Looks like we’ve got a headphone feud brewing—and it’s not about sound quality this time, but design. Recently, Sennheiser took a playful jab at Nothing’s latest product, the Nothing Headphone (1), and as you’d expect, Carl Pei didn’t hold back with his reply.
It All Started With a Reddit Roast
A Reddit post showing off the Nothing Headphone (1) caught the eye of the internet—and apparently, Sennheiser’s social media team too. From the official Sennheiser Consumer account came a cheeky comment:
“The only way we’d make a design like that is if we were bought out again and had the best salespeople. Even then…”
Ouch.
While it was clearly meant to be humorous, the comment raised eyebrows and sparked conversations across audio enthusiast circles. Interestingly, the comment has now been deleted—suggesting that someone at Sennheiser may have had second thoughts about the dig.
Carl Pei Responds with a Zinger
Enter Carl Pei, the founder of Nothing, known for his sharp comebacks and transparent product designs (literally). Taking to Twitter, Pei fired back with this:
“Says the company whose headphones look like PC cooling fans.
I know because I’ve used my HD 650 for 10 years “
Mic drop.
It’s a smart move—Pei throws in a burn while simultaneously complimenting Sennheiser’s legendary HD 650, a headphone known for its incredible sound quality and build durability since its launch in 2003. Using something for over a decade? That says something.
Nothing vs. Sennheiser: Two Different Worlds
This isn’t just about jokes. It’s also a peek into two very different philosophies:
- Nothing is all about being bold, transparent (literally), and standing out. For their first headphone, they even teamed up with British audio brand KEF for tuning the sound.
- Sennheiser, on the other hand, is a legacy brand that handles its sound engineering in-house and is globally respected for its audio expertise.
So while Nothing is creating buzz through its design and partnerships, Sennheiser sticks to classic performance.
Also Read: Upcoming Smartphones in July 2025: Nothing, Samsung, OnePlus & More
The Internet Has Opinions
Let’s just say people are talking. The original Reddit post featuring the Nothing Headphone (1) has over 60,000 views and tons of comments, ranging from admiration to confusion:
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Some praised the unique design, calling it fresh and futuristic.
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Others joked that it looked like something you’d pull out of a gaming rig—“like transparent PC cooling fans.”
One thing’s clear: Nothing’s design is a conversation starter.
Sennheiser’s Comment? Deleted, But Not Forgotten
It’s worth noting that Sennheiser deleted their Reddit comment after it made the rounds. Maybe it was a bit too spicy. Or maybe they realized that taking jabs at a competitor wasn’t the best PR move.
Still, the internet never forgets—and now this back-and-forth is all over Twitter, Reddit, and tech news.
So, What’s the Takeaway?
This light-hearted clash shows the contrast between heritage and disruption in the audio world.
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On one side, you have Sennheiser—time-tested, audio-focused, and conservative in design.
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On the other, Nothing—young, experimental, and out to shake up the status quo.
Carl Pei’s response proves that Nothing isn’t afraid to stand its ground. And whether you love or hate the design, the Nothing Headphone (1) is already one of the most talked-about audio launches this year.
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