Users always expect the best quality of sound from headphones. Planar magnetic headphones are unique in this regard. Because of using the planar magnetic drivers, it can provide the best quality sound that fulfills the demand of its users.
What are Planar Magnetic Headphones?
Headphones that come with planar magnetic drivers are known as planar magnetic headphones. Regular headphones provide electrostatic sounds that are not so polished, and sometimes we find them unclear. But planar magnetic drivers make these electrostatic sounds thinner and provide amazing bass with more extension to the low-end frequencies. For this reason, it feels better and more soothing when you listen to it.
Buying guide for buying the best planar magnetic headphones
Before buying the best pair of planar magnetic headphones, there are a few things you need to check out. For example, sound quality, ear comfort features, connectivity, headphone size, and durability. Here we have described a bit about these features shortly.
Sound Quality
This is one of the main things that should be looked for while buying the best planar magnetic headphones. If you want a headphone with an amazing bass response that provides crystal clear sounds without any audio leakage, planar magnetic headphones are the only viable option in this regard.
Comfortability
Comfortability of a headphone is another essential feature. It helps to keep our ears safe. There are few open-back and closed-back planar magnetic headphones that provide a different level of comfort to the users for using good quality cushions on the earcups and the perfect size headframe.
Connectivity
The connectivity feature is an important one for headphones. Wired and wireless connectivity headphones are both available in the market. But the wired connectivity feature is always preferable to users in productivity headphones than wireless connectivity. So, this thing is also to be checked.
Headphone Size
Some prefer over-ear headphones, and some prefer in-ear headphones. Because some users want to roam around here and there frequently so, they want something very portable or foldable. But some want headphones for their office work. For this reason, the size of a headphone matters to its users.
Durability
Durability is also an important part of headphones. It prevents headphones from being broken and saves from dust, sweat, and water as well. Using good materials make a headphone well durable and strong.
Best Planar Magnetic Headphones| 12 Best
Planar headphones will give you the best experience of sounds. Using these, you will be able to get the best experience of sound, keeping your ear safe. Besides, the use of a fast-moving and super-thin diaphragm in planar magnetic headphones helps to increase the experience of using the best planar magnetic headphones better. Also, these magnetic planar headphones are mostly liked by audiophiles. Now check out our headphones list, which we have made based on all the important things that we have mentioned above.
List of the best planar magnetic headphones
- Audeze LCD-X
- HIFIMAN Ananda
- Avantone Pro Planar
- Monolith M1060
- Audeze LCD-2
- HIFIMAN Edition XS
- SIVGA PHOENIX
- HiFiGo Z12
- Letshuoer S12
- Dan Clark Audio AEON 2
- HIFIMAN SUNDARA
- SIVGA P-Ⅱ
Audeze LCD-X
Form Factor: Over-Ear
Connectivity: Wired
Audeze LCD-X is an over-ear wired planar magnetic headphone. Besides regular work, it can be used very well for professional purposes too. This headphone has 103 dB efficiency and 20 ohms impedance, providing its users with the best quality sounds. Also, it has 106 mm diaphragms with Fazor elements and double-side arrays. These features extend the frequency response time from 12Hz- 20kHz to 50 kHz and sound resolution higher.
It’s a handcrafted device that has a very beautiful ergonomic design, and luxurious leather on earcups ensures the best level of comfort. These whole features make these the best planar magnetic headphones on this list.
Pros:
- Various sound technology
- Zero distortion headphones
- Premium design
- Standard frequency rate
- Comfortable for the ears
Cons:
- Very expensive
Although the device is very expensive, the features that come with it are very premium. So, the price can be considered for this. And using high-end technology on drivers like the light diaphragms makes the sound quality better. Besides, the build quality and the outlook of the device are top-notch as well.
Quantitative Measurement:
Functionality: 10/10
Design: 10/10
Comfortability: 10/10
Durability: 10/10
HIFIMAN Ananda
Form Factor: Over-Ear
Connectivity: Wired
HIFIMAN Ananda is another over-ear wired headphone on this list. With a premium outlook, this headset has high sensitivity, 8 Hz to 55 kHz frequency, and 92 dB sensitivity as well. The high sensitivity of this headset ensures low distortion and the best sound quality. The NEO supernano Diaphragm of this device ensures fast and thin sound quality to the users.
HIFIMAN Ananda has a window shade grill design that reduces sonic reflection and clear sound. Plus, the asymmetrical ear cups ensure adjustment, and the hybrid headband design provides both comfort and adjustment to the ears too.
