{
  "id": 10871637,
  "title": "After Apple’s Beats and Sonos, Nothing launches high-end over-ear headphones",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/after-apples-beats-and-sonos-nothing-launches-high-end-over-ear",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-30T05:55:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/mobile-tabs/after-apples-beats-and-sonos-nothing-launches-high-end-over-ear-headphone-1-pro-10900158/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nothing, the London-based tech firm recognized for its unique designs, introduced a pair of top-tier, studio-grade headphones on Wednesday, tapping into the niche but expanding sector for high-end over-ear headphones. The Headphone (1) Pro, priced at $399 (or about Rs 38,282), marks the company's second iteration of over-ear headphones, following the debut of Headphone (1) the previous year. The Pro model builds upon the original Headphone (1) with hardware enhancements, enhanced active noise cancellation, and refined physical design changes. Weighing in at 327 grams, the headphones are slightly lighter, yet they boast softer ear cups, a larger headband, and thicker padding across the device. The overall aesthetic is sleeker, and the company has chosen a premium glass material for a see-through panel this time around. The most significant improvement lies in the audio capabilities. The headphones employ a triple-driver system for enhanced sound quality and precise tuning control, complemented by an advanced custom EQ within the Nothing X app. Users can independently tweak the main drivers and precision driver, offering finer sound customization. The Headphone (1) Pro carries a $100 premium over its predecessor. (Image credit: Nothing) Moreover, the product boasts a physical switch for swiftly toggling to a neutral \"Flat\" EQ, alongside Spatial Audio presets that simulate environments like live venues and concert halls, complete with optional head tracking. The device also retains compatibility with lossless audio via USB-C and Hi-Res wireless playback, alongside the familiar controls found on the Headphone (1). At $399, Nothing's Headphone (1) Pro joins the ranks of the most luxurious headphones on the market, competing with offerings from Apple, Sony, Bose, Sonos, and Sennheiser. These headphones are $100 cheaper than the AirPods Max 2 but $50 pricier than Beats' premium over-ear 360 headphones, recently launched. Positioned alongside Sonos' Ace Ultra, which hit the market earlier this month at $449, the Headphone (1) Pro aligns closely with Apple's top-tier headphones. The premium headphones segment is experiencing a surge, with consumers willing to invest up to $300 for high-quality over-ear headphones. Sony and Bose currently dominate the market, whereas Apple and Sonos target tech-savvy consumers who value elegant design and superior sound performance. The Headphone (1) Pro marks Nothing's attempt to differentiate itself through its distinctive design and superior audio quality.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Nothing launches $399 Headphone (1) Pro headphones",
    "Triple-driver system and custom EQ enhance audio quality",
    "Competes with Apple, Sony, Bose, Sonos, Sennheiser"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Nothing's launch of the Headphone (1) Pro cements its position in the high-end over-ear headphones market, targeting design- and audio-conscious consumers with a distinctive product that rivals offerings from Apple, Sonos, and others.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}