10 Best Budget Planar Magnetic Headphones We've Tested in 2023

World’s First Diaphragm in Nanometer Thickness: In the HE1000 V2, the film we use is so thin, it is a diaphragm in nanometer thickness which is a breakthrough core technology developed by HIFIMAN and first of its kind in headphone application. Working with this advanced material is extremely challenging yet the successful incorporation of this film as the HE1000’s planar driver is the cornerstone of its remarkable sound.

Advanced Asymmetrical Magnetic Circuit: 7 years of painstaking research with this groundbreaking design offers near perfect reproduction of live music; Patented “Window Shade” System: Created to meet the need for driver protection and optimized open-back design

The newly upgraded HE1000 (HE1000 V2) features improved reference quality sound plus: ★Improved headband design that will accommodate a wider range of head sizes ★Less weight (reduced to 420g) with increased comfort ★Updated ear cup trimmed down in size for a slimmer, sleeker look ★Thicker, beveled ear pads with a larger asymmetrical angle and Polyester surface ★Newly upgraded cable with improved stronger structure

Craftsmanship: The metal structure is created via CNC milling and hand polishing. To meet the critical standard set out by HIFIMAN, the surface finishing is handled and refined by meticulous craftsmen With its unique design, exceptional function and exquisite craftsmanship, the HE1000 is the total luxury item that redefines the audio landscape.

The Plugs: The HE1000 V2 package includes three different types of plugs: ¼” (mini 6.35mm), 3.5mm and 4-pin XLR connector so it can be used with a wide array of equipment. The plugs are easy to switch and quickly connected to different cables and amplifiers.

Acoustically Invisible Stealth Magnet: Unlike the sound waves created by a conventional magnet, the special shape of Stealth Magnets enables the waves to pass through the magnets without generating interference. HIFIMAN’s advanced magnet design is acoustically transparent, dramatically reducing wave diffraction turbulence that degrades the integrity of the sound waves. The reduced distortion yields pure sonic output that is accurate and full-range.

Nanometer Thickness Diaphragm A breakthrough core technology developed by HIFIMAN and first of its kind in headphone application. Working with this advanced material is extremely challenging yet the successful incorporation of this film as the Arya’s planar driver is the cornerstone of its remarkable sound.

Metal and High-Grade Plastic Construction: HIFIMAN designed the Arya's high-quality metal headband with extra strength and a special high-grade plastic for lightweight comfort and rugged durability. Sturdy 3.5mm User-replaceable Connector Design allows easy cable swapping, giving both maximum durability and enhanced customizability.

Patented “Window Shade” System: Created to meet the need for driver protection and an optimized open-back design. Asymmetrical Ear Cups: Follows the natural shape of the human ear. Cable: The Arya keeps things simple with a single Crystalline Copper cable. Featuring a 6.35mm plug and a jet black woven exterior finish it’s the perfect complement to the sound and sight of the Arya.

Bold Black Aesthetic: With its classic HE1000-style shape combined and striking good looks of its all-black exterior, glossy black headband, and eye-catching matte-black cups and grill, the Arya is a statement of both aesthetic and sonic excellence.

※A True HIFI Headphone goes Wireless: Audiophile-grade HIFIMAN ANANDA-BT, with HD Bluetooth technology, offers up to 24bit / 192khz (USB) , 24bit / 96khz (Bluetooth), and a high-quality DAC with a powerful balanced amplifier.

※HIFIMAN’s NEO "supernano" Diaphragm (NsD): The new NsD is 80% thinner than previous designs, resulting in fast response and detailed image with lush, full range sonics.

※High-Resolution Bluetooth Streaming: The HIFIMAN ANANDA-BT supports APTX-HD, HWA and LDAC lossless HD Bluetooth codecs. ★Integrated High-Performance Amplification: ANANDA-BT features an internal, custom-designed amplifier that is the perfect match for currently available HD Bluetooth codecs. ★Same DAC filter design in the R2R2000 Filter and Analog Circuit from the same engineers who created HIFIMAN’s standard-setting R2R2000 HD Bluetooth/USB DAC/Digital Audio Player (2500 USD).

