It’s hard to imagine wireless headphones ever getting lighter than these

On-ear wireless headphones are now available at 40 grams, making them materially lighter than existing options.

Japanese audio company Final has launched the Porta, a new set of on-ear wireless headphones weighing only 40 grams, significantly lighter than competitors like Marshall's Milton A.N.C. at 200 grams. The Porta feature a minimalist design constructed from a single piece of wire, aiming to provide a comfortable and secure fit for users who dislike earbuds or clip-on designs. They are available for preorder at 12,800 yen (approximately $80 USD) with a choice of black or orange ear pads, with shipping scheduled to commence on October 23rd. The headphones support Bluetooth 5.4, offer up to eight hours of playback from a 57mAh battery charged via USB-C, and include an IPX4 water-resistance rating. Functionality is basic, with no active noise cancellation, and audio is streamed using SBC and AAC codecs.

The extreme weight reduction in Final's Porta headphones, achieved through a single-piece wire construction, sets a new benchmark for on-ear wireless audio devices. This innovation addresses a common pain point for consumers seeking lighter alternatives to traditional headphones and earbuds, potentially influencing future design choices across the industry. The focus on minimal weight suggests a growing market segment prioritizing comfort and portability above all else, even at the expense of advanced features like active noise cancellation.

While the Porta's 40-gram weight is a significant engineering feat, its basic feature set and niche appeal may limit immediate broad market impact. However, it signals that miniaturization and weight reduction are becoming key differentiators, pushing competitors to re-evaluate their own designs and material science. The success of such ultralight models could eventually drive down the average weight of all wireless headphones, making them more accessible and comfortable for extended use.