Compare Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 vs Nothing Headphone (1) Pro

Most reviewers describe the sound as enjoyable, clear, and engaging, with especially strong praise from Tom’s Guide, HiFi Oasis, and HeadphoneCheck. A minority found the stock tuning merely average or dull, so EQ can make a meaningful difference.

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 handling is a recurring weakness outdoors, with crackling or audible wind noise reported in both ANC and transparency modes.

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’s effect on sound is mixed. One reviewer heard virtually no tonal change, while another found the sound more compressed and unnatural with ANC engaged.

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

Soundstage is the most consistent acoustic limitation: several reviewers call it narrow, closed-in, or intimate because of the on-ear form factor. A few still found respectable depth or width, and wired listening can open it up somewhat.

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.

Transient and dynamic performance is good overall, with sharp articulation in one review. Another heard some smearing when very dense, heavily layered tracks became demanding.

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

One measurement-focused review found the default response noticeably uneven and in need of EQ. It became much more natural after correction, but stock accuracy was not a strength there.

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.

Idle noise is usually very low, but the experience depends on mode. One reviewer heard virtually no hiss or hum, while another noticed audible hiss in ANC or transparency with nothing playing.

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

Passive isolation is consistently good for an on-ear headphone and helps before ANC is even enabled. Reviewers still note that over-ear designs can seal more completely.

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.

One reviewer found the stereo presentation highly immersive, with sounds moving convincingly around the listener despite the compact on-ear design.

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

The microphone system does a good job suppressing background noise while keeping speech intelligible. Reviewers found it useful for calls in busier indoor and outdoor settings.

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.

Gaming support is solid thanks to low-latency mode and versatile multimedia performance. One reviewer still suggested Beyerdynamic’s MMX 200 Wireless as the smarter gaming-specific choice.

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

ANC itself adds very little objectionable background noise in most testing. One reviewer heard no disturbing hiss at all, while another described only a subtle ambient 'air' rather than a true hiss.

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.

Video sync is very good, especially with the low-latency option available when needed. Reviewers reported little to no lag after enabling the appropriate mode.

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

ANC is one of the most widely praised features, cutting cafe, transit, office, and steady engine noise surprisingly well for an on-ear design. It still trails the very best flagship over-ear systems, and fit can affect both comfort and effectiveness.

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 generally a strength: powerful, full-bodied, and clean enough for pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. Some reviewers found the default low end overemphasized or muddy, while others thought it was too restrained for true bass-head impact.

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.

One reviewer found that engaging ANC left the core sound signature essentially unchanged, which makes switching noise cancellation on and off less disruptive.

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

Mechanical noise while worn is extremely low. One reviewer specifically praised the near absence of creaking or frame noise when moving the jaw.

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

Automatic wear-detection pause is missing, and the reviewer who called it out viewed that omission negatively.

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

The folding on-ear design makes the Aventho 100 exceptionally portable and much easier to bag than many over-ear alternatives. Even reviewers who disliked the fit still praised the compact footprint.

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

Travel friendliness is a core strength: light weight, folding hinges, long battery life, and wired fallback all make the Aventho 100 easy to live with on the move.

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.

Glasses can worsen clamp pressure for some users. One reviewer with thin frames became uncomfortable after roughly half an hour.

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.

Earcup swivel is functional but not universally intuitive. One reviewer disliked the direction the cups rotate when worn around the neck.

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

The feature set is deliberately streamlined rather than maximal, trading spatial-audio extras and other flagship features for a lower price and simpler experience.

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

The accessory bundle is functional but not premium. Reviewers criticized the charging-only USB cable in one package and the dated USB-A termination in another.

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

Headband adjustment works, but the range and mechanism are not perfect. Larger heads may reach the end of the extension, and one reviewer found even adjustment a little stiff.

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

At least one preset disappointed, with the bass mode described as dull and overly blunt. Custom EQ is the safer route for listeners who want to fine-tune the sound.

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 retrieval is good but not universally class-leading. Some reviewers heard impressive fine information, while others wanted more articulation and resolution from a Beyerdynamic headphone.