※Ergonomic design and comfortable to wear: Hybrid Headband Design for comfortable long-term listening. Window Shade Grill Design significantly reduces sonic reflections for crystal-clear sound. Asymmetrical Ear Cups based on the shape of the human ear.

※A Wide Range of Applications: ★Wireless: Seamless Bluetooth connection to computers, tablets, and smartphones. ★Wired: Connect ANANDA-BT to a computer with a USB-Type C cable for unequalled sound quality from your favorite audio files. ★Plug & Play Microphone: Gamers, podcasters, and vloggers will sound better than ever with the included plug & play microphone.

A Major Upgrade of the Popular Edition X: The new Edition XS expands on its predecessor’s achievements with several essential upgrades. Featuring Stealth Magnet Technology and the company’s NEO supernano Diaphragm, the Edition XS produces a wide, natural soundstage that puts the listener in the best seat in the house. Edition XS from HIFIMAN brings the depth and range of well-recorded music to an affordably priced headphone.

Acoustically Invisible Stealth Magnet: Unlike the sound waves created by a conventional magnet, the special shape of Stealth Magnets enables the waves to pass through the magnets without generating interference. HIFIMAN’s advanced magnet design is acoustically transparent, dramatically reducing wave diffraction turbulence that degrades the integrity of the sound waves. The reduced distortion yields pure sonic output that is accurate and full-range.

HIFIMAN’s NEO “supernano” Diaphragm (NsD): The new NsD is 75% thinner than previous designs, resulting in fast response and detailed imaging with lush, full range sonics.

The Headband: The light weight, ergonomically accurate offers maximum comfort for hours of listening pleasure. The exterior is refined matte black material, and the interior features high-grade memory foam for the most comfortable fit and elasticity. The headphone’s structural design supports overall durability that retains its comfortable fit for years of enjoyment.

The Cable: HIFIMAN’s new 3.5mm sockets are similar to those found on most common audio devices. The supplied 3.5mm cable is user changeable and replaceable.

【Wireless & Wired Hi-Res Supported】 STAX SPIRIT S3 is Edifier's flagship headphone created without compromise for stunning Hi-Res audio. The innovative audio engineering incorporates leading audio technologies and premium components. The planar magnetic drivers produce a cleaner sound with greater resolution and better imaging that's true to professional audio recordings. The ultra-wide frequency range extends from 10Hz to 40kHz so you hear even more than before.

【Bluetooth Planar Magnetic Headphone】The planar driver technology delivers a distinctively pure & detailed sound that far exceeds standard dynamic drivers and even dual driver combinations with balanced armatures. Edifier brings this audiophile sound to the wider market and sets new standards in wireless audio performance.

【Inovational Planar Magnetic Tech.】Edifier invested in Audeze LCC in 2016, combining planar magnetic audio technology with wireless technology to create the innovative Edifier STAX SPIRIT S3, which combines EqualMass technology and Snapdragon audio, to provide wireless Hi-Fi audio, build a new standard in Bluetooth Over-Ear headphone area

【.Snapdragon Sound】Creatively applies high-definition audio of Snapdragon Sound technology to planar magnetic headphones, presenting up to 24bit/96kHz lossless audio experience, and all audio details are preserved.

【CLEAR CALL】Most advanced Micro processing system powered by Qualcomm QCC5141 solution with newest Snapdragon Sound features in ultra-low latency and ultra-clear voice quality, making telephone communication like face-to-face communication.

【ALL-DAY COMFORT】The light weighted over-ear planer magnetic headphones are comprised of ultra-light and durable carbon-fiber materials, a FULL foldable hinges system, hand-crafted earpads, and a headband with genuine lamb leather for long-lasting comfort and all-day use, and provide up to 80 hours of playtime. Besides, an additional set cooling-mesh earpad is available for on-the-go or traveling use.

【APP】Get access to the classic STAX sound effect and low-latency game modes through Edifier Connect App. More EQ options, modes, and extensive functions are available via the App.Immerse yourself in the music as if live!

