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HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£2,600Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled
5.0/10

Overall score

Score
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Score components

80%

5.0

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 97% of headphones
3.8

Value for money

Value for money
3.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

70%

5.0

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

â–¼Worse than 99%
5.0

Technical score

Technical score
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Score components

52%

5.6

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.5

Design

8%

4.7

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 92%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

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hifiman-he1000-unveiled
hifiman-he1000-unveiled
hifiman-he1000-unveiled
hifiman-he1000-unveiled
hifiman-he1000-unveiled
Where to buy
    N/A~ £2,600
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled

Technical score
Technical score
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Score components:

52%

5.6

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.5

Design

8%

4.7

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

5.0
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than that of 73.4% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
3.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components:

70%

5.0

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

3.8
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
planar
Driver size
?
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
8 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 8 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 80.3% of headphones and equal to 2.8% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
no
This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while 15.1% is. 84.9% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
Show more
Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
HiFiMAN
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
450 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 450 g, heavier than 97% of headphones and equal to 0.4% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 45,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (65,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    65,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 10 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (8 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    8 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 25 mm more spacious earcup height
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (85 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    85 mm vs 60 mm
  • Open-back design
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • AptX support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX, the average pair of headphones does not. 18.4% of headphones support aptX.
  • 8 newer release date
    This pair of headphones was released more recently than the average pair of headphones (2024 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    December 2024
    2024 vs 2016
  • 25 mm more spacious earcup height
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (85 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    85 mm vs 60 mm
  • Open-back design
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 45,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (65,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    65,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 10 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (8 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    8 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • AptX support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX, the average pair of headphones does not. 18.4% of headphones support aptX.
  • 8 newer release date
    This pair of headphones was released more recently than the average pair of headphones (2024 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    December 2024
    2024 vs 2016
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 2.06x higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (450 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    450 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 7 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (95 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    95 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 28.89x more expensive
    HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£2,600 vs £90).
    £2,600 vs £90
  • 90.6% worse value for money
    HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (3.81 vs 7.3).
    3.81 vs 7.27
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 28.89x more expensive
    HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£2,600 vs £90).
    £2,600 vs £90
  • 90.6% worse value for money
    HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (3.81 vs 7.3).
    3.81 vs 7.27
  • 5.87x less popular
    HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 2.06x higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (450 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    450 g vs 218 g
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 7 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (95 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    95 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 0.2 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.5 % vs 0.3 %
  • 15 dB lower max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a lower max SPL than the average pair of headphones (95 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    95 dB vs 110 dB
  • 8 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a lower sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (95 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    95 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
LATE KNIGHT TALKS
≈ estimated
25/10/2026
Long-term ownership review · sound and amp pairing
Verdict
HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled is called an endgame headphone, though it needs a strong amplifier to show its full potential.
6.0
LATE KNIGHT TALKS
≈ estimated
17/08/2026
Long-term ownership review · right driver failure
Verdict
HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled wins praise for its sound, but a driver failure within a month led to a planned return.
9.5
LATE KNIGHT TALKS
≈ estimated
19/07/2026
Hands-on review · home listening and comparisons
Verdict
HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled is called the perfect headphone, with only a cosmetic complaint about its bubbled cover.
8.0
LATE KNIGHT TALKS
≈ estimated
13/04/2026
Hands-on review · Susvara comparison and driver safety
Verdict
HiFiMAN HE1000 is a great headphone and worth it, but the exposed magnets worry him without an extended warranty.
8.0
GirlOnAMission
≈ estimated
11/11/2025
Hands-on comparison · sound tests against the Stealth version
Verdict
HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled is clearly more detailed and wider than the Stealth version, though it has less bass slam.
9.0
Audiophile Heaven
≈ estimated
09/10/2025
Hands-on review · daily use and sound notes
Verdict
HiFiMAN HE1000 is a dynamic, clean headphone that works well for everyday use at home.
9.0
Mad Audio
✓ explicit
04/10/2025
Hands-on review · frequency comparison with Arya and HD800S
Verdict
HiFiMAN HE1000 is highly recommended, plug-and-play, and more versatile than the EQ-tuned HD800S.
9.5
Soundnews
≈ estimated
27/08/2025
Hands-on review · comparisons and sound analysis
Verdict
HiFiMAN HE1000 has the top technical performance at this price, is strongly recommended and worth its asking price.
9.0
HeadMania: Dan's Audiophile Odyssey
≈ estimated
16/04/2025
Hands-on review · comparison with Solitaire P and predecessor
Verdict
HiFiMAN HE1000 is a great headphone at this price, and very hard to beat for listeners who like linear sound.
4.0
TylersEclectic
≈ estimated
20/03/2025
Hands-on review · build, comfort and sound tests
Verdict
HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled is not recommended: its build, fit and peaky highs were too much, though orchestral tracks impressed.
9.5
Reviews By WaveTheory
≈ estimated
11/03/2025
Hands-on review · comparison with flagship headphones and sound tests
Verdict
HiFiMAN HE1000 sounds very natural and realistic for the price and is easily the best choice in its price range.
9.0
MajorHiFi
≈ estimated
20/11/2024
Hands-on review · build, sound and soundstage tests
Verdict
HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled is natural, detailed and well staged, and clearly recommended as a premium headphone.
More graded video reviews (5)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

