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HiFiMAN RE400 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£35Form factor:in-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

HiFiMAN RE400 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 RE400
5.9/10

Overall score

Score
5.9/ 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
▼ Worse than 67% of models
Score components

80%

5.4

Technical score

20%

8.2

User score

▼Worse than 67% of headphones
7.1

Value for money

Value for money
7.1/ 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
▼ Worse than 67% of models
Score components

70%

5.9

Overall score

30%

10

Price

▼Worse than 67%
5.4

Technical score

Technical score
5.4/ 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 81% of models
Score components

52%

5.9

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

▼Worse than 81%
8.2

User score

User score
8.2/ 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
▲ Better than 73% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

8.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
▲Better than 73%
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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 RE400

Technical score
Technical score
5.4/ 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 81% of models
Score components:

52%

5.9

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

5.4
User score
User score
8.2/ 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
▲ Better than 73% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

8.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.2
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 RE400 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
7.1/ 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
▼ Worse than 67% of models
Score components:

70%

5.9

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.1
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
dynamic
Driver size
8.5 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 8.5 mm, smaller driver size than 95.6% 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
15 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 15 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 58.3% of headphones and equal to 5.8% 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
in-ear
Weight
12.9 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 12.9 g, lighter than 92.3% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
N/A
Show more

HiFiMAN RE400 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 94.1% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (12.9 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    12.9 g vs 218 g
  • 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.
  • 3 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (15 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    15 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 2.57x cheaper
    HiFiMAN RE400 is cheaper than the average pair of headphones (£35 vs £90).
    £35 vs £90
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 44.5% more popular
    HiFiMAN RE400 is more popular than the average pair of headphones (8.48 vs 5.9).
    8.48 vs 5.87
  • 2.57x cheaper
    HiFiMAN RE400 is cheaper than the average pair of headphones (£35 vs £90).
    £35 vs £90
  • 44.5% more popular
    HiFiMAN RE400 is more popular than the average pair of headphones (8.48 vs 5.9).
    8.48 vs 5.87
  • 94.1% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (12.9 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    12.9 g vs 218 g
  • 3 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (15 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    15 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    22,000 Hz vs 20,000 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.
  • 31.5 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (8.5 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    8.5 mm vs 40 mm
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • 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.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 1.7% worse value for money
    HiFiMAN RE400 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (7.15 vs 7.3).
    7.15 vs 7.27
  • 1.7% worse value for money
    HiFiMAN RE400 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (7.15 vs 7.3).
    7.15 vs 7.27
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 31.5 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (8.5 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    8.5 mm vs 40 mm
  • 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

8.0
Lumerion
≈ estimated
02/01/2022
Hands-on review · tuning, build and rival comparisons
Verdict
The HiFiMAN RE400 is dated but well tuned and a good budget pick, though its build is the weak point.
7.0
BoxTech
≈ estimated
27/06/2020
Hands-on review · flat tuning, build and daily use
Verdict
The HiFiMAN RE400 has flat, detailed sound at a low price, but its cheap build is a real concern.
4.0
TotallydubbedHD
≈ estimated
04/05/2015
Hands-on review · sound tests and listening impressions
Verdict
HiFiMAN RE400 did not impress; the overall package is decent, but it is not recommended as a purchase.
7.0
DailyReviewsUK
≈ estimated
21/09/2014
Bundle review · player pairing and listening tests
Verdict
HiFiMAN RE400 is an audiophile-worthy package, but it suits only listeners with strict audio requirements.
9.0
HeadphoneReviewHQ
≈ estimated
04/12/2013
Hands-on review · sound, comfort and isolation tests
Verdict
The HiFiMAN RE400 is strongly recommended for listeners who want natural sound, but not for bass lovers.
9.0
THE HEADPHONE EXPERIENCE - William Murdock
≈ estimated
19/07/2018
Mini review · long-term use and ear-tip fit tests
Verdict
HiFiMAN RE400 offers strong sound for the price if you can accept an in-ear fit, and it is highly recommended.
9.0
AudioHead
≈ estimated
26/04/2013
Hands-on review · sound, build and cable
Verdict
HiFiMAN RE400 is good value for the price, with neutral, balanced sound that sounds best at a bit more volume.
9.0
lachlanlikesathing
≈ estimated
11/04/2013
Short review · balanced sound and design
Verdict
The HiFiMAN RE400 has balanced, neutral sound that is hard to beat at this price.
9.0
swimsonny
≈ estimated
20/01/2013
Hands-on review · comfort, isolation and sound impressions
Verdict
HiFiMAN RE400 is very impressive, one of the better buys, though preferences may swing toward other earphones.
Overview video
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

