Compare Nothing Headphone (a) vs Nothing Headphone (1) Pro

Most reviewers find the sound enjoyable and impressively capable for the price, especially after a little EQ work. Critical listeners still hear some loss of refinement versus pricier models.

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.

Wear-detection performance is effectively absent because the headphones do not detect removal for automatic pausing.

Wear detection was explicitly described as very reliable.

Turning ANC or transparency on can subtly change the sound signature, most noticeably by adding some bass weight.

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

ANC and transparency can slightly alter the tonal balance, especially by changing bass weight, but the effect is described as noticeable rather than disastrous.

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

Wind handling is inconsistent: some microphone tests suppress wind remarkably well, while another reviewer found wind routinely cut through during outdoor use.

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.

Soundstage impressions are mixed. Some hear a notably open or wider-than-expected presentation, while others find it close, narrow, or only average for closed-back headphones.

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 itself avoids obvious hiss in one test, while another reviewer hears a moderate background hiss in the strongest mode.

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.

Spatial modes are mostly a mixed-to-negative extra: several reviewers hear hollow, processed, or echoey results, while a minority find the Concert effect useful for expanding the presentation.

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.

Background-noise suppression can be impressively strong, including traffic, fans, and wind in some tests, but other reviewers found the voice processing less reliable.

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.

Bass is one of the most divisive traits: many enjoy its punch and sub-bass weight, while others find the default tuning boomy, muddy, or overly dominant.

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.

ANC is widely considered good to very good for the price, especially on low-frequency travel noise. It usually trails premium Sony and Bose models and can let more voices or higher-frequency sounds through.

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.

The tuning lands between balanced and consumer-friendly V-shaped depending on the reviewer, with bass and treble emphasis keeping it from being truly neutral.

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.

Passive isolation can be quite effective with a good seal, but glasses or fit issues can weaken it noticeably.

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.

Video use showed excellent sync in the tested cases, with reviewers reporting no noticeable Bluetooth lag during everyday playback and editing.

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

The sound is lively and dynamic, with energetic playback that gives pop and electronic music plenty of momentum.

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

Gaming performance is promising in the test that covered it, with clear positional cues and useful low-latency behavior.

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

The presentation can feel immersive for music, even if the dedicated spatial processing is less consistently liked.

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

Wear-detection auto-pause is missing, an omission reviewers consider surprising at this price.

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

The ear cushions cannot officially be replaced, which is a meaningful long-term ownership drawback.

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

The pads are not officially replaceable, and reviewers specifically note that Nothing does not sell replacement cushions.

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

The missing wear sensor is a clear hardware omission because the headphones cannot detect removal for automatic pause behavior.

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

Automatic pause on removal is absent and repeatedly called out as a feature reviewers miss.

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

The design remains conspicuous rather than discreet. Reviewers who want headphones that blend in caution that these are intentionally attention-grabbing.

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

Headband adjustment works, but multiple reviewers find the slider friction, top-mounted sizing, or general adjustment process fiddly.

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

The thin headband padding can create pressure on the top of the head during longer sessions.

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 cups rotate for around-the-neck wear, but one reviewer found the rectangular shells rub or knock together when rotated.

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

Travel use benefits from the huge battery and competent ANC, with reviewers reporting comfortable multi-hour or flight use in favorable fits.

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 plastic-heavy construction does not feel flagship-premium, and multiple reviewers notice the downgrade in material luxury compared with the Headphone (1).

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.

Fine detail is only average for the class: reviewers hear enough clarity for casual listening, but several note softer resolution and less precision than more expensive or hi-fi-oriented models.

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.

USB-C high-resolution playback can add a small improvement in separation and detail, though the reviewer considered the difference minor.

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

Glasses compatibility depends on fit: one reviewer found little pressure on glasses, another found them comfortable over spectacles, while seal loss bothered a different tester.

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.

Transparency is usable for conversation and awareness, but opinions range from natural and effective to boxy, dark, or slightly artificial.

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.

Portability is a weak spot because the headphones do not fold inward and remain bulky in a bag, even though the cups can rotate flat.

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

IP52 is useful for sweat and light drizzle, but reviewers consistently caution that it is not protection for heavy rain or serious water exposure.

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

The glossy black finish can collect fingerprints and dust extremely quickly.

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.

Overall sentiment is strongly positive, although not unanimous. Most of the explicit satisfaction comments are enthusiastic, while one reviewer remains clearly lukewarm on the sound.

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.

Imaging is strong enough for positional gaming cues such as footsteps and gunshots to come through clearly.

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

The included cables make a positive impression, with one reviewer specifically surprised by their high quality.

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

The integrated microphone array can capture speech clearly in favorable conditions, although broader call-quality tests are more mixed.

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

The overall recommendation is strongly positive: reviewers repeatedly call these an easy recommendation, a great pick, or a no-brainer in their price class.

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.

Treble is often praised for crispness and detail, but several reviewers also report sibilance or abrasive upper frequencies on certain tracks.

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 drawstring pouch is one of the most repeated complaints. Reviewers generally see it as flimsy or inadequate protection compared with a proper hard case.

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.

The large ear cushions provide plentiful padding and enough room to keep ears from feeling cramped.

