If you are a serious audiophile, you will have heard about planar magnetic headphones and their benefits. Recent advancements in planar magnetic technology have seen strong headway since Jean Hoerni first developed the planar process in the 1950s.
Planar headphones (e.g., hifiman sundara) bridge the gap between standard dynamic headphones (e.g., beyerdynamic dt 770 pro 80) and the high- priced electrostatic alternatives.
Editor’s Quick note: Our review guide to choosing the “Best Planar Magnetic Headphones” was updated on May 20, 2021.
So, what are planar magnetic headphones exactly? Simply put, electromagnetic headphones work by having a very thin diaphragm in-between two magnets, which surpasses the standard dynamic headphones sound quality. However, with all technology, there are key benefits and some disadvantages too, which you will need to decide on and figure out what headphones work best for your needs.
Some major considerations are price, how you intend to use the headphones, preferred tuning, etc., which will, of course, impact a final decision. We welcome your thoughts and ideal setups, so leave a comment below, and we will get back to you. Let’s keep things simple from here on out.
Most likely, you know what planar magnetic headphones are, and you are wondering which headset to buy. Thankfully prices have come down with recent years, and you can find a great pair of headphones that a few years would have cost thousands and been inaccessible.
With increased demand, headphone companies have developed some affordable options worth considering. Here is our list of the best planar magnetic headphones available, starting with the best.
Table of Contents
Top 9 Best Planar Magnetic Headphones
#1 – Hifiman Sundara (Overall winner)
Hifiman specializes in open-back magnetic headphones, and these are an exceptional pair at an affordable price!
SPECIFICATIONS
- Bluetooth: No
- Driver Type: Planar
- Type: Over-ear
- Enclosure/Earcup Style: Open-Back Design
- Wireless: No
- Noise Cancelling: No
- Charging: No
- Mic and Controls: No
- Transducer: Planar Magnetic
- Colors: Black
- Waterproof: No
- Weight: 13.1 ounces
- Battery time: N/A
- Price: Under $350, although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked May 20, 2021
Our take:
The headphone build quality with the Sundara is comfortable and enjoyable to listen to music to for long periods. The ear cups are very well-made, and the grills are a stylish look and feel.
The bass response could have been slightly better for me and is something to look for in planar magnetic headphones. However, these can be increased with EQ or mods.
Overall, the Hifiman Sundara is a fantastic option, and my only advice is to pair up with a solid amp and let them settle in for around 40 hours.
Pros
- 3.5 mm jack is positioned well for easy use and does not get in the way
- Comfortable fit and feel
- Lightweight build and design for a serious audiophile
- Large headphones and great for noise reduction
- Great sound quality with an excellent mid-range
- Upgrade from the HIFIMAN HE4XX
- Treble is bright, the speed is quick, and it delivers fast sound waves
- Great for detailed orientated listeners
- Mid-range price and lower than the Audeze LCD-1 or Gold Planar GL2000
- The sound produced with these Hifiman’s driver headphones is exceptional
Cons
- You will need a quality DAC and amp to maximize the sound quality
- The extension piece feels a little flimsy with not enough tension
- The cable could be better
Our Rating:
9.7 / 10
With an 80% lighter diaphragm, topped with a black finish these slimline SuperMini’s are an abundance of style and audio quality forged together.
Other Models by HIFIMAN : Deva, Ananda or Ananda-BT
#2 – Audeze El-8 Open Back Headphones (Runner-up)
Any audiophile would be happy to own a pair of these headphones, portable, innovative design and uses Audeze’s premium sound signature!
SPECIFICATIONS
- Bluetooth: No
- Driver Type: Planar
- Type: Over-ear
- Enclosure: Open-Back Design
- Wireless: Yes
- Noise Cancelling: No
- Charging: Yes
- Mic and Controls: Yes
- Transducer: Planar magnetic
- Colors: Black
- Waterproof: No
- Weight: 1.01 pounds
- Battery time: 2 Hours
- Price: Under $500 – $600, although price range varies on Amazon (buy link) – Checked May 20, 2021
Our take:
The Audeze El-8 open-back headphones came second in this review and for good reasons.
The Audeze El-8 build quality is exceptional and one of the best headphones I have probably ever worn! The headphone design uses metal everywhere, from the cups, outside grill, arms, headband spring steal and I really like the overall robustness.
When choosing the best planar headphones, I look for comfort and these are a little heavy, weighing in at 16.16 ounces compared to the Audeze LCD-1. There are alternative options if you prefer lighter headphones, but for me, this didn’t deter me from rating these highly.