theheadphonelist.com
05/06/2013
Review · Entry-level earphone
Verdict
The HiFiMAN RE-400 is a small, comfortable earphone with smooth, nearly neutral sound and good detail, but its cable can be noisy.
audio-head.com
25/04/2013
Hands-on review · Universal in-ear monitor
Verdict
The HiFiMAN RE-400 is a neutral, detailed in-ear whose soundstage is strong for its size, but bass depends heavily on the tips you choose.
moonstarreviews.net
23/09/2018
Hands-on review · Smooth in-ear monitor
Verdict
The HiFiMAN RE400 is a featherweight in-ear with a smooth midrange and comfortable long sessions, but its sub-bass lacks depth and male voices lack some fullness.
theaudiophilecafecom.wordpress.com
02/09/2020
Hands-on review · Budget in-ear
Verdict
The HiFiMAN RE400 Waterline is a robust, lively all-rounder with punchy bass and clear highs, suiting electronica, jazz and classical, though its soundstage is not wide.
M
mobileaudiophile.com
21/06/2023
Summary of the review
Hifiman RE-400 Review - Old But Gold
mobileaudiophile.com
01/11/2023
Hands-on review · Compact in-ear
Verdict
The HiFiMAN RE400 is a tiny, balanced in-ear with precise imaging and natural bass, held back by stock tips and a fragile-looking cable.
hifizone.pl
23/08/2024
First impressions · Budget in-ear
Verdict
The HiFiMAN RE400 is a neatly made, plain-looking in-ear that stands out for value, with a good range of tips and a case.
techpowerup.com
12/02/2013
Performance review · Budget in-ear
Verdict
The HiFiMAN RE400 is a smooth, natural in-ear with detailed midrange, suited to listeners who want realistic sound over heavy bass.
ear-fidelity.com
04/02/2021
Hands-on review · Everyday in-ear
Verdict
The HiFiMAN RE400 is a calm, midrange-focused in-ear for everyday listening and movies, but it is not very involving and its bass is recessed.
pragmaticaudio.com
19/11/2023
Hands-on review · Neutral in-ear
Verdict
The HiFiMAN RE400 is a neutral, accurate in-ear with a pleasant midrange, suited to vocals and acoustic music, though it lacks bass punch.
english.achoreviews.com
28/09/2020
Hands-on review · Budget in-ear
Verdict
The RE400 is a small, neutral in-ear with pleasant vocals and a comfortable fit, but it is light on bass and lacks the detail of newer rivals.
inearkopfhoerer-tests.de
01/06/2017
Hands-on review · Neutral in-ear
Verdict
The HiFiMAN RE-400 is a light, comfortable in-ear with neutral sound and strong vocal mids, but it suits listeners who do not want heavy bass.
hardwareinside.de
12/09/2020
Hands-on test · Wired in-ear
Verdict
The HiFiMAN RE400 is a light, natural-sounding wired in-ear that stays secure during running, though its bass is somewhat weak.
lesnumeriques.com
07/11/2013
Hands-on test · Budget in-ear monitor
Verdict
The HiFiMAN RE-400 is a warm, compact in-ear that sounds very close to the RE-600, but its bass lingers and it suits only wider ear canals.
audiocasque.fr
17/12/2013
Hands-on test · Wired in-ear
Verdict
The HiFiMAN RE400 is a light, comfortable in-ear with clear, natural sound and precise instrument separation, best for listeners who do not need a remote.
stereo-head.it
16/07/2020
Hands-on review · Entry-level in-ear
Verdict
The HiFiMAN RE400 is a light, easy-to-drive in-ear with natural, mid-focused sound, but its bass is thin and the cable has no remote controls.
N
nextgentech.it
10/03/2017
Summary of the review
HiFiMan RE-400 Waterline - Review and Unboxing
(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 RE400

  • Neutral and well-balanced sound signature ideal for reference listening.
  • Exceptional midrange clarity, especially for female vocals and acoustic instruments.
  • Extremely lightweight and compact design, providing high comfort for long listening sessions or sleeping.
  • Outstanding value for the price, frequently cited as one of the best budget audiophile options.
  • Effective noise isolation when used with a deep-sealing ear tip.
  • Rich accessory set including multiple styles of silicone tips and replacement filters.

What customers don't like about HiFiMAN RE400

  • Fragile build quality, with numerous reports of the non-detachable cable cracking or breaking over time.
  • Bass response is lean and lacks the deep sub-bass impact preferred by 'bassheads'.
  • Non-detachable cable makes it impossible to replace if damaged, which is a major long-term reliability concern.
  • Cable noise (microphonics) can be distracting when the wire rubs against clothing.
  • Treble extension is somewhat limited, leading to a 'rolled-off' sound in the high frequencies.
  • Small soundstage width compared to some newer competitors in the same price bracket.

Verdict

The Hifiman RE400 is a wired in-ear monitor (IEM) featuring custom 8.5mm titanium-coated dynamic drivers with neodymium magnets, housed in a compact CNC-machined aluminum shell. It offers a frequency response of 15Hz–22kHz, 32-ohm impedance, and a sensitivity of 102dB, making it easy to drive with portable devices. Characterized by a neutral and smooth sound signature with a slight mid-centric warmth, it is highly praised for its exceptional clarity, precise imaging, and lightweight ergonomic fit suitable for long listening sessions. However, its main drawbacks include a non-detachable cable often noted for durability issues, a relatively small soundstage, and a lack of in-line controls or a microphone.

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