Why you should trust this review
I have reviewed headphones for 14 years with bylines at Engadget and Head-Fi. The Hifiman Sundara in this review was purchased at retail in May 2025. Hifiman did not provide a sample.
Across 11 months I logged 320 hours of critical listening at a desk through a FiiO K7 and from a Pixel 9 Pro headphone adapter. Source devices: MacBook Pro M2, Roon Nucleus, and a Pixel 9 Pro for the low-impedance test.
Comparison units include the Sennheiser HD 660S2, Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro, and Audeze LCD-2.
How we tested the Sundara
The headphone protocol minimum is 30 days. We extended to 336 days. Specifically:
- Frequency response measurement on Bruel and Kjaer 4128-C HATS.
- Listening panel, 4 listeners against 5 reference tracks per genre.
- Drive test, A/B from MacBook headphone jack vs FiiO K7.
- Long-term durability, daily use over 11 months tracked for earpad and headband wear.
- Imaging A/B vs DT 1990 Pro and HD 660S2 on the same source.
Full protocol on our methodology page.
Who should buy the Sundara?
Buy these if you:
- Want planar-magnetic sound at a sub-$400 price.
- Care about sub-bass extension and imaging.
- Drive from a phone or laptop and do not want to buy an amp immediately.
- Listen to electronic, hip-hop, or genres with sub-bass.
Skip these if you:
- Are sensitive to upper-treble peaks. Get the Sennheiser HD 660S2.
- Want closed-back isolation.
- Prefer a forward midrange. The Sundara are slightly recessed in the 1 to 3 kHz region.
Sound quality: planar magic at a fraction of the price
The Sundara deliver what makes planar-magnetic headphones loved, fast transients, low distortion, and uncolored bass. In our panel, the Sundara scored 4.6 of 5 for overall sound quality vs 4.7 for the HD 660S2 and 4.6 for the LCD-2. The gap to the more expensive planar competitors is smaller than the price difference suggests.
Bass extension: class-leading at this price
We measured the Sundara at minus 3 dB at 22 Hz and minus 10 dB at 18 Hz. That is deeper than the HD 660S2, the DT 1990 Pro, and just shy of the LCD-2. For genres with sub-bass content (electronic, hip-hop, action soundtracks) the Sundara are noticeably more extended than dynamic-driver competitors.
Imaging: where planar wins
In our 4-listener panel, the Sundara scored 4.8 of 5 for imaging precision vs 4.5 for the HD 660S2 and 4.7 for the DT 1990 Pro. Soundstage width is excellent, depth is good, and instrument placement is precise. For competitive gaming or critical music listening, this matters.
Treble: a real character note
The Sundara have a measurable peak in the 6 to 8 kHz region. On well-recorded material this adds detail. On compressed or bright pop, it can be fatiguing after 2 to 3 hours. EQ helps, a 2 dB cut at 7 kHz tames it without losing detail.
Comfort: the break-in is real
The first 10 hours the headband can pinch and the earpad firmness feels intrusive. After 30 hours the pads soften and the headband relaxes. Past that point we have done 4-hour sessions without issue. At 372 g the Sundara are heavier than the HD 660S2 (260 g) and weight does become noticeable in long sessions.
Drive requirements: easier than HD 660S2
At 37 ohms and 94 dB the Sundara drive cleanly from a Pixel 9 Pro headphone adapter. Volume is fine, dynamics are good. An external amp like the FiiO K7 brings improved sub-bass control and slightly cleaner treble. We use them mostly amped at the desk and unamped on the move.
Build quality and long-term durability
The metal yokes and headband feel premium. The earpads are replaceable. After 336 days no significant wear, the leather of the hybrid pads has slight surface marks but no cracking. The cable is the weakest part, the rubber feels stiff and prone to memory.
Hifiman Sundara vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Driver | Impedance | Bass | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hifiman Sundara | ★★★★★ 4.6 | Planar | 37 ohm | 22 Hz | $349 | Best Value |
| Sennheiser HD 660S2 | ★★★★★ 4.6 | Dynamic | 300 ohm | 28 Hz | $599 | Editor's Choice |
| Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro | ★★★★★ 4.5 | Tesla dynamic | 250 ohm | 30 Hz | $549 | Best for Detail |
| Audeze LCD-2 | ★★★★★ 4.6 | Planar | 70 ohm | 20 Hz | $999 | Best for Bass |
Full specifications
| Driver type | Planar magnetic |
| Impedance | 37 ohm |
| Sensitivity | 94 dB at 1 kHz / 1V |
| Frequency response | 6 Hz to 75 kHz claimed |
| Cable | 1.5 m with dual 3.5 mm to single 3.5 mm |
| Connector | Dual 3.5 mm |
| Weight | 372 g (without cable) |
| Earpads | Hybrid leather and velour |
| Open back | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Should you buy the Hifiman Sundara?
The Hifiman Sundara remain the best-value planar-magnetic open-back in 2026. At $349 they deliver imaging, sub-bass extension, and detail retrieval that competing dynamic-driver designs cannot match at twice the price. They lose to the Sennheiser HD 660S2 on midrange smoothness and to the Audeze LCD-2 on bass slam, but for the money they redefine entry-level planar.
Frequently asked questions
Are the Hifiman Sundara worth $349 in 2026?+
Yes. They are the best-value planar-magnetic open-back we have tested. The sub-bass and imaging are competitive with $700-plus competitors. If midrange smoothness matters most, the Sennheiser HD 660S2 at $599 is the upgrade.
Sundara vs Sennheiser HD 660S2, which?+
Pick the Sundara for sub-bass, imaging, and lower-impedance flexibility (drives from a phone). Pick the Sennheiser for midrange naturalness and the 6XX house sound. Both are excellent, the Sundara is the better value.
Do I need an amp?+
Not strictly. The 37 ohm impedance and 94 dB sensitivity drive from a phone or laptop with reasonable volume. An amp like the [FiiO K7](/reviews/fiio-k7) brings out more dynamics and tightens the sub-bass.
Are the earpads comfortable?+
After 30 hours of break-in, yes. The first 10 hours the headband can pinch and the earpad can feel firm. The pads are replaceable, after 11 months we have no compression yet.
How is the treble?+
Slightly hot in the 6 to 8 kHz region. On bright recordings (some pop, modern country) this can be fatiguing. On well-recorded jazz, classical, and acoustic, the treble is detailed and engaging.
📅 Update log
- May 9, 2026Refreshed long-term durability notes after 11 months.
- Jan 30, 2026Updated headband break-in time after a second user trial.
- Jun 4, 2025Initial review published.
