Top 5 Planar Magnetic Headphones 2025

There's a lot to be said for the distinctly crisp and accurate sound that planar drivers provide when featured in headphones. Once constrained to being exclusively ludicrously expensive, planar drivers have been finding their way into headphones across all price points in recent years. Let's explore some price ranges and discover the best planar headphones available right now.

Sivga P2 Pro

Price: $449

To start our list, let's take a look at a fairly affordable option. Chinese company Sivga is a company that flies under the radar when it comes to high end audio. Their products always deliver well above their price tag. The P2 Pro is a comfortable open-back headphone that is easy to drive and pairs well with any DAC/Amp you use with it. WIt a 4.4mm balanced cable and an adapter to 3.5mm, you can use this in all of your high-end gear and te sound quality is sure to impress. It's not going to give you super natural sound reproduction, but it instead has a fun, dynamic, and detailed signature that is entertaining for any genre of music.  

Tech Specs:

• Style: Over-ear, open-back
• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 40kHz
• Impedance: 32 Ω ± 15%
• Sensitivity: 98dB ± 3dB

Dan Clark Noire X / Noire XO

Price: $999 / $1,299

Dan Clark Audio has made some stellar headphones in the past, and this new release from 2024 is no different. We've made quite the significant price jump from the P2 Pro to this next headphone, but this remains in the affordable range for high-end planar setups. The Noire X closed-back headphone was a hit when it was released, and remains a staple for people looking for an upgrade. With a choice of cable termination, it's perfect for integrating into any audio listening setup. The sound is smooth and natural, making it a great reference headphone and a great option for people who want a high-end headphone for producing. 

The open-back counterpart, the Noire XO, delivers the same detailed, natural sound as the Noire X. It has a bit more width to the sound signature, which is a great bonus, and added depth for a truly immersive listen. 

Tech Specs:

• Style: Over-ear, closed-back
• Frequency Response: TBD
• Impedance: 16 Ω
• Sensitivity: ~94dB/mW

Audeze LCD-X / LCD-XC

Price: $1,199 / $1,299

Audeze is certainly a brand to look at when we talk planar headphones.  The LCD-X and LCD-XC are some of the more affordable offerings from Audeze. The open-back LCD-X and closed-back LCD-XC have similar EQ's: razor-sharp balances with slightly attenuated subs that eliminate masking issues and allow music to be heard in crisp, analytical detail. This squeaky clean Audeze release is not only popular among audiophiles, but mixers and audio engineers as well, due to their reference-grade frequency response. While the high-quality leather ear pads make for a comfortable fit, be aware that these units are pretty hefty and clock in at over 600 grams.

Tech Specs:

• Style: Over-ear, open-back
• Frequency Response: 10Hz - 50kHz
• Impedance: 20 Ω
• Sensitivity: 103dB/mW

Hifiman HE1000 Unveiled

Price: $2,699

We can't talk about planar without looking at Hifiman. They've created planar magnetic headphones for every price range, starting with the Sundara and all the way up to the Susvara Unveiled. A favorite from Hifiman at Audio46 is the HE1000 series, which is capped off with the latest and greatest HE1000 Unveiled. This headphone is the upgrade from the HE1000se, which was a step above the HE1000 Stealth. The HE1000 Unveiled takes the magnetic veils from the renowned Susvara Unveiled and applies it to the headphone that everyone already knows and loves. You get to experience super wide sound, dynamic signature, brilliant highs, and deep lows that make for an ultra-entertaining listen no matter what track you pass through it. 

Tech Specs: 

• Style: Over-ear, fully open-back
• Frequency Response: 8Hz - 65kHz
• Impedance: 28 Ω
• Sensitivity: 95dB

Abyss Diana DZ

Price: $3,995

For people who have already fed their Hifiman and Audeze fix, maybe you're looking for something a little different but still gives you that audiophile quality. American company Abyss is known for making that high end model that fits just the audio fill that you are looking for. The Abyss Diana DZ is a flagship model that delivers in detail, clarity, dynamics, and comfort. With interchangeable earpads for optimal comfort, the Abyss Diana DZ is an endgame headphone that a lot of audiophiles strive for. They are a little tougher to drive and require a nice amplifier, but it's all worth it since you can get some good color and additional flavor from external gear.

Tech Specs: 

• Style: Over-ear, open-back
• Frequency Response: 5Hz - 65kHz
• Impedance: 50 Ω
• Sensitivity: 92dB/mW

Final Thoughts

Didn't see your favorite planar magnetic headphones on this list? That's ok; we still offer a ton of different models that you may recognize. Brands like Meze, Final Audio, Noble, Yamaha, and more make some pretty stellar planar magnetic options. Feel free to check out our selection of planar magnetics, both for earphones and headphones, to see if any look like they could be a good fit for you. 

You can find all these options and more at Audio46. You are welcome to come into our NYC store to test them out for yourself and see what is best for you. You can also contact us via email or live chat now. Or call us at (212) 354-6424. Our sales engineers and technicians are happy to help and/or discuss any questions you may have about planar headphones.