Buying Guide
The Best Planar Magnetic Headphones
Five headsets ranked on connection and design; the HE400SE is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Planar magnetic headphones drive a thin diaphragm across its whole surface, which gives fast, detailed sound. Every pick is a planar magnetic design.
Rankings weigh connection and design as the makers state them; any figure a maker omits is noted as missing rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
HIFIMAN HE400SE Planar Magnetic Headphones
The lowest price among these headsets at the time of writing.
Best for: Getting Stealth Magnets for the least money.
Our take Check price for HIFIMAN HE400SE Planar Magnetic Headphones (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
HIFIMAN SUNDARA Closed-Back Planar Headphones
A closed-back design that leaks less sound.
Best for: Buyers who want closed-back design that leaks less sound.
Our take Check price for HIFIMAN SUNDARA Closed-Back Planar Headphones (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
HIFIMAN SUNDARA Planar Magnetic Headphones
A diaphragm 80% thinner than the HE400 series.
Best for: Buyers who want diaphragm 80% thinner than the HE400 series.
Our take Check price for HIFIMAN SUNDARA Planar Magnetic Headphones (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
HIFIMAN Edition XS Planar Magnetic Headphones
Stealth Magnets.
Best for: Buyers who want Stealth Magnets.
Our take Check price for HIFIMAN Edition XS Planar Magnetic Headphones (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
HIFIMAN Ananda Planar Magnetic Headphones
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with high sensitivity for phones and portable players.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for HIFIMAN Ananda Planar Magnetic Headphones (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
HIFIMAN HE400SE Planar Magnetic Headphones on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The HE400SE stands out for Stealth Magnets, and it adds a full-size open-back design.
Best for
- Getting Stealth Magnets for the least money.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: open-back leaks sound both ways.
Why we like it
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 is 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.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: Wired
- Design: Open-back planar magnetic
- Microphone: None
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- Open-back for a wider soundstage
- Stealth Magnets
- Full-size open-back design
Cons
- Open-back leaks sound both ways
- No built-in microphone
Also Consider2 of 5
HIFIMAN SUNDARA Closed-Back Planar Headphones on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Sundara Closed-Back is built around a closed-back design that leaks less sound, with beechwood ear cups on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want closed-back design that leaks less sound.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no built-in microphon is a problem.
Why we like it
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 is 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.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: Wired
- Design: Closed-back planar magnetic
- Microphone: None
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- Closed-back design that leaks less sound
- Beechwood ear cups
- Detachable cable
Cons
- No built-in microphone
- Costs more than the HE400SE at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
HIFIMAN SUNDARA Planar Magnetic Headphones on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Sundara stands out for a diaphragm 80% thinner than the HE400 series, and it adds a full-size over-ear design.
Best for
- Buyers who want diaphragm 80% thinner than the HE400 series.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when open-back leaks sound both way is a problem.
Why we like it
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 is 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.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: Wired
- Design: Open-back planar magnetic
- Microphone: None
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- Open-back for a wider soundstage
- Diaphragm 80% thinner than the HE400 series
- Full-size over-ear design
Cons
- Open-back leaks sound both ways
- No built-in microphone
- Costs more than the HE400SE at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
HIFIMAN Edition XS Planar Magnetic Headphones on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the Edition XS brings to the table is Stealth Magnets, plus a NEO supernano diaphragm.
Best for
- Buyers who want Stealth Magnets.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: open-back leaks sound both ways.
Why we like it
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. Worth noting too: 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.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: Wired
- Design: Open-back planar magnetic
- Microphone: None
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- Open-back for a wider soundstage
- Stealth Magnets
- NEO supernano diaphragm
Cons
- Open-back leaks sound both ways
- No built-in microphone
- Costs more than the HE400SE at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
HIFIMAN Ananda Planar Magnetic Headphones on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ananda is built around high sensitivity for phones and portable players, with Stealth Magnets on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Pass on it if open-back leaks sound both way rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
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.
