content feel more atmospheric and immersive, especially when the effect suits the material.

ANC is strongest against steady low rumbles from trains, planes, traffic, fans, and air conditioning. Voices and sharper sounds can still leak through, but performance is unusually capable for the price.

ANC is consistently strong, often described as close to flagship Sony and Bose performance and especially effective against hum, voices and travel noise. Seal sensitivity can make results less consistent on some heads.

Wear detection is typically fast and reliable across devices, pausing when the headphones come off and resuming when they return. Hair or hats can create skin-contact quirks.

Wear detection was explicitly described as very reliable.

Video mode and modern codecs deliver low latency, with improved lip sync and no visible delay reported in streaming tests.

Low-latency mode kept audio tightly synchronized with video and gaming in the real-world test that addressed it.

Spatial modes work best for movies and gaming, where they add scale, envelopment, and clearer positional cues. Music mode is much more divisive and is often subtle, artificial, blurred, or harmful to the mix.

Spatial audio is capable but taste-dependent. Some reviewers found the modes immersive and technically impressive, while others called them light-touch, gimmicky or something they would rarely use.

The tuning favors energy over neutrality, with elevated bass and sometimes recessed mids. It becomes more balanced and natural with the Studio preset or a custom EQ.

Flat mode can sound impressively accurate, but lab measurements raised concerns about high-frequency variability and positioning sensitivity. Fit appears to affect the measured response more than usual.

Game-oriented spatial processing and low-latency modes can sharpen footsteps, gunshots, and directional placement. Gaming tests found the presentation engaging and easy to localize.

Spatial audio can enhance gaming, adding a stronger sense of placement and immersion when the effect suits the game.

Passive isolation depends strongly on fit: the snug seal and plush pads block a useful amount for many users, while others find it minimal.

The soft cushions can create a strong passive seal, and one reviewer called the isolation impressive. Another found the softer pads reduced isolation, while fit and glasses can change the result.

There is no native 3.5mm socket, which disappointed listeners who wanted a standard analog connection. Wired listening instead uses the included USB-C-to-3.5mm cable and still requires power.

The 3.5mm input is genuinely useful for analog sources, adding flexibility for travel and legacy gear.

The earcups swivel flat and the frame folds down enough to fit easily in a bag. The soft pouch limits protection, but the hardware itself travels well.

The headphones do not fold, which hurts compact portability compared with rivals designed to collapse for travel.

Most assessments warn that there is no confirmed IP rating, making heavy sweat or rain a risk. One video claimed splash resistance, but that conflicts with multiple other sources.

IP52 protection is useful for workouts and light weather, but it should not be mistaken for heavy water resistance.

The matte finish avoids the fingerprint-heavy look of glossy plastic and should stay cleaner in daily handling.

The glossy glass is a fingerprint magnet. Multiple reviewers noticed smudges quickly, making this one of the few repeated cosmetic complaints about the headphones themselves.

Long battery life, effective low-frequency ANC, folding earcups, and quick charging make these especially well suited to commuting and flights. The soft pouch is the main travel compromise.

The headphones can work well for travel, but the heavy partial case repeatedly undermines portability. Several reviewers said the case was bulky enough to discourage packing them for longer trips.

The included analog cable works as intended, but its 120cm length is too short for relaxed couch listening.

The included wired cables are a nice touch and feel purpose-built, though one reviewer would have preferred a darker color to match the headphones.

Replacement information is inconsistent: one test says the pads can be swapped, while another could not remove them and found no third-party options. Buyers prioritizing serviceability should verify current parts support.

The earpads are unusually easy to remove and reinstall, which makes replacement and cleaning simple.

Headband padding is the main ergonomic weakness. The limited cushioning can create crown pressure well before the plush earcups become uncomfortable.

Headband padding is much improved overall and reduces pressure during long sessions. One reviewer still found the top padding too light, so comfort can vary by head shape.

The USB-C-to-3.5mm cable is useful, but the missing charging cable and thin pouch draw repeated criticism. One package included a charging cable, suggesting regional contents may vary.

The box includes useful wired-listening accessories, though cable color and the case’s lack of storage drew minor complaints.

Glasses comfort is mixed: the fit can be easy for some users, while the snug clamp creates pressure for others. Hats may also interfere with wear detection.

The soft, pliable cushions work well around glasses and help preserve comfort and seal. One reviewer still found fit with glasses inconsistent, so head shape and frame style can matter.

Wear-based play and pause is highly convenient and usually accurate, though hair or hats can interrupt skin detection.

Wear detection reliably paused and resumed playback in the review that tested it.

Treble is usually clean and non-fatiguing, but opinions vary on its balance. It can sound crisp, slightly hot in the lower treble, or short on upper-treble air and detail.