Featuring Newly Developed Diaphragm that is 80% Thinner than the HE400 Series Resulting in a Wider Frequency Response, Faster and More Detailed

With the weight spreading strap for outstanding comfort but with a more fashion conscious look with its sleek and sumptuous matte black finish.

With its all metal headband the SUNDARA is built to take the rigours of urban street life. The SUNDARA is as tough as it is beautiful.

New 3.5mm Headphone connector for enhanced durability

The slimline SuperMini is the perfect on the partner for the SUNDARA. The SuperMini with its abundance of audio power output and the SUNDARA’s grace and poise makes them the velvet glove over a marble fist.

Powerful noise cancelling headphones: 11 levels of active noise cancelling let you enjoy music, podcasts, videos & calls without distractions

Astonishing sound: Crisp, clear details. Deep, full bass. These wireless headphones produce exciting, lifelike sound that’s full and balanced at every volume level

Unrivaled voice pickup: A revolutionary microphone system adapts to noisy and windy environments so your voice always sounds crystal clear on calls

Keep your head up and hands free: With easy access to voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant for music, navigation, weather, and more, and intuitive touch control on the earcups — you can stay connected without reaching for your phone

Premium design and comfort: With a lightweight stainless steel headband and earcups tilted for the perfect fit, you can comfortably wear these bluetooth headphones for hours

Up to 20 hours of non-stop music: Get up to 20 hours of wireless battery life on a single charge

One touch to listen to Spotify: Instantly listen to your last Spotify session or discover new music by tapping and holding the right earcup. Currently only available when using iOS devices with your headphones

Pair with Bose soundbar: Use Bose SimpleSync technology to pair these wireless bluetooth headphones to the Bose smart soundbar 300, 500 or 700 for a personal listening experience.

Alexa to Alexa calling: Use these wireless noise cancelling headphones to place a call to a Bose smart device or the Amazon Echo device with the Alexa mobile app

Features a 97x76mm Planar magnetic driver enclosed in an gorgeous wood, open back housing.

With a plush, padded headband and earcups for comfortable listening over an extended period.

With an extended soundstage, lush, rich sound, and excellent build quality.

The Monolith M570 brings a massive price to performance ratio to the headphone market.

Zebra wood wood type.

Planar Drivers: Not your typical headphone driver! A planar magnetic driver is a flat membrane that is surrounded by magnets.

Open Back Design: Instead of an "inside your head" isolated experience that traditional closed-back headphones provide, open-back headphones provide a holographic listening experience.

Comfort: The Monolith M1060 has been engineered to be comfortable for extended listening sessions. Large, comfy earpads are designed to keep you comfortable as you listen.

Quality at a Fair Price: Monoprice's rugged design and rigid quality control standards deliver high quality products at fair prices. Impedance: 50 ohms

Acoustically Invisible Stealth Magnet: Unlike the sound waves created by a conventional magnet, the special shape of Stealth Magnets enables the waves to pass through the magnets without generating interference. HIFIMAN’s advanced magnet design is acoustically transparent, dramatically reducing wave diffraction turbulence that degrades the integrity of the sound waves. The reduced distortion yields pure sonic output that is accurate and full-range.

HIFIMAN Heritage: HIFIMAN’s NEO "supernano" Diaphragm (NsD)- The new NsD is 80% thinner than previous designs, resulting in fast response and detailed image with lush, full range sonics.

Bluemini R2R, Small but Mighty- The DEVA-Pro companion Bluetooth/USB module: HIFIMAN Custom-created HIMALAYA R2R Architecture DAC: Non-over Sampling Concept; Low-energy Consumption; High Sampling Rates

Easily Switch Between Wireless and Wired: The socket can accommodate both dual-sided unbalanced 3.5mm cable and a single-sided 3.5mm balanced cable (left socket). Bluemini R2R is easy of use by connecting on the left socket. Input Option 1 – Bluetooth A variety of HD Bluetooth protocol (Bluemini connection on the left socket) Input Option 2 –Wired Inbox 3.5mm balanced cable (3.5mm TRRS on the left)