Planar magnetic headphones can be seen as combining elements of both dynamic and electrostatic headphones.
A conductive diaphragm is sandwiched between an array of magnets to create a planar driver, which can be either circular or square. These planar magnetic headphones have been around for decades.
Today, many additional brands, such as Romania’s Meze and New York’s Abyss, are focused on providing the world’s most comfortable and best-sounding headphones.
Planars tend to have less distortion and a faster response than traditional dynamic designs. They tend to be heavier than dynamic headphones, but most modern models are very comfortable.
Planars may also require a more powerful headphone amplifier, so it’s important to check the specs of your headphones.
Top 10 Best Planar Magnetic Headphones in 2025
1. Audeze LCD-X Over-Ear
The LCD-X headphones are one of Audeze’s flagship models. They offer world-class performance and can be considered one of the best-sounding headphones on the market.
The biggest downside is their price. At around $2,000, it may be too expensive and unreasonable for most, but if you’re really into sound and want to experience audiophile-level sound quality, the LCD-X is a great choice.
If you’re even more enthusiastic, you can try the more expensive LCD 3 or the ridiculously expensive LCD 4.
The design is simple but very elegant. These headphones are quite bulky and not ideal for outdoor use or on the go. They’re designed for serious listening at home.
The build quality is impressive. They’re made entirely of metal (earcups, headbands, joints, etc.) and feel very solid and durable.
The manufacturer has invested a lot of time and effort into the design and manufacturing process.
The LCD-X isn’t the most comfortable headphones in the world, but if you want this kind of audio fidelity, you’re going to have to compromise a bit.
The biggest and probably only issue is the weight. At 1.35 pounds, they’re a bit too heavy for long listening sessions.
On the other hand, the ear cushions are very thick and very soft. The clamping force isn’t too strong and the weight is well distributed across the headband.
The biggest highlight is the sound. It’s simply beautiful and aggressively detailed. You can literally hear every detail and every nuance. The listening experience is almost perfect.
The bass extension is incredible. It is incredibly powerful and thick. It is not overpowering or inaccurate, and most importantly, it is not overwhelming.
Some of the midrange frequencies are slightly recessed (there is a small, barely noticeable roll-off after 1000Hz), but the midrange is still perfectly accurate and very rich.
The lower midrange is more present and more powerful. Vocals, especially female vocals, are very detailed but not harsh. You can hear the strings and vocals above them perfectly. It is simply beautiful.
The LCD-X headphones deliver perfect sound without compromise, there is absolutely nothing to complain about. The imaging is very accurate. The soundstage is wide and well-ventilated thanks to the open-ear design.
The most impressive thing is that the LCD-X headphones are very efficient and very easy to drive. With a sensitivity of 103dB and an impedance of 20Ω, they can be driven without an amplifier.
Considering the size of the drivers and the overall sound quality, this is a huge surprise.
2. HIFIMAN Deva Pro Hybrid-Wireless
The HIFIMAN Deva Pro Hybrid-Wireless is a recommended open planar conventional headphone that can be used via a 3.5mm jack, earcup-based adapter, and is fully Bluetooth compliant, plugging directly into your speakers.
The HIFIMAN Deva Pro headphones are a real pleasure to listen to, and one of the most fun products I’ve had the chance to review since my recent unexpected return to the audiophile world.
They deliver an open sound that only an open-back headphone can provide.
They’re probably the most comfortable headphones I’ve ever had on my ears, and they cost thousands of dollars, including my reference STAX headphones from Japan.
They look especially great in tan over traditional black leather.
The HIFIMAN Deva Pro headphones are a somewhat impractical, yet not too expensive, escape from reality that almost any audiophile, regardless of age or purchasing power, can enjoy.
3. Audeze LCD-3
This is another expensive planar magnetic headphone from Audeze. The LCD-3 headphones cost more than the LCD-X.
If you can afford to spend $2,000 on a pair of headphones, the LCD-3 is a viable option.
In some ways, they are similar to the previously mentioned Monolith M1060, but they are much more refined in terms of design, build quality, and sound.
The LCD-3 is a beautifully crafted open-back headphone. This headphone is a perfect example of modern industrial design.
The headband and earcups are made of metal and are very solid and durable.
The earpads are thick and finished with leather (if you prefer softer padding, you can also choose faux leather earpads when you buy the headphones. Real leather is a bit hard).
Instead of headband padding, there is a leather headband strap (this is a new version of the LCD-3. The previous version had a standard headband).
The wooden loops around the earcup rims make the headphones look more elegant and sophisticated.
Overall, they are solidly built and look very attractive. The only downside is that they are quite bulky (some might say huge).
As for comfort, it largely depends on your ability to bear the weight. The LCD-3 headphones are heavy, weighing in at 1.2 lbs.
They might be too heavy for you. On the other hand, the weight is well distributed (especially with the new headband) and the clamping force is within reasonable limits.
They are not too strong and won’t hurt your ears, but you will eventually have to take them off and rest for a bit. Audeze got everything right.
They covered all the basics (in terms of comfort), and the weight issue is simply due to the premium construction and planar magnetic technology.
