You’ve seen them on eBay or buried in some "best of" list from five years ago. The KEF Space One headphones are weird. They aren't your typical plastic slabs from Sony or Bose that everyone buys at the airport. No, these look like they were pulled off the dashboard of a 911.
That’s because they basically were.
Born from a marriage between British audio legends KEF and the design geeks at Porsche Design, these cans were meant to be the ultimate executive accessory. But honestly? People still get them confused with the "Space One" from Soundcore, which is a totally different (and much cheaper) beast. If you're looking for the original KEF x Porsche Design collaboration, you’re dealing with a piece of hardware that values sandblasted titanium over touch sensors.
Why the KEF Space One headphones still matter in 2026
It’s easy to dismiss old tech. Most wireless headphones from 2017 are e-waste now because their batteries are shot or their Bluetooth versions are prehistoric. But the KEF Space One is different, mainly because it exists in two flavors: the original wired version and the later Wireless model.
The wired version is a gem for collectors. Why? Because it doesn't rely on a lithium-ion battery that will eventually swell and die. It uses a single AAA battery to power the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). You can swap that out in five seconds. If you don't care about ANC, they work perfectly fine as passive audiophile headphones.
The build quality is frankly ridiculous
Most "premium" headphones today are just high-grade plastic. These are cast aluminum.
- Sandblasted titanium finish
- Breathable, sweat-resistant leatherette
- Memory foam that actually remembers your ear shape
- 40mm drivers with 20mm neodymium magnets
When you hold them, they feel heavy. Some reviewers, like the folks over at TechRadar, noted that the clamping force can be a bit much if you have a larger-than-average head. It’s a snug fit. Kinda like sitting in a bucket seat of a sports car—secure, but you definitely know it’s there.
The sound signature: Not your typical bass-cannon
If you want that "thump-thump" that rattles your skull, go buy some Beats. The KEF Space One headphones were tuned by the same engineers who make the LS50 speakers. They want accuracy.
They use a 40mm driver with a lightweight copper-clad aluminum wire (CCAW) voice coil. In plain English? This means the driver can move faster and more precisely. The result is a midrange that feels "present" without being shouty. Vocals in jazz or acoustic tracks sound like the singer is standing about three feet in front of you.
However, there's a catch.
In passive mode (wired, no ANC), the soundstage is surprisingly wide. You can hear the separation between instruments. But once you flick that ANC switch on, the "space" shrinks a bit. It’s a common trade-off with older noise-canceling tech. The bass gets a slight boost, and the vocals get pushed forward, but you lose that airy feeling. Honestly, for critical listening at home, you’re better off leaving the ANC off.
Dealing with the ANC: The good and the "meh"
Let’s be real. If you’re buying these to silence a crying baby on a 10-hour flight to Tokyo, you might be disappointed compared to modern Sony WH-1000XM5s.
The KEF Space One uses a four-microphone system to cancel noise. It’s great at killing the low-frequency drone of an engine. It’s not so great at blocking out high-frequency stuff like keyboard clicks or loud conversations. KEF’s philosophy was to preserve the "hi-fi integrity" of the music. They didn't want to over-process the sound just to achieve total silence.
It’s a "musical" noise cancellation. It takes the edge off the world without making you feel like you’ve been sucked into a vacuum. Some people hate that "cabin pressure" feeling of Bose headphones; you won't get that here.
The Wireless Version (Bluetooth 4.1)
If you find the Wireless model, you're getting Qualcomm aptX support. It's solid, but it's Bluetooth 4.1. By today's standards, that's old. You won't get multipoint pairing (connecting to two devices at once) as smoothly as you would on newer gear.
But the battery life on the Wireless version is actually decent:
- 30 hours with Bluetooth and ANC on
- 40 hours with just Bluetooth
- A staggering 110 hours if you use them wired with just ANC on
What everyone gets wrong about the "Space One" name
If you search for "Space One review" today, Google is going to show you the Soundcore Space One.
Do not be fooled. The Soundcore model is a budget-friendly, plastic-heavy headphone aimed at students. The KEF Space One is a luxury item. One was $99 at launch; the other was $399. If you see a deal that looks too good to be true, check the logo. If it doesn't have the "Porsche Design" branding on the headband and the KEF logo on the earcups, it’s not the audiophile version we’re talking about.
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Is it a good buy today?
It depends on what kind of listener you are.
If you're a tech-head who wants the latest app-controlled EQ, transparency modes, and "find my" features, stay away. These are "dumb" headphones in the best way possible. They don't have an app. They don't have firmware updates. They just play music.
For the audiophile who appreciates industrial design, these are a steal on the used market. You’re getting KEF’s legendary tuning in a shell that won't crack at the hinges after six months.
Pros:
- Materials: Real metal and high-quality leatherette.
- Timeless Sound: Balanced, detailed, and non-fatiguing.
- Replaceable Battery (Wired version): Uses a standard AAA.
- Hard Case: The included Porsche Design case is actually slim and protective.
Cons:
- Micro-USB: If you get the wireless version, you’re still carrying that old cable.
- Clamping Force: Might be tight for "big-headed" listeners.
- Weight: At roughly 330g, they aren't the lightest for all-day wear.
Actionable insights for potential owners
If you are hunting for a pair of KEF Space One headphones, stick to these rules to ensure you don't get a lemon:
- Check the Ear Pads: The "Racetrack" ear pads are proprietary. If the leatherette is peeling, finding exact replacements can be a nightmare because of their unique shape. Look for "New Old Stock" (NOS) if possible.
- Wired vs. Wireless: If you plan on using them with a dedicated DAC or an old-school iPod, get the wired-only version. It’s simpler and lasts forever.
- The Battery Door: On the wired version, the battery door is hidden behind a magnetic plate. Be gentle when popping it off; don't use a screwdriver or you'll scratch that beautiful titanium finish.
- Amplification: While they have a low impedance (around 16-32 ohms depending on the mode), they really sing when given a bit of power. Even a small portable dongle DAC will improve the bass response significantly compared to a standard phone jack.