Best Planar Magnetic Headphones
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, HeadphoneReviewsGuide earns from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Planar magnetic headphones used to be rare, expensive and hard to drive. Today they are one of the most popular upgrades for music lovers, gamers and home studio owners, and you can buy an excellent pair without a professional budget.
Their flat diaphragm design delivers low distortion, quick and clean detail, and bass that stays controlled even at high volume. Below are six of the best current planar magnetic headphones, from an easy-to-drive budget model to a studio reference, with specs, pros and cons for each.
Quick Comparison
HIFIMAN Sundara
Open-back planar, 37 ohm, 94 dB sensitivity, 372 g, detachable cable
FiiO FT1 Pro
Open-back planar, 95 x 86 mm driver, 20 ohm, 374 g, 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm cables included
FiiO FT5
Open-back 90 mm planar, 36 ohm, 96 dB/mW, 456 g, two pad types, swappable plugs
HIFIMAN Ananda
Open-back planar, 25 ohm, 103 dB sensitivity, 399 g, large oval cups
Audeze LCD-S20
Closed-back planar, 90 mm drivers, 18 ohm, SLAM acoustic system, 550 g
Audeze LCD-X
Open-back planar, 106 mm drivers, 20 ohm, 103 dB/mW, 612 g
Specs at a Glance
Manufacturer-rated specifications for each pick. Sensitivity is quoted the way each brand publishes it. Weights exclude the cable.
| Model | Design | Impedance | Sensitivity | Driver | Weight | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 HIFIMAN Sundara | Open-back | 37 ohm | 94 dB | Planar (size n/a) | 372 g | Best overall |
 FiiO FT1 Pro | Open-back | 20 ohm | 95 dB/mW | 95 x 86 mm planar | 374 g | Budget |
 FiiO FT5 | Open-back | 36 ohm | 96 dB/mW (110 dB/Vrms) | 90 mm planar | 456 g | Mid-range upgrade |
 HIFIMAN Ananda | Open-back | 25 ohm | 103 dB | Planar (size n/a) | 399 g | Wide soundstage |
 Audeze LCD-S20 | Closed-back | 18 ohm | 93 dB/1mW | 90 mm planar | 550 g | Isolation and recording |
 Audeze LCD-X | Open-back | 20 ohm | 103 dB/mW | 106 mm planar | 612 g | Professional reference |
Our Picks in Detail
1. HIFIMAN Sundara – Best Overall
The Sundara is the planar magnetic headphone that convinced a generation of listeners to upgrade from dynamic drivers. It is an open-back design with a very thin diaphragm, and it delivers the qualities planars are known for: fast, clean transients, low distortion and bass that stays tight and even rather than boomy.
HIFIMAN lists an impedance of 37 ohm and sensitivity of 94 dB, with a frequency response of 6 Hz to 75 kHz and a weight of 372 g. That sensitivity is on the low side, so while a laptop or phone will make it play, a small desktop DAC/amp brings out its dynamics properly. The detachable cable uses dual 3.5 mm connectors, and the metal headband with a suspension strap keeps it comfortable for long sessions.
The Sundara is the safest first planar for music lovers and home studio users who want an honest, detailed sound. If you are unsure whether open-back suits you, read our open-back vs closed-back guide first.
2. FiiO FT1 Pro – Best Budget Planar
FiiO has become a serious headphone maker, and the FT1 Pro brings planar magnetic sound to a lower price point. It uses a large 95 x 86 mm FiiO-developed planar driver with a 1 micron diaphragm in an open-back design. The headband has steel sliders with 12 adjustment steps and a 3-axis swivel, and the breathable fabric pads stay cool on long sessions.
With an impedance of 20 ohm and sensitivity of 95 dB/mW (112 dB/Vrms), FiiO designed it to be relatively easy to drive, so it works with a phone dongle DAC or a laptop more comfortably than many planars. It weighs 374 g without the cable and connects with dual 3.5 mm plugs. FiiO includes two cables in the box, one with a 3.5 mm plug and one with a 4.4 mm balanced plug, plus a 6.35 mm adapter. Do not confuse it with the plain FT1, which is a dynamic-driver headphone.
