Nothing's $399 Headphone (1) Pro launched Sept. 29, immediately setting up a direct comparison with Sony's WH-1000XM6, which carries a $449.99 list price.
In the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro vs Sony WH-1000XM6 matchup, Sony offers multipoint connectivity and a six-microphone call system, while Nothing counters with wired USB-C lossless audio, an IP52 rating, and a parametric EQ that goes beyond Sony's band-based equalizer.
Searching Nothing Headphone (1) Pro vs Sony XM6 for phones usually turns up codec specs first, and here it's close to a wash. Both support SBC, AAC, LDAC, and LC3, according to SoundGuys' Nothing Headphone (1) Pro testing and Sony's WH-1000XM6 specifications. Matching codec lists don't settle anything by themselves, though. What varies is whether your phone supports LDAC, whether you're listening wired or wirelessly, and how your phone handles USB-C digital audio.
A quick note on where this comparison's evidence comes from: Sony's feature descriptions, including its call-microphone and QN3 processor claims, are company specifications and press materials, not independent lab results. SoundGuys' 87.4% attenuation figure for the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro comes from that outlet's own testing.
The glasses-fit comments from The Verge and SoundGuys are individual reviewer observations rather than a controlled study. Battery figures from both brands are manufacturer-rated estimates unless stated otherwise.
Check these points before buying
Android users should confirm LDAC is available on their phone before assuming wireless high-resolution playback is automatic. Nothing supports wired USB-C audio at up to 24-bit/192kHz, while wireless LDAC tops out at 24-bit/96kHz.
Don't assume the USB-C path works identically with every phone, adapter, or cable, however. If wired high-resolution playback from a particular handset is a deciding factor, confirm that combination before buying.
Matching codec support also doesn't guarantee matching sound quality, switching reliability, noise cancellation, or battery drain. Those differences play out section by section below.
Wired connectivity: where the two headphones actually diverge
Sony's wired option is a detachable, single-sided 3.5mm analog cable. If your phone doesn't have a headphone jack, you'll need a compatible adapter to use that connection.
Nothing has a more phone-friendly digital option for USB-C devices. The Headphone (1) Pro supports lossless USB-C playback through its built-in DAC at up to 24-bit/192kHz.
Don't conflate Nothing's two high-resolution figures, either. The Verge reports that wireless LDAC tops out at 24-bit/96kHz, while 24-bit/192kHz applies to wired USB-C playback. Confusing the two overstates what Bluetooth can deliver.
Sony WH-1000XM6 phone compatibility: multipoint, calls, and charging speed
Both headphones support connecting to two devices simultaneously.
Sony lists multipoint connectivity for the WH-1000XM6, allowing it to maintain Bluetooth connections with two devices. Nothing also supports dual-device Bluetooth connections on the Headphone (1) Pro, so the original distinction between Sony's "true Multipoint" and Nothing merely swapping streams isn't supported strongly enough to use as a deciding factor.
Sony says the WH-1000XM6 uses six microphones with AI-based beamforming for voice pickup during calls. That's separate from the headphone's broader 12-microphone system used for noise cancellation and other functions.
Sony also says a three-minute USB-C charge can provide up to three hours of playback when using a USB-PD-compatible AC adapter.
Noise cancelling and fit: what reviewers actually found
The Verge's review places the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro behind Sony's WH-1000XM6 and other leading premium headphones for noise cancellation, even while finding that it handles airplane rumble and street traffic well on its own.
SoundGuys' testing measured 87.4% average attenuation with the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro's ANC switched on. Its reviewer also found that getting an ideal ear-cup seal could be difficult, which can affect both noise cancellation and bass response.
Fit matters especially for glasses wearers. The Verge's reviewer, who wears glasses, found that the seal let in more midrange airplane noise on the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro than on the Sony WH-1000XM6 and several other premium headphones. SoundGuys also reported seal inconsistency in its testing.
Two reviewers don't prove Sony will fit every glasses wearer better, but the observations point in the same direction. If possible, try the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro while wearing your own glasses before buying.
Sony says its HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3 works with 12 microphones and Adaptive NC Optimizer to adjust noise cancellation based on factors including fit, surrounding noise, and atmospheric pressure. Those are Sony's claims rather than a head-to-head independent measurement against the Nothing headphones.
Nothing Headphone (1) Pro battery life and ANC: manufacturer claims vs. testing
Nothing rates the Headphone (1) Pro for up to 68 hours of playback with ANC off and 30 hours with ANC on. Sony rates the WH-1000XM6 for up to 40 hours with noise cancellation off and 30 hours with it on.
Those are manufacturer ratings measured under different conditions, so they shouldn't be treated as a controlled head-to-head battery test.
Using LDAC reduces Nothing's published estimates to about 53 hours with ANC off and 28 hours with ANC on. Android owners who plan to leave LDAC enabled should therefore use those lower figures rather than the 68-hour headline when estimating battery life.
The Nothing Headphone (1) Pro has an IP52 dust- and water-resistance rating. Sony doesn't publish an equivalent IP rating for the WH-1000XM6, so buyers who expect exposure to dust or light moisture have a clearer specification from Nothing. IP52 doesn't make the headphones waterproof.
Sony lists the WH-1000XM6 at approximately 254 grams.
Nothing's Headphone (1) Pro is considerably heavier. Nothing lists it at approximately 383 grams, which aligns closely with SoundGuys' measured 383.5 grams. The roughly 327-gram figure appearing in some coverage isn't consistent with Nothing's official specification and shouldn't be used for this comparison.
Sound tuning also splits differently. The Nothing Headphone (1) Pro uses a three-driver design consisting of a 40mm dynamic driver, a separate midrange driver, and an xMEMS tweeter. It also provides a physical Flat EQ control and parametric EQ through Nothing's software.
Sony provides its own customizable equalizer but doesn't offer the same parametric control. Neither approach is inherently better. Nothing gives users finer control over specific frequencies, while Sony's conventional EQ is simpler to adjust.
Which one fits your phone habits
Android phone with LDAC, mostly wireless: Either can work. Both support LDAC, so other factors such as ANC, fit, tuning, and controls matter more.
USB-C phone, wired lossless playback: Nothing Headphone (1) Pro has the advantage. Its built-in USB-C audio path supports up to 24-bit/192kHz playback without requiring a separate analog headphone adapter.
Frequent flying or wearing glasses: Sony WH-1000XM6 has the stronger case based on current hands-on ANC and fit observations. Fit remains personal, so try both if possible.
Regularly switching between a phone and laptop: Both support simultaneous connections with two devices, so don't choose Sony solely on the assumption that Nothing lacks multipoint-style dual-device connectivity.
Need some dust and light-moisture protection: Nothing Headphone (1) Pro has a documented IP52 rating. Don't treat that rating as waterproofing.
Sony fits better if stronger ANC performance, lower weight, or frequent calls on the move matter most to your routine. Its six-microphone voice-pickup system and QN3 processing are manufacturer specifications, but current independent reviews also give Sony the edge in noise cancellation.
The Nothing Headphone (1) Pro fits better if wired USB-C lossless playback, an IP52 rating, or parametric EQ control matters more. Its substantially higher weight makes trying the fit especially worthwhile before buying.
Compare the battery ratings cautiously. Nothing's 68-hour maximum and Sony's 40-hour maximum are manufacturer estimates rather than results from the same test, and Nothing's own estimate drops to 53 hours with LDAC and ANC off or 28 hours with LDAC and ANC on.
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