headfonia.com
27/01/2025
Hands-on test · Fully open planar
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled is a natural, neutral open-back that's comfortable for hours, but it leaks sound both ways and its bass depends heavily on the amp.
headfonics.com
29/11/2024
Listening test · Open-back planar
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled is a fast, detailed open-back with a huge, precise soundstage and clinical, tight bass that suits analytical listening more than bass lovers.
ear-fidelity.com
28/04/2025
Long listening review · Open-back planar
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled is a fast, detailed, balanced open-back with a huge stage, but it needs a strong amplifier to sound its best.
majorhifi.com
15/11/2024
Audiophile review · Open-back planar
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled is a detailed, smooth open-back whose wide stage and natural midrange suit listeners who want a live, open sound.
earphonia.com
06/11/2025
Sound-focused review · Open-back planar
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled is an airy, open-sounding headphone whose wide stage and sense of space suit quiet listening at home.
headmania.org
16/04/2025
Measured review · Open-back planar
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled is a linear, detailed open-back with a huge, holographic stage, while warmer, punchier rivals suit listeners who want more bass.
techpowerup.com
06/12/2024
Listening review · Planar magnetic
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled is a neutral, smooth all-rounder with natural vocals, though a 4–5 kHz peak may need EQ to tame.
audiophile-heaven.com
18/12/2024
In-depth review · Open-back planar
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled is a sweet, fluid open-back with a vivid midrange and holographic stage, suiting listeners who want punchy, dynamic sound.
majorhifi.com
20/01/2025
Comparison review · Open-back planar
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled suits listeners who want a more open, dynamic, expressive sound, while the original HE1000 is tighter and more intimate.
ecoustics.com
05/04/2025
Hands-on review · Open-back planar
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled is a smooth, detailed open-back that's comfortable for long sessions, though warm or dark amps can make the midrange thick.
techpowerup.com
06/12/2024
Lab test · Planar magnetic
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled brings Susvara-style stealth magnets to the HE1000 line, with exposed drivers that remove grille reflections from the sound.
thepcenthusiast.com
02/04/2026
Long-term review · Open planar
Verdict
The HE1000 Unveiled is a wide, precise headphone that feels natural and comfortable over long sessions, though it's not ideal for listeners who want punchy bass.
headphonedungeon.com
19/01/2025
Full review · Open planar
Verdict
The HE1000 Unveiled is a spacious, accurate headphone with controlled bass and a comfortable fit, best for listeners who value detail and placement over punch.
hometheaterhifi.com
28/04/2025
Long-term review · Planar open-back
Verdict
The HE1000 Unveiled is a light, airy, open planar headphone for listeners who want detail and space, though it offers no sound isolation.
mashaudio.com
12/12/2025
Hands-on review · Planar open-back
Verdict
The HE1000 Unveiled is a very wide headphone with clear vocals and balanced treble, best for orchestral and soundtrack fans who don't need bass slam.
earphonia.com
25/06/2025
Sound analysis · Planar open-back
Verdict
The HE1000 Unveiled is a near-neutral planar headphone with deep, controlled bass and a natural soundstage, suited to listeners who want detail and realism over warmth.
ecoustics.com
03/06/2025
Full review · Planar flagship
Verdict
The HE1000 Unveiled is a large, precise planar headphone with near-neutral tone, but it needs a strong amp and DAC and lacks sub-bass slam.
musicalhead.de
10/12/2024
Hands-on test · Open-back orthodynamic
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled is a balanced, natural open-back that's comfortable for hours, though it rewards a good amp and needs its magnetic covers for storage.
on-mag.fr
11/01/2025
Hands-on test · Open-back planar
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled is a natural, very detailed open-back with a wide stage and comfortable fit, though it needs a powerful amp and careful handling.
chifi.fr
14/04/2025
Listening test · Open-back planar
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled is a neutral, detailed open-back that runs well on simple amps, is comfortable for hours, and is worth its price.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled

  • Expansive and holographic 3D soundstage with exceptional depth and width
  • Improved tonality over the HE1000se, featuring a smoother and less fatiguing treble
  • Highly detailed and natural midrange with excellent vocal presence
  • Fast, controlled, and well-textured bass with improved sub-bass extension
  • Lightweight and comfortable design suitable for long listening sessions
  • Relatively easy to drive and scales remarkably well with high-quality desktop amplification
  • Premium unboxing experience and high-quality build materials (metal and leather)

What customers don't like about HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled

  • Exposed driver design (no outer grille) requires careful handling and use of 'magnetic veils'
  • May be too large for users with smaller head sizes
  • Lacks a 4.4mm balanced cable in the stock accessory package
  • Not suitable for 'on-the-go' or public use due to complete lack of isolation and driver vulnerability
  • High price point makes it a significant investment compared to 'sidegrade' options like the HE1000 Stealth

Verdict

The HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled is an ultra-premium open-back planar magnetic headphone featuring a revolutionary 'grille-free' design that eliminates the rear mesh to minimize sound reflections and distortion. Technically, it boasts a nanometer-thickness diaphragm, Stealth Magnet technology, a frequency response of 8Hz–65kHz, an impedance of 28 ohms, and a sensitivity of 95dB, making it easier to drive than its predecessors. Main pros include its exceptionally wide, holographic soundstage, remarkable transient speed, and a smoother, more refined treble profile compared to the HE1000SE. However, its completely exposed drivers require constant care and the use of included magnetic 'veils' when stored, as they are highly vulnerable to dust and metallic particles; additionally, the stock cables are often noted for poor ergonomics.

Compare HiFiMAN HE1000 Unveiled with other products in the Headphones category

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