OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
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REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£850Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 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 V2
5.6/10

Overall score

Score
5.6/ 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 84% of models
Score components

80%

5.2

Technical score

20%

7.2

User score

â–¼Worse than 84% of headphones
5.7

Value for money

Value for money
5.7/ 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 96% of models
Score components

70%

5.6

Overall score

30%

6.0

Price

â–¼Worse than 96%
5.2

Technical score

Technical score
5.2/ 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 88% of models
Score components

52%

5.9

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.2

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 88%
7.2

User score

User score
7.2/ 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 80% of models
Score components

70%

8.8

User ratings

30%

3.6

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 80%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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 V2

Technical score
Technical score
5.2/ 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 88% of models
Score components:

52%

5.9

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.2

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

5.2
User score
User score
7.2/ 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 80% of models
Score components

70%

8.8

User ratings

30%

3.6

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.2
Popularity
Popularity
3.6/ 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 68% of models
Popularity:
HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 has a popularity score of 3.6 points, which is lower than that of 67.8% of products in this category.
3.6
Value for money
Value for money
5.7/ 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 96% of models
Score components:

70%

5.6

Overall score

30%

6.0

Price

5.7
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
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% 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
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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
420 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 420 g, heavier than 95.8% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
5.3
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 5.3, higher clamp force than 72.3% of headphones and equal to 6.5% of headphones.
Show more

HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 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.
  • Spatial audio support
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 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
  • 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
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 1.8 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    3 m vs 1.2 m
  • 60x higher input power handling
    This pair of headphones has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (6,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    6,000 mW vs 100 mW
  • 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
  • 1.8 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    3 m vs 1.2 m
  • 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.
  • Spatial audio support
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 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
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 60x higher input power handling
    This pair of headphones has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (6,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    6,000 mW vs 100 mW
  • 15 dB higher max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (125 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    125 dB vs 110 dB
  • 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.
  • 92.7% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (420 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    420 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.
  • 12 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (90 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    90 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 9.44x more expensive
    HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£850 vs £90).
    £850 vs £90
  • 27.2% worse value for money
    HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (5.71 vs 7.3).
    5.71 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.
  • 1 higher clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a higher clamp force than the average pair of headphones (5.3 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    5.3 vs 4.3
  • 9.44x more expensive
    HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£850 vs £90).
    £850 vs £90
  • 27.2% worse value for money
    HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (5.71 vs 7.3).
    5.71 vs 7.27
  • 10.4% lower user score
    User score
    7.2/ 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
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    HiFiMAN HE1000 V2
    the average pair of headphones
    HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.25 vs 8).
    7.25 vs 8
  • 61.8% less popular
    HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (3.63 vs 5.9).
    3.63 vs 5.87
  • 92.7% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (420 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    420 g vs 218 g
  • 1 higher clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a higher clamp force than the average pair of headphones (5.3 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    5.3 vs 4.3
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No travel bag
    This pair of headphones does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 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.
  • 12 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (90 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    90 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 13 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a lower sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (90 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    90 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.
  • 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
RNARexperience
≈ estimated
19/01/2023
Personal experience review · treble, power and sound tests
Verdict
HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 is not perfect but great, and worth trying first since its treble may not suit everyone.
9.0
Reviews By WaveTheory
≈ estimated
07/10/2021
Owner's review · sound, resolution and value tests
Verdict
HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 is a well-rounded, high-performing headphone whose value is especially strong when bought used.
9.0
Sine Craft Audio
≈ estimated
12/05/2021
Hands-on review · listening tests with several amps
Verdict
HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 is a balanced, composed flagship that rewards a high-end system and better cables.
9.5
Joshua Valour
≈ estimated
04/02/2019
Hands-on review · comfort, soundstage and build
Verdict
HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 is very enjoyable with almost no caveats, though its build and steep price hold it back a little.
9.0
Currawong
≈ estimated
15/02/2017
Long-form review · sound, amp pairing and value
Verdict
HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 is a worthy top-of-the-line headphone, though it is very sensitive to amplifier pairing and expensive.
Shop video
Not graded
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

