In the latest episode of headphone smack talk, Sennheiser’s official Reddit account couldn’t resist poking fun at the leaked shots of Nothing’s forthcoming Headphone (1). Those images, which show strikingly square earcups with a transparent, cassette-tape-inspired shell, spurred Sennheiser to quip that they’d only ever build something that bold “if we were bought out again and had the best salespeople. Even then…”
The only way we’d make a design like that is if we were bought out again and had the best salespeople. Even then..
It’s a playful jab, but it underscores just how polarizing Nothing’s design is. Fans and skeptics alike have flocked to social media: some laud the fresh take on over-ears, others say it looks more like a retro gadget than a serious audio tool. Either way, the look slots neatly into Nothing’s growing ecosystem of transparent-panel gadgets.
Nothing didn’t let the comment go unanswered. CEO Carl Pei fired back that, sure, Sennheiser’s cans have a timeless reputation—but their classic shells can resemble nothing more than PC cooling fans. He made clear there’s no bad blood, though: he still swears by his decade-old HD650s when they’re paired with a proper amplifier.
Says the company whose headphones look like PC cooling fans
— Carl Pei (@getpeid) June 21, 2025
I know because I've used my HD 650 for 10 years pic.twitter.com/vtdEdns43g
All this theatrics is hitting just as Nothing readies its first premium over-ears for a July 1 reveal—alongside the Phone (3). Early certification filings hint at model number B170, complete with active noise cancellation (likely toggled by a discreet slider), built-in mic, USB-C charging and even a 3.5 mm jack for wired listening. Under the hood, the Headphone (1) packs a 520 mAh battery with 5 W fast-charge support and will ship with the necessary cables straight out of the box.
At an estimated €300 (about $320), Nothing is aiming squarely at the premium audio market. That price point puts it shoulder-to-shoulder with long-standing favorites like Sennheiser’s HD series—legendary for their sound quality and comfort. Now the real question: can Nothing’s bold new form match up to the acoustic pedigree of its rivals?
Whether you end up loving the transparent, retro-tech vibe or you side with Sennheiser’s tradition-first mindset, there’s no denying that Nothing’s first foray into high-end headphones has everyone talking. After all, sometimes shaking up the staid world of audio gear is exactly what the industry needs—even if it looks a bit like a PC fan while doing it.
