OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
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HiFiMAN HE400se Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£95Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):yes

HiFiMAN HE400se 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 HE400se
6.4/10

Overall score

Score
6.4/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 60% of models
Score components

80%

5.8

Technical score

20%

8.8

User score

▲Better than 60% of headphones
7.5

Value for money

Value for money
7.5/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 61% of models
Score components

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

10

Price

▲Better than 61%
5.8

Technical score

Technical score
5.8/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 53% of models
Score components

52%

6.9

Sound

20%

5.0

Features

10%

5.4

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

▼Worse than 53%
8.8

User score

User score
8.8/ 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
▲ Better than 88% of models
Score components

70%

8.9

User ratings

30%

8.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
▲Better than 88%
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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 HE400se

Technical score
Technical score
5.8/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 53% of models
Score components:

52%

6.9

Sound

20%

5.0

Features

10%

5.4

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

5.8
User score
User score
8.8/ 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
▲ Better than 88% of models
Score components

70%

8.9

User ratings

30%

8.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.8
Popularity
Popularity
8.5/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 81% of models
Popularity:
HiFiMAN HE400se has a popularity score of 8.5 points, which is higher than that of 80.6% of products in this category.
8.5
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 61% of models
Score components:

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.5
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
planar
Driver size
100 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 100 mm, larger driver size than 98.7% of headphones and equal to 0.4% of headphones.
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
20 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 47.3% 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
yes
This pair of headphones supports EQ customization. 76.8% 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
390 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 390 g, heavier than 94.8% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
3
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 3, lower clamp force than 79.5% of headphones and equal to 1.8% of headphones.
Show more

HiFiMAN HE400se vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Active noise cancellation
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 60 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (100 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    100 mm vs 40 mm
  • EQ customization
    This pair of headphones supports EQ customization, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
  • 1.3 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (3 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    3 vs 4.3
  • 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.
  • 20x higher input power handling
    This pair of headphones has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (2000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    2,000 mW vs 100 mW
  • 10 mm more spacious earcup width
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (54 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    54 mm vs 44 mm
  • 9.5% higher user score
    User score
    8.8/ 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 HE400se
    the average pair of headphones
    HiFiMAN HE400se has a higher user score than the average pair of headphones (8.76 vs 8).
    8.76 vs 8
  • 9.5% higher user score
    User score
    8.8/ 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 HE400se
    the average pair of headphones
    HiFiMAN HE400se has a higher user score than the average pair of headphones (8.76 vs 8).
    8.76 vs 8
  • 44.7% more popular
    HiFiMAN HE400se is more popular than the average pair of headphones (8.49 vs 5.9).
    8.49 vs 5.87
  • 1.3 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (3 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    3 vs 4.3
  • 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.
  • 10 mm more spacious earcup width
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (54 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    54 mm vs 44 mm
  • Active noise cancellation
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 60 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (100 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    100 mm vs 40 mm
  • 20x higher input power handling
    This pair of headphones has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (2000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    2,000 mW vs 100 mW
  • 13 dB higher max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (123 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    123 dB vs 110 dB
  • EQ customization
    This pair of headphones supports EQ customization, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
  • 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.
  • 78.9% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (390 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    390 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.
  • 11 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (91 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    91 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.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 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.
  • 6 mm tighter earcup height
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (54 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    54 mm vs 60 mm
  • 78.9% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (390 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    390 g vs 218 g
  • 6 mm tighter earcup height
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (54 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    54 mm vs 60 mm
  • 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.
  • 11 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (91 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    91 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 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 %
  • 12 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a lower sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (91 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    91 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

