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Planar magnetic headphones offer distortion-free sound that’s sure to please even the most discerning audiophiles.

Most of today’s headphones use either dynamic or electrostatic drivers to create sound, but if you’re serious about getting the best audio quality possible, you'd be wise to consider planar magnetic headphones instead. This style of headphone, which is generally quite expensive, uses planar magnetic drivers—sometimes called isodynamic or orthodynamic drivers—to produce audio. The drivers work by regulating electrical flow through a thin film that’s suspended between magnets inside the headphones.

Why does this matter? Planar magnetic headphones are one of the best options if you want to minimize distortion, and they also deliver some of the best transient response and punchiest bass. For these reasons, they’re often a top choice for professional applications and serious audiophiles alike.

Planar magnetic headphones are typically quite expensive, so you’ll want to carefully research various options to ensure you’re getting the best product for your needs. To ensure the audio is up to snuff, you’ll want to look at frequency response graphs/measurements, and you’ll also want to consider specs such as the impedance. Impedance is a speaker or headphone's resistance to alternating current flow, measured in ohms; the headphones we cover below are low- or medium-impedance headphones, levels the experts at CNET recommend pairing with smartphones and audio receivers used at home.

Other factors to consider when shopping for planar magnetic headphones include whether they are open- or closed-back. Open-back models allow sound to pass out the back of the earphones, while closed-back options are sealed off to trap sound. Finally, be sure to look at the weight of the headphones, as planar magnetic models are often heavier than dynamic headphones.

To find the best planar magnetic headphones for every application, we researched top models from trusted brands like HIFIMAN, Audeze, Dan Clark, and more. We evaluated products based on their audio quality and profile, size and weight, impedance, and more, taking both user and professional reviews into account. We selected a variety of options at a range of price points, including both open- and closed-back options in several styles.

For more great audiophile gear, check out our picks for the best wireless headphones, Bluetooth headsets, and noise-canceling headphones.

For everyday applications, you can’t beat the value of the HIFIMAN Sundara Planar Magnetic Headphones.

These updated headphones from HIFIMAN feature a thinner diaphragm for a wider frequency response, and while they weigh 372 grams—more than 13 ounces—the over-ear design has a weight-spreading strap to make them more comfortable to wear.

Overall, you can’t beat the audio quality for the reasonable price point, but keep in mind that the ear cups don’t swivel flat, making them a bit bulkier to travel with.

The Fostex MK3 Studio Headphones are some of the most affordable planar magnetic headphones you’ll find today.

These headphones are available in open- and closed-back designs, and the brand also offers the T50RP, a semi-open option that offers a flat, clear sound. These headphones have a low-repulsion ear pad and head pad for maximum performance, and they weigh in at 315 grams or just over 11 ounces.

The product comes with a detachable ¼-inch stereo phone cable and a stereo mini cable, and they have a maximum input level of 3000mW, making them suitable for professional applications.

If you’re willing to spend a little more on a pair of comfortable, high-quality headphones, the DROP + Dan Clark Audio Aeon Headphones are a solid choice. The open-back design delivers a warm and punchy sound, and the asymmetrical ear pads are better fitted to your ears, making them more comfortable to wear.

The brand upgraded these headphones with partially fenestrated earpads and reduced driver dampening to deliver a widened soundstage, and they’re fairly lightweight as well, at just 326 grams or 11.5 ounces.

The Audeze LCD-X Open Back Headphone might be pricey, but they deliver top-tier audio that’s sure to wow you. These high-end headphones have an open-back design and use diaphragms thinner than a human hair for incredibly fast response times, dramatically reduced distortion, and higher resolution.

The ergonomic design is made from luxurious leather for comfort and a stylish appearance, and the Creator Package includes a single-ended ¼-inch braided OCC copper cable, as well as an LCD travel case.

The majority of planar magnetic headphones available today have an open-back design, but if you plan to use them in a busy location, you might prefer a closed-back model like the Drop + MrSpeakers Ether CX Headphones. They offer lower sound leakage and high isolation thanks to their closed cans, yet the audio is still clean, open, and relaxed.

The ear pads are made from memory foam and leather for a more comfortable fit, but they are on the heavier side, weighing 15.2 ounces or 431 grams.

The vast majority of planar magnetic headphones have a wired design, and if you want to go cable-free, you’ll need a product like the HIFIMAN Deva-Pro Planar Magnetic Headphone. These open-back headphones are one of the only models available with Bluetooth connectivity—you simply insert the included Bluemini R2R into the left socket to use them wirelessly. However, they can also be used with a 3.5mm balanced cable, providing more versatility.

Don’t like how over-ear headphones feel? Then you might want to opt for a product like the Linsoul 7HZ Timeless Earphone, which has a unique in-ear design that resembles earbuds. The lightweight headphones weigh just 5 grams—about 0.18 ounces—each, and there are three options available that let you select which size cable you want—2.5, 3.5, or 4.4mm.

These earbuds have a 14.2mm planar driver for fast response and an excellent dynamic range, but some users do say that the silicone tips aren’t the most comfortable to use for extended periods.

Some headphones can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time, but the Monolith M1070 Planar Headphones have a generous amount of padding to reduce fatigue. These open-back headphones have a thick layer of padding on the headband, as well as memory foam and lambskin ear pads that can be removed as needed. They are on the heavier side, weighing 20.5 ounces, but they provide lush, rich audio with an extended soundstage and clean bass.

If you’re looking for a set of planar magnetic headphones that work just as well with an amplifier as they do with your smartphone, the HIFIMAN HE-400I model is a top choice. These open-back headphones offer increased efficiency of 93dB that allow them to be used with a portable audio player or smartphone, or they can be driven with a modest-sized amp.

The headphones weigh 370 grams or 13.1 ounces, and they deliver smooth, even sound with the signature bass slam that HIFIMAN is known for.

If you want extremely high-quality audio—and don’t mind paying extra for it—users absolutely rave about the HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Planar Magnetic Headphone.

These open-back headphones are pricey, but they use specially shaped magnets to reduce wave diffraction turbulence, delivering pure sonic output that is accurate and full-range. These headphones have asymmetrical ear cups that are more comfortable to wear, and they also have a sleek matte black finish that’s stylish and durable.