When it comes to immersive audio experiences, planar headphones are a top choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. Known for their exceptional sound clarity, deep bass, and natural tone, planar magnetic headphones offer an audio quality that is unmatched by traditional dynamic drivers. The best planar headphones deliver a unique listening experience, providing rich, detailed sound with minimal distortion. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, gamer, or someone who simply enjoys high-quality sound, the right planar headphones can elevate your listening experience.

Planar headphones use a different technology than conventional headphones. They feature a thin diaphragm suspended between magnets, which results in superior sound accuracy and lower distortion. This design allows for better soundstage, more precise imaging, and improved frequency response. Whether you’re listening to classical music, heavy bass beats, or gaming soundtracks, the best planar headphones provide a level of detail and depth that will make every audio moment more enjoyable.

When choosing the best planar headphones, consider factors such as sound quality, comfort, design, and durability. High-quality planar headphones are often built with premium materials like aluminum and stainless steel, offering both comfort for long listening sessions and durability for everyday use. Some models also feature noise isolation or open-back designs, allowing you to customize your listening experience further.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best planar headphones available, highlighting their key features and benefits. Whether you’re new to planar headphones or a seasoned audiophile, you’ll find top recommendations that offer superior sound quality, comfort, and value for money.

Experience music like never before with the best planar headphones and enjoy crystal-clear sound with every note.

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Reviews

Drop + Hifiman HE5XX Planar Magnetic Over-Ear Headphones

Immerse yourself in top-notch sound quality with the Drop + Hifiman HE5XX Planar Magnetic Headphones. These premium open-back headphones offer a bright, more neutral take on the signature HE500 Series sound, thanks to thinner double magnets and Nano Diaphragm membranes. Experience crisp audio, exceptional comfort, and a perfect fit that makes these headphones an outstanding choice for both gaming and music enthusiasts. Say goodbye to privacy issues with their open-back design, ensuring you can enjoy your tunes, gaming sounds, and conversations without distractions.

Monolith M1060 Planar Magnetic Headphones with Open Back Design

Experience the Monolith M1060 Planar Headphones for an audio adventure that breathes life into your music. The open-back design puts you in the heart of the performance, while the planar drivers provide exceptional sound quality. The headphones come with a 5-year replacement warranty, making your investment all the more worthwhile.

Audeze LCD-5: Premium Planar Magnetic Over-Ear Headphones

Experience exceptional sound quality and unparalleled comfort with the Audeze LCD-5 Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones. These high-performance headphones are perfect for professional mixing, mastering, and personal hi-fi listening. The LCD-5 features improved planar drivers and magnet structures, extended frequency response, and sculpted earpads for enhanced comfort and midrange performance. Lightweight and durable, the headphones come with a premium braided cable and aluminum travel case. Whether you’re an audiophile or a professional in the audio industry, the Audeze LCD-5 offers unmatched sound quality and a comfortable listening experience.

Hifiman Sundara: High-Quality Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones

Upgrade your music experience with the HIFIMAN Sundara Planar Magnetic Over-Ear Headphones. Designed for audiophiles and music lovers, these headphones bring high-fidelity sound to life, immersing you in a captivating audio journey. Featuring advanced planar magnetic technology, the Sundara headphones provide unmatched accuracy and detail in every note, reproducing music with exceptional clarity and lifelike precision. With ergonomic features including a plush headband and earpads, they’re perfect for extended listening sessions in comfort. Elevate your audio experience with the Sundara headphones.

Audio-Technica ATH-R70x Open-Back Reference Planar Headphones

Savor the sound of pure music with the Audio-Technica ATH-R70x open-back reference headphones. These flagship models, along with the ATH-M70x, are the epitome of professional audio performance. Featuring custom-designed drivers and acoustically transparent aluminum honeycomb enclosures, the R70x delivers accurate and open sound, allowing you to immerse yourself in the music. The innovative 3D wing support system ensures maximum comfort during long listening sessions. Lightweight and equipped with a unique dual-sided detachable cable, these headphones are perfect for professional use. Experience the true power of sound with the Audio-Technica ATH-R70x.

