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Products & Applications

Nothing Headphone (1) Pro Launches at 2,999 Yuan With Three-Driver Over-Ear Design

Nothing released the Headphone (1) Pro on October 13 at 2,999 yuan, adding a 40mm dynamic driver, a PEN detail unit and an xMEMS tweeter to its flagship over-ear noise-cancelling headphone, according to a review by iFanr.

AI News Feed · 2026-10-14 21:20

The acoustic system pairs a 40mm dynamic driver for low frequencies with two additional units. The woofer uses a PET electroplated metal-ceramic dome with a PEEK and PU surround, which iFanr says raises driving force by 15 percent over the Headphone (1) and improves sensitivity by 26 percent. A detail-enhancement driver with a PEN diaphragm is added to sharpen vocal articulation and instrumental detail while reducing echo and distortion. A third unit, an xMEMS tweeter with a silicon diaphragm, takes on work conventionally handled by balanced armature drivers and is intended to strengthen transient response, overtones and high-frequency definition.

The headphone supports Bluetooth with LDAC for Hi-Res Audio wireless transmission, plus two wired paths. USB Audio input accepts up to 24-bit 192kHz Hi-Res Audio, and a 3.5mm AUX input also carries Hi-Res Audio playback, giving both wired and wireless modes the Hi-Res certification. Bluetooth 6.1 is supported, along with dual-device connection, Auracast audio sharing, and dynamic spatial audio using an enhanced HRTF algorithm with head tracking.

Tuning was developed with Metropolis Studios. The central option is a Flat EQ that removes colouration and processing for audio work, and Nothing placed a physical switch for it inside the earcup so users can enter a working mode before putting the headphone on. The Nothing X app runs a hearing test to generate a personalised profile, and Metropolis Studios supplied five further presets: Neo-Jazz, British Rock, UK Rap plus Grime, Electronica and UK Bass, with a dedicated Studio B mode for spatial audio that simulates a position at the centre of a recording studio.

Noise cancellation was upgraded in hardware. The headphone carries 10 microphones, with three front-feedback and two rear-feedback mics on each side, all arranged facing inward to limit wind and airflow interference. An 8mm silicone baffle and double-layer earcups combining PU leather with nylon fabric improve sealing, and passive isolation is audible even when the headphone is switched off. Peak cancellation depth reaches 46dB, 5dB more than the Headphone (1), with 40 percent greater coverage, and adaptive cancellation switches between low, medium and high intensity. iFanr reports that keyboard clatter, café conversation and background music were handled without pronounced eardrum pressure.

Battery life is rated at 28 hours with LDAC and active noise cancellation enabled, 30 hours in standard mode and up to 68 hours with cancellation off, with a five-minute charge yielding four hours of playback.

The frame combines lightweight titanium with an aluminium alloy, cutting weight by 45 percent against the Headphone (1) to 327g. The headband padding is thicker and softer, the earcups use a pivot structure to fit different head shapes, and the transparent centre panel is now dark 9H Panda Glass. Two colours are offered, black and white.

The package includes a glossy hard case that covers only the earcups and locks with a side switch, allowing the headphone to be carried by hand in the manner of an AirPods Max. iFanr notes that the glossy surface shows marks easily, that the exposed headband argues for an additional cover, and that charging through the case would have been a useful addition.

In listening tests, iFanr describes the sound as clean and governed by a smooth, natural and analytical high-resolution character. Bass from the 40mm driver is full, with clear edges and audible rebound, while the detail driver keeps vocal diction and breathing distinct even in dense passages. The xMEMS unit adds definition to the upper midrange. The review adds that the ear pads still produce some clamping pressure, though the lighter body and softer pads make the Pro more comfortable than its predecessor. It concludes that the multi-driver approach works for general listeners and that the model suits buyers who want a modern, high-clarity sound from a wireless noise-cancelling headphone.

Editor's Summary

Nothing's Headphone (1) Pro arrives at 2,999 yuan with a three-driver architecture, upgraded adaptive noise cancellation rated at 46dB and a 327g titanium and aluminium frame. The model adds LDAC, USB Audio and 3.5mm Hi-Res playback, Metropolis Studios tuning presets and a hardware Flat EQ switch. iFanr's review credits it with a clean, analytical sound and notes remaining clamping pressure and a smudge-prone case as drawbacks.