Nothing Headphone (1) Pro Review: Stand Out from the Crowd

 

Some headphones are made to blend in. The Nothing Headphone (1) Pro is made to stand out.

How to make a headphone look different yet stylish from the rest?

Let's be honest. Most headphones on the market look the same, with a choice of black or white, a familiar shape, and perhaps a logo on the side. Nothing Headphone(1) Pro decides it wants to stand out with a boxy cut Headphone that looks like a futuristic aviation headphone that comes with a see-through glass that gives you a peek into the hardware.

Good-looking is one thing, but does it sound as good as it looks? After spending time with these headphones, here's what I like and what you should consider before buying a pair.

Standout Design

The first thing you'll notice about the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro is its appearance.

It doesn't look like your typical pair of premium headphones. The unusual shape, clean lines and rectangular transparent details give it a futuristic look that feels refreshing in a market full of familiar designs. It is bold and risky, and that's what makes it desirable.

It comes in both white and black.  While both have their set of admirers, my preference would be black for black for its eye-catching silhouette. This is not a design that has universal appeal. Some may find it too unusual, while others might prefer something more understated. But if you're tired of the same old designs, the Headphone (1) Pro offers a refreshing change. 

Excellent Sound and Live Sound Experience

A good-looking pair of headphones is one thing. Getting good sound out of them is another. The Headphone (1) Pro has more going for it than its futuristic appearance.

Nothing has equipped these headphones with a triple-driver system designed to deliver detailed audio, alongside sound tuning by Metropolis Studios and customisable settings through the Nothing X app. 

The Live Sound experience gives music a more immersive, spacious presentation, making listening feel more engaging. Rather than simply hearing the music, you get a greater sense of space that adds to the overall experience. Makes you feel like you are in a concert hall when your eyes are closed.

As for controls, most of it can be done on the headset itself. If you want to customise the sound, download the Nothing App to tune the sound to your preference. With this flexibility, you can achieve close to the perfect sound you are looking for.

ANC That Helps You Tune Out the World

Active Noise Cancellation, or ANC, is a big deal for anyone who uses headphones regularly. There's little point in enjoying your favourite music if you hear chatter and background noises during your commute.

The Headphone (1) Pro features adaptive ANC rated at up to 46dB, designed to reduce unwanted background noise depending on your surroundings. In everyday use, effective noise cancellation makes a real difference. It allows you to concentrate on your music and enjoy a more immersive listening experience without constantly being distracted by the environment around you.

For me, the ANC is a major highlight. Combined with the sound quality, it makes the Headphone (1) Pro particularly enjoyable for commuting, travelling or simply finding some quiet time.

Comfortable for Longer Listening Sessions

People often overlook comfort when shopping for headphones. Everyone talks about sound quality and ANC, but these features mean little if your ears start aching after an hour.

The Headphone (1) Pro offers a comfortable fit, with padded ear cushions and a headband designed for extended listening. This matters because headphones aren't just for listening to a couple of songs. You might wear them while working, watching videos, travelling or enjoying a lengthy playlist. A comfortable fit makes these activities more enjoyable, especially when you're wearing the headphones for extended periods.

The Downsides: Not Everyone Will Like the Design

The strength of Nothing Headphone(1) Pro can be its greatest weakness. While the design cues may be appealing, it could also be divisive.

Yes, I like it. The distinctive styling is one of the biggest reasons these headphones caught my attention in the first place. But I can understand why some people might not be convinced.

The futuristic appearance isn't subtle, and the unusual shape won't suit everyone's taste. If you prefer headphones that look conventional and understated, these may not be for you.

The Singapore retail price of S$549 is another consideration. These are premium headphones, so you'll want to be sure you appreciate the overall package rather than buying them purely for their looks.

Verdict: Should You Buy the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro?

The Nothing Headphone (1) Pro gets several important things right.

It looks different, delivers an enjoyable listening experience, offers impressive ANC and provides a comfortable fit for longer sessions. The Live Sound feature adds another dimension to music listening, making the overall experience more engaging.

What's in the box?

Most importantly, these headphones have a personality of their own.

Are they for everyone? Probably not. But that's perfectly fine. After all, you don't want to look like a clone if everyone is wearing the same thing.

If you're tired of headphones that all look alike and want something futuristic without sacrificing sound quality and everyday comfort, the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro should be on your list. At S$549, it's not a casual purchase. But if you appreciate distinctive design, excellent noise cancellation and immersive sound, the price is worth it.

Stand Out from the Crowd with Nothing Headphone (1) Pro. Because sometimes, being different is the whole point.