Over-Ear Headphones: The Superior Sound Experience That Outshines and Outprices AirPods Pro Max

Raine Baker
5 Min Read

Nothing has recently unveiled plans for their first-ever over-ear wireless Bluetooth headphones, a move that has excited fans and audio enthusiasts alike. In a captivating video lasting nearly four minutes, the London-based design team shared their ambitious vision for this upcoming audio device, although the product remains unnamed.

This announcement follows shortly after a collaborative partnership was established with the well-regarded British audio brand KEF, a collaboration hinted at but not elaborated upon in the video.

Although specific details were scarce, notable features were conveyed that could position Nothing’s headphones distinctly in a market dominated by legacy brands such as Apple and Sony.

One interesting aspect of the video was the mention of “XM6,” a label seemingly borrowed from Sony’s flagship WH-1000XM6 headphones, which are currently seen as the gold standard in the industry.

However, the primary focus then shifted to the innovative design elements that the Nothing team is implementing for their new headphones.

Price

The pricing strategy is undeniably crucial for the team. They made a comparison to Apple’s AirPods Max, priced at approximately $549, suggesting that Nothing aims to offer a more budget-friendly option.

When queried about the expected price point for their headphones, one designer hinted at a potential figure but quickly added that some details were kept under wraps, leaving fans to speculate.

Nothing has established a solid presence in the audio market, with their affordable earbuds, the Nothing Ear (a), receiving praise and a five-star rating, considered among the best wireless options available at a price point of just $99 / £99 / AU$169.

The third-gen models are slightly more expensive but are still recognized for their remarkable value.

Ease of use

One of the key frustrations mentioned by designers is the uniformity of controls found on many headphones, which can often leave users puzzled about which button performs what function. Their goal is to create unique buttons to ensure users have an effortless experience while navigating controls, thereby enhancing the overall listening session.

This initiative aims to minimize confusion, allowing listeners to immerse themselves fully in their music without interruptions.

We’re making Over-Ear Headphones – YouTube
We're making Over-Ear Headphones - YouTube


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Make it special

The Nothing design team believes they have the flexibility to innovate in ways that larger corporations cannot, arguing that the latter are often hesitant due to their reliance on established global strategies and the needs of millions of consumers.

Contrastingly, Nothing aims to push boundaries, developing daring concepts and launching them without hesitation, a strategy clearly visible in their previous smartphone releases.

Make the best audio

With a solid foundation in audio technology, the company has earned accolades for their wireless earbuds, which are ranked prominently among the Best Wireless Earbuds of 2025.

Regarding the sound quality of their upcoming over-ear headphones, one designer expressed enthusiasm, stating, “I’m already impressed. Although they are still in the development stage, I believe they have the potential to be some of the best-sounding options out there.”

They assert that these headphones will surpass the average performance expected in their price range, aiming to compete with more premium models, including the AirPods Max, which were specifically identified as a benchmark.

A clue

An intriguing takeaway from the video is their ambiguous yet suggestive pricing hints. While the company avoids disclosing specifics, indications point towards performance on par with headphones traditionally priced at twice what Nothing might offer. This leads to speculation of a potential $275 price point for their headphones, in stark contrast to the $549 AirPods Max.

Although the official name is still under consideration, there are hints that it may contain the term “Ear,” suggesting possibilities like “Nothing Ear (Pros).”

With the anticipated release set for this summer, the excitement surrounding this launch is palpable, leaving many eager to see how Nothing’s entry into the over-ear market will position itself against giants like Apple and Sony.

While it remains uncertain whether these headphones can truly outmatch the AirPods Max or rival Sony’s exceptional audio capabilities, Nothing’s impressive history in audio innovation ensures that their upcoming product launch will command significant attention in the tech community.

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Raine is a passionate writer, music enthusiast, and digital media expert with over 5 years of experience in the entertainment industry. With a deep understanding of the latest music, technology, and pop culture trends, Raine provides insightful commentary and engaging content to The Nova Play’s diverse audience.

As the lead content creator, Raine curates high-quality articles highlighting emerging artists, breaking news, and in-depth analysis of the entertainment world. Raine is committed to delivering accurate, well-researched, and timely information, ensuring that every piece of content aligns with the highest standards of journalism and digital media ethics.

When not writing, Raine enjoys discovering new music, attending live shows, and staying ahead of the curve in tech innovations that shape the future of entertainment.

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