OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
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VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
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HiFiMAN Sundara Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£170Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

HiFiMAN Sundara 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 Sundara
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 71% of models
Score components

80%

5.1

Technical score

20%

8.8

User score

▼Worse than 71% of headphones
7.0

Value for money

Value for money
7.0/ 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 73% of models
Score components

70%

5.9

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

▼Worse than 73%
5.1

Technical score

Technical score
5.1/ 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 90% of models
Score components

52%

5.8

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.2

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

▼Worse than 90%
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 89% of models
Score components

70%

8.8

User ratings

30%

8.9

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
▲Better than 89%
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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 Sundara

Technical score
Technical score
5.1/ 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 90% of models
Score components:

52%

5.8

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.2

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

5.1
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 89% of models
Score components

70%

8.8

User ratings

30%

8.9

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.8
Popularity
Popularity
8.9/ 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 85% of models
Popularity:
HiFiMAN Sundara has a popularity score of 8.9 points, which is higher than that of 84.7% of products in this category.
8.9
Value for money
Value for money
7.0/ 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 73% of models
Score components:

70%

5.9

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

7.0
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
60 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 60 mm, larger driver size than 96.9% of headphones and equal to 0.2% 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
6 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 6 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 84.5% of headphones and equal to 1.8% 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
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
372 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 372 g, heavier than 93.2% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
6.5
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 6.5, higher clamp force than 92.6% of headphones and equal to 0.4% of headphones.
Show more

HiFiMAN Sundara 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.
  • 20 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (60 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    60 mm vs 40 mm
  • 12 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (6 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    6 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 55,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (75,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    75,000 Hz vs 20,000 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 %.
    truncated comparator-only THD source; exact ceiling unresolved.
    0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 15 mm more spacious earcup width
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (59 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    59 mm vs 44 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
  • 10.4% 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 Sundara
    the average pair of headphones
    HiFiMAN Sundara has a higher user score than the average pair of headphones (8.83 vs 8).
    8.83 vs 8
  • 10.4% 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 Sundara
    the average pair of headphones
    HiFiMAN Sundara has a higher user score than the average pair of headphones (8.83 vs 8).
    8.83 vs 8
  • 51.8% more popular
    HiFiMAN Sundara is more popular than the average pair of headphones (8.91 vs 5.9).
    8.91 vs 5.87
  • 15 mm more spacious earcup width
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (59 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    59 mm vs 44 mm
  • 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.
  • 20 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (60 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    60 mm vs 40 mm
  • 12 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (6 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    6 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 55,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (75,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    75,000 Hz vs 20,000 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 %.
    truncated comparator-only THD source; exact ceiling unresolved.
    0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 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
  • 14 dB higher max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (124 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    124 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.
  • 70.6% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (372 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    372 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.
  • 8 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 2.2 higher clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a higher clamp force than the average pair of headphones (6.5 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    6.5 vs 4.3
  • 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 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.
  • 4.1% worse value for money
    HiFiMAN Sundara has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.99 vs 7.3).
    6.99 vs 7.27
  • 88.9% more expensive
    HiFiMAN Sundara is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£170 vs £90).
    £170 vs £90
  • 70.6% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (372 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    372 g vs 218 g
  • 2.2 higher clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a higher clamp force than the average pair of headphones (6.5 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    6.5 vs 4.3
  • 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.
  • 2 mm tighter earcup height
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (58 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    58 mm vs 60 mm
  • 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.
  • 8 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 9 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a lower sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (94 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    94 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
askdrtk
≈ estimated
05/12/2023
Hands-on review · sound, build and isolation tests
Verdict
HiFiMAN Sundara is a versatile first planar headphone for mixing, listening and gaming, though isolation is very poor.
9.0
Reviews By WaveTheory
≈ estimated
23/02/2023
Hands-on review · comparisons with other headphones
Verdict
HiFiMAN Sundara is a strong all-rounder that does most things well and deserves attention in its price range.
9.5
GadgetryTech
≈ estimated
07/12/2022
Long-term use review · sound quality and comfort against rival headphones
Verdict
HiFiMAN Sundara offers excellent sound for the price and is comfortable and well suited to music listening.
9.5
Kinemoss Tech
≈ estimated
26/08/2022
Unboxing and review · sound, build and value tests
Verdict
HiFiMAN Sundara is an excellent choice, with natural tone, strong detail and imaging, close to a benchmark for its price.
9.5
Desktop HIFI
≈ estimated
22/05/2022
Hands-on review · listening and comfort impressions
Verdict
HiFiMAN Sundara is comfortable, detailed and excellent value for the price, with only longer cables wished for.
8.0
ian fann
≈ estimated
25/03/2022
Hands-on review · comparison with another model
Verdict
HiFiMAN Sundara has a warm, soothing tone that suits relaxed listening, though it trails a rival on detail and soundstage.
9.5
Headphone PH
≈ estimated
28/01/2022
Hands-on review · sound tests and rival comparisons
Verdict
HiFiMAN Sundara is a lively headphone with no major flaws and excellent price performance, though it needs a good amp.
9.5
MOBHouse
✓ explicit
09/10/2021
Hands-on review · sound, gaming and movie tests
Verdict
HiFiMAN Sundara is a first planar headphone that punches above its price, with very minimal caveats.
9.5
Passion for Sound
≈ estimated
13/11/2020
Long-term review · sound comparisons and value testing
Verdict
HiFiMAN Sundara offers outstanding sound for the money, with only a cheap-feeling build and stock cable as drawbacks.
9.5
The Headphone Show
≈ estimated
10/02/2020
Long-term comparison · revision check and value verdict
Verdict
HiFiMAN Sundara is the best value benchmark in its class and is recommended without reservation, though build longevity is unknown.
8.0
metal571
≈ estimated
22/12/2019
Hands-on review · sound, build and warranty
Verdict
HiFiMAN Sundara is recommended for those with an amp who accept the warranty and longevity risks.
8.0
Enthusiast Impressions
≈ estimated
22/10/2023
Work and gaming use · long wear and mic tests
Verdict
HiFiMAN Sundara is great for work and gaming, with a real caveat: sound leaks to people nearby.
More graded video reviews (1)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