If you want world-class performance, you’ll have to deal with this minor issue. And once you hear it, it’ll be a minor issue.
The audio performance is solid and authoritative. To really experience their brilliance, you’ll need a good amplifier (due to the 110Ω impedance and 102dB sensitivity) and a high-quality lossless audio format.
The bass response is extended, powerful, and thick, yet refined and controlled. It’s really powerful.
The midrange is very close to neutral. There’s a lot of detail and clarity in all tones. Vocal intonation is excellent.
There’s plenty of texture and detail in both male and female vocals. Everything seems perfectly balanced and natural.
Vocals are well separated from instruments. The midrange reproduction is dynamic and immersive.
The treble is also quite detailed, but some high frequencies can sound too bright, intense, or even harsh, so you might need to change some EQ settings.
There is a peak at 10kHz and it can be really noticeable when playing bright music with lots of treble.
Trying to remove the 10kHz peak with EQ can give you a much better balance and reveal a ton of hidden detail in the highs.
4. HIFIMAN Sundara
The Sundara delivers a warm and pleasant sound profile but also maintains a high level of accuracy and neutrality.
Updated ear padding has improved comfort level. The clamping force is firm but not overly strong. Despite being heavy, it doesn’t feel heavy on the head.
With a fantastic balance of price and performance. A great mid-tier set of headphones that are well above their price point.
The HIFIMAN Sundara is a popular open-back headphone with planar magnetic drivers. The combination of excellent sound quality and competitive price makes it an easy recommendation.
The sound quality is excellent for an open-back headphone in this price range. The bass is a bit lacking but still delivers plenty of punch.
The midrange is the real highlight. It’s detailed and inclusive. The top end is equally impressive, although there’s a bit of wiggle room towards the top end of the range.
The simple design is also appealing. It’s not overly bulky and somewhat restrained in terms of accents. But it’s not just good looking, it’s well made. Overall, it’s a good component.
This is a planar magnetic headphone that checks a lot of boxes. Great price, impressive sound, solid construction, clean profile. One of the best planar magnetic headphones available in 2025.
5. Audeze Maxwell
The Audeze Maxwell isn’t Audeze’s first gaming headset. It combines all of the company’s previous headset experience to deliver exceptional sound quality that will take your gaming to the next level.
If you’re roaming the hallways as an attacker in Rainbow Six® Siege, trying to avoid being caught by that pesky Jäger player, these headphones will give you the space and depth to push through.
You can further customize the sound with the Audeze HQ desktop app.
Plus, Bluetooth lets you stream directly from your computer or console to the headset.
Don’t worry about ambient noise muddying your sound – the closed earcups are very effective at passively blocking out outside noise.
The Maxwell boasts an impressive battery life of approximately 80 hours before needing to be recharged, allowing you to play for longer.
When the battery runs out, the Maxwell will recharge to 80% in approximately 3 hours.
6. HIFIMAN Arya
HIFIMAN headphones have earned a reputation as one of the best planar magnetic headphones you can buy today. And the Arya model is one of the most premium models.
These amazing headphones deliver fantastic accuracy that adds life and clarity to your music. If your original recordings were subpar, these headphones will easily highlight those issues.
The bass response is solid, the midrange is well-defined, and the highs aren’t overly sharp. They’re well-balanced.
The excellent sound quality is matched by the excellent build quality. These headphones will last for years and perform to the end.
7. Audeze LCD-2
US-based Audeze is bringing back the long-loved LCD-2. Featuring a warm and satisfying sound profile. The bass is a highlight, something that other planar magnetic headphones struggle with.
The midrange is also very accurate. It handles a wide range of music genres with ease and refinement. Despite the slightly flat top end, there is still plenty of definition in the upper midrange.
Despite its high price tag, this is a standout option compared to other products in this range. Very high-quality construction and dynamic sound profile.
It needs some EQ tweaking, but once you do, it performs exceptionally well.
With excellent imaging and soundstage, this is one of the best planar magnetic headphones on the market.
8. Monolith M570 Over-Ear Headphone
The Monolith M570 Over-Ear Headphone is our top pick for the best over-ear headphones because they are affordable planar magnetic headphones that offer an attractive wooden housing, padded earcups, and headband for ultimate comfort, and rich, high-quality sound.
This Monolith M570 is great no matter what type of audio device you connect it to, such as your phone or MP3 player.
However, to get the most out of them, you’ll need to connect them to a dedicated amplifier, as this connection will deliver the highest quality premium sound possible.
These headphones cost around $300, which many consider expensive, but they’re actually quite affordable for this type of planar magnetic headphone.
They weigh about 15 ounces, which many consider a comfortable weight.
However, one reviewer felt that the 15-ounce headphone was too heavy for his liking.
He also felt that the earcup material was too itchy, but I haven’t seen any other reviews complaining about either of these issues. So it seems like this is a problem with one reviewer, and only one reviewer.
The beauty of this gorgeous zebra wood design is that it feels very sturdy and the entire headphone feels solid and sturdy and feels really well put together.
If you’re going to spend a lot of money on headphones, you want them to be built to last, and the M570s deliver just that.