The headphone power and efficiency are excellent, with 30 ohms and a sensitivity of 102 decibels, which means you will be able to power them off of most devices. I would always recommend using an amplifier to maximize sound quality, but it is not absolutely necessary and will work fine with your mobile and the drawbacks are minor.
The Audeze El-8 headphone sound is detailed with rapid speed, offering peak performance with the treble and bass. I consider these to be a warm overall headset with exceptional detail all over.
Pros
- Patented Uniforce voice-coil technology
- SIRI-compatible microphone for voice calls
- Sound quality is exceptional and offers a bright and crisp performance
- Easy to use with mobile and compatible with most devices
- Large flat cable supplied (6 feet), which makes outdoor use easy and enjoyable
- Layered wood headphone lining, which is unusual but definitely grows on you and is a neat design
- The vocals and the mid-range are layered and make any audiophile happy
- The bass response is balanced and not overtly disproportionate, which makes the warm sound overall with no sound bleeding
Cons
- Plastic headband design, but not a deal-breaker for me
- The over-ear headphone design doesn’t offer much air movement in the cups and can be noticed when lots of head movement occurs.
Our Rating:
9.2 / 10
Overall these headphones will not let you down, and although they are hard to come by these days, often being refurbished options only available, they are serious audiophile headphones worth considering!
Other Models by Audeze: LCD-1, LCD-2, LCD-4z or LCD 4
#3 – Monolith M1060 Open Back
SPECIFICATIONS
- Bluetooth: No
- Driver Type: Planar
- Type: Over-ear
- Enclosure: Open back
- Wireless: No
- Noise Cancelling: No
- Charging: No
- Mic and Controls: No
- Transducer: Planar magnetic
- Colors: Black
- Waterproof: No
- Weight: 4.1623 ounce
- Battery time: N/A
- Price: Under $300, although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked May 20, 2021
Our take:
The Monolith M1060 electromagnetic headphones offer decent listening sessions with deep ear cushions and get a thumbs up for comfort with well-sealed and snug ear cups.
A planar magnetic driver has a flat membrane that is covered by magnets, unlike your typical headphones, which give fast delivery of 50 ohms, which is slightly more than the 30 ohms that the Audeze El-8 offered in the previous product comparison.
Overall, the M1060 are our cheapest headphones so far and for half the price of the Audeze’s and similar pricing to the Hifiman Sundara if you’re not a huge Hifiman fan, then these might be a good pick!
Pros
- The M1060 comes with a 3.5mm to 6.35mm Audio Jack adapter
- Comes with 6 feet of cable which is similar to the previous Audeze El-8 and Hifiman Sundara.
- Incredible bass sound quality
- You can open up the grills and modify the headphones if you want, which is a bonus if you want to modify the sound profile
- They sound lively and ideal for musicians playing guitar and drums
- Low levels of sound leakage and distortion
- Sound separation and sound stage are excellent with these as if the sound is coming from a stage straight above you as if you were looking up
- 5-year warranty and a 30-day guarantee, although this can change so be sure to check with the seller
Cons
- The pads are glued on and not removable which I did not like
- The adapter does not swivel as it should which might end up needing to be replaced after 1-2 years of use
- The headphone case is too large and not ideal for portable use
Our Rating:
9.2 / 10
Overall the headphone can provide you with deep bass performance with a low level of distortion.
#4 – Tin Hifi P1 Magnetic Earbuds
If you prefer in-ear types, these P1 headphones are truly loved in the headphone world and for a couple of hundred bucks, these IEMs are cutting through the noise!
SPECIFICATIONS
- Bluetooth: No
- Driver Type: Planar
- Type: in-Ear
- Enclosure: in-Ear Earphones
- Wireless: No
- Noise Cancelling: No
- Charging: No
- Mic and Controls: No
- Transducer: Planar Magnetic
- Colors: Silver
- Waterproof: No
- Weight: 2.11 ounces
- Battery time: N/A
- Price: Under $200, although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked May 20, 2021
Our take:
The style and design of the P1s are a force for any audiophile enthusiast to feel stylish with. The silver earpiece and cable look aesthetically pleasing.
The P1 headphone build quality is not great, the design cut is made from two halves and I would have preferred a cleaner finish, but it’s not a deal-breaker. That being said, I enjoyed listening to the P1s and they fit comfortably. The overall build quality did not let the listening experience diminish.
The soundstage performance offers tones of value and I found listening to the earphones to be vibrant with plenty of bass and smooth tones.
The cables and connectors are easy to use and found the 1.2-meter cable length to be satisfactory, but usually prefer 2 meters of cable.
The packaging and accessories with the Tin P1s were good and they gave a few spare ear tips which are useful for different ear shapes and sizes.