Pros:
- Ensure comfort to the ears
- Rich sound quality
- High frequency response
- Less distortion sounds
- Full with features
Cons:
- Low bass
HIFIMAN Ananda is one of the best planar magnetic headphones on our list. The features of this headphone, especially the sound quality, and comfort that it offers, are really good. But the bass of this device is a bit low. Besides this, the device offers some really good features to the users. So, if you like them except for this silly con, you can go for it.
Quantitative Measurement:
Functionality: 9.5/10
Design: 10/10
Comfortability: 10/10
Durability: 10/10
Avantone Pro Planar
Form Factor: On-Ear
Connectivity: Wired
If you are looking for a planar magnetic on-ear headphone, this Avantone Pro Planner can be the one for you. It’s an on-ear wired headphone that is very lightweight and has an open-back feature that ensures clear and vibrant sounds. Besides, it’s a well-durable device that ensures enough comfort for its users. The headband of this device is made of premium quality plastic and metals that make this device strong enough.
The head strap of this headset is made of leather, and the pads are very comfortable for the ears. For that reason, it ensures good comfort for the ears and head as well. Lastly, for carrying it to places, there will be a carrying bag as well.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Strong built
- Loud sounds
- Handy device
- Detachable cable
Cons:
- The design could have been better
This Avantone Pro Planar can be considered one of the best open-back planar headphones on this list. But compared to its price, the look is not that satisfying. But the other feature of this device is very rich and well. If you don’t care about the looks and prioritize the features, you can pick this one.
Quantitative Measurement:
Functionality: 9/10
Design: 9/10
Comfortability: 10/10
Durability: 10/10
Monolith M1060
Form Factor: Over-Ear
Connectivity: Wired
Monolith M1060 can be considered the best budget planar magnetic headphones on this list for its looks. The device has a very amazing and premium outlook besides its features. With a 106mm wide driver, it has an open-back design that ensures good-quality sounds for its users. Also, the planar magnetic driver is also one for the amazing sounds.
Besides, it has a 10Hz to 50 kHz frequency response that also ensures clear and distortion-free audio for the ears. For the comfort of the ears, it has faux leather and a padded headband which ensures good quality comfort to its users.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Premium design
- Sharp audio quality
- Wide driver
- Lightweight
Cons:
- The cable quality is not that good
Although the features and the design of this device are very premium, the stock connection cable is not a good one. So, buying an extra cable with the headset will be a wise decision. Other than that, this is one of the budget planar magnetic headphones on our list that you can pick up to get the best quality of sound and comfort too.
Quantitative Measurement:
Functionality: 8.5/10
Design: 9/10
Comfortability: 10/10
Durability: 9/10
Audeze LCD-2
Form Factor: Over-Ear
Connectivity: Wired
This Audeze LDC-2 is an over-ear wired headset that has a very beautiful design as well. The headset has 100mm planar magnetic drivers that provide a very warm tone to the users. Also, this big driver makes the response of this headset very fast and sound very realistic than other headphones at the same time. Plus, it has a glass-infused nylon ring in the speakers that increase the sound quality.
Audeze LCD-2 has built with a steel suspension which makes this headset a durable one. Plus, memory foam earpads ensure good comfort for the users of this headset too.
Pros:
- Wide driver
- Good quality sound
- Comfortable for the ears
- Strong cable
- Amazing design
Cons:
- The bass sound could have been a bit less
The bass of this headset is a bit high, which can be a problem for mild bass users. But if you want a headset with standard bass, you can go for Monolith M1060. However, for those who love extra bass sounds, we think it will be a perfect device for them. If you are one of them, this can be a good option that you can check out from our list.
Now if we compare Audeze LCD-2 with the Audeze LCD-X, we will find a few differences. Like, the overall sound quality of Audeze LCD-X is top-notch, whereas LCD-2’s bass is a bit higher. Also, the driver of LCD-X is higher than LCD-2. And these are the significant reason for keeping LCD-2 in this position and LCD-X on top, basically.
Quantitative Measurement:
Functionality: 9/10
Design: 10/10
Comfortability: 9.5/10
Durability: 10/10
HIFIMAN Edition XS
Form Factor: Over-Ear
Connectivity: Wired
HIFIMAN Edition XS is another over-ear magnetic planar headphone on this list. This headphone comes with an 8Hz to 50kHz frequency response, 18 Ohm of independence, and 92 dB sensitivity. These features help to provide good quality sounds to its users. Besides, it has an ergonomic design, comfortable headbands, and replaceable cables.