stereophile.com
04/03/2018
Lab and listening · Relaxed, slightly bright
Verdict
The HiFiMAN Sundara is a relaxed, close-to-neutral open headphone with an extended, spacious sound, but its vocals sit a bit back and its treble leans bright.
english.achoreviews.com
29/07/2019
Listening review · Comparison with DT1990
Verdict
The HiFiMAN Sundara offers excellent imaging and detail without harsh treble, best for relaxed listening; fans of heavy bass or a very wide stage may want more.
headphoneer.com
01/05/2023
Comparison test · Amplifier and pads
Verdict
The HiFiMAN Sundara sounds very good for the money and comes alive on a powerful amp, but weak sources leave it short on bass.
uk.pcmag.com
16/08/2023
Listening test · Open-back planar
Verdict
The HiFiMAN Sundara suits reference listening at home, with detailed, even sound, but it leaks audio and gives a less spacious sound than the Grado SR325x.
mobileaudiophile.com
03/09/2024
Personal review · Open-back planar
Verdict
The HiFiMAN Sundara is a warm, musical open-back with fast bass and precise imaging, but it needs a proper amp and runs hot in summer.
homestudiobasics.com
15/01/2026
Value comparison · Open-back planar
Verdict
The HiFiMAN Sundara has warm, balanced sound with strong imaging, but the HiFiMAN 400se is the better buy today.
futureaudiophile.com
25/08/2025
Hands-on review · Open-back planar
Verdict
The HiFiMAN Sundara offers open, planar sound and a good performance-per-dollar ratio, though its bass is thin on some tracks and it suits quiet rooms only.
soundstagesolo.com
01/03/2024
Hands-on review · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The HiFiMAN Sundara is a light, airy open-back with pleasant, well-balanced sound, though it lacks deep bass and needs more power than a portable player.
mobileaudiophile.com
25/08/2022
Personal review · Planar open-back
Verdict
The HiFiMAN Sundara is a wide-sounding, well-tuned planar with a mostly metal build, but its cups don't swivel and it needs a proper amp or DAP.
boizoff.com
03/08/2022
Hands-on review · Planar open-back
Verdict
The HiFiMAN Sundara is a neutral, detailed open-back with fast, accurate bass that suits almost any genre, but it needs a powerful source and has a clumsy cable.
soundphilereview.com
30/01/2020
Hands-on review · Planar open-back
Verdict
The HiFiMAN Sundara is a well-built, clear planar with a sparkly midrange and bass down to about 40 Hz, though its treble is bright and the stock cable is weak.
nobordersaudiophile.wordpress.com
19/03/2020
Two-month review · Planar open-back
Verdict
The HiFiMAN Sundara is a fast, transparent open-back with excellent imaging and well-controlled bass, but it needs a strong amp and comes without a case.
H
headphone.guru
28/05/2018
Summary of the review
HIFIMAN Sundara Review - Headphone Guru
A
audio-head.com
05/04/2018
Summary of the review
HiFiMAN Sundara Headphones Review - AudioHead
soundguys.com
28/11/2024
Full review · Open-back planar
Verdict
The HiFiMAN Sundara suits a dedicated listening spot, offering natural sound for its class, but it needs a decent amp and leaks sound.
pcmag.com
16/08/2023
Hands-on review · Reference planar
Verdict
The HiFiMAN Sundara is clear and detailed, good for mixing and accurate home listening, but its narrower soundstage and modest bass make it less immersive for live recordings.
hifioasis.com
21/02/2024
Long-form review · Open-back planar
Verdict
The HiFiMAN Sundara is detailed with accurate imaging and comfortable pads, but it needs a powerful source and a cable upgrade out of the box.
hometheaterhifi.com
17/10/2018
Comparison listening test · Planar headphones
Verdict
The HiFiMAN Sundara has smooth, clean highs and a sturdy build, beating the older HE-560, though the Focal Clear is slightly more comfortable.
bonedo.de
21/03/2018
Studio review · Mixing and mastering
Verdict
The HiFiMAN Sundara is a natural-sounding, comfortable headphone for mixing and home listening, held back only by its bare-bones package.
hifitest.de
25/04/2018
Hands-on test · Sound and fit
Verdict
The HiFiMAN Sundara is a strong entry point into high-end magnetic headphones, with controlled bass and fine detail, provided it gets a powerful amp and time to settle in.