Pros
- Best IEM’s for the price
- A stylish braided cable that comes with an easy to detach MMCX cable
- Outstanding sound with loads of detail
- Great carry case
- Stainless steel metal body
- Fits almost every ear type
Cons
- These Planar headphones burn-in after around 50 hours
- Average connector cable
Our Rating:
9.1 / 10
The P1’s are taking all the best features from the previous models (T2 and T3) and increased the tuning technology with these flagship planar in-ear headphones!
Other Models by LINSOUL: T2, HIFI T2 PRO or TIN HIFI T3
#5 – Gold Planar GL2000
If you are an audiophile and want something lightweight, GL2000 is something that you will love.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Bluetooth: No
- Driver Type: Planar
- Type: Over-ear
- Enclosure: Over-ear headphones
- Wireless: No
- Noise Cancelling: No
- Charging: No
- Mic and Controls: No
- Transducer: Planar Magnetic
- Colors: Titanium
- Waterproof: No
- Weight: 19 ounce
- Battery time: N/A
- Price: Under $500, although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked May 20, 2021
Our take:
The GL2000 offers a punchy bass response coupled with transparent trebles and rich mids. The design looks okayish but the performance is quite high.
As the headphone is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, the weight is negligible provided it sounds great. It can be considered much lighter than heavier planar headphones from other brands.
The headband comes with the traditional form of foam padding. Easily adjustable headband system that makes adjusting the headphone on your head an easy task. The provided adjustment settings make sure that the GL2000 can fit various head sizes and shapes.
The cable provided is braided and black in color. It feels soft in the hands and can look neat while kept on the desk. The tangle-free design is an added bonus.
The headphone arrives in a brown box along with a hard plastic case inside. The accessories come well secured in foam. The box includes a headphone, one 4.4mm balanced cable, and one spare set of pads.
Sub-bass can be enjoyed with the GL2000, but it might get overshadowed by the mid-bass response. The textures and details in the sub-bass region can be picked up easily. Although the bass is impactful, it could have used a little bit of decay for sounding more natural. The lower treble is subdued and the upper treble tends to roll off a bit early. But the midrange comes with a good balance that makes this headphone a good choice.
The GL2000 seemed more punchy in comparison to the other headphones. The earcups are comfortable and it didn’t feel like a huge deal to wear them for a longer time.
Overall the GL2000 is a comfortable and well-packed headphone. The tonality tends to be on the warmer side, with some lack of air. But directionality is something that this headphone excels at.
Pros
- Premium build quality
- Great comfort
- Applicable for long listening sessions
- Comfortable headband
- Punchy bass
Cons
- Provided cables use a rare 4.4mm connector
- Less natural sound
Our Rating:
8.7 / 10
Comfortable and durable coupled with good bass in comparison to other planar headphones.
Other Models by Gold Planar: GL600
#6 – Audeze LCD-1
Looking for comfortable and lightweight headphones? Audeze LCD-1 is something that you need to check out.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Bluetooth: No
- Driver Type: Planar
- Type: Over-ear
- Enclosure: Open back
- Wireless: No
- Noise Cancelling: No
- Charging: No
- Mic and Controls: No
- Transducer: Planar magnetic
- Colors: Black
- Waterproof: No
- Weight: 9.2 ounce
- Battery time: N/A
- Price: Under $399 although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked May 20, 2021
Our take:
Audeze LCD-1 can provide you with an immersive sound experience that provides an audiophile-grade sound that too within your budget.
The magnetic field of the LCD-1 creates a vivid soundstage that can make you go wow.
If you do not have the budget to get a pair of fancy speakers or if you are missing the live sounds of your favorite band, this headphone is the next big thing that you should get. The best part – no need for any fancy headphone amp!
The build quality is pretty decent and the magnetic drivers can provide frequencies from 10 Hz to 50 kHz.
It is ultra-light and feels like you are wearing a normal pair of headphones over your head. The cushioning is nice and the lightweight will make sure that there is no neck pain or claustrophobic feeling.
You will get a 2 m long cable with dual connectivity of 3.5mm to 3.5mm.
The packaging is pretty decent. The box comes with a 2 m long cable and one LCD-1 headphone.
The LCD-1 sounds great with anything and anywhere. The sound quality is energetic, clear, and provides a massive soundstage. The sound quality is not completely flat.
The primary issue with this headphone is that it lacks punchy performance. It is a great choice for an everyday music experience.
Well, there is a lot to be said about how this headphone permits you to analyze music. If that is what you need from your headphones, Audeze has the perfect pair of headphones that are worth a listen.
