Whether you're newer to the audiophile space or you've been doing it for a while, you've certainly heard of Hifiman. The company, founded by Dr. Fang Bian in 2007, has been known for their work with planar-magnetic drivers. Across the years, Hifiman has bolstered its reputation as a company committed to the progress of audio technology and the pursuit of the best listening system possible. They produce quite a few headphones and we're breaking them all down here. From entry level to top of the line, we've got you covered.

Entry Level

Edition XS ($269)

The Edition XS is where the Hifiman product line begins, and it starts off on quite the high note. But let's jump back a second. The Edition XS is Hifiman's most affordable headphone to feature Stealth Magnets in its design. Per Hifiman: "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." Stealth Magnets are used throughout the entire Hifiman product line and can be found on some of their higher end models. So to get that type of tech for this price is pretty uncommon.

The sound of the Edition XS is a bit more musical than analytical. It has a somewhat warmer midrange than the Sundara, which is their other headphone that lives around this price point. But even with that slightly warmer sound, it provides great detail retrieval and resolving capabilities for the price. They're also lauded for their wide soundstage with accurate imaging.

Sundara ($279)

The Sundara is Hifiman's other entry-level headphone. At $279, the Sundara actually does not use a Stealth Magnet. Instead, Hifiman takes a more classic approach to their planar design. What you get is an extremely detailed and transparent headphone. In fact, for detail retrieval, it may be one of the best headphones to buy under $400. It's also easier to drive than the Edition XS so it may be more suitable for listeners who want to listen directly from their phone or computer. Though we should mention that all the headphones on this list are best served by a DAC/Amp for optimal performance.

Mid-Fi

Ananda Stealth ($359)

Taking a step up into the mid-fi range, we'll start with the Ananda Stealth. Technically the Edition XS was the follow up to the Ananda, but the Ananda Stealth still lives on as a separate product. Known for its rich and balanced sound, the Ananda is a staple of mid-fi audio. Though it's a bit more expensive than the Edition XS, it does add a bit more cohesion to the sound you're getting, as well as an upgrade in build quality.

Arya Stealth ($649)

Again staying true to their Stealth Magnets, we have the Arya Stealth edition. For those who want more emphasis put on the low and top end, which is a more exciting sound profile, this is a great choice. In the Arya Stealth, Hifiman made a headphone with a slight V-shape, though the midrange is certainly no slouch either. However, this low/high emphasis does make the Arya Stealth a more dynamic and engaging headphone to listen with. And that V-shape shouldn't imply there's less detail retrieval here. In fact there's plenty. And as you'll continue reading, Hifiman seems to prioritize detail retrieval in all their headphones.

High End

Arya Organic ($1,149)

Now we step into the higher tier of Hifiman's headphones. Starting things off is another iteration of the Arya: the Arya Organic. It still uses those Stealth Magnets we've been talking about, but it also features innovations that trickled down from one of Hifiman's top of the line headphones, the susvara. One of these innovations is its single nanometer thick driver diaphragm. The soundstage on the Arya Organic is thought to be a bit more intimate but also more accurate. It's also got faster dynamics and more refined treble. And equally important, it's build is a bit stronger, and even sports some wood on its ear cups. The Arya Organic is a headphone that looks as good as it sounds.

HE1000 Stealth ($1,399)

Hifiman's HE1000 Stealth took an older HE1000 version and, as the name implies, added Stealth Magnets to it. Expanding on what made the original HE1000 so popular, Hifiman improved its stellar imaging, clear layering, and rich tonal depth. And even with all that in mind, it still maintains its mid-forward voicing that makes it unique from the rest of the high end pack from Hifiman. All of this creates a headphone that feels alive and plenty enjoyable. This is the first step into seeing what the higher end tech from Hifiman is capable of providing.

HE1000se ($1,699)

So this is another set of HE1000 headphones. One has to wonder, what makes this one different? Well it all starts with the neodymium magnets that Hifiman uses to increase efficiency and lower distortion. Per Hifiman: "With neodymium, the new model's driver is faster and more dynamic, presenting every sonic detail for a more compelling performance."

