HIFIMAN Electronics and their brilliant founder Dr. Fang have been making stellar Planar headphones since the early 2000s. Since then, they have continued to innovate and improve their products over time and offer great value for audiophiles looking for a bargain.
Headphones like the HIFIMAN SUNDARA, with Its combination of sensitivity and technicality, changed the game when it came to affordable Planar Magnetic headphones. The HIFIMAN DEVA Pro is an excellent choice for those looking for a pair of wireless headphones with great sound quality at a reasonable price.
HIFIMAN has a wide variety of headphones that will satisfy value-seeking audiophiles looking for world-class sonics at affordable prices. Check out our list of the Best HIFIMAN Headphones For Audiophiles On A Budget (2022)!
The List:
- An Amazing Value: HIFIMAN SUNDARA ($299)
- The Best Under $500: HIFIMAN EDITION XS ($499)
- Best Value Wired/Wireless: HIFIMAN DEVA Pro ($329)
- Entry-Level End Game: HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnet Version ($1299)
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1. An Amazing Value: HIFIMAN SUNDARA ($299)
The HIFIMAN SUNDARA is designed to deliver high-quality audio at a reasonable price point. The tuning is impeccable, providing plenty of detail and depth with just the right amount of bass dynamics. They feature a lightweight aluminum frame and a flexible suspension strap, making them easy to wear. The ear cups are covered in soft memory foam padding, and even though the cord isn’t the greatest, it’s removable, so you can easily upgrade.
That said, at one point, they were the best headphone under $500, and even though they lost that spot to the Hifiman EDITION XS, they are a ridiculous value at their new discounted price of $299.
Buy These If: You want super affordable headphones that are easy to drive and have an exquisitely balanced tuning.
Don’t Buy If: If you want a super wide soundstage
2. The Best Under $500: HIFIMAN EDITION XS ($499)
If you want a set of headphones that offer excellent sound quality and comfort, look no further than the HIFIMAN EDITION XS. These headphones feature an ergonomic earcup design for remarkable wearability. They also have a soft faux leather headband with memory foam that provides a an excellent fit for long listening sessions. The ear pads are also cushioned well and give a snug fit, and the excellent cord is flexible with good length, so that you can take these headphones anywhere.
While that’s nice, the sound is the main event here; the EDITION XS’ detail, dynamics, and imaging are off the charts for a $500 headphone. In addition, they have a more pronounced low end and more depth than the Sundara. This, combined with the exceptional soundstage and comfort, makes them class-leading for $500 and under headphones.
Buy These If: You like a warm and natural sounding headphone with great soundstage and decent depth. If you want something that sounds amazing with any music,
Don’t Buy If: You want a headphone with a flat “reference” sound
3. Best Value Wired/Wireless: HIFIMAN DEVA Pro ($329)
The HIFIMAN DEVA Pro is a great pair of headphones if you’re looking for something that’s comfortable, portable, and offers good sound quality in both wireless and wired modes. These headphones come with the Bluemini Bluetooth dongle, which has an R2R DAC, support for high-res codecs like LDAC, and a built-in microphone. This makes them perfect for streaming music or taking calls off the wire. If you want to use them wired, then you just remove the dongle and plug in the included 3.5mm headphone cable.
The ear cups are padded and adjustable, and they fit comfortably over your ears. The sound is balanced and natural with just a touch of extra warmth, making these headphones sound great with any genre. Get these if you want the absolute best-sounding headphone under $500.
Buy These If: You want a planar headphone that sounds almost as good wireless as it does wired. You like a balanced-sounding headphone.
Don’t Buy If: If you want a super bassy headphone, don’t like the look of the dongle, or don’t care about Bluetooth.
4. Entry-Level End Game: HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnet Version ($1299)
The HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnet Version is a premium headphone that offers reference sound quality at a very reasonable price relative to Its performance. These headphones are equipped with a first-rate version of Hifiman’s latest Stealth Magnet/Supernano driver system that produces articulate bass and clear mids and highs. It’s hard to explain how amazing these headphones sound for the price, the depth and separation are mind-blowing.
They also have a super sturdy black metal frame that looks really cool, and the ear cups have supportive memory foam earpads to support long listening sessions. Additionally, the headband has a wide suspension sling for added comfort. If you like the sound of planar headphones, it’s hard to beat the Arya Stealth at it’s current discounted price of $1299.
The only thing to keep in mind about the Arya is that It’s tuned for “flat” reference listening. It’s made for a speaker-like performance with lots of soundstage and depth. If you’re looking for elevated bass then these may come across as thin to you.
Buy These If: You want a planar headphone that sounds almost as good wirelessly as it does wired. You like a balanced-sounding headphone.
Don’t Buy If: You’re looking for a warm/bassy headphone.
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I’m an audio writer who started as a young audio salesman/consumer electronics professional back in the late 90s. That’s where I discovered the magic of 2-Channel sound. My hunger for great sound has led me on a delightful music quest that continues today.
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