Key dimensions & specs
- Connection: Wired
- Design: Open-back planar magnetic
- Microphone: None
Pros
- No charging or pairing needed
- Open-back for a wider soundstage
- High sensitivity for phones and portable players
- Stealth Magnets
Cons
- Open-back leaks sound both ways
- No built-in microphone
- Costs more than the HE400SE at the time of writing
How We Chose These Planar Magnetic Headphones
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Platform support
- We checked which consoles and PCs each maker names, and flagged Xbox-specific connections.
- Connection options
- We recorded each headset's connections, since they decide which systems it works with and how much latency to expect.
- Microphone
- We checked whether a microphone is included, detachable or noise-rejecting.
- Drivers and design
- We noted driver size and whether the design is open or closed, which shapes sound and isolation.
What to Look for in Planar Magnetic Headphones
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Battery life claims vary with lighting
Makers quote battery life under their own conditions, often with RGB lighting off. A 50-hour claim can drop noticeably with lighting on.
Compare figures at similar settings, and look for fast charging if you forget to plug in.
Check the microphone type
Detachable microphones let the headset double as everyday headphones. Some audiophile headphones have no microphone at all, so you would need a separate one.
If you stream or join calls, a cardioid or noise-rejecting mic is worth prioritising.
Virtual surround is software
7.1 and spatial audio labels usually describe software processing, not extra drivers. They can help locate sounds in some games and hurt music in others.
Make sure you can switch it off in the headset's software.
Console versions are not always interchangeable
Some wireless headsets come in PC, PlayStation and Xbox versions with different dongles. An Xbox-specific model may not connect wirelessly to a PlayStation.
Buy the version that matches every system you plan to use.
Pick the connection first
A 2.4GHz dongle gives the lowest latency for games; Bluetooth is convenient for phones but lags for shooters. Wired headsets have no latency or battery concerns.
If you play on a console as well as a PC, check which connections each platform supports before buying.
Open-back or closed-back
Open-back headphones sound more spacious and feel cooler, but they leak sound and block little outside noise. Closed-back models isolate better in shared rooms.
Choose open-back only if you play in a quiet room on your own.
How to Choose Planar Magnetic Headphones
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting Stealth Magnets for the least money | HE400SE | The lowest price among these headsets at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want closed-back design that leaks less sound | Sundara Closed-Back | A closed-back design that leaks less sound |
| Buyers who want diaphragm 80% thinner than the HE400 series | Sundara | A diaphragm 80% thinner than the HE400 series |
| Buyers who want Stealth Magnets | Edition XS | Stealth Magnets |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | Ananda | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with high sensitivity for phones and portable players |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Headset | Connection | Design | Microphone |
|---|---|---|---|
| HE400SE | Wired | Open-back planar magnetic | None |
| Sundara Closed-Back | Wired | Closed-back planar magnetic | None |
| Sundara | Wired | Open-back planar magnetic | None |
| Edition XS | Wired | Open-back planar magnetic | None |
| Ananda | Wired | Open-back planar magnetic | None |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Headsets |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | HE400SE, Sundara Closed-Back, Sundara |
| About $150 to $250 | Edition XS, Ananda |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the cheapest pick in this guide?
The HE400SE. It undercut the Sundara Closed-Back when we checked, while the Ananda cost the most of the group.
Are open-back headphones good for gaming?
They give a wide, natural soundstage but leak sound and block little noise. They suit quiet rooms, not shared spaces.
Are gaming headsets comfortable with glasses?
Softer memory foam pads and lighter clamp help. Look for listings that mention glasses support if it matters to you.
Is Bluetooth good enough for gaming?
For casual games it is fine, but 2.4GHz dongles have noticeably lower latency. Use the dongle for competitive play.
Do wired headsets sound better than wireless ones?
Not necessarily. Driver quality and tuning matter more, but wired models avoid compression, latency and charging.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the HE400SE, chosen for the lowest price among these headsets at the time of writing. Look at the Sundara Closed-Back for a closed-back design that leaks less sound, the Sundara for a diaphragm 80% thinner than the HE400 series and the Edition XS for Stealth Magnets if those matter more to you.
Most planar headphones have no microphone; add a desk mic or use the ROG Kithara's boom mic for voice chat.