The HE1000se has a beautiful and crisp high end and an expansive, accurate soundstage. In our testing, from classical to EDM, this headphone delivered the goods with tact and precision. Now that does mean that, perhaps, more poorly mixed tracks won't sound as good coming out of these. But for the most part, you're getting a sophisticated and top tier sound at a great value.

TOTL

HE-R10P ($5,499)

The HE-R10P is the lone closed-back headphone on this roster. With the frame of a Susvara and ear cups made from wood, the HE-R10P is a beautiful headphone. Being a closed-back headphone, it's not necessarily the widest sounding headphone Hifiman makes. That said, imaging is still spacious and accurate. For a headphone unique as this, we also get a stand-out sound signature. It's low end has great depth and sub bass impact and its top end is more smooth. We'd characterize it as a neutral-warm sounding headphone with a slight V-shape.

Susvara Unveiled ($8,000)

The newly released Susvara Unveiled are the next generation of the legendary Susvara headphones. New to the design is a completely open back that exposes the driver, allowing for unparalleled soundstage and clarity. Its bass is deep and warm and its mids are musical and lush. The top end is the definition of a well, even fully, extended top end. We also thought that in the Susvara Unveiled, Hifiman reached a new level of natural and organic sound, even more so than the original. It's the top of the top of the line. Hifiman has spared no expense or effort in making this headphone and so they come at a premium. But for the most discerning audiophiles, that premium just might be worth it.

Electrostatic

Mini Shangri-La ($1,100)

Aside from their high end and top of the line headphones, Hifiman also makes outstanding electrostatic headphones that run across various price ranges. The most affordable entrant is the Mini Shangri-La. The Mini Shangri-La, like many other Hifiman headphones, impresses with a unique and well-voiced sound signature. Its surprisingly strong bass response, clear and precise midrange, and deliciously smooth but equally present top end make for an exciting and palpable listening experience. It's a great way to start your journey into electrostatic headphones, and Hifiman also makes its own matching DAC/amp for the Mini Shangri-La as well.

Shangri-La Jr. ($4,000)

Moving up the ladder, we have the Shangri-La Jr. At a price that more than doubles the Susvara Unveiled, the Shangri-La Jr. takes you to new frontiers of Hifiman's level of precision and clarity. Its treble is somehow sparkly and clear but still soft and relaxed enough to never cause fatigue. Its bass response, as is more common for electrostatic headphones, isn't exactly bombastic. But its speed and dynamics make up for this. The soundstage and imaging on this headphone is extremely clear and precise. And its build is sturdy and reliable. There is also a matching amplifier for the Shangri-La Jr.

Shangri-La Sr. ($18,000)

Representing the highest of echelons in hifi, the Shangri-La Sr. is a testament to the possibilities of audio technology. This may be as close to a perfect headphone as it gets with an unbelievably balanced sound signature. Its technical performance is perhaps unrivaled adding to a slightly bright top end. Listening to this headphone is an experience and the soundstage takes it to a higher plane. It's so spacious and precise that you feel like you're totally wrapped in the music. For a sense of the true heights of this industry, the Shangri-La Sr. are a must-listen. Like the others, Hifiman also makes a matching amplifier.

Coming Soon

Ananda-BT R2R ($799)

Hifiman isn't new to Bluetooth, having offered wireless variants of a couple of their headphones. They've also spent time developing DACs that use their proprietary Hymalaya R2R technology. Now Hifiman is pairing the two technologies and applying them to the Ananda, making for an unprecedented level of wireless fidelity. We can't wait to hear how good these headphones sound, especially as they stand out from a mostly closed-back wireless landscape.

HE1000 Unveiled ($2,699)

As we mentioned earlier, Hifiman pushed design forward by incorporating its "unveiled" or exposed driver. Now they're bringing that technology to the HE1000SE. According to Dr. Fang Bian, founder and CEO of Hifiman, "The most effective way to avoid sound wave reflections and refractions from the grill is to eliminate the entirety of the grill design, leading to complete openness of the diaphragm. The result is sound that is demonstrably more detailed and open, which is why we refer to this approach as 'unveiled' technology." It's an exciting new development in headphone design, and it's definitely worth trying when they become available.