9.5
Old Guy Hifi
≈ estimated
17/10/2024
Hands-on review · sound tests with reference albums
Verdict
HiFiMAN HE400se offers excellent, detailed sound for the price and is a real bargain for planar magnetic fans.
9.5
HiFi Zone
≈ estimated
04/03/2024
Hands-on review · sound, amp needs and modding
Verdict
HiFiMAN HE400se is the best entry-level headphone you can recommend for its price, with excellent detail and imaging.
9.0
LJ
≈ estimated
03/06/2023
Hands-on review · music and gaming tests
Verdict
HiFiMAN HE400se is a complete bargain for the price, though it needs an amp and suits bass lovers less well.
3.0
Sharur
≈ estimated
12/01/2023
Blind test and listening · inverted polarity analysis
Verdict
HiFiMAN HE400se is not passable: inverted polarity is audible, and treble, bass and mids all sound poor.
7.0
MidbassKiko
≈ estimated
30/10/2022
Hands-on review · build, comfort and sound tests
Verdict
HiFiMAN HE400se offers excellent neutral, open sound, but poor comfort means it only suits some listeners.
5.0
the Honest Audiophile
≈ estimated
13/09/2022
Hands-on review · sound tests and comparison with other planars
Verdict
HiFiMAN HE400se is only worth it if you really want a planar, as better options exist at a similar price.
8.0
Amplify Audio Reviews
≈ estimated
09/09/2022
Hands-on review · sound tests with several sources
Verdict
HiFiMAN HE400se sounds excellent with a capable amp and DAC, but can be slightly peaky and needs a decent source.
8.4
GearUP with Aaron
✓ explicit
24/06/2022
Hands-on review · sound, comfort and build
Verdict
HiFiMAN HE400se is very good value for an entry planar, though build quality keeps it from top marks.
8.0
cheapaudioman
≈ estimated
08/05/2022
Hands-on review · sound tests and comparison with other planars
Verdict
HiFiMAN HE400se is the best open-back value at this price, provided sibilance and a need for power are acceptable.
8.0
Reviews By WaveTheory
≈ estimated
05/04/2022
Hands-on review · sound tests with several amps and DACs
Verdict
HiFiMAN HE400se has great sound overall, but harsh treble, comfort and hard-to-drive issues limit it.
9.0
TotallydubbedHD
≈ estimated
30/12/2021
Hands-on review · sound tests and comparison with predecessor
Verdict
HiFiMAN HE400se is recommended as a best buy, especially for sensitive hearing and better midrange vocals.
9.0
Passion for Sound
≈ estimated
24/07/2021
Hands-on review · sound comparisons and tests
Verdict
HiFiMAN HE400se is a strong pick apart from the cable, with neutral tuning and excellent extension, and a bargain for the money.
More graded video reviews (8)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

