Compare Nothing Headphone (1) Pro vs Soundcore Anker Space One Pro

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.

Sound is often enjoyable and full, particularly after EQ. The stock tuning divides listeners: some love its energy, while others find it muddy, dull or insufficiently refined for the Pro price.

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

ANC-off tuning can become much bassier than the ANC-on presentation. Some hear an acceptable change, but several strongly dislike the muddier balance.

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

Changing ANC modes can noticeably change musical balance. Several find the extra bass outside ANC muddy or unpleasant enough to require different tuning.

Wear detection was explicitly described as very reliable.

Wear-detection behavior cannot supply automatic convenience when sensors are absent. Many regard that omission as disappointing on a Pro model, while a few accept the tradeoff.

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

Casual play may be acceptable, but noticeable Bluetooth delay and no dedicated low-latency mode limit demanding games. A wired connection is the more suitable route where timing matters.

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

Dynamic contrasts are broad but not especially nimble in one assessment. Quiet-to-loud changes lack the subtle swing of stronger performers.

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.

Wind handling ranges from impressively quiet outdoor listening to little improvement at all. Some reduction settings also lower transparency volume, and windy calls remain difficult.

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

Strong isolation and optional processing can make films and suitable music immersive. Excess bass in Dolby mode can instead reduce vocal clarity and musical involvement.

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.

Some hear an expansive presentation, while others find the stage narrow beside more refined headphones. EQ and the choice of music noticeably affect that impression.

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.

Road-noise suppression can keep speech understandable and outperform some rivals. Chatter and wind are harder: aggressive processing can reduce the speaker’s voice along with background noise.

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.

The tuning favors bass weight over strict neutrality. A few hear a balanced, faithful presentation, but others find excessive low end and uneven highs hard to correct.

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

Movies and ordinary videos generally stay synchronized on Android and iPhone. Bluetooth delay is more noticeable in demanding games without a dedicated low-latency mode.

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.

Deep bass gives electronic music and hip-hop satisfying weight. Its stock emphasis can overwhelm vocals and detail, so bass-sensitive listeners often prefer reducing it.

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.

A well-fitting seal usefully softens chatter and higher-frequency noise before ANC engages. Passive blocking is less convincing when the fit or seal is imperfect.

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.

Dolby processing can add useful space to movies and live recordings. For music, several listeners prefer it off because it exaggerates bass or weakens their chosen EQ balance.

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.

ANC is widely valued for traffic rumble, fans and flights at this price. Some find it remarkably strong, while others still hear too much speech or train noise compared with premium rivals.

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.

One assessment praises keeping quiet surroundings quiet without obvious ANC artifacts. Avoiding masking hiss is also appreciated in a separate test.

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

Quiet-environment listening can remain free of distracting static or processing artifacts. That contributes to a calmer ANC experience.

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

The compact twisting fold is a standout advantage for pockets and small bags. It takes a little practice, and a few users question its benefit over conventional folding.

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

Charging is straightforward, but USB audio is a recurring missing convenience. Buyers wanting to listen over a USB cable need a different option.

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

Automatic wear detection is a frequently missed convenience. Its absence matters less to listeners who manually pause or normally disable wear sensors.

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

Absent wear sensors are an unexpected convenience loss for many buyers. Others do not consider them essential because they prefer manual control.

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

Removing the headphones does not provide the expected automatic pause for many users. That omission is especially frustrating to buyers coming from the original Space One.

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

One user cannot find replacement ear pads despite searching. Owners planning to replace worn cushions may encounter limited availability.

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

Replacement cushioning can be difficult to locate. That uncertainty matters for owners who want to refresh the pads instead of replacing the headphones.

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

The lack of water and sweat protection limits rainy-day and workout use. These are better suited to dry travel and indoor listening.

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.

Small folded dimensions, long battery life and effective low-rumble cancellation make travel a strong use case. A protective case may be worth obtaining separately.

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 supplied analog cable is criticized as thin and cheap. A separate complaint finds the included charging cable inconveniently short.

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

The feature package has some conspicuous convenience omissions. Missing assistant and device-finding support may matter to particular buyers, though one assessment considers them nonessential for most.

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

The accessory package attracts criticism for its pouch and, in some cases, thin or short cables. Obtaining a proper hard case improves travel protection.

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.

Vocals and bright instrumental details can be clear, particularly after EQ. Bass masking and complex arrangements reveal a recurring detail gap against more refined rivals.

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

Smooth continuous adjustment offers a broad fitting range. Loose arms can move unintentionally, and the smallest setting may still be too large for smaller heads.

