Compare SoundPEATS Cove Pro vs Nothing Headphone (1) Pro

Sound quality is generally enjoyable and far better than the price suggests, but a few listeners heard muddiness, veiling, or a tunnel-like character that made music much less convincing.

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.

Immersive presentation can be excellent from the natural stereo image, but the dedicated spatial processing itself is often criticized for hurting placement or sounding artificial.

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

Built-in spatial audio is a weak point overall: a few found it mildly immersive, but several called it experimental, gimmicky, distorted, or best left disabled.

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.

Turning ANC on can shift the sound toward more bass and a stronger V-shape; some preferred the added depth, while others found ANC-off more polished.

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

Microphone noise reduction handles steady background noise fairly well, but aggressive processing can soften or even cut the voice in unpredictable or crowded environments.

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.

Wind handling is generally good for the price, reducing breezy call noise effectively, but stronger gusts can still break through.

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.

ANC can alter the tuning without necessarily damaging it; some heard added bass and depth, while another found audio quality impressively consistent between ANC modes.

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

The soundstage is better than expected for a budget closed-back headphone, though impressions range from pronounced and holographic to somewhat compact and shallow.

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.

ANC and transparency processing introduce very little hiss or noise floor in the better-performing tests.

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.

Tonality can sound balanced and relatively flat for the class, yet one negative unit produced a strong tunnel-like coloration that badly hurt accuracy.

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.

ANC is strong for the money and especially effective on fans, HVAC, engines, and transit rumble, but performance is less consistent with voices, sudden sounds, and very noisy outdoor settings.

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.

Bass is usually punchy, warm, and satisfying, though several listeners found the stock low end too boomy or muddy until EQ was used.

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.

Passive isolation is already useful before ANC is engaged, reducing a noticeable amount of surrounding noise.

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.

Low-latency mode works well for casual gaming, mobile play, and video, but competitive gamers may still want a faster wired or dedicated gaming solution.

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

Video sync is excellent once low-latency mode is used, with tests reporting no distracting lag and even successful editing use.

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

LDAC playback can open up the presentation with a wider, more lively dynamic range than basic SBC or AAC.

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

Earpad replacement can be frustrating because at least one tested pair used glued-on pads.

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

Pad replacement is a weak point because the earpads on one tested unit were glued on and would be difficult to swap.

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

Analog wired support is inconsistent across the supplied experiences: some units were reported without a 3.5mm option, while one test described an available wired mode that sounded worse than Bluetooth.

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

The folding design is compact, easy to store, and genuinely useful for travel or carrying in a bag.

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

Long battery life, light weight, comfort, and folding make these excellent travel companions, with the missing pouch or case being the main drawback.

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 cable is functional but underwhelming: one test called it too short for wired audio and another would have preferred USB-C to USB-C.

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.

Transparency mode is inconsistent: some found it natural and useful for announcements or conversation, while others heard a thin, processed sound or almost no difference from normal mode.

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 accessory bundle is sparse: the basics are acceptable for the price, but the lack of a pouch or case keeps it feeling minimal.

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

Detail is respectable for the price and can improve with LDAC, but bass-heavy tuning and occasional veiling keep it from true audiophile resolution.

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.

Imaging ranges from decent stereo placement to impressive positional cues for games, but some tests found the built-in spatial mode much less precise.

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

Subtle logos and matte finishes keep the styling discreet, although the large earcups can look bulky on smaller heads.

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

The missing case or even a simple pouch is the most repeated packaging complaint and feels especially noticeable on a foldable travel-oriented headphone.

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.

Overall satisfaction is strongly positive across most of the set, driven by comfort, endurance, features, and price, but a small minority disliked the sound enough to reject the headphones entirely.

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.

Headband cushioning is usually soft and supportive enough for long sessions, though one tester felt the top pad pressing noticeably on the head.

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.

Headband adjustment is flexible and accommodates a wide range of head sizes, though one smaller-headed user still found the fit a little large.

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

Mids are one of the safer parts of the tuning, with clear vocals and good body; the main caveat is that the V-shaped balance can push voices slightly back.

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.

The headphones work well across Android, iPhone, computers, and other everyday devices, though iOS users are limited to AAC instead of LDAC.

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

Separation is good when the tuning is under control or LDAC is used, but busy tracks can still sound congested or jumbled.

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.

Materials and construction often feel more premium than expected at this price, even though the exterior is still mostly plastic and not truly luxury-grade.

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.

The soft pads contour well around glasses and avoided pressing the frames uncomfortably into the head.

