After smartphones, Nothing is making a comeback in the audio sector: transparent headphones and new ambitions

Having made a name for itself with its transparent smartphones, Nothing now wants to make its voice heard. The London-based company is unveiling the Headphone (1) Pro, a pair of headphones featuring three drivers, ten microphones and a range of features designed for those who produce music, as well as those who simply listen to it. They cost €349 and will be available from 29 September on the manufacturer’s website and on Amazon, and from 30 September at other retailers. The aim is to apply the formula that has helped the brand make its mark in the mobile phone market to the high-end audio sector: a distinctive design and the promise of an experience that sets it apart from the major manufacturers.

To be precise, for Nothing, audio marks a return to its roots. Its first product was the Ear (1) earphones, released in 2021, before the Phone (1) smartphone. Behind the brand is Carl Pei, former co-founder of OnePlus. Right from the start, the transparent design was part of the industrial concept: to make a technological object – which tended to look just like all the others – visible and desirable.

The move to over-ear headphones had already taken place in 2025 with the Headphone (1). We tested them for a few hours. We appreciated the sound quality and their originality. The Pro model now raises the bar even higher: Nothing is also seeking to make its mark amongst enthusiasts, musicians and content creators who want to fine-tune the sound.

The main technical innovation is the triple-driver system – that is, the components that convert the electrical signal into sound. The task is divided: a dynamic driver handles the bass, a second is dedicated to the clarity of vocals and instruments, whilst an xMEMS unit reproduces the high frequencies. According to Nothing, this division delivers more punchy bass and greater detail. It’s a design promise: the number of drivers alone.