The FT1 Pro is ideal if you want to try planar magnetic sound without committing to a large budget, or if you do not own a headphone amplifier yet.
3. FiiO FT5 – Best Mid-Range Upgrade
The FT5 is FiiO’s more ambitious planar, with a 90 mm driver, a 6 micron diaphragm and a lightweight magnesium-aluminium alloy build. FiiO includes two sets of pads, suede and protein leather, and each changes the sound slightly. It aims for a refined, spacious sound with strong extension at both ends.
FiiO lists an impedance of 36 ohm and sensitivity of 110 dB/Vrms (about 96 dB/mW), so it is still practical with good portable sources, though a desktop amp helps it reach its best. At 456 g without the cable it is noticeably heavier than the Sundara, so comfort depends partly on your head shape. The included cable has swappable 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm plugs, with 6.35 mm and 4-pin XLR adapters, and FiiO adds a leather storage case.
Choose the FT5 if you want more refinement and a more premium build than entry-level planars, and you do not mind a little extra weight.
4. HIFIMAN Ananda – Best for Wide Soundstage
The Ananda sits above the Sundara in HIFIMAN’s line-up and is known for its large, open soundstage. The big oval ear cups place the driver around your ears, which helps classical, jazz and live recordings sound wide and natural.
It is also much easier to drive than the Sundara. HIFIMAN quotes 25 ohm impedance and 103 dB sensitivity, so it gets loud from modest sources, and a frequency response of 8 Hz to 55 kHz. Weight is 399 g, spread by a wide headband strap. The cable is detachable with 3.5 mm plugs at the cups.
The Ananda is a strong pick for listeners who care about space and imaging, and for those who want planar sound from a portable DAC without buying a large amplifier.
5. Audeze LCD-S20 – Best Closed-Back Planar
Most planars are open-back, which is great for sound but useless in an office, on a plane or while recording. The Audeze LCD-S20 is a closed-back planar that blocks outside noise and keeps your music to yourself. It uses 90 mm planar magnetic drivers and Audeze’s SLAM acoustic system to give closed-back sound a more open, natural character.
Audeze lists an impedance of 18 ohm and sensitivity of 93 dB/1mW, and says it performs well with most interfaces, mixers, laptops and mobile devices; it does recommend more than 250 mW for best results. The build uses magnesium, aluminium and steel, the gel-filled ear pads attach magnetically for easy replacement, and the 2.5 m cable connects to either ear cup. The trade-off is weight: at 550 g it is heavy, though the leather suspension headband helps. It is a good tool for tracking vocals and drums, editing and listening in shared spaces.
Pick the LCD-S20 if you need isolation but still want planar detail. For other recording-focused options, see our guide to the best studio headphones for mixing and recording.
6. Audeze LCD-X – Best Professional Reference
The LCD-X is a studio standard used by mixing and mastering engineers around the world. It has large 106 mm planar drivers with Audeze’s Fluxor magnet arrays and Fazor waveguides, and it delivers deep, flat bass, high resolution and dynamics that few headphones match.
Despite its size, it is efficient: 20 ohm impedance and about 103 dB/1 mW sensitivity mean it runs from an audio interface or even a phone, although it scales up with a good amplifier. The current (2021 and later) version is sold with a carry case and a 4-pin XLR combo cable with 6.3 mm and 3.5 mm adapters. The catch is weight: 612 g, which some listeners find tiring over long sessions.
The LCD-X is for professionals and serious listeners who want a reference planar to keep for years. Replacement pads and cables are widely available.
How We Chose These Planar Magnetic Headphones
We compared manufacturer specifications, driving requirements and design, and focused on current planar magnetic models from established brands that are sold on Amazon in the US. We included options for different budgets, both open-back and closed-back designs, and models that suit both portable sources and desktop amplifiers. Prices are not listed because they change often; use the links to check today’s price.