The earcups of this headset are movable. So, it will be an extra benefit for the people who work with sound, like music producers and mixers. Plus, the outlook and shape of this headset is
Pros:
- Good quality of sound
- Comfortable
- Stealth magnets feature
Cons:
- Build quality could have been better
The adjustment looks and other features of this are really amazing. But the build quality of this product is not expected compared to its price. But functional features cover this gap which is impressive. Besides, the stealth magnets feature of this device ensures sharp sound waves to the ears. An amazing planar magnetic headphone in this regard.
Now if we compare this headset with HIFIMAN Ananda, the differences are frequency response of HIFIMAN Ananda is higher than HIFIMAN Edition XS. Also, it is lightweight, upgraded sound quality, and also a hybrid headband design as well. For this reason, we keep this Edition XS in this position and HIFIMAN Ananda upper in this list.
Quantitative Measurement:
Functionality: 9/10
Design: 9.5/10
Comfortability: 9/10
Durability: 9/10
SIVGA PHOENIX
Form Factor: Over-Ear
Connectivity: Wired
SIVGA PHOENIX is one of the best wireless planar magnetic headphones on this list. To provide the best listening experience to the users, this has a unique polycarbonate film and a diaphragm that has developed independently. This feature ensures the best quality of sound for the users of this headset. Also, it has a very cool design that makes it attractive in looks. The triple frequency eq of this headset is able to provide natural sound, low frequency, and very flexible bass too.
Besides, this has an ergonomic design that helps to adjust well. Also, the spongy and soft earcups provide good comfort to the ears too.
Pros:
- Good outlook
- Comfortable
- Amazing audio quality
Cons:
- The cable is not that strong
Although the headphone offers some good features but the cable of this headset is not that strong, well and careful maintenance is the ultimate solution in this regard. Besides, the bracket and shell of this headset are made of aluminum, which makes it a very durable one. And to carry it everywhere, it comes with a fine leather bag too.
Quantitative Measurement:
Functionality: 8.5/10
Design: 9/10
Comfortability: 8.5/10
Durability: 9/10
HiFiGo Z12
Form Factor: In-Ear
Connectivity: Wired
Besides over-ear and on-ear headphones, there are in-ear planar magnetic headphones as well. This HiFiGo Z12 is one of the best in-ear planar magnetic headphones on our list. This headphone has a very aggressive design, provides high fidelity audio, 2dB audio boost with a 50Hz frequency range that helps to provide good sounds with amazing bass too.
The interesting part of this headphone is its changeable plugs. Plus, in this small device, there is a 14.8mm custom planar driver available too, which made the audio quality of this headset more amazing.
Pros:
- High-quality cables
- Good quality sounds
- Amazing design
Cons:
- No control button on the headset
Although earphones and headphones can be controlled with phones and other devices nowadays, an extra option is always better. This planar headphone is a suitable one for gaming and other productive works. For this reason, the availability of a volume button could have been a great add-on in this regard. So, if you are looking for one of the best planar magnetic gaming headphones at a very affordable price, this one can be a good option for you.
Quantitative Measurement:
Functionality: 8/10
Design: 8.5/10
Comfortability: 8/10
Durability: 9/10
Letshuoer S12
Form Factor: In-Ear
Connectivity: Wired
Letshuoer S12 is another in-ear wired headphone on this list. This headphone has a very premium design that is able to grab your attention very quickly. With strong durability, this one has a 14.8mm planar diaphragm and 102dB sensitivity that ensures good-quality audio. Plus, the dual vent hole design of this device ensures good comfort for the ears too.
Besides, it has 3.5mm cables which are soft and thick. For ear adjustment, it comes with different size earbuds. Using your preferable size, you can fit it in your ears well and get the best service of it.
Pros:
- Cool design
- Amazing sound quality
- Comfortable for ears
Cons:
- The bass quality could have been a bit better
All the functions of this device are really good, but a bit of focus on the bass quality could have made this one perfect. But a bit less bass brings the headset to this list. If you are a low-bass lover looking for in-ear headphones at a very reasonable price, you can pick this up.
