Best Lists · Spec comparison
| Product DB | Driver | Impedance | Sensitivity | Frequency | Weight | Battery | ANC | Year | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audeze LCD-X (2021) | Planar | 20 Ω | 103 dB | 10-50000 | 612 g | — | No | 2021 | $1,199 |
| HiFiMAN HE1000se | Planar | — | 96 dB | 8-65000 | 450 g | — | No | 2021 | $1,999 |
| Meze Liric | Planar | 30 Ω | 100 dB | 4-30000 | 390 g | — | No | 2021 | $2,000 |
| Dan Clark Aeon 2 Noire | Planar | 13 Ω | 96 dB | 20-40000 | 360 g | — | No | 2021 | $899 |
| HiFiMAN Susvara | Planar | — | 83 dB | 6-75000 | 450 g | — | No | 2017 | $5,999 |
| Audeze LCD-5 | Planar | 14 Ω | 90 dB | 5-50000 | 420 g | — | No | 2021 | $4,499 |
| Dan Clark Stealth | Planar | 13 Ω | 92 dB | 20-40000 | 415 g | — | No | 2021 | $3,999 |
| ZMF Caldera | Planar | 40 Ω | 96 dB | 10-30000 | 515 g | — | No | 2022 | $3,499 |
Headphone Reviews · Why this ranking
The Audeze LCD-X (2021) leads with its reference-grade neutrality, but the HiFiMAN HE1000se counters with a wider soundstage and lighter feel. For those prioritizing weight and price, the Dan Clark Aeon 2 Noire is the clear winner, while the HiFiMAN Susvara reigns supreme in frequency extension. The rest of the lineup — from the detailed LCD-5 to the innovative Stealth and the artisan Caldera — offers distinct trade-offs in tuning, isolation, and build that cater to different listening priorities.
If you’re searching for the best planar magnetic headphones, this list cuts through the noise to highlight eight models that excel in real-world performance. We selected them based on measured frequency response, weight, build quality, and soundstage characteristics — no marketing hype, just verifiable facts.