Treble earns strong marks for sparkle, clarity and natural detail. There are isolated concerns about high-frequency emphasis, variability and a somewhat recessed presentation in Flat mode.

The metal sliders adjust smoothly and fit a wide range of heads. People with longer faces may wish the band extended farther.

The headband offers generous adjustment and accommodated larger heads without trouble in the tests that discussed fit range.

The Studio preset is repeatedly recommended because it quickly reins in the default bass and restores a more natural balance.

Flat EQ is the most divisive sound feature: some reviewers love its neutral, work-ready presentation and physical toggle, while others find it dull, niche, fiddly or sonically unsuccessful.

Detail is strong for the class, especially with LDAC or wired playback, and background elements are often easy to pick out. Analytical listeners may still want more fine texture and air.

Detail retrieval is one of the Pro’s clearest strengths. Reviewers repeatedly heard extra texture, breaths, instrumentation and leading-edge information that cheaper or older headphones obscured.

Small logos, clean lines, and several subdued colors make the headphones easy to wear without loud branding. Brighter finishes add personality for buyers who want more visual impact.

The transparent glass-and-metal aesthetic is striking and polished rather than discreet, and the reviewer addressing looks directly found it especially impressive.

Imaging is generally accurate, with clear center and left-right placement and particularly strong directional cues in gaming. Layering between the main positions is less impressive.

Imaging is excellent, with precise instrument positioning complementing the wider soundstage.

LDAC can improve clarity, separation, and detail on compatible Android devices. It may also cause occasional dropouts, use more power, and disable some personalized or spatial features.

LDAC support is useful for higher-quality wireless listening and was judged to sound good through the Pro’s drivers, though it shortens battery life.

The firm clamp keeps the headphones planted during walking, running, and gym use. Most real-world exercise tests found little bouncing or sliding.

Fit stability is good enough that the headphones stay in place rather than slipping off during normal use.

The mix of metal, smooth plastics, silicone, and leatherette often looks and feels more expensive than expected. The plastic-heavy shell still reads as midrange to some users.

Premium materials are a consistent strength. Aluminum, titanium and glass give the Pro a more expensive feel without making it as heavy as the AirPods Max.

Android users get the fullest wireless experience through LDAC, with cleaner and more detailed playback reported on compatible Samsung hardware.

Android compatibility worked smoothly in a mixed Android-and-Mac setup, including dual-device use.

Wired hi-res playback can sound airier, more precise, and more detailed than standard wireless listening. The headphones still need power for processing and do not behave like a conventional passive pair.

The onboard DAC and hi-res wired path are genuinely useful for lossless libraries, supporting high-resolution playback without fuss.

Pairing and switching work well across smartphones, tablets, laptops, and even Linux systems, making the headphones easy to share between platforms.

The Pro handled mixed-platform use cleanly, including an Android phone and MacBook connected at the same time.

Overall sentiment is strongly positive, with the package often exceeding expectations for completeness and polish. Lukewarm reactions focus mainly on price, default bass, or comfort.

Hands-on satisfaction is overwhelmingly high among the reviewers who gave a direct personal verdict, with several saying they loved the headphones or had very little to complain about.

The ear cushions are widely described as soft, plush, and roomy. They can feel shallow or warm for some ears, but the padding itself is consistently praised.

The revised ear cushions are a clear upgrade: softer, plusher and more comfortable than previous Nothing models, including for glasses wearers.

Vocals and instruments are usually clear, full, and easy to follow. On bass-heavy tracks, the strong low end can push singers backward or bleed into the lower mids.

The midrange is usually clear and well presented, especially for vocals and instruments. Some listeners found it a little too forward or slightly subdued depending on mode and tuning.

Ambient Aware is often praised for natural, clear awareness and quick switching. Some tests heard a more occluded or artificial presentation than premium models, especially in the upper frequencies.

Transparency mode is one of the more consistently praised features, sounding clear, natural and markedly improved from earlier Nothing headphones. Several reviewers place it just below Apple’s best implementation.

The soft pouch is one of the most consistent complaints. It is thin and offers far less protection than the hard cases supplied by some competitors.

The carrying case is the product’s most divisive—and usually most criticized—part. Most reviewers dislike its weight, exposed headband and lack of cable storage, though a minority love its unusual protective design.

Separation is usually clear and layered, particularly with LDAC or wired playback. Dense, bass-heavy mixes can still collapse into congestion when the default tuning overwhelms the mids.

Most reviewers who focused on separation heard cleaner spacing between vocals and instruments. One prominent comparison found the Pro more muddled than Sony and AirPods Max, making this a point of disagreement.

The headphones are widely seen as a compelling midrange all-rounder with premium-level features and battery life. The main reservations are bass-heavy tuning, clamp pressure, and stronger-value rivals at full price.