Quantitative Measurement:
Functionality: 8/10
Design: 8.5/10
Comfortability: 8/10
Durability: 8.5/10
Dan Clark Audio AEON 2
Form Factor: Over-Ear
Connectivity: Wired
Dan Clark Audio AEON 2 is an over-ear headphone with a glossy outlook. It’s a closed-back planar magnetic headphone that has wired connectivity. The sound quality of this headset is well-balanced. For comfortability, it has good padding that adjusts easily to the ears. And, to adjust it on the head, it has a hybrid headframe too.
Now, when comparing the price with the features, you will not be satisfied definitely. Because in this range, some planar magnetic headphones offer many features. But if you want a close-back headphone with mid-level sound quality, we think this one will be the best planar magnetic headphones for you in this regard.
Pros:
- Good outlook
- Fit ears well
- Hybrid headframe
Cons:
- Overpriced
If we compare this with the previously reviewed Audeze LCD-2, we will see that at a less price than this one, Audeze LCD-2 offers a wide audio driver that provides good quality sound, is comfortable for the ears, and is durable. Whereas this Dan Clark Audio AEON 2 is a bit overpriced and has a balanced sound quality. For all these reasons, we keep this one here and the Audeze LCD-2 in a good position.
Quantitative Measurement:
Functionality: 7.5/10
Design: 8/10
Comfortability: 7.5/10
Durability: 8/10
HIFIMAN SUNDARA
Form Factor: Over-Ear
Connectivity: Wired
HIFIMAN SUNDARA is an over-ear headset that comes with wired connectivity. The headset has a planar magnetic driver with HiFi stereo that ensures good quality sounds for its users. Besides, it has a NEO supernova Diaphragm, which is 80% thinner. For this feature, the headset has a wider and fast frequency response as well. Plus, this ensures sharp and clear sounds too. And to connect the headset with secondary devices, it comes with a 3.5mm connector as well, which is detachable.
Pros:
- Wide frequency
- Amazing sounds
- Lightweight
Cons:
- The equalization option is not good
HIFIMAN SUNDARA is really a good headphone offering some great features at a mid-range. Besides all the features, the headset provides really good bass, which is amazing. But the EQ option of this headset is not so good. If you love bass more rather than EQ and want a headset within this range plus similar features, this is one of the best planar magnetic headphones for you in this regard.
Quantitative Measurement:
Functionality: 7/10
Design: 7.5/10
Comfortability: 7/10
Durability: 7.5/10
SIVGA P-Ⅱ
Form Factor: Over-Ear
Connectivity: Wired
SIVGA PII is an over-ear wired headphone that comes with 20Hz to 40kHz frequency response. This frequency response can handle sound pressure very well. Besides, it has a 98dB sensitivity that can produce good quality acoustical sound, which is amazing. Also, for the comfort of the ears, it has a protein leather earmuff that makes your ears warm. For this, you will feel no pressure as well.
With the wooden outlook, this headphone has a metal and steel-built headframe, which makes this more durable. Plus, the earcups are 90-degree rotatable. For that reason, working with this one will be more convenient and easier too.
Pros:
- Premium outlook
- Various sound features
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Overall build quality could have been batter
Although the features of this device are amazing, the sound quality is good and distortion-free, but the total build quality of this device didn’t meet our expectations. But the looks of this are so good and using this device is very easy. And the comfort level is good enough too. If you want a planar magnetic headset within a budget range with similar features, this magnetic planar headphone can be the one for you.
Quantitative Measurement:
Functionality: 6.5/10
Design: 8.5/10
Comfortability: 8.5/10
Durability: 6/10
Why are planar magnetic headphones so expensive?
Planar magnetic headphones offer amazing bass response which is up to 250Hz, dynamic drivers and distortion free sound very low sound leakage. You won’t find these features on regular headphones. And also, professionals in different sound sectors use these headsets. That’s why planar magnetic headphones are so expensive.
What is the key difference between planar and dynamic IEMs?
The actual difference between planar and dynamic IEM (In Ear Monitor) in sound, drivers and on sound leakage. Planar magnetic creates an amazing wavefront, less distortion on high volume and tight bass response, which is missing on the dynamic IEM.
Conclusion
Planar magnetic headphones are specially made for users who do critical work like mixing sound. Also, people who want clear sounds, wide drivers, plus a good level of comfort usually go for planar magnetic headphones. After researching various headphones, here we have brought some of the best planar magnetic headphones for you. We believe our list will help you to get the best one.
Besides, if you are a headphone enthusiast, there are audiophile headphones for gaming, mixing, and mastering headphones for sound work, and headphones for working out as well if you want to know more about various types of headphones.
