Last updated: 01/2026
Moved Hifiman Edition XS to a different price group, added XK-Audio Fluxion and Dan Clark Audio Noire X, removed ZMF Bokeh
Kunniaseinällä esitellään Kuulokenurkan kirjoittajien mielestä poikkeuksellisen hyvät ja hinta-laatusuhteeltaan lyömättömät kuulokkeet eri kategorioissa. Listalle pääsevät vain testatut/arvostellut kuulokkeet, joita voimme suositella varauksetta suuremmalle ihmisjoukolle, ja jotka ovat kohtuullisella vaivalla ostettavissa. Arvioissa ei huomioida langallisten kuulokkeiden kohdalla taajuuskorjaamista, vaan painotetaan valmistajien onnistumista omassa työssään. Kunniaseinää tullaan päivittämään säännöllisesti, joten jotkin kuulokkeet saattavat pudota listalta pois uusien tieltä tai saatavuuden muuttuessa.
Best Open Back Headphones
200–400 €
Aune Audio AR5000
In terms of sound and comfort, one of the best headphones around 300 euros. Sounds balanced and natural, offering a deeper soundstage than its competitors. However, the resolution is slightly less than that of planar headphones when listening to more complex music. Therefore, for example, the Hifiman Sundara still retains its place on our Wall of Fame.
To the review →
Hifiman Sundara Silver
Good instrument separation with a balanced, albeit slightly bright tuning. The brightness, on the other hand, makes the sound detailed, so Sundara competes quite evenly against other headphone models under 1000 euros. Only the soundstage remains somewhat small, and the light (linear) bass doesn't necessarily impress. The slightly more expensive Silver version offers more lively sound and more dynamic bass, so with the price difference between the two being small, I would recommend choosing the Silver. Considering the price range, the build quality of both is sufficient, and there is nothing major to complain about in terms of comfort either.
Lue Silver-mallin arvostelu →
Hifiman Edition XS
A generally good option in Hifiman's lineup, which sounds slightly better than the Sundara in terms of bass, soundstage, and separation. On the other hand, the tuning, which emphasizes the spaciousness, is less linear and balanced compared to the Sundara, so the superiority is ultimately a matter of taste. Interestingly, the headphones can currently be bought for the similar price as Sundara. Also, the very similar Ananda models don't cost much more, so choosing between the trio can be difficult.
To the review →
Sennheiser HD 600
Extremely natural mid-frequencies make the old Sennheisers still worth recommending, even though their soundstage remains small considering the open design, and the subbass is subdued. Some, on the other hand, like the very intimate vocals. Of the two, HD 600 sounds a bit brighter, while HD 650 has more warmth. Structurally, both are light and durable, but the earpads wear out quickly.
To the review →400–600 €
SASH Tres SE
A peculiar, but excellent headphone from Ukraine. We would be tempted to call it the best in its price range due to its detailed and lively but smooth sound. While the large physical size might bother some, it's interesting to see that a small manufacturer can compete evenly against many larger ones.
To the review →
Hifiman HE6se V2
An example of dynamic sounding planar headphones with superb separation and a transparent sound. The intensity can be a bit fatiguing and the comfort is poor without modification, but other Hifiman models at the same price point do not offer as impressive listening experience. As a warning, however, it should be noted that the drivers are prone to sticking into the magnets, so long-term functionality is a bit of a gamble.
To the review →600–1000 €
XK-Audio Fluxion
The XK-Audio Fluxion is an exceptionally well-rounded open-back planar headphone, delivering everything from a robust bass to an airy and smooth treble. Its realistic, precise, and immersive sound signature places it firmly among the absolute best in the under 1000€ price range. Honestly, one would gladly pay even more for them. On the other hand, the build quality, coming from a small Chinese workshop, is somewhat subpar, and one must be careful with the exposed drivers at the back. Additionally, the Fluxion is currently only available for purchase through Chinese e-commerce platforms.
To the review →
Focal Hadenys
High-quality build, excellent comfort, and balanced sound make the Hadenys difficult to beat in its price range. Its biggest strengths are the exceptionally solid bass for open-back headphones and the complete lack of any extra harshness or sibilance in the treble. Similarly priced Hifiman planar headphones are clearly brighter, whereas the Meze Audio 109 Pro is more uneven due to its V-shaped tuning. The Hadenys thus justifies its higher price compared to its more affordable competitors.
To the review →1000–2000 €
Hifiman HE1000 V2 (+ V3 & V4)
HE1000 models are very difficult to overlook, regardless of the price range. They sound slightly better and more refined than the Arya, and the build is also entirely metal. For detailed, large, and realistic sound, one had to pay over 3000 euros just a few years ago, but nowadays only around 1000 euros. Only the bright treble might be bothersome, so it's not the safest choice for low-quality music.
To the review →
ZMF Bokeh Open
ZMF Bokeh Open offers a high-quality build and, with the right adjustments, a truly balanced sound. Its customizability is indeed one of the greatest strengths. Compared to other ZMF models in the same price range, Bokeh Open sounds more neutral and more energetic in its upper frequencies. Since Bokeh Open also costs 250 euros less than Aeolus and 500 euros less than Auteur Classic, it is easiest to recommend. Personally, I would include the solid front damping mesh with the purchase to make the treble a bit smoother.
To the review →
Sennheiser HD 800S (+ HD 800)
The soundstage king, which is difficult to overlook when aiming for the widest and most speaker-like headphone sound possible. It is especially suitable for classical music, but with a nice tube amplifier works with all other geners as well. It's worth remembering that the older HD 800 with the SDR mod offers a very similar sound than HD 800S, so the older model is an excellent purchase at used market.