All things considered, I love the Monolith M570 over-ear headphones because of their comfortable cushioned earpads, asymmetrical planar magnetic array, soft fabric over synthetic leather, and generous cord length that never gets too long no matter how far you walk across the room.
Combine this with the extra wire ends and you’ll soon find yourself with a great pair of headphones on your hands.
9. HIFIMAN HE400SE
The HE400SE maintains a good level of neutrality throughout the frequency response range. It’s not blazingly accurate, but it’s enough to pick up on the subtleties of the music you’re listening to.
This is a very affordable pair of planar magnetic headphones. The quality is low, but you still get great value for your money.
Stealth magnets – The sleek planar magnetic drivers are excellent for clarity. The stealth magnets do a great job of suppressing distortion.
Cheap and high-quality sound are usually mutually exclusive. However, the HIFIMAN HE400SE bucks this trend by offering a budget-friendly yet capable-sounding planar magnetic headphone.
The tone is pleasant, warm, and engaging. The audio quality is not as good as it could be for such a low price, but here it is.
Of course, if you want great sound quality, you’ll need to invest in a headphone amplifier to get the most out of this product. But it still works pretty well without it.
The comfort level is also well-executed. The earcups feature good ear pads, but the opening is narrow for the more noticeable ears. The headband padding is also generous and comfortable for long listening sessions.
If you want to squeeze every last drop of value out of your money, the HE400SE should be on your list of options.
10. Audeze LCD4 High-Performance
The Audeze LCD4 is one of the best planar magnetic headphones we’ve tested, offering exceptional dynamics and a surprisingly open and spacious sound.
The sound signature of the LCD4 is neutral, tonally balanced, and boasts excellent transparency.
When paired with a high-quality headphone amplifier, the LCD4 can deliver incredible sound performance with crisp highs, excellent tonal range, powerful midrange, and deep bass.
The headphones deliver crystal-clear sound at all volume levels, with very little distortion.
They also come with a magnetic flux array that doubles the power going to the diaphragm, providing more transience and reducing distortion.
We loved the sleek design of the LCD4 headphones, and they come with plush soft ear padding that’s very comfortable to wear.
There are also connectors on either side of the headphones and a comfortably adjustable headband.
Overall, the Audeze LCD4 is one of the best planar magnetic headphones you’ll ever hear, so don’t forget to check them out.
How to choose the best Planar Magnetic Headphone?
Planar headphones used to be affordable for those who could afford to spend a lot of money. But as planar technology has become cheaper, there are now more affordable options available.
But before you rush out to buy planar magnetic headphones, here are a few things to consider. Below we cover what planar headphones are and the key things to consider before purchasing planar magnetic headphones.
Choosing the right planar magnetic headphones for you can be tricky. Below are some essential factors to consider when choosing a pair of headphones.
Audio Quality
When it comes to audio quality, the factors to look for are always the same. You should check the specs list and look for features like frequency response, sensitivity, impedance, and THD (Total Harmonic Distortion).
Frequency response is always wider in planar magnetic. While it’s safe to look for the widest frequency response possible, it’s not a must.
After all, you’re only going to be able to hear between 20Hz and 20kHz. In some cases, a wider frequency response can mean more detailed reproduction and a richer sound.
Still, the difference in audio quality between a $1,000 and a $1,500 headphone can be very subtle and barely noticeable to unsophisticated ears.
Sensitivity (along with maximum SPL) describes the maximum volume a particular headphone can produce, but it should always be considered in conjunction with impedance.
A higher sensitivity rating is always desirable, but in some cases, the advertised volume can only be achieved with an amplifier (due to the higher impedance).
THD ratings for planar magnetic headphones are typically 0.1% lower. Any of the models on our list of the 10 best planar magnetic headphones will give you great sound without distortion.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and your own impressions. That’s why it’s essential to try and listen to headphones before you buy.
Comfort
Comfort is a big issue with planar magnetic headphones. As you probably know, they are much larger and heavier than older headphones with dynamic drivers, but not all planar magnetic headphones are equally (un)comfortable.
There are three things to watch out for weight (and weight distribution), headband padding, and earpads.
It would be ideal if your headphones were lightweight, but you can’t expect the same lightness from planar magnetic headphones as you would from regular headphones.
The padding on the headband and earpads should be thick and soft, and the weight should be evenly distributed across the headband.
Impedance
It’s also worth considering the impedance rating of the planar magnetic headphones you’re looking at.
The lower the impedance, the easier it is to power your headphones. The higher the impedance, the more likely you’ll need a headphone amplifier.
A solid headphone amplifier is a good investment, even for low-impedance models. However, if you don’t want to spend the extra money, opt for planar magnetic headphones with a lower impedance rating.
Durability
Planar magnetic drivers are definitely more durable than dynamic drivers, and this is one of the reasons why you should buy planar magnetic headphones.
However, when it comes to durability, it’s not just the drivers that matter. You should also check the material of the headband, especially the hinges that connect the headband to the earcups.
It’s pretty obvious what to look for: metal headbands and hinges/joints are always better than plastic.