
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.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Specifications
| Spec | KEF Nothing Headphone (1) | Sennheiser HD 650 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $299 | $380 |
| HearWiki score | 72 / 100 · Good | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2025 | - |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 40 mm dynamic driver | dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 42 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-40kHz | 10Hz-41kHz |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 300 Ω |
| Sensitivity | - | 99.8 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | - | 103 |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | - |
| Bluetooth version | 5.3 | - |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC, LDAC | - |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | No |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 80 h | - |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 35 h | - |
| Quick charge | 5 min = 5 h | - |
| Wireless charging | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | No |
| ANC type | adaptive | - |
| Transparency mode | Yes | - |
| Companion app | Yes | - |
| Custom EQ | Yes | - |
| Wear detection | Yes | - |
| Controls | both | buttons |
| Voice assistant | ChatGPT | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 329 g | 260 g |
| Case weight | 264 g | - |
| Water resistance | IP52 | - |
| Foldable | - | No |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | Yes | No |
| Balanced connection | - | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 6 | - |
| Call noise reduction | 4-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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