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.

The included soft pouch earns mixed reactions. Some reviewers liked its material and cable pocket, while others wanted a proper hard case or felt the bag looked too basic for the price.

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 headband padding is generous and distributes pressure well. One reviewer reported no hot spots even during extended wear.

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 IP53 rating gives useful reassurance against dust, light rain, and some sweat. Reviewers still treat it as splash resistance rather than true waterproofing.

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

Transparency mode is generally useful and natural enough for conversations or situational awareness. Some reviewers heard muffling or wind interference outdoors, so performance is better in calm environments.

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 Aventho 100 can look distinctive without becoming flashy. One reviewer specifically praised its understated styling as a good match for buyers who want something stylish but restrained.

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

Cable quality is mixed: the exposed braided wiring on the headphone is praised for improved durability, while one reviewer thought the included analog cable felt cheap.

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.

The integrated microphone array performs reliably for calls and computer meetings. It captures speech clearly without requiring a boom microphone.

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

Overall satisfaction is high, with multiple reviewers calling the Aventho 100 fantastic, very good, or among their favorites. Negative reactions are driven mainly by fit and stock tuning rather than by basic functionality.

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.

Earpads are easy to replace and lock securely back into place. That improves both longevity and the potential for future customization.

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

Treble is mostly smooth and non-fatiguing, with several reviewers praising its clarity and lack of harshness. Others found the top end slightly dull, soft, or occasionally edgy, making this one of the more taste-dependent parts of the tuning.

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 memory-foam earpads are soft, thick, and comfortable in the positive fit case. Their cushioning helps offset the pressure inherent to an on-ear design.

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

Imaging is a strength, with convincing depth, stable positioning, and clear spatial movement. Even when stage width is limited, placement within that space remains precise.

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

The headphones stay securely in place during normal movement despite their light weight. Reviewers generally found the clamp sufficient to prevent slipping.

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

Overall recommendations are strongly positive but often conditional on fit. Reviewers repeatedly advise buying for the styling, portability, battery life, and enjoyable sound, while warning that on-ear comfort should be tested if possible.

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.

Instrument separation is usually strong enough to keep individual parts distinct, even in busy tracks. The main exception comes from reviewers who heard congestion or weaker separation when mixes became especially dense.

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 Aventho 100 usually feels premium thanks to metal accents, refined styling, and solid construction. One reviewer thought the molded plastic sections kept it from fully matching its upscale appearance.

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.

Midrange reproduction is usually clear, natural, and easy to follow, especially for vocals. A few reviews note some recession or resonance in the lower mids, particularly before EQ.

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 widely appreciated because it allows passive listening, airplane use, and continued playback when the battery dies. Several reviewers see the wired fallback as a major usability advantage.

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

Android support is excellent thanks to Google Fast Pair. Reviewers reported quick recognition, one-tap setup, and reliable behavior on compatible phones.

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

Connection flexibility is excellent, spanning Bluetooth, analog 3.5mm, and USB audio in supported setups. Reviewers liked being able to choose the best connection for each device.

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

The headphones work smoothly across phones and computers, including hassle-free use for video calls and everyday device switching.

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

The ear pads and headband pad can be replaced, which supports longer service life and easier maintenance.

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

Long sessions can make ears hot for listeners who struggle with on-ear designs. Two reviewers specifically reported heat buildup becoming uncomfortable after extended wear.

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

Clamping force is the product’s biggest fit wildcard. Some reviewers found it secure and comfortable, while others experienced severe pressure that made extended listening difficult.

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

Comfort is highly fit-dependent. Several reviewers wore the Aventho 100 for long stretches without fatigue, while others experienced sore ears, heat, or pressure after one to three hours.

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.

Durability impressions are strong thanks to robust hinges, solid materials, and improved braided wiring. The foldable frame still feels capable of everyday commuting and travel abuse.

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 220 grams, the Aventho 100 feels notably light and easy to carry. Reviewers repeatedly connect the low weight with better everyday and travel comfort.

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.