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

The integrated microphones can deliver clear quiet-room speech and useful road-noise suppression. Noisy calls receive mixed feedback, especially when sidetone is enabled.

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

A firmer fit usually keeps the headphones stable during ordinary movement. Smaller heads, loose adjustment arms and inverted exercises can still cause slipping.

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.

A few presets, including Acoustic and Classical, improve clarity and balance for particular listeners. Many others sound redundant, muffled or excessively boosted, making custom tuning more useful.

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.

Many users remain delighted by comfort and everyday practicality. Disappointment centers on stock tuning, noisy calls and the gap between the Pro label and its conveniences.

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

Clean two-tone finishes and slimmer cups appeal to buyers wanting understated styling. Others find the look chunky, generic or less distinctive than the original.

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.

Layered vocals and instruments can remain distinct after tuning. Dense jazz, bass-heavy settings and busy arrangements expose a recurring tendency to blend musical parts together.

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.

Soft finishes and a cleaner silhouette can feel upscale for the price. Plasticky leatherette, chunky details and slight wobble keep others from accepting the premium positioning.

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

Vocals and suitable instruments can occupy clear positions with a useful sense of depth. Dense backing tracks are less reliably defined.

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

Ordinary wireless connections are usually dependable and analog listening adds flexibility. A few dual-device playback problems weaken confidence in more complicated setups.

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

Analog listening is useful for flight entertainment and when the battery runs out. Powered-off sound receives mixed feedback, ranging from excellent to dull compared with tuned wireless playback.

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.

Highs earn praise for sparkle and natural detail, but some listeners hear a sharp upper-frequency peak. Lowering bass or adjusting treble helps several users, without satisfying everyone.

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.

Adjustable transparency makes brief conversations and environmental awareness easier. Reports range from natural and clear to muffled or too quiet, particularly outdoors.

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.

Soft, broadly padded headband contact helps avoid pressure hotspots during long sessions. It is frequently credited for comfort on working days and flights.

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.

Vocals can sound clear and present with suitable tuning. Heavy bass or aggressive EQ sometimes pushes voices back or masks quieter nuances.

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 Pro is often recommended for comfortable, portable commuting with long endurance. Buyers seeking neutral stock sound, reliable noisy calls or the best upgrade value receive more qualified advice.

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

Fast Pair makes Android setup quick, and LDAC offers appreciated high-resolution listening. Android assistant interaction is also responsive in one test.

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.

Glasses and hats do not prevent comfortable wear for some users. One test still finds glasses can break the seal and reduce bass markedly.

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

Everyday Bluetooth and video playback work well across Android, iPhone and computers. Several users also report clear calls across meeting platforms.

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

Plush cushioning is a repeated strength, especially where ears clear the driver wall. The pads feel shallow or cramped to some listeners with larger or protruding ears.

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.

The white finish is considered more likely to show dirt. Buyers concerned about visible marks may prefer the darker option.

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 supplied pouch repeatedly disappoints buyers expecting a protective hard case. Later full hard cases and promotional cases receive better feedback, though not everyone needs the extra protection.

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

High-resolution wireless playback is praised for clear, detailed sound with suitable material. The feature is most useful to listeners with a compatible source and an interest in tuning.

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.

Several listeners hear a worthwhile improvement with LDAC and good source material. Android support is welcome, but using it restricts multipoint and increases battery demands.

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

Generous rotation makes it easy to lay the cups flat in either direction. That flexibility is especially welcome when wearing the headphones around the neck.

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

Missing automatic pause is a recurring convenience complaint. Some users tolerate its absence, but others see it as an unexpected downgrade from cheaper Soundcore models.

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

Mode chimes provide helpful feedback for some users. Others find the unusual sounds unpleasant or need time to learn what each means.

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.

Easy Chat is convenient when it lowers music promptly for a brief exchange. Coughing, humming and accidental activation can be irritating, especially when the waiting period cannot be canceled.

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.

Adjustable listening modes, personalization and conversation tools add useful flexibility. Over-sensitive automation and limited control customization can make that feature set less practical.

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.

Physical buttons earn praise for clear clicks and responsive operation. Small size, mushy feedback, awkward placement and hold-to-skip controls make them frustrating for some users.

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

Bluetooth is usually stable across phones, tablets and laptops, with several strong range reports. Ordinary connections are more dependable than the few problematic multipoint setups.

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.

Custom EQ and HearID can substantially improve balance and tailor the sound. Results vary: some profiles miss the listener’s taste, and a few find adjustments change other frequencies undesirably.

