In context: Android smartphone maker Nothing has launched the Headphone (1) Pro, its new flagship audio product that it says combines an elevated listening experience for consumers with studio-quality production and mixing capabilities for professionals. It succeeds last year’s Nothing Headphone (1), which TIME named one of its best inventions of 2025.
The biggest change in the new model is a three-driver audio system. It includes a dynamic bass driver that adds more punch and sensitivity to low frequencies, a dynamic precision driver that adds more texture to vocals and instruments, and a new xMEMS treble driver that Nothing says delivers crisper highs.
Nothing also worked with London’s Metropolis Studios to tune the Headphone (1) Pro, with the collaboration focusing on professional audio tools and soundstage characteristics.
The company also highlights an improved adaptive active noise cancellation system that uses a 10-microphone array to filter ambient noise more accurately than the first-generation model. With a claimed noise reduction of up to 46 dB, Nothing positions the Headphone (1) Pro compared to premium competitors from Bose and Sony.
Nothing says that the improvement in noise reduction should be particularly noticeable in strong winds or loud traffic. The headphones also feature redesigned ear pads with an 8mm silicone baffle inside, creating a stronger sound barrier and improving the seal around the ears.
The Headphone (1) Pro supports wireless Hi-Res audio and wired playback via USB-C at up to 24-bit/192 kHz. It also offers five modes of Dynamic Spatial Audio with head tracking, as well as five new custom EQ profiles. A separate flat EQ switch is intended to offer producers and creatives a more neutral sound profile.
The Headphones 1 Pro is constructed from aluminum and titanium to provide a durable shell while creating a premium appearance. It also retains Nothing’s transparent design language, using shatter- and scratch-resistant 9H Panda glass on both ear cups to expose parts of the triple driver architecture.
Despite the increasing use of metal, Nothing has reduced the weight of the headphones to 327 grams through a redesigned interior design, including replacing steel temples with titanium. Other changes intended to improve comfort during longer listening sessions include a wider headband with thicker padding and softer ear pads.
The Headphone (1) Pro is positioned to compete with premium models like the Sony WH-1000XM6, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and the Apple AirPods Max. Priced at $399, it will be available starting September 29th at the official Nothing store at Nothing.tech, Amazon, and Best Buy in the US and Canada.
