Nothing Is Going Premium With Its Most Expensive Headphones Yet

Most people know Nothing as the company that tries to release uniquely designed products at relatively affordable prices. Last summer, the company released the Nothing Headphone (1) alongside the Nothing Phone (3), taking on headphones like Apple’s AirPods Max.

Now, the company has launched its successor, the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro, the most expensive headphones it has ever released. The Headphone (1) launched at $299, the Headphone (a) was $199, and the Ear (3a) earbuds were $99.

But the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro launched at a whopping $399. At this price point, it begs the question: why is Nothing moving beyond its budget-friendly category?

Nothing Phone 4b Price and Specs vs Nothing Phone 4a

Nothing’s new Phone (4b) price is more than the Phone (4a) in India, ₹34,999 against ₹31,999. Here’s what the extra money buys you, and which one you should get.

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What you get for $399

The Headphone (1) Pro has a triple-driver design, with a 40mm dynamic driver for bass, a separate precision driver for the midrange, and an xMEMS driver for treble. Most headphones use a single driver, so Nothing says its three-driver setup allows it to deliver richer and more detailed sound.

There's also ANC with 10 microphones. Battery life is rated at 30 hours with ANC on and up to 68 hours with it off. It supports LDAC, USB-C lossless audio, and Auracast. There's also a physical Flat EQ switch for studio professionals that disables EQ and spatial processing.

It's made with machined aluminium, titanium, and 9H Panda Glass rather than relying primarily on plastic. It's IP52 rated and has the tactile controls Nothing is known for.

Why is Nothing charging this much?

Nothing has spent years building an audience with relatively affordable, stylish products. Now, it could be trying to use that brand recognition to move further into the premium market.

The Headphone (1) Pro isn't competing on price alone. It's competing on features. With this headphone, Nothing has added a bunch of features that are unusual in this category.

The triple-driver setup is genuinely unusual, while the physical Flat EQ switch is designed for people who want a more neutral sound for studio work. The design also stands out in a market full of similar-looking round earcups. Nothing is betting that people who liked its more affordable products will follow it upmarket.

"To us, this is a flagship product where we're able to showcase what we can do," said Charlie Smith, Nothing's chief brand officer. "It also helps elevate us as a brand."

Nothing's most expensive headphone is still cheaper than some of the competition