Nothing's Headphone 1 Pro: A $440 Gamble That Could Pay Off

Jennifer Moore · 2026-09-29

Nothing has been making waves in the audio world, and their latest over-ear headphones, the Headphone 1 Pro, are their most ambitious yet. But with a price tag of $440, are they worth it? I've spent some time with them to find out. ### Design: A Transparent Look at Premium Build The first thing you'll notice is the design. The Headphone 1 Pro features aluminum earcups with a transparent glass window that shows off the inner workings. It's a bold move that sets them apart from the crowd. The earcups have been redesigned for better comfort, and the padding feels plush enough for long listening sessions. Plus, you get a hard-shell carrying case, which is always a nice touch. But here's the thing: these headphones are clearly designed to be seen. They're a fashion statement as much as they are a piece of audio gear. If you're someone who values aesthetics, you'll appreciate the attention to detail. If you prefer a more understated look, these might not be for you. ### Sound Quality: Triple-Driver Setup and Flat EQ Under the hood, each earcup houses a triple-driver setup: a 40mm dynamic driver, a precision driver, and a solid-state xMEMS treble driver. That's a lot of tech for a pair of headphones, and it shows in the sound. The Headphone 1 Pro offers a flat EQ mode, which is great for professional work like mixing or mastering. It's a more neutral sound signature that doesn't color the audio. Then there are spatial audio modes for a more immersive experience when you're watching movies or playing games. I found the flat mode particularly impressive for critical listening, while the spatial audio added a fun dimension to casual listening. ### Price and Competition: Can Nothing Compete? At $440, the Headphone 1 Pro sits in a crowded market. You've got options from Sony, Bose, and Apple, all of which have established reputations. Nothing is the new kid on the block, but they're not afraid to compete. The original Headphone 1 was tuned by KEF, but the Pro model isn't. That might be a good thing, as the original's sound was divisive. The Headphone A, a cheaper model, was more universally praised. So, Nothing seems to be learning from feedback. But the big question is: can Nothing justify that price? The build quality is excellent, the features are innovative, and the sound is impressive. However, you're paying a premium for the brand's unique design and tech. If you're looking for the absolute best noise cancellation or the most refined sound, you might still lean toward the established players. But if you want something different that sounds great and looks stunning, the Headphone 1 Pro is a compelling choice. ### Final Thoughts: Are They Worth It? After spending time with the Headphone 1 Pro, I can say they're a solid effort from Nothing. They're not perfect—the spatial audio could be more refined, and the price is high—but they offer a unique combination of style and substance. If you're in the market for premium headphones and want something that stands out, give these a listen. They might just surprise you. Remember, at $440, you're investing in a piece of tech that's as much about self-expression as it is about sound. And in a world where everyone has the same black headphones, that's worth something.