Avantone Pro Planar The II Open-Back Black Headphones

Experience incredible sound quality with the Avantone Pro Planar The II Open-Back Headphones in Black. These reference-grade headphones utilize planar drivers for tight bass, ultra-low distortion, and superior frequency response, delivering a more immersive music experience. With reduced weight, a noise-free cable, and secure dual input jacks, these headphones cater to today’s music creators. Available in three stylish colors, these planar headphones offer the perfect balance of quality and value.

FiiO FT5: Innovative Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones with Enhanced Sound Quality

The FiiO FT5 Open Back Planar Magnetic Headphones are a game-changer in the world of high-quality audio. With a sleek, lightweight design and an impressive 20 neodymium magnets per driver, the FT5 delivers precise and balanced sound, making it a favorite among audiophiles. The high sensitivity and comfortable magnesium alloy construction make it perfect for portable use, while the nano-coating technology ensures outstanding sound quality with deep bass. The open design and versatile connectors allow for seamless integration with various audio devices, offering a truly immersive listening experience.

HIFIMAN Ananda Nano Planar Headphones

Experience mind-blowing sound quality with the Ananda Nano headphones. These planar magnetic headphones feature a Nanometer Thickness Diaphragm, derived from the successful Susvara design, ensuring low distortion, high transient response, and an impressive increase in detail retrieval. Enhanced by the Acoustically Invisible Stealth Magnet, these headphones are perfect for audiophiles seeking pure, accurate, full-range sound. With its comfort-focused design, including an ergonomic headband and weight-dispersing strap, the Ananda Nano is both stylish and practical for everyday wear. And, with compatibility across a range of devices, this portable powerhouse is ready to take your music experience to new heights.

Hifiman HE400se: Stunning Open-Back Planar Headphones

The Hifiman HE400se headphones promise an immersive listening experience with their open-back design, delivering lifelike sound complete with precise spatial imaging. Thanks to a sensitivity of 91dB, these headphones can be used with various devices, be it a smartphone or a high-res player. However, their open design suggests they’re more suited to quieter environments, perfect for enjoying the natural and transparent sound they produce. Their lightweight and adjustable headband ensures comfort for hours of continuous wear, even in warm weather. Additionally, the beveled ear cushions deliver optimal sound transmission and a high level of wearing comfort.

Audeze MM-100 Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones with Neodymium N50 Magnets

For music industry professionals and sound enthusiasts, the Audeze MM-100 Open-Back Headphones are an ideal discovery. Providing professional-level accuracy and ease, these headphones present sound exactly as the artist envisioned it. Featuring a contemporary design crafted from magnesium, aluminum, and steel, these headphones are engineered to endure, making them the perfect partner for your creative endeavors. Suitable for gaming, watching films, or simply relishing audio, the MM-100 conforms to your routine and collapses flat for hassle-free travel. Delve into a new dimension of immersion with these extraordinary headphones.

Buyer’s Guide

Planar headphones are a popular choice for music lovers seeking a high-quality sound experience. These innovative headphones use a thin, flexible diaphragm to produce sound, resulting in a unique and accurate sound reproduction. If you’re considering purchasing a pair of planar headphones, this buyer’s guide will help guide you through the essential features, considerations, and general advice to ensure you make the right decision.

Types of Planar Headphones

Before making a purchase, it’s crucial to understand the different types of planar headphones available. The main types are open-back, closed-back, and semi-open headphones. Open-back headphones offer a more natural and spacious sound, making them suitable for home use or in less noisy environments. Closed-back headphones provide better isolation from external noise, making them ideal for use in noisy environments or while commuting.

Frequency Response

Frequency response is an essential aspect to consider when buying planar headphones. It measures the range of frequencies a headphone can accurately reproduce. A wider frequency response allows for a more detailed and well-balanced sound. Look for headphones with a frequency response of at least 10Hz to 40kHz.