Hinge construction inspires confidence, with metal structure and robust surrounding parts contributing to a durable folding mechanism.

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

Build quality is consistently excellent, with sturdy metal components, robust plastics, and little creaking. Reviewers often cite construction as one of the reasons the Aventho 100 feels worth its price.

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

The retro styling is one of the product’s most universal strengths, with reviewers repeatedly praising its 1970s or radio-operator aesthetic. The aluminum accents, compact proportions, and multiple finishes help it stand apart from generic wireless headphones.

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

Value is generally considered good to excellent for the combination of styling, battery life, ANC, build, and connectivity. A few reviewers still called the price high, especially when comfort or stock tuning did not suit them.

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 unusually strong for this class, with AAC, SBC, aptX Adaptive, and aptX Lossless repeatedly highlighted. Reviewers see this as a meaningful advantage for compatible sources.

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

Multipoint works well and is usually seamless between two devices. One review found that media had to be paused on the first device before the second would play, but the broader consensus is very positive.

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

Battery life is the clearest point of consensus: reviewers repeatedly praise the roughly 60-hour ANC-off and 40-hour ANC-on endurance. Several testers went days or a full week without needing a charge.

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 outstanding, with about 15 minutes repeatedly translating into roughly 15 hours of playback. Reviewers see this as especially valuable for travel and last-minute charging.

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

Software features are practical rather than extravagant, covering the adjustments most people are likely to use. Reviewers liked the range, though one wanted more button-mapping flexibility for ANC controls.

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.

Voice prompts are generally clear, pleasant, and useful for battery and mode feedback. One review noted that the spoken battery percentage could differ slightly from the app.

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

The companion app is broadly praised for being clean, fast, and easy to navigate. It covers ANC, transparency, EQ, button mapping, updates, and other practical settings without becoming overly complicated.

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

Call quality is a strong point overall, with voices repeatedly described as clear, full, and easy to understand. One reviewer found it merely ordinary, but most testing was distinctly positive.

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.

Initial setup is very easy, with quick recognition and straightforward firmware handling. Reviewers describe the onboarding process as essentially frictionless.

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

Physical buttons are a consistent usability strength: easy to find, responsive, and more reliable than touch controls for many reviewers. A short learning period may be needed because several buttons sit close together.

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.

Bluetooth performance is consistently stable, quick to pair, and reliable across normal room or office distances. No major dropouts or connection problems were reported in hands-on testing.

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

EQ customization is one of the most useful features because multiple reviewers improved the stock sound with it. The five-band layout is simple and effective, though a few listeners wanted finer control.

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.

aptX playback receives excellent marks, including praise for clean wireless sound with no obvious compression artifacts. Compatible devices can take good advantage of the headphone’s higher-quality wireless modes.

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

The 2025 Red Dot Design Award is repeatedly highlighted, and reviewers who discussed it generally felt the visual design deserved the recognition.

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

Channel separation is clear enough to give instruments and effects distinct left-right positioning. That helps the stereo image feel organized and precise.

The Aventho 100 is easy to drive in normal use, with its active electronics handling amplification so a powerful source is not required.

Google account integration adds useful convenience on Android by remembering the headphones for quick reconnects across compatible devices.

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.

Clarity remains impressively intact at very high volume, with little muddiness or distortion reported. That makes the Aventho 100 unusually composed when pushed hard.

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

Sidetone can make calls feel more natural by feeding back enough of the wearer’s voice to reduce the sealed-off sensation.

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 unusually strong for wireless headphones, with replaceable parts and even published disassembly guidance. Reviewers specifically praised this long-term ownership approach.

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

The headphones can play loudly with plenty of headroom. Reviewers who tested output level found them strong without obvious strain.

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

Bluetooth LE support is absent, which one reviewer flagged as a disappointing omission from an otherwise modern wireless implementation.

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.

Wear detection was explicitly described as very reliable.

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.

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

Voice assistant integration has one notable software quirk: one reviewer found the assistant toggle behaved in the opposite way expected. The feature works, but that implementation was confusing.