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

The Soundcore app is often praised for accessible controls and extensive listening options. Limited button remapping and occasional setup or personalization frustrations temper that praise.

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.

Quiet-room calls often sound clear and useful for everyday conversations. Busy surroundings and sidetone produce sharply different results, including reports of robotic, faint or unclear speech.

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

Pairing and app navigation are generally simple, especially with Fast Pair. A short learning period can be necessary for finding controls or recognizing mode feedback.

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

Missing Auracast limits appeal for buyers wanting broadcast-audio support. It does not affect the familiar individual wired and Bluetooth listening options.

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

Switching between two devices is often smooth and saves manual reconnection. Some experience notification interruptions or failed playback, and LDAC requires giving up the second connection.

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.

Comfort, folding, ANC and endurance can make the Pro excellent value, especially on sale. Its higher price is harder to justify for buyers satisfied with older Soundcore models or newer cheaper alternatives.

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

LDAC is appreciated for high-resolution wireless listening alongside the standard codec options. Its inability to run with multipoint frustrates buyers who want both functions together.

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

Sealed cushions often become warm during long sessions or exercise. Some users avoid sweat in ordinary desk use, but strenuous workouts are a less convincing use case.

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.

Long endurance is one of the most consistent strengths, often lasting days or a working week. ANC intensity and LDAC reduce runtime, and measured results do not always meet the headline claim.

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

Brief top-ups provide enough listening time to make last-minute charging practical. The Pro’s fast-charge boost is repeatedly welcomed as an improvement over older models.

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 slimmer, clean design looks attractive and sometimes premium. Opinions split on chunky proportions, faux-metal details and the loss of the original model’s distinctive styling.

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

The firmer clamp can keep the headphones secure without squeezing. Buyers who prefer a loose fit often find the original Space One, Bose or Sony alternatives more natural.

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

The folding joints are convenient and can feel reassuringly sturdy. Other users find them loose or prone to collapsing during handling, so hinge confidence is mixed.

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

The reinforced, flexible structure often feels sturdier than older Soundcore models. Loose tolerances and synthetic coverings keep some users from viewing it as fully premium.

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.

Soft cushioning makes long workdays and flights comfortable for many users. Shallow cups, heat, a loose small-head fit or a firmer clamp leave others preferring competing models.

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 weight is manageable and sometimes barely noticeable over hours. Lighter competitors remain easier to forget, especially when walking or comparing models directly.

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.

Several users expect the flexible construction and metal joints to hold up well. Flimsy-feeling hinges leave others less confident, and long-term durability is not uniformly established.

The lack of aptX is a drawback for buyers who specifically want that codec. LDAC supplies the principal high-resolution wireless option instead.

Phone-and-computer switching usually works conveniently across ecosystems. LDAC and occasional notification behavior introduce tradeoffs in a multi-device setup.

Device-finding support is missed as a nice-to-have feature in one assessment. It is a caveat for buyers who rely on tracking rather than a universal dealbreaker.

One early assessment hopes firmware will improve dual-device reliability and aggressive tuning. That is a request for refinement rather than a confirmed software fix.

Safe Volume is repeatedly valued for monitoring or limiting listening levels. Buyers appreciate the extra control when protecting hearing or sharing headphones with children.

Normal playback often stays clean, including a report of no audible distortion. Very high volume can make vocals or treble harsh for other listeners.

Sidetone is helpful for hearing your own voice without shouting. Multiple tests warn that enabling it can severely lower or degrade call speech, so disabling it may improve results.

Difficulty finding replacement pads is a repairability concern. Buyers hoping to refresh worn cushioning may find replacement availability limiting.

Many prefer the physical buttons to touch input. Others miss touch operation or the original model’s intentional cup-cover conversation gesture.

Output is ample for many listeners, but several want another notch or two of headroom. One comparison needs extra volume to give bass the newer model’s impact.

Automatic power-off helps prevent unnecessary battery drain after the headphones are left unused. It is useful for listeners who forget to switch them off.

The wireless standard delivers useful range and reliable connections in practice. Newer Space 2 hardware makes the Pro’s older version less attractive in direct comparisons.

Android voice-assistant control is responsive in one test. Another assessment flags missing dedicated assistant support as a caveat rather than an essential loss.

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

Movement can transmit subtle thumps during running. One user finds them less intrusive than on many other headphones.

Missing LE Audio is a drawback for buyers prioritizing newer wireless features. The existing connection options remain adequate for ordinary listening.

A good seal keeps listening reasonably private. One comparison finds less leakage than older Soundcore headphones.