km5 Hp1 – retro headphones with modern convenience
These 80s-looking on-ear headphones have Bluetooth, noise cancellation, transparency mode, lossless audio and more modern features.
Japanese audio brand km5 has just launched the Hp1, their first pair of headphones. The Hp1 were crowdfunded last year and are now finally available worldwide. km5 says the headphones feature a ‘neo-tro feel’ and advertise them as a “new option for listening to music that is more open than in-ear earphones and lighter than over-the-ear headphones.” The Hp1’s unique design certainly stands out against a sea of plain black over-ear headphones and white earbuds in 2025, reminiscent of the headphones that came with the original Sony Walkman in the late 70s.
The Hp1 was designed to accompany km5’s other products, the Cp1 and Cp2 minimalist wireless CD players. While playing on the retro/analog vibe, CDs are still prevalent in Japan.
The Hp1 come in two colors, white or black. They feature two circular soft fabric magnetic ear cushions, which can be easily replaced. The white pair come with light gray and turquoise ear pads. The black model comes with black and carmine (red) ear pads. The left and right side are connected via a polished stainless steel band. This all results in a very lightweight package, at 103g, which is less than half the weight of Sony’s 250g WH-1000XM5.
There are physical buttons on both earcups. These allow you to control the power, volume, play/pause, next/previous track and summon your device’s voice assistant.
Internally, there are 40mm drivers and dual microphones which enable active noise cancellation for reducing the outside world, noise cancellation during calls, and transparency mode, when you want to hear your surroundings.
The Hp1 feature Bluetooth 5.4, and support SBC, AAC and LE audio. The headphones can also be wired when you are out of battery or looking for lossless audio, supporting 24-bit/96kHz. The left and right earcups are independent of each other, explaining the super thin headband and power button on both earcups, this means that both sides must be connected when charging or using them for wired audio. A three-ended USB-C cable is included in the box, so you can connect one end to your device or power brick, and the others to each earcup. The cable is braided and color-matched to the headphone color you choose.
Speaking of battery and charging, the Hp1 headphones last for up to 24 hours of playback.
Along with the headphones, replacement ear pads and USB-C cable, the Hp1 also come with a soft pouch and instruction manual. They are available to order now via km5 for ¥22,000 or $189. They are also available to try on and purchase in select BEAMS stores in Japan.