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KEF Nothing Headphone (1) vs Sennheiser HD 650: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Sennheiser HD 650 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Sennheiser HD 650 - Outstanding overall at around $380.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

KEF Nothing Headphone (1)
Sound7.5
Noise cancelling6.5
Battery8.5
Calls7.0
Value7.0
Sennheiser HD 650
Sound9.0
Value7.5

Specifications

Specification comparison of KEF Nothing Headphone (1) vs Sennheiser HD 650
SpecKEF Nothing Headphone (1)Sennheiser HD 650
TypeOver-EarOver-Ear
Price (USD)$299$380
HearWiki score72 / 100 · Good85 / 100 · Outstanding
Released2025-
Audio
Driver40 mm dynamic driverdynamic
Driver size40 mm42 mm
Drivers per side22
Frequency response20Hz-40kHz10Hz-41kHz
Impedance16 Ω300 Ω
Sensitivity-99.8 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)-103
Wireless
Bluetooth5.3-
Bluetooth version5.3-
CodecsAAC, SBC, LDAC-
Multipoint pairingYesNo
Battery
Battery life80 h-
Battery life (ANC on)35 h-
Quick charge5 min = 5 h-
Wireless chargingNo-
Features
Active noise cancellingYesNo
ANC typeadaptive-
Transparency modeYes-
Companion appYes-
Custom EQYes-
Wear detectionYes-
Controlsbothbuttons
Voice assistantChatGPT-
Design
Weight329 g260 g
Case weight264 g-
Water resistanceIP52-
Foldable-No
Detachable cable-Yes
USB-CYesNo
Balanced connection-Yes
Calls
Microphones6-
Call noise reduction4-mic ENC-

What reviewers said

KEF Nothing Headphone (1)

This over-ear wireless headphone blends a standout design with versatile connectivity, including Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint pairing, and high-resolution LDAC support. It offers adaptive noise cancellation, a transparency mode, and a robust 80-hour battery life without ANC (35 hours with it), making it a solid choice for everyday listening. The 40mm dynamic drivers deliver a wide frequency response, while the companion app and EQ customization add further flexibility.

  • Pro:Long battery life, especially with ANC off
  • Pro:LDAC support for high-res audio streaming
  • Pro:Adaptive ANC and transparency modes
  • Con:ANC battery life is significantly shorter than non-ANC
  • Con:No official water resistance rating beyond basic IP52
  • Con:Plastic build may not feel premium to all users

Sennheiser HD 650

The Sennheiser HD 650 is a wired, open-back dynamic headphone built for serious home listening. It delivers a natural, detailed sound with a comfortable fit, though its sub-bass rolloff and bulky design limit it to stationary use rather than portable or active scenarios. Its replaceable cable and balanced connection option add to its appeal for audiophiles.

  • Pro:Excellent clarity and natural tonal balance
  • Pro:Very comfortable for long listening sessions
  • Pro:Detachable cable and balanced output support
  • Con:Noticeable sub-bass rolloff
  • Con:Not portable or suitable for active use
  • Con:High impedance requires a dedicated amplifier

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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