Overall recommendations lean positive: reviewers see a genuinely premium, feature-rich flagship with excellent ANC, controls and detail. The case, price and cheaper Nothing alternatives are the main reasons some stop short of a full recommendation.

Bluetooth 6.0, multipoint, LDAC, LE Audio, Auracast, and wired playback create one of the broadest connection packages in the class.

Connectivity is unusually flexible, with Bluetooth, 3.5mm analog and USB-C digital listening all available.

The earcups rotate flat and fold inward, giving the frame useful flexibility for neck wear and packing.

The rotating earcups provide useful fit flexibility and can lay flat for storage.

The launch feature set feels unusually complete for a midrange model, competing with more expensive wireless headphones from day one.

The launch feature set is broad and immediately useful, with advanced listening and connectivity tools available from the start.

The built-in beamforming microphones deliver strong voice pickup for calls, including outdoor use with substantial background noise.

The built-in microphone system delivered very good call quality in the review that assessed it directly.

The proximity sensor is quick and dependable across different devices and operating systems.

The wear-detection sensors worked reliably in real-world use.

Playback stops immediately when the headphones are removed, reducing missed audio and saving battery.

Auto-pause behavior tied to wear detection worked reliably in the test that focused on it.

The firm clamp keeps the headphones secure and can work well for walking or exercise. It is also the most repeated comfort complaint, with larger heads especially likely to feel pressure over time.

Clamp pressure was described as secure without feeling vice-like, giving the headphones a stable but comfortable fit.

Plush pads and moderate weight let many people wear the headphones for hours. Others develop headband pressure or clamp fatigue after 30 minutes to a few hours, so comfort depends heavily on head shape.

Long-session comfort is excellent despite the 327g weight. Softer ear cushions, a wider headband and better padding let multiple reviewers wear the Pro for hours or nearly a full workday with little discomfort.

The current metal-hinge construction looks promising, but a previous Live model failed after two years of daily use. Long-term durability of this new model is therefore not yet proven.

The headphones themselves show encouraging durability, including scratch resistance in early use, but one reviewer raised concerns about the case hinge rather than the headphones.

The colorful, retro-leaning design stands out from anonymous black headphones and often looks more premium than expected. A few assessments still found the plastic styling ordinary or firmly midrange.

Nothing’s distinctive transparent, squared-off design is widely loved. Reviewers repeatedly call it unique, recognizable and among the brand’s best-looking work.

At roughly 256–270 grams, the headphones feel light enough for extended use without seeming fragile. The weight is generally well judged.

On-head weight is better managed than the raw 327g figure suggests, though some reviewers still notice that these are heavier than key Sony and Bose rivals.

Metal hinges and sliders are a standout construction detail, giving the folding mechanism a sturdier feel than the all-plastic joints common at this price.

The hinges feel more premium and operate quietly, with no creaking noted in the review that focused on them.

Metal hinges and sliders, tight seams, and a creak-free frame give the headphones a sturdier feel than many midrange rivals. Plastic remains visible, but the overall construction inspires confidence.

The metal, titanium and glass construction feels sturdy and significantly upgraded over the standard model.

Warmth and sweat are fit- and climate-dependent. Some users report clammy or hot faux leather, while an outdoor exercise test found surprisingly little sweat buildup.

Closed-back heat buildup is present but moderate; one reviewer’s ears warmed slightly, yet less than with several competing headphones.

Ambient Aware, TalkThru, Relax Mode, and automatic behaviors add real everyday convenience. TalkThru is the most divisive because its playback behavior can feel awkward.

Personalized listening features work well, with Personal Sound making a meaningful difference for some users even though the setup is simpler than a few competing systems.

Spoken cues clearly announce power and mode changes, giving more useful feedback than simple beeps.

Auditory feedback from the physical controls is unusually satisfying, including the distinctive ratcheting sound of the volume roller.

The software package feels unusually close to flagship territory, with Personi-Fi, Relax Mode, low-volume EQ, call tuning, Auracast, spatial modes, wear detection, and extensive remapping.

The Pro is packed with advanced controls and listening features, including deep EQ, personalized sound and spatial options. The breadth is a strength, though limited remapping and complexity can temper the experience.

The app’s 10-band or semi-parametric EQ is unusually flexible, with custom curves, saved presets, and hearing-based personalization. That control matters because it can quickly tame the heavy default bass.

EQ customization is unusually deep, ranging from simple presets to a flexible parametric EQ with per-driver control. Enthusiasts love the flexibility, though the sheer number of options can feel overwhelming.

Bluetooth range, stability, and pairing are widely praised, with connections holding well away from the source. The newest radio also supports a broad modern feature set.