headfonics.com
14/12/2016
Listening test · Amp and DAC pairing
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 is a more intimate, dynamic planar that rewards warm amps and a careful DAC choice, and sounds best after about 200 hours of burn-in.
T
theabsolutesound.com
15/12/2016
Summary of the review
HiFiMan HE1000 Version 2 Headphones - The Absolute Sound
headphone.guru
02/01/2017
Listening review · V1 comparison
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 keeps the original's vast holographic soundstage and bass, adding more energy, detail and comfort, for listeners who want a top planar flagship.
hear.audio
08/02/2017
Listening test · Amp matching
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 is an airy, electrostatic-like planar with deep bass, but it needs a strong amp and sounds less punchy than dynamic headphones.
hometheaterhifi.com
08/06/2017
Hands-on review · Sound and comfort
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 is a comfortable, airy reference headphone with a wide stage and detailed bass, but its right-angled mobile cable plug is awkward.
cnet.com
05/11/2016
Home listening · Rival comparison
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 is an open, neutral, comfortable planar with clear treble and deep bass, but it trails the Abyss AB-1266 on transients.
techpowerup.com
01/11/2016
Hands-on test · Build and cable
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 is a lighter, more comfortable refresh with a softer, quieter-handling cable and new pads, though its plain jacket looks bland.
soundbsessive.com
06/10/2016
Listening test · Tube amp pairing
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 is a fuller, less colored upgrade with solid midrange and hard-hitting bass, but it needs a high-end amp and DAC to sound its best.
headphoneer.com
11/12/2023
Detailed review · Rival comparison
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 has wide, precise imaging and deep, snappy bass, but it is picky and needs a powerful, high-quality amp to wake up.
headfonics.com
14/12/2016
Hands-on review · Design changes
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 is a lighter, more secure-fitting update with more body and bass, though its lighter wood cups clash with the headband.
audiobacon.com
17/03/2017
Head-to-head test · Abyss comparison
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 is a lush, forward, very musical headphone that is far more comfortable than the Abyss, but trails it on layering and micro-detail.
hifiplus.com
24/04/2017
Long-term review · Planar flagship
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 is a lighter, smoother-sounding update that keeps the original's resolution, suiting listeners who want more detail without harshness.
soundstagexperience.com
01/06/2017
Feature review · Planar flagship
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 is a lighter, more comfortable revision with a huge soundstage, but its brighter treble and need for an amp make it better for home listening.
musicalhead.de
04/12/2016
Hands-on test · Planar high-end
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 is a neutral, very detailed planar headphone with deep, controlled bass and natural voices, and it beats the Sennheiser HD800S in most areas.
hifitest.de
05/10/2017
Review · Reference-class planar
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 is among the best neutral-sounding headphones, with controlled bass and clear treble, but it needs a good headphone amp and cable to shine.
kopfbox.de
19/05/2023
Hands-on test · Stealth planar
Verdict
The HE1000 Stealth is a well-known planar headphone with fast, precise transients and good value for a flagship, though it is still expensive.
O
open-end-music.com
15/09/2017
Summary of the review
HIFIMAN HE1000 V2 Review - Professional Open-Back Music Experience
(Translated)Show original
O
on-mag.fr
05/04/2016
Summary of the review
Hifiman HE1000 Headphone Review: The Orthodynamic Monster
(Translated)Show original
misauriculares.com
25/06/2023
Personal review · Measured planar
Verdict
The HE1000 Stealth has a large, precise soundstage and controlled deep bass, but thin mids and a forward treble mean it doesn't fully convince.
Z
zococity.es
Sin fecha
Summary of the review
Hifiman HE1000 V2 - Open-back headphones - Zococity.es
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about HiFiMAN HE1000 V2

  • Vast and airy soundstage with excellent width and height
  • Exceptional sub-bass extension and tighter, more impactful bass compared to the V1
  • Highly natural and transparent mid-range, especially for vocals and acoustic instruments
  • Top-tier detail retrieval and micro-dynamics
  • Significantly improved comfort due to a lighter weight (420g) and deeper, beveled earpads
  • Excellent imaging and instrumental separation

What customers don't like about HiFiMAN HE1000 V2

  • Demanding power requirements; needs a high-quality amplifier to sound its best
  • Stock cables are often described as microphonic, stiff, or 'bland' in appearance
  • Treble can be 'hot' or splashy out of the box, often requiring up to 200 hours of burn-in to settle
  • Less forgiving of poor-quality recordings due to its analytical and bright nature
  • High price point makes it a significant investment
  • Large physical size may be cumbersome for some head shapes

Verdict

The HiFiMAN HE1000 V2 is an open-back planar magnetic headphone featuring a nanometer-thickness diaphragm and an advanced asymmetrical magnetic circuit. Weighing 420g, it offers a broad frequency response of 8Hz–65kHz, a sensitivity of 90dB, and an impedance of 35 ohms. Its primary characteristics include a massive, airy soundstage with holographic imaging and a beveled ear pad design for superior comfort during long sessions. Key pros include its exceptional detail retrieval, deep and textured bass extension, and a smooth, natural timbre that rivals electrostatic performance. However, potential cons include its high power requirements for optimal performance, a stock cable often described as stiff or low-quality, and a premium price point that may be inaccessible for many.

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