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Nothing and KEF Launch The Headphone 1: A High-End Audio Collaboration

Nothing challenges the Apple AirPod Max with the new Headphone 1 with Sound by KEF.

Nothing KEF Headphone 1 Lifestyle

Nothing, the tech brand known for its striking design and popular wireless earbuds, has teamed up with legendary British audio brand KEF to launch its first full-size over-ear headphones: the Headphone 1. Blending Nothing’s cutting-edge design philosophy with KEF’s decades of acoustic engineering expertise, the Headphone 1 aims to redefine premium wireless audio for a new generation.

The Headphone 1: Because Nothing Says Premium Like Partnering with KEF

nothing-kef-headphone-1-white-angle

In typical Nothing fashion, the Headphone 1 features a transparent design that gives users a glimpse of the internal components—a signature aesthetic that sets the brand apart. But this isn’t just about looks. The Headphone 1 is clearly intended to be both a design statement and a serious contender in the high-performance wireless headphone space.

What truly sets it apart is the collaboration behind it. The Headphone 1 is the first product released by Nothing in partnership with KEF, the renowned British audio company. It proudly displays the “Sound by KEF” badge on the earcups—signaling a serious commitment to acoustic performance.

nothing-kef-headphone-1-phone

Speaking of earcups, Nothing has ditched the traditional oval shape in favor of a bold, rectangular design. This isn’t just a design flex—it could offer practical benefits like increased internal volume for the drivers and a more intuitive layout for onboard controls.

Here’s a look at how the Nothing engineering team initially approached the concept and design of the Headphone 1—before it even had a name:

The Nothing-KEF Partnership

In a previous article, we explored the early details of the newly announced Nothing and KEF partnership. In May 2025, the two companies officially revealed a collaboration that merges Nothing’s bold, design-forward approach with KEF’s decades of high-fidelity audio engineering.

The potential of this partnership lies in its unique balance: Nothing’s ability to connect with a younger, style-conscious audience, paired with KEF’s deep-rooted expertise in premium sound. It’s a strategic alignment that could redefine what consumers expect from wireless audio products.

The Headphone 1 is the first product to emerge from this collaboration and may offer a glimpse of what’s to come. If this model delivers on the promise of better sound quality, expanded hi-res audio support, and fresh product categories, the Nothing x KEF partnership could prove to be more than just a marketing play—it could be a serious challenge to category leaders like Apple’s AirPods Max. Judging by the early buzz, both consumers and competitors are paying close attention.

nothing-kef-headphone-1-black
Nothing Headphone 1 (black)
nothing-kef-headphone-1-white-side-angle
Nothing Headphone 1 (white)

Comparison

Nothing Headphone 1Apple AirPods Max
Product TypeWireless Closed-Back Over-Ear HeadphonesWireless Closed-Back Over-Ear Headphones
Price$300$549
Special FeatureSound By KEFIt’s Apple Folks
Drivers40 mm Dynamic40 mm Dynamic
Impedance16 ohms38 ohms
DiaphramPU (Nickel Coated)Material Not Indicated
Adaptive Bass EnhancementYesNot Indicated
Spatial AudioYesYes
Head TrackingNot Indicated Yes
EQ8-BandsAdaptive EQ
On-Head DetectionYesYes
AirPlay SupportNoYes
Bluetooth Version 5.35.0
Bluetooth Codec SupportAAC, SBC, LDACAAC, SBC
ANCAdaptive up to 42dBApple Pro-level Active Noise Cancellation
Transparent Mode 2,000 Hz Frequency RangeYes – Frequency range not indicated
Onboard ControlRoll, Paddle, ButtonDigital Crown
Control AppNothing X App (Android, iOS)No
Battery1,040 mAHN/A
Playback Time (ANC)ANC Off: Up to 80 hours
ANC On: Up to 35 hours
Not Indicated
ANC On: Up to 20 hours
Playback Time (LDAC)ANC Off: Up to 53 hours
ANC On Up to 30 hours
N/A
N/A
Charging ANC Off: 5 min = 5 hours playback
ANC On: 5 min = 2.4 hours playback
ANC Off: N/A
ANC On: 5 min = 1.5 hours playback
MicrophonesNot IndicatedEight microphones for Active Noise Cancellation

Three microphones for voice pickup (two shared with Active Noise Cancellation and one additional microphone)
Google Fast PairYesNo
Microsoft Swift PairYesNo
Dual Connection YesNo
LED Charging StatusYesYes
Low Lag ModeYesYes – when using a USB-C connection
Personal Sound Profile YesYes – for spatial audio
Find my Device YesYes
Dimensions (Headphone)173.85 x 78 x 25 mm
6.85 x 3.07 x .98 in
187.3 x 168.6 x 83.4 mm
7.37 x 6.64 x 3.28 in
Dimensions (Case)220 x 220 x 52 mm
8.7 x 8.7 x 2.05 inches
236.2 x 243.1 x 80.01 mm
9.43 x 9.57 x 3.15 in
Weight (Headphones)329 g
(11.61 oz)
386.2 g
(13.6 oz)
Weight (Case)264 g
(9.31 oz)
134.5 g
(4.74 oz)
nothing-kef-headphone-1-back
nothing-kef-headphone-1-bottom

The Bottom Line

Nothing has earned its stripes by delivering earbuds that marry eye-catching design with solid sound, and now it’s taking that same approach to over-ear headphones—this time with a serious boost from KEF’s audio expertise. While KEF’s pedigree is rooted in high-end speakers, their foray into earbuds and headphones with the Mu3 and Mu7 shows they’re no strangers to personal audio.

In short, Nothing isn’t just dipping a toe—they’re charging headfirst into the headphone arena. If the early buzz holds true, the Nothing/KEF partnership is poised to shake up the market, forcing competitors to rethink not just sound quality, but also how design and technology come together in future headphone releases. The real winners here? Consumers hungry for fresh, well-engineered options beyond the usual suspects.

nothing-kef-headphone-1-colors

Price & Availability

The Nothing Headphone 1 is available for pre-order now for $299 at nothing.tech in black or white.

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