Third-party reviews

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

What customers like about HiFiMAN Sundara

  • Exceptional detail retrieval and clarity that rivals much more expensive headphones
  • Neutral and well-balanced sound signature ideal for critical listening
  • Fast transient response thanks to the ultra-thin planar magnetic diaphragm
  • Comfortable suspension headband design that distributes weight effectively for long sessions
  • Premium-feeling build with a high percentage of metal components compared to entry-level models
  • Excellent value for money, often cited as the 'gold standard' for mid-tier audiophile headphones

What customers don't like about HiFiMAN Sundara

  • Noticeable sub-bass roll-off, which may lack the 'slam' desired by bass-heavy genre listeners
  • History of inconsistent quality control (QC) and potential longevity concerns with the drivers
  • Stock cable is frequently criticized for being stiff, rubbery, and prone to tangling
  • The ear cups do not swivel horizontally, which can cause fit issues for certain head shapes
  • Requires a dedicated amplifier to reach its full potential despite decent sensitivity ratings
  • Open-back design leaks significant sound, making them unsuitable for office or public use

Verdict

The HiFiMAN Sundara is a highly-regarded open-back planar magnetic headphone featuring an ultra-thin diaphragm that is 80% thinner than previous models, delivering a wide frequency response of 6Hz to 75kHz with 37 ohms impedance and 94dB sensitivity. Characterized by its neutral-bright sound signature, it offers exceptional detail retrieval, a spacious soundstage, and fast transient response, making it a benchmark for value in the mid-fidelity audiophile market. Its main pros include natural tonality, impressive instrument separation, and a durable aluminum build with a comfortable weight-distributing headband. However, some users note potential cons such as a lean sub-bass without EQ, a somewhat stiff stock cable, and occasional QC concerns or a lack of cup swivel that may affect the fit for certain head shapes.

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