Nothing Headphone (1) Pro Launches: A Premium Bet With a Controversial Case and a Rp6.4 Million Price Tag

Nothing has officially launched the Headphone (1) Pro, an ambitious move by the London-based company to challenge the dominance of the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 5 in the premium headphone segment. The device is an upgraded version of the Headphone (1), which was first praised in mid-2025, but it brings several significant changes under the hood.

In terms of design, the Headphone (1) Pro retains the cassette-shaped earcups with transparent sections that now look more subdued. The main change lies in the driver system, which now consists of three components, including a tiny additional driver to enrich high- and mid-frequency detail. The headband and earcups are also thicker, giving a more luxurious feel when worn.

One of the most notable features is a switch inside the left earcup to activate the 'Flat' EQ mode. This mode was developed with a number of musicians, including Charli XCX, who was just announced as a Nothing ambassador. The 'Flat' EQ neutralizes the default sound signature of the Headphone (1) Pro, which tends to be colored, making it more reliable for studio or mixing purposes. This makes the 'Pro' label in its name more than just a gimmick.

However, Nothing's decision to replace the previously favored felt case with a hard-shell clamshell has drawn criticism. The new case has a unique design—the earcups are clamped inside, then closed with a latch, while the headband extends as a handle. Although it looks different, its heavy and thick build makes it less practical, reminiscent of the AirPods Max case that was once mocked for being considered poor at protection.

"I can't say that I'm a big fan of the new case. It's chunky and heavy, a far cry from the felt case of the Headphone (1), which I thought was just right," the reviewer wrote in their review.

In terms of connectivity and controls, Nothing retains the dial and flapper that are hallmarks of the Headphone series. There are no significant changes to the button layout, except for the addition of the EQ switch. This shows that Nothing remains faithful to a design language that has been appreciated, while avoiding the risk of changing an interface that is already familiar to users.

For the Indonesian market, the arrival of the Headphone (1) Pro adds an option in the premium audio segment that has long been dominated by established brands such as Sony, Bose, and Sennheiser. At around Rp6.4 million, the device will compete closely with the Sony WH-1000XM6, which has advanced noise-cancelling features and a mature ecosystem. Nothing is indeed known for its unique design and competitive pricing, but with the Headphone (1) Pro, it is targeting consumers who prioritize sound quality and style, not just features.

Nothing's success in the global market will depend on how well it convinces audiophiles that the three-part driver and 'Flat' EQ mode truly add value. On the other hand, the controversial case could backfire if users want maximum protection for headphones priced in the tens of millions of rupiah. Nothing has not announced official availability in Indonesia, but if it enters, the product will face local consumer preferences that often take after-sales service and brand reputation into account.

With this launch, Nothing reinforces its ambition to not only play in the mid-range segment but also challenge the major players in the premium class. The question is whether the market is ready to pay a premium for the design and sound innovation on offer, or whether it will remain loyal to proven brands. Time will tell, but Nothing's move this time is worth watching.