Pros
- Clean, open, precise, transparent sound
- Wide soundstage
- Neutral tonal balance
- Affordable and not that expensive
Cons
- A bit flimsy feel
- Narrow dynamic range
Our Rating:
8.6 / 10
Light and cheap headphones that provide crystal clear sound for a rich music experience.
Other Models by Audeze: LCD-X, LCD-XC or LCD-MX4
#7 – SIVGA P-Ⅱ
A piece of art created with a combination of workmanship, sound, and materials.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Bluetooth: No
- Driver Type: Planar
- Type: Over-ear
- Enclosure: Open back
- Wireless: no
- Noise Cancelling: No
- Charging: No
- Mic and Controls: No
- Transducer: Planar magnetic
- Colors: Walnut wood
- Waterproof: No
- Weight: 14 ounce
- Battery time: N/A
- Price: Under $400 although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked May 20, 2021
Our take:
The first thing that caught my attention is the beautiful build quality and finish of the headphone. The Sivga P-II is an eye-catchy headphone that provides good quality sound.
The primary structure is all metal along with stainless steel. The build quality is strong and the head cushion is a bit thick and solid. I felt an added weight on my head while using these headphones. The ear cups can be rotated to 90 degrees. The level of distortion is quite low and provides rich and balanced sound.
The earmuffs and headband sheath are made of high-quality leather that is quite comfortable for short usage. The room inside the ear cups is enough and I felt no added pressure on my ears. It provides a good seal. Both for sound and comfort, Sivga P-II provides a great experience.
The cable provided with the P-II is made of single-crystal copper wire. It is quite soft and is tangle-resistant too. The wire carries no noise. The connector termination is the new 4.4mm type. But you will also get a 4.4mm to 3.5mm adapter.
The headphone comes packed in a normal box with a carry case inside. You will get one 4.4mm cable along with a 4.4mm to 3.5mm adapter in the box. Also, a small cable pouch is provided.
The P-II uses a double-sided diaphragm unit as the driver. It picks up a lot of micro-details. The quality of sound is balanced and provides enough punch in the lower end. The upper mids sound natural and the treble section showcases great details. The bass response is deep and quick.
The headphone offers detailed and warm sounds, with a decent punch in the lower end.
If you are looking for a rich and organic performer, the Sivga P-II can easily fulfill your requirements along with a great design.
Pros
- Wide soundstage
- Speedy bass response
- Defined treble
- Beautiful wooden design
- Solid build quality
- High-quality cables with an adapter
Cons
- Lacks sub-bass depth
- A bit on the heavy side
Our Rating:
8.5 / 10
Well-built headphones with pure copper cable. Crystal-clear sound
#8 – HyperX Cloud Orbit S
Great surround sound experience with a noise-canceling feature.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Bluetooth: No
- Driver Type: Planar
- Type: Over-ear
- Enclosure: Over-ear
- Wireless: No
- Noise Cancelling: yes
- Charging: No
- Mic and Controls: Yes
- Transducer: Planar magnetic
- Colors: Black
- Waterproof: No
- Weight: 12 ounce
- Battery time: N/A
- Price: Under $200 although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked May 20, 2021
Our take:
The HyperX Cloud Orbit S is one of the best headphones that are available in the market for a rich gaming experience.
It is a great choice for all those who want top-notch sound quality and high-end functions. I loved it for the accurate sound experience that this headphone offers. It is a comfortable headphone that can be used extensively.
The distortion is quite low, and the sound quality delivered is quite balanced.
The build quality is okayish. The earmuffs provided offer decent cushioning and are enough for long time usage. The headband comes with an extra cushioning layer that makes it feel a bit heavy.
The design of the Orbit S is sophisticated in nature that completely fits with the price tag. It is a gaming headset by nature, at least by the way it looks. But it can also fit as professional gear. The memory foam headband provides the ultimate comfort. The ear cups come with an outer lining of artificial leather.
The headphone comes with 3.5mm, USB-A, and USB-C connectivity options. It also comes with a detachable noise-canceling microphone.
Each Orbit S headphone comes with a detachable mic and three connecting cables. You will also get a simple drawstring storage pouch with HyperX branding on top.
The Orbit S comes with 3D audio support that takes your gaming experience to a whole new level. The majority of headsets in the market can make you feel isolated, but that is not the case with this one. You will feel that sound is present all around you. The mediums offered are clear and crisp. But the bass is quite on the higher side which is not that great for me.
Overall, this headphone is a nice choice for experiencing premium audio. It is mainly meant for gaming with a decent music experience.