R
rtings.com
05/08/2022
Summary of the review
HiFiMan HE400se Headphones Review - RTINGS.com
H
headphonesty.com
11/06/2022
Summary of the review
Review: HiFiMAN HE400se – Budget Delight - Headphonesty
headfonia.com
16/05/2021
Hands-on review · Open-back planar
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE400se is a sturdy, comfortable open-back with a clean, simple look, though its stiff included cable is a daily annoyance.
majorhifi.com
19/08/2021
Hands-on review · Open-back planar
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE400se is a worthy first planar, offering a deep soundstage, airy highs and comfort, but its bass lacks slam for rock and electronic music.
trustedreviews.com
05/12/2022
Hands-on review · Budget open-back
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE400se is a comfortable, immersive open-back with excellent imaging for the money, best at home since it leaks sound and needs a decent source.
audiodiscourse.com
11/07/2021
Personal review · Budget planar
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE400se is a smooth, neutral planar with good width and depth for its price, though it feels cheap and sounds less detailed than HiFiMAN's pricier models.
mobileaudiophile.com
12/12/2023
Personal listening test · Open-back planar
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE400se is a balanced, natural-sounding open-back planar that needs a strong amp and a balanced cable to stand out.
headphone.ph
21/12/2021
Hands-on review · Open-back planar
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE400se is a solid, comfortable open-back planar that leaks sound too much for offices, so it suits quiet home use.
tech360.tv
19/05/2021
Video review · Open-back planar
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE400se is a well-controlled planar with tight bass that sounds great at a desk, but open-back leakage and a noisy cable limit outdoor use.
headphonecheck.com
21/06/2021
Sound test · Magnetostatic open-back
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE400se is a calm, comfortable open-back that is remarkable for its price, though it needs a strong amp and has limited dynamics.
soundonsound.com
Not Dated
Studio review · Budget planar magnetic
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE400se is a remarkably affordable planar with extended treble and easy drive, but its sharp 4 kHz region and narrow headband are weak points.
homestudiobasics.com
28/04/2025
Listening review · Budget planar
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE400se is a smooth, non-fatiguing planar with classic HiFiMAN bass, though its mids sound sleepy for mixing and its soundstage feels tight for gaming.
audiospeclab.com
08/04/2026
Review · Entry planar magnetic
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE400se is a planar with tight, textured bass for acoustic and electronic music, but it is heavy at 440g and needs a proper amp.
ichos-reviews.com
26/04/2021
Review · Budget planar
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE400se is a natural, well-balanced planar with a wide soundstage and easy-going treble that gives good value, though it is power hungry.
jamesfiorucci.wordpress.com
31/05/2024
Hands-on review · Budget planar
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE400se is a bang-for-buck planar with precise imaging and airy treble, but plastic build and a need for a dedicated amp limit it.
igorslab.de
03/01/2024
Bargain test · Open planar
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE400se is a clear, detailed open planar at a bargain price, but it needs a strong amp and its odd angled plug is impractical.
smartzone.de
07/01/2025
Hands-on test · Budget planar
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE400se is a warm, detailed budget planar with a sturdy build, but it is heavy and suits home listening only.
kopfhoerer.de
21/06/2021
Review · Entry-level planar
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE400se is a relaxed, clearly staged planar that is remarkable for its price, though its cable is stiff and dynamics feel somewhat limited.
kopfbox.de
24/05/2021
Hands-on test · Light, open planar
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE400se is a light, comfortable headphone whose strength is soundstage and instrument separation, but it lacks bass quantity and offers no isolation.
miniklangwunder.de
29/05/2021
Comparison test · Budget planar
Verdict
The HiFiMAN HE400se is a fun, bass-rich planar and a strong entry into magnetostatic sound, though fast double-bass drum hits can blur together.

Third-party reviews

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

What customers like about HiFiMAN HE400se

  • Exceptional value for money, often cited as the best entry-level planar magnetic headphone
  • Neutral and balanced sound signature with natural-sounding mid-range and clear vocals
  • Excellent instrument separation and imaging for its price point
  • Spacious and airy soundstage due to the open-back design
  • High comfort levels with thick padding on the headband and hybrid velour/pleather ear pads
  • Features 'Stealth Magnet' technology to reduce distortion and improve clarity
  • Highly responsive to EQ adjustments, particularly for boosting bass presence
  • Solid build quality for the price, including metal yokes and a sturdy headband

What customers don't like about HiFiMAN HE400se

  • Significant sound leakage and lack of isolation, making them unsuitable for public or office use
  • Requires a dedicated amplifier to reach full potential due to low sensitivity (91dB)
  • Sub-bass roll-off and a lack of 'slam' or impact, which may disappoint bass enthusiasts
  • Stock cables are frequently criticized for being stiff, microphonic, or poor quality
  • Occasional reports of quality control issues, such as driver failure or minor build imperfections
  • Treble can sometimes be slightly 'peaky' or fatiguing for sensitive listeners without EQ
  • Bulky design is not portable and lacks a carrying case for travel

Verdict

The Hifiman HE400se is an entry-level, open-back planar magnetic headphone featuring the proprietary Stealth Magnet technology designed to reduce acoustic turbulence and distortion. Technical specifications include a frequency response of 20Hz–20kHz, a 25–32 ohm impedance, a sensitivity of 91dB, and a weight of approximately 390g. Its main characteristics include a neutral, well-balanced sound signature with exceptional clarity and precise imaging for its price category. Key pros are its highly detailed midrange, fast transient response, and comfortable hybrid ear pads that allow for long listening sessions. However, notable cons include a slight roll-off in sub-bass extension, a requirement for dedicated amplification to reach its full potential due to low sensitivity, and a build quality that relies heavily on plastic components.

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