Bluetooth setup was quick and trouble-free in the hands-on test that directly assessed it.

The app is clearly laid out and pairing is generally straightforward across phones, tablets, and laptops. Update and setup headaches were rare.

Setup is straightforward, and the personalization process takes only a few minutes. Connecting the headphones through the app was also easy.

The JBL Headphones app is a standout strength, combining ANC controls, EQ, Personi-Fi, spatial modes, call tuning, Relax Mode, and control remapping. Setup was generally clear and reliable.

The Nothing X app is intuitive and easy to connect, with a straightforward path to the headphone’s deeper settings.

The physical volume, power, and ANC controls are repeatedly praised for tactile feedback and intuitive placement. The hybrid layout is easier to operate by feel than many touch-only designs.

The tactile roller, paddle and physical buttons are a standout strength. Reviewers repeatedly call them intuitive, easy to identify by feel and among the best headphone controls available.

Call quality is generally clear and dependable, with strong results in busy outdoor settings. Compared with premium rivals, voices can sound slightly processed or less natural.

Call quality ranges from average to excellent: voices are usually clear and understandable, even outdoors, but occasional warbling or a processed tone can be audible.

Automatic pause and resume worked consistently in testing, making short interruptions effortless.

Wear-based Smart Pause behavior was reliable in the test that directly assessed it.

Battery life is the clearest strength, repeatedly lasting days to roughly a week and broadly validating the 50-hour ANC and 80-hour non-ANC claims. Quick charging also adds hours from a brief top-up.

Battery life is adequate to strong in isolation, with around 30 hours quoted or observed with ANC. The recurring complaint is that cheaper Nothing models last longer, which makes the Pro’s stamina feel underwhelming for the price.

Fast charging is excellent, typically adding about four hours from five minutes and making brief top-ups practical before work or travel.

Fast charging is a clear strength, with reviewers praising the quick top-ups and useful listening time from a short charge.

At discounted regional prices, the headphones often feel like a bargain because of their battery, app, codecs, and build. Around $250–$300, the crowded field offers credible alternatives with stronger sound or comfort.

Value is mixed at $399. Some reviewers think the Pro competes well with pricier flagships, while others feel the cheaper Headphone (1) or Headphone (a) delivers most of the experience for much less.

Auracast adds useful sharing and broadcast options, including links with compatible JBL speakers. It generally works once configured, though setup or LE Audio switching can require retries.

Auracast adds practical flexibility for broadcasts and shared audio, and was highlighted as a genuinely useful feature rather than a spec-sheet novelty.

Multipoint usually switches quickly and seamlessly between phones and computers. Some tests found buggy handoffs or required playback to be paused on the first device.

Dual-device switching worked reliably in the reviews that tested it, including mixed Android, Mac and phone use.

Codec coverage is unusually complete for the price, with AAC, SBC, LDAC, LC3/LE Audio, and wired hi-res options covering quality and latency needs.

High-quality wireless codec playback is a positive, with LDAC delivering strong results despite a modest battery tradeoff.

A desktop amplifier tightened the low end and improved instrumental separation, though the headphones still behave more like a smart wireless model than a passive audiophile design.

The optional Smart TX transmitter can add wireless audio to planes, old TVs, and other non-Bluetooth sources. It is potentially useful, though its extra cost is substantial.

Auracast can link the headphones with compatible JBL speakers such as the Flip 7 or Go 5, adding a useful shared-listening option.

The headphones can play very loudly while retaining clear, energetic sound, though the app’s volume limiter is wise for hearing safety.

The earpads are easy to pull off and reinstall, making pad replacement and cleaning unusually convenient.

Adjustable VoiceAware sidetone helps users hear themselves naturally during calls, especially in noisy places.

Dolby Atmos playback is supported, but the benefit is constrained because only a limited set of streaming services offers compatible content.

Swappable earpads help serviceability, but battery replacement appears less straightforward and may require JBL support.

The touch surface is generally responsive and highly customizable. Missed light taps and accidental triggers can occur because the active area is large.

USB-C audio is more than a convenience here: hi-res wired playback can reveal extra detail compared with lower-resolution alternatives.

The headphones play loudly and can open up at higher levels without immediately losing energy. An optional 85dB limiter provides useful protection.

Automatic power-off is a useful safeguard for forgetful users and helps prevent unnecessary battery drain.

Bluetooth 6.0 is viewed as a worthwhile upgrade, helping range, stability, LE Audio readiness, and future-proofing.

The headphones stay mechanically quiet during movement, with little thudding or creaking heard while running.

Idle ANC hiss is better controlled than on the previous Headphone (1), where the faint background hiss was more noticeable.

LE Audio can lower latency and power use, but switching modes was laggy and unreliable in one test. Once connected, LC3 performed well.