Pros
- Loud and immersive 3D audio
- Soft earcups and headband
- Clear microphone
- Comfortable build
Cons
- A bit heavy
- Not that cheap for a gaming headset
- No Bluetooth
Our Rating:
7.7 / 10
Comfortable overall and nice audio experience with a deep bass.
#9 – Fostex T50RP MK3 (Cheapest Planar Magnetic Headphones)
One of the cheapest planar magnetic headphones that provide great quality sound for audiophiles.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Bluetooth: No
- Driver Type: Planar
- Type: Over-ear
- Enclosure: Semi-open
- Wireless: No
- Noise Cancelling: No
- Charging: No
- Mic and Controls: No
- Transducer: Planar magnetic
- Colors: Black, Light grey, Dark grey
- Waterproof: No
- Weight: 11 ounce
- Battery time: N/A
- Price: Under $160 although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Checked May 20, 2021
Our take:
The build quality of the headphone is great looking at the price.
They are lightweight in nature that will allow you to wear the headphones for a long time. It comes with a detachable 3 m 1/4-inch plug and a 1.2 m mini plug cable.
The packaging of the headphone is decent looking at the price point. It provides sharp audio with more stress on the trebles and mids. It is a perfect fit for a monitor headphone.
Overall, the headphone is a great choice for a clear sound experience and mainly for professional usage.
Pros
- Flexible headband
- Clear sound
- Cheap
Cons
- Low bass
- Elevated treble
Our Rating:
7.2 / 10
Cheap, comfortable, and provides good sound quality for the price paid.
Considerations Choosing the best planar magnetic headphones for audiophiles
While choosing the best planar magnetic headphone for your usage, you will have to pay attention to the price to sound quality ratio. Also, the comfort factor plays an important role. If you are looking out for a headphone for long time usage, consider a lighter one. The next thing that you need to consider is balanced sound quality for an enriched sound experience.
Electrostatic Drivers vs Planar magnetic Drivers
Planar magnetic drivers function by using the interaction of two magnetic fields for creating motion. Instead of moving the voice coil, it pulls the driver in and out from one ring placed within the driver. In electrostatic drivers, the diaphragm moves itself.
Headphone Design: In-Ear, On-Ear, and Over-Ear – what is the difference?
In-ear headphones are the most widely used ones today because of their small size. It fits inside your ear canal and provides a rich sound experience. Wearing them for a long time might be a bit uncomfortable. The on-ear headphones sit against your ears and do not have any added advantage over in-ear or over-ear headphones. But on-ear headphones come with larger drivers in comparison to in-ear headphones. Over-ear headphones are big in size and it feels like snuggling a warm blanket. They generally produce deep bass and the highest quality sound.
Closed-Back Headphones vs Open-Back
Open-back headphones permit air to pass through the ear cups right to the speaker element. It does not allow pressure to build up and hence, no disturbance with sound. Closed-back headphones come with a sealed back. It helps in blocking out a lot of outside sounds.
Sensitivity and Impedance fully Explained
Sensitivity is related to how loud a headphone is. When a headphone provides greater sensitivity, they will be much louder than the ones with lower sensitivity. Impedance is related to how well a headphone can resist electric currents. It is measured in Ohms. The more the impedance, the more power your headphones will need. You might need to plug your headphones with higher impedance into an amp for proper sound.
Planar Magnetic Headphone FAQs
Are planar magnetic headphones better than normal alternatives?
Planar magnetic headphones produce better bass with more extension to low-end frequencies. It does not over-extend into the mid-range. So, if you are an audiophile, planar magnetic headphones will be a better choice.
Are planar magnetic headphones safe to use?
Yes, they are safe to use. Make sure you use them with moderate volume.
Are planar headphones worth it?
Planar headphones are surely expensive than the normal alternatives. But the sound produced by the drivers is surely worth it.
Are planar magnetic headphones good for gaming?
Indeed, they are superb for gaming purposes. They produce immersive sound and deep bass – all that a gamer needs.
What are Planar Magnetic Headphone?
The planar magnetic headphone uses drivers that come with two magnets on either side of the diaphragm to make it vibrate. It is great for immersive sound.
How Do Planar Magnetic Drivers Work?
The drivers have two magnets that vibrate on either side of the diaphragm for creating sound. It doesn’t use a cone and a coil just like traditional headphones.
Are Planar Magnetic Headphones worth it?
Planar magnetic headphones are worth all the price that you pay for them as you can enjoy natural bass extension with enriched sound quality.
Dynamic Drivers vs Planar Magnetic
Dynamic drivers use a traditional design of a dome or cone diaphragm that is connected with a moving coil. The voice coil gets moved by a magnet placed behind it. In planar magnetic drivers, the diaphragm is flat and the conductor trace is fixed with the diaphragm.
