The Best Planar Magnetic Headphones

Planar drivers cover nearly the whole diaphragm for low distortion, and HIFIMAN's Stealth Magnets reduce reflections. It is an affordable way into planar sound. It also offers a lower price than HIFIMAN's Sundara.

Because it is open-back, other people in the room will hear it, and it will not block outside noise. Another plus: no charging or pairing needed. It makes the most sense for getting Stealth Magnets for the least money, since it offers the lowest price among these headsets at the time of writing. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Sundara Closed-Back was closest.

This is the closed-back Sundara, which keeps sound in and outside noise out, unlike the open original. Its NEO supernano diaphragm is 80% thinner than common designs. Closed-back planars are rare, so it suits planar sound in a shared room where open-backs would leak.

It is the only pick here with a closed-back planar magnetic design; the HE400SE has an open-back planar magnetic design instead. You also get a detachable cable. Another plus: no charging or pairing needed.

Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the HE400SE at the time of writing. Its price falls between the HE400SE and the Sundara, based on our last check.

The metal headband and weight-spreading strap suit long listening. Being open-back, it leaks sound and lets room noise in, so it suits a quiet room. Its metal headband and weight-spreading strap keep pressure off the top of the head.

HIFIMAN recommends about 150 hours of burn-in, and the 3.5mm connectors are sturdier than earlier versions. Because it is open-back, other people in the room will hear it, and it will not block outside noise. Another plus: no charging or pairing needed. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper Sundara Closed-Back and the pricier Edition XS, at the time of writing.

It builds on the Edition X with Stealth Magnets and a larger driver. Open-back planar sound gives a wide soundstage for single-player games and music. It is open-back, so it suits quiet rooms rather than shared spaces.

Its 3.5mm cable is user-replaceable, and the memory-foam headband is light for long sessions. Because it is open-back, other people in the room will hear it, and it will not block outside noise. You also get this: no charging or pairing needed.

Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the HE400SE at the time of writing. Its price falls between the Sundara and the Ananda, based on our last check.

It pairs Stealth Magnets with HIFIMAN's NEO supernano diaphragm for a fast, detailed response. It is a step up the planar range for critical listening. It is open-back and needs a quiet room, but it rewards careful listening.

It sits above the Sundara in HIFIMAN's range and suits critical music listening. Its window-shade grille reduces reflections, and asymmetrical ear cups follow the shape of the ear. You also get a detachable cable.

Because it is open-back, other people in the room will hear it, and it will not block outside noise. Only the Edition XS came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.