Nothing just launched the Headphone (1) Pro, and buried among the spec-sheet upgrades is a feature that actually makes sense: a physical switch inside the left earcup that flips the sound profile to completely flat EQ. No app, no menu diving, just a toggle for when you need neutral sound.
The Pro model costs $399 and ships today at Nothing's site, Amazon, and Best Buy. That's $100 more than the original Headphone (1), which launched last summer at $299. For that premium you get a triple-driver setup instead of a single 40mm driver, 46dB of adaptive noise cancellation instead of the standard model's less aggressive ANC, and 10 microphones instead of six.
The triple-driver architecture is the real story here. Nothing split the frequency range across a 40mm dynamic driver for bass, a 13x8mm precision driver for mids, and an xMEMS solid-state driver for treble. Most flagship headphones from Sony, Bose, and Apple still use a single driver per earcup. Nothing worked with London's Metropolis Studios to tune the sound, and the Flat EQ switch is the centerpiece of that collaboration.
Inside the Nothing X app, you can independently adjust the main drivers and the precision driver, which gives you granular control over the sound signature. There are also five EQ presets from Metropolis Studios, plus spatial audio modes that simulate different listening environments like concert halls and live houses. Head tracking is optional.
Battery life is rated at 68 hours with ANC off and 30 hours with it on. Fast charging gives you two hours of playback after five minutes plugged in. The headphones support Bluetooth 6.1 with LDAC, plus USB-C for lossless audio and a 3.5mm jack for wired listening. The build uses aluminum for the frame, titanium for the cup holders, and scratch-resistant glass on the outside. They weigh 327 grams and come in black or white.
The question is whether the Pro model justifies the price jump. At $399, it's competing directly with the Sony WH-1000XM6, Bose QuietComfort Headphones, and Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless. The triple-driver system and physical Flat EQ switch will appeal to anyone who cares about sound tuning, but most buyers prioritize comfort, ANC performance, and battery life over granular audio control. Nothing needs to prove the extra hardware is worth the ask, especially when the original Headphone (1) required significant EQ adjustments to sound its best.
The Headphone (1) Pro is available now at Nothing's website, Amazon, and Best Buy for $399.
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