What Is a Planar Magnetic Headphone?
A traditional dynamic headphone uses a cone-shaped diaphragm pushed by a voice coil at its centre. A planar magnetic headphone uses a very thin, flat diaphragm with a conductive trace printed across its surface. Rows of magnets sit on one or both sides. When the music signal passes through the trace, the whole diaphragm moves evenly between the magnets.
Because the force is spread across the entire surface, the diaphragm moves as one piece. That typically gives low distortion, quick response to sharp sounds and bass that stays clean at high volumes. The downsides are weight, because the magnet arrays are heavy, and the fact that many planars need more power than an average dynamic headphone.
How to Choose Planar Magnetic Headphones
Open-back or closed-back
Open-back planars, such as the Sundara, Ananda, FT1 Pro, FT5 and LCD-X, sound more spacious and natural but leak sound in both directions. They are best at home in a quiet room. Closed-back models such as the Audeze LCD-S20 isolate you from your surroundings and suit offices, travel and recording.
Impedance, sensitivity and amplification
Impedance alone does not tell you how hard a headphone is to drive; sensitivity matters more. Planars with low sensitivity, such as the Sundara at 94 dB, benefit from a desktop DAC/amp. Models with higher sensitivity, such as the Ananda at 103 dB, LCD-X and FT1 Pro, work well from portable dongle DACs and audio interfaces. Phones without a headphone jack need a USB-C or Lightning DAC adapter for any wired headphone.
Weight and comfort
Planar magnetic headphones are heavy, ranging from about 370 g to over 600 g in this list. Suspension headbands spread the weight, but if you plan long listening sessions, lighter models like the Sundara and FT1 Pro are easier to wear. The heavy LCD-X and LCD-S20 are better suited to focused sessions.
Cables and connections
All six picks have detachable cables. That lets you replace a damaged cable cheaply or move to a balanced cable if your amplifier supports it. Check the connector type before buying a replacement, because HIFIMAN, FiiO and Audeze use different plugs.
Use case
For music at home, any open-back pick here is excellent. For mixing, the LCD-X is a proven reference, and the Sundara is a strong budget alternative. For recording or shared spaces, choose the closed-back LCD-S20. If you want portable, sealed sound for less, a good set of in-ear monitors may suit you better; see our list of the best IEMs under $200.
Planar Magnetic vs Dynamic Headphones
Dynamic headphones are lighter, cheaper and easier to drive, and the best of them sound excellent. Planars usually offer lower distortion, more controlled bass and better detail retrieval at the same price, but they are heavier and benefit from good amplification. If you listen at home and want an obvious step up in clarity, a planar is often the right upgrade. If you need something light and portable, a dynamic headphone or IEM is usually more practical.
Looking After Planar Headphones
Planar diaphragms are thin, so avoid pressing on the drivers or pushing objects through the grilles. Store the headphones on a stand or in a case to protect them from dust. Ear pads wear out over time and are the most common replacement part; fresh pads restore comfort and the original sound. Keep open-back models away from moisture, and unplug the cable by the connector rather than by pulling the wire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
The HIFIMAN Sundara remains the best planar magnetic headphone for most people, with a balanced, detailed sound and a comfortable design. If your budget is tighter or you do not own an amplifier, the FiiO FT1 Pro is the easiest way in. Step up to the FiiO FT5 or HIFIMAN Ananda for more refinement and space.
If you need isolation, the Audeze LCD-S20 is a rare closed-back planar, and for professional mixing work the Audeze LCD-X is still a benchmark.
Related guides: Open-Back vs Closed-Back Headphones | Best Studio Headphones for Mixing and Recording | Best IEMs Under $200
Specifications are taken from manufacturer information and can change between production runs or firmware updates. Prices and availability vary, so check the current listing before you buy.
Image credits: Product images courtesy of the manufacturers.