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

Instrument separation is usually described as clean and easy to follow, though it does not consistently reach the layering precision of more audiophile-focused rivals.

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 preset options are useful starting points, with Balanced often taming excess bass and the bass-focused modes appealing more to listeners who want extra low-end weight.

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.

Vocals and mids are generally clear and well controlled, though a few reviewers hear recessed body or odd upper-mid emphasis in the stock tuning.

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 3.5mm input is genuinely useful for wired listening, including plane use while keeping ANC active.

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

Android pairing is especially smooth with Google Fast Pair, which worked seamlessly in the review test.

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

The included cables are mostly praised as sturdy or high quality, although one reviewer questioned the strain relief.

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.

Connectivity is unusually versatile, combining Bluetooth with USB-C digital audio and a 3.5mm wired option.

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

LDAC can produce a cleaner, clearer presentation than standard AAC on compatible devices, and reviewers value seeing it at this price.

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 feature set works well across Android and iPhone, making the headphones a strong cross-platform option rather than a single-ecosystem accessory.

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

Once adjusted, the fit can stay securely in place while walking without unwanted shifting.

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

USB-C is especially useful because it handles both charging and digital audio while retaining physical-control functionality in the tested setup.

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

There is no automatic Smart Pause when the headphones are removed, and reviewers explicitly criticize that omission.

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

The smart feature set is broad and potentially useful, though one reviewer questions how often extras such as AI-oriented functions will matter in everyday listening.

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.

Call quality is inconsistent across tests. Some reviewers hear clear, usable speech, while others report muffling, compression, or poor intelligibility in noisier 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.

Nothing X is repeatedly praised as a clean, fast, capable companion app with unusually deep control over sound and headphone behavior.

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

Setup is consistently easy, with quick pairing and straightforward first-use behavior across the reviews that tested it directly.

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

Bluetooth performance is a strength in the positive tests, with rock-solid connections, seamless switching, and no noticeable lag reported.

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

The advanced EQ is a standout feature, offering unusually deep frequency and Q-factor control for wireless headphones. It can substantially improve the stock tuning, though a few reviewers find it fiddly or constrained.

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.

The Roller, Paddle, and physical buttons are one of the strongest points of agreement. Reviewers repeatedly call them intuitive, tactile, distinctive, and easier to use than touch controls.

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.

The headphones pack in a broad modern feature set, and reviewers who discuss the software breadth consider it unusually rich for the price.

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.

Mode-change audio cues are exceptionally clear and avoid the ambiguity or annoying spoken prompts found on some headphones.

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

Clamping force is a recurring comfort concern. Some find the grip secure and well judged, but several describe it as too firm during extended wear.

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

Long-session comfort is highly head-dependent. Many reviewers wore them for hours or flights comfortably, while others needed breaks because of pressure, weight, or heat.

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.

Early durability impressions are positive, including flexible headbands, a sturdier feel, and one harsh accidental-impact test that left no visible mark.

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.

At roughly 310g, the headphones are lighter than their predecessor but still heavier than many rivals, so some reviewers remain aware of the weight over time.

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 retro-futuristic, transparent styling earns substantial praise for being distinctive and fashion-forward. It is deliberately bold, so buyers who prefer conventional headphones may not share that enthusiasm.

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

Despite the move to more plastic, build quality is generally rated as sturdy and better than the price suggests. The construction feels less luxurious than flagship models but not broadly flimsy.

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

The revised swivel hinges were specifically described as sturdier than the predecessor's.

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

Heat buildup is a recurring comfort weakness. The synthetic pads and closed design can make ears or the sides of the head warm, especially during longer sessions or workouts.

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

Value is a major strength across the review set. Reviewers repeatedly say the $199/£149 positioning delivers unusually strong battery, controls, features, and sound for the money.

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.

Codec support is useful but not exhaustive: LDAC is a welcome inclusion at this price, while one reviewer wished Qualcomm codecs were also available.

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

Multipoint is generally easy and reliable once enabled, with reviewers praising quick switching between a phone and laptop or other paired devices.

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

Battery life is the clearest consensus strength. Reviewers repeatedly call the 75-hour ANC figure and roughly 135-hour maximum class-leading, with real-world use generally supporting the claim.

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: several reviewers highlight that just a few minutes on USB-C can provide hours of playback.

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

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

PCMag awarded the headphones its Editors' Choice for midrange noise-cancelling headphones.

Nothing-phone integration adds extra shortcuts such as Channel Hop, but some functions work best inside Nothing’s own ecosystem rather than equally across Android devices.

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

Even when pushed loud, the headphones were praised for staying composed rather than falling apart with obvious distortion.

Repairability takes a hit because replacement ear cushions are not officially sold, limiting an obvious wear-part replacement path.

One reviewer found the maximum loudness a little restrained and wanted a few more volume steps for very loud listening.

Xbox use is only partial: wired game audio works, but the reviewer could not get the headset microphones to function through the controller setup.

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 context-dependent: two reviewers noticed some bleed at louder levels, while another found virtually none.

The dedicated assistant control is appreciated as a convenient physical shortcut by the reviewer who discussed it.