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.

Treble is consistently described as smooth, crisp, and non-fatiguing rather than sharp, with enough detail for everyday listening.

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 earcups offer generous swivel and rotation, helping with fit, neck wear, and compact storage.

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

Most impressions recommend the Cove Pro as an unusually complete budget option, although one strongly negative sound-quality experience shows the tuning or unit consistency will not please everyone.

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.

The ear cushions are repeatedly praised for being plush, soft, roomy, and comfortable around the ears.

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

EQ presets can make meaningful improvements, especially Bass Boost or Classic, but personalized/adaptive tuning does not suit everyone.

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.

Android users get the strongest wireless feature set because LDAC is available and works well on compatible devices.

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

USB digital playback is a real strength where supported, providing clean, low-latency wired audio and even preserving ANC in one test.

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

Connectivity is more flexible than expected for the class, combining stable Bluetooth, multipoint, and USB-C digital audio.

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

The built-in microphone performs very well for ordinary phone calls, with one customer singling call use out as excellent.

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

LDAC is a worthwhile bonus for compatible Android devices and often improves clarity and separation, though one listener found the difference barely noticeable on this hardware.

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 fit stays secure during movement without sliding around much.

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

USB-C is more useful than a charging port alone on supported setups, providing direct digital audio and, in some testing, latency-free wired playback.

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

The adaptive listening profile is not universally successful; one listener found the personalized result too flat and preferred manual EQ instead.

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.

The companion app adds real value through ANC modes, EQ, gaming controls, and other settings, but its polish and labeling can feel unfinished or generic.

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

Voice-prompt volume can be adjusted, which makes the feedback less intrusive and easier to tailor.

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

The 10-band and custom EQ controls are highly useful because they can tame excessive bass, add clarity, and tailor the sound much more effectively than the stock tuning alone.

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.

Pairing and everyday operation are straightforward, with quick reconnection and a smooth, predictable interface.

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

Bluetooth is a major strength, with mostly stable connections, few dropouts, and unusually strong range in several tests.

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

The software feature set is unusually rich for this price, though the app can still lack the polish and depth of premium companion software.

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.

Call quality is usually clear and very usable for work or phone calls, although a few tests found the microphone only average in tougher conditions.

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.

Physical buttons are widely liked for predictable feedback and easy operation by feel, with only a short adjustment period needed on some units.

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.

Value for money is the core appeal: most impressions say the comfort, battery, connectivity, and features punch far above the roughly $70 price, though a few listeners still regretted the purchase because of sound quality.

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.

Multipoint generally switches smoothly between phone and computer, though one test found auto-reconnection unreliable after walking away from a paired device.

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

Codec support is unusually strong for the price, with LDAC alongside SBC and AAC giving the headphones more flexibility than many budget rivals.

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

Battery life is the standout feature: roughly 95 hours without ANC and around 58 hours with ANC is repeatedly treated as exceptional for the price.

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 equally impressive, with about 11 hours of playback from a 10-minute top-up making low-battery emergencies easy to handle.

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

Long-term durability is less certain than the strong initial build impression; one reviewer specifically worried that the plastic could break under rougher use.

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 roughly 250-gram weight makes the headphones feel notably light and helps them disappear during longer sessions.

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.

The design is generally clean, matte, and understated, though some find it bland or too similar to familiar Sony-style budget over-ears.

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

The folding hardware and yokes feel sturdy and confident rather than loose or fragile.

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

Clamp force is generally secure without squeezing, although one pair started out tighter before loosening with use.

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

Build quality is better than the price suggests, with sturdy hinges and solid assembly despite the mostly plastic construction.

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

Long-wear comfort is one of the most consistent strengths, with soft padding, low pressure, and many reports of hours of use without fatigue.

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.

Heat buildup depends on the user and setting: some noticed warm pleather during longer wear, while another indoor test stayed surprisingly cool.

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

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

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

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

The headphone-finding feature is a welcome surprise at this price and was praised as genuinely useful.

They can stay clear at loud playback, but very high volume can also thicken the bass enough to bleed into vocals.

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

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.

Repairability is poor where the earpads are concerned because at least one unit had pads glued in place, making replacement difficult.

Maximum output is very strong, with one test putting the headphones among the loudest options at this price.

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

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

Bluetooth 6 implementation impressed with especially strong range and stability in one multi-floor test.

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

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.

Sound leakage is a real weakness at higher volume, with multiple listeners reporting that nearby people could hear the playback.

Wear detection was explicitly described as very reliable.