Impedance

Impedance refers to the resistance a headphone encounters when an electric signal is sent through it. Lower impedance headphones require less power to drive a full and accurate sound. For planar headphones, a common impedance range is between 70 ohms and 200 ohms. Choose a headphone with an impedance that matches the capabilities of your audio source.

Comfort and Build Quality

Since you’ll likely be wearing your planar headphones for extended periods, comfort is crucial. Look for headphones with soft, cushioned ear pads and a headband that distributes the weight evenly. Additionally, consider the build quality of the headphones, as high-quality materials will ensure durability and long-lasting performance.

FAQ

What are planar headphones?

Planar magnetic headphones are a type of headphone that uses flat, magnetically-driven diaphragms to produce sound. They are known for their wide frequency response, low distortion, and fast response time. This results in a clear and natural sound quality that many audiophiles appreciate. However, planar headphones can be bulkier than traditional dynamic headphones and may require a higher power source.

Some popular planar magnetic headphones include the Audeze series, MrSpeakers, and Hifiman’s lineup. These headphones are popular among audiophiles who value high-end audio performance and are willing to invest in a more expensive headphone than traditional dynamic options like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort series.

How do planar headphones compare to dynamic headphones?

Planar magnetic headphones differ from dynamic headphones in their construction. While dynamic headphones use a small driver that moves back and forth to produce sound, planar magnetic headphones use a thin, flat diaphragm that moves left to right when an external magnetic field is applied. This design offers several advantages, including improved frequency response, lower distortion, and faster response times.

However, planar magnetic headphones can be more expensive and bulkier than dynamic headphones. Additionally, they often require a higher power source to drive the large diaphragm. Dynamic headphones, on the other hand, are generally more affordable and offer good sound quality for everyday use. The choice between planar and dynamic headphones will depend on the user’s priorities and budget.

What are some of the top-rated planar headphones?

There are several top-rated planar headphones from well-respected manufacturers such as Audeze, MrSpeakers, and Hifiman. Some of the most popular models include the Audeze LCD-2 Classic, MrSpeakers ETHER 2 Flow, and Hifiman HE-400i 2nd Generation. These headphones are praised for their wide frequency response, low distortion, and natural sound quality.

However, the best planar headphones for you will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and listening habits. It’s recommended to try on different models and read reviews before making a purchase. You can also seek advice from audiophile forums or specialized headphone stores to find the perfect planar magnetic headphones for your needs.

What are the advantages of planar headphones?

Planar magnetic headphones offer several advantages over traditional dynamic headphones. First, their wide frequency response, coupled with their low distortion and fast response times, results in a more accurate and natural representation of sound. This makes them appealing to audiophiles who value high-end audio performance.

Second, the planar magnetic design provides a more even and consistent sound across the entire frequency range. This reduces ear fatigue and generates a more organic sound, making it easier to enjoy extended listening sessions. Finally, planar magnetic headphones tend to have better build quality, as they can accommodate larger drivers and components without compromising comfort or portability.

What are the disadvantages of planar headphones?

While planar magnetic headphones offer several advantages, they also come with a few drawbacks. First, they can be more expensive than their dynamic counterparts. This is because they require specialized components and construction techniques, which drive up the cost of manufacturing and price of the final product.

Second, planar magnetic headphones can be bulkier than dynamic headphones. The large diaphragm and need for a higher power source to drive it can make planar headphones less portable than their smaller counterparts. Additionally, planar headphones may require more care and storage, as their diaphragm can be more susceptible to damage or degradation.

How should I care for and store my planar headphones?

To ensure the longevity of your planar headphones, it’s essential to follow proper care and storage guidelines. First, avoid exposing your headphones to extreme heat, cold, or humidity, as these conditions can cause damage to the diaphragm and other components. It’s best to store your headphones in a cool, dry place that is away from direct sunlight.

Additionally, you should clean your headphones regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt, dust, or sweat. Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe the earpads and drivers. If you notice any moisture or residue, you can use a clean, damp cloth to remove it, but be sure to dry the headphones thoroughly afterwards. Finally, avoid bending or extending the headphone cable, as this can cause damage to the internal wiring and reduce the headphone’s performance over time.

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