To the review →
Focal Clear MG (+ Clear)
A balanced overall package, whose only weaknesses are a relatively small soundstage and a slightly metallic treble timbre. If these characteristics do not bother you, Clear MG might be overall the best dynamic headphone model in its price range. It also looks stylish both in its basic colour scheme and as the black Pro version.
To the review →2000–4000 €
HEDDphone Two
HEDDphone Two's unique AMT (Air Motion Transformer) drivers bring out the small nuances and details with extreme precision and liveliness. Although the mid-frequency focused sound is indeed aimed at a studio environment, it also works well for regular listening. Furthermore, the updated build is more practical and comfortable than the original HEDDphone model, and the 2000 euro price is not unreasonable compared to competitors. I recommend doing a little EQ, after which HEDDphone Two easily challenges more expensive headphone models.
To the review →
Austrian Audio The Composer
Reference-level accurate sound with a wide soundstage. The Composer is not necessarily a clear improvement compared to Hifiman's more affordable HE1000 series or the Sennheiser HD 800S, but it has more balanced treble and more solid bass. Correspondingly, the mid-frequencies are slightly more energetic and pleasant compared to Meze Audio Empyrean 2. The build is also unique and high-quality, and furthermore, the relatively light weight ensures good wearing comfort for a long time. The 2500 euro price feels a bit high, but not entirely unreasonable compared to competitors in the same price range.
To the review →
ZMF Atrium
Sennheiser HD 650-style warm sound with solid bass and excellent construction. Atrium makes all music sound pleasant, so it's hard not to like it. For some tastes, however, the treble might be too subdued by default, and the resolution doesn't reach the level of the best planar headphones. On the other hand, the price of under 3000 euros is also more moderate than many other TOTL models. The Caldera might also deserve a place on the wall of fame, but its tuning is more coloured and thus more difficult to recommend to a wider audience.
To the review →Over 4000 €
Focal Utopia
Currently the best dynamic headphone model. Utopia released in 2017 is slightly brighter, whereas the 2022 version is a bit more laid-back. Both sound pleasantly natural and would be suitable as general-purpose headphones. Particularly impressive are the dynamics and the depth and the accuracy of the soundstage. In terms of build or comfort, Utopia is not perfect but leaves little to complain about.
To the review →
Hifiman Susvara
Susvara is still one of the most impressive "normal" (does not need a special amp) headphones, even though the 7000 euro price tag is heavily inflated, and the build quality doesn't fully meet expectations either. However, when acquired for around 4000 euros, one starts to get value for money in the form of realistic and extremely accurate sound. The tuning is less bright compared to many other Hifiman models, which makes the Susvara surprisingly accessible. Naturally, significant investment in listening equipment is required, if true enthusiasts are to be believed.
To the review →Best Closed Back Headphones
Simply The Best
Dan Clark Audio E3
The Harman style tuning makes E3 sound very balanced an lively while also offering exceptionally high-quality bass. The overall presentation is faithfull to the music itself, but unlike many other neutral headphones, does not succumb to dullness. Furthermore, the precise separation and the spacious soundstage almost reach the level of open-back headphones. When combined with this innovative build and good comfort, E3 is in our opinion the best closed headphone on the market, although priced at around 2500 euros, it is a rather expensive purchase. The Stealth model might, of course, be even better for some tastes, but paying double for it doesn't feel fully justified.
To the review →Honorable mentions
Dan Clark Audio Noire X
Following in the footsteps of the E3, the Noire X delivers a balanced and premium audio reproduction for a closed-back design. Compared to its sibling, the Noire X is more aggressive in its delivery and exhibits a slightly rougher treble, though it is considerably more affordable (€1,100 vs. €2,500). Notable benefits over the E3 are its more compact form factor and superior passive isolation.
To the review →
T+A Solitaire T
An interestingly versatile, albeit expensive (€1400), headphone that can be used both wired and wireless. It also offers a noise-cancelling function of rather mediocre effectiveness, based on which the Solitaire T would not yet merit recognition among the top contenders. However, it sounds excellent as a passive headphone and when listened to via Bluetooth connection in HQ sound mode, at which point the high price could be justified.
To the review →
Focal Azurys
Balanced and modern tuning with fun bass, clear mids, and smooth treble. The only major weaknesses are slightly unnatural upper mids and a relatively narrow soundstage. In terms of build and comfort, my expectations are well met considering the 550 euro price.
To the review →
Audeze Maxwell
Audeze Maxwell, designed for gaming, is practically the best and most versatile closed-back headphone for 400 euros. The USB transmitter enables high sound quality in wireless use, the battery life is very long, and a high-quality boom microphone is included. Furthermore, the frequency response accurately follows the Harman target curve, so everything is good right out of the box. On the other hand, with a little equalization, the sound still improves. Unless Maxwell's weight of almost half a kilogram becomes a problem, you don't really get anything better for the same amount of money.
To the review →
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 ohm)
The DT 770 Pro (price 140–150 €), characterised as an old warhorse, won our comparison of affordable closed-back headphones, so it deserves a place on the list. Bright treble and somewhat thin mids leave something to be desired, but after a short period of getting used to, there aren't major weaknesses. Although AKG's K361 and K371 do sound more balanced, they are suitable only for some people due to their poor build. DT 770 Pro, on the other hand, withstands tougher use like more expensive headphones. Despite its fixed cable, I would recommend it rather than the more V-styled DT 770 Pro X.
To the closed back headphone comparison →Best ANC
Headphones
50–200 €
JBL Tune 770NC
Overall the best budget-class noise-cancelling headphones, provided they fit one's head. The tuning that follows the Harman target curve surpasses most competitors, and other aspects are also at a sufficiently good level considering the 60 euro price.
To the review →
CMF Headphone Pro
If the retail price settles around or below 100 euros, the CMF Headphone Pro offers high-quality sound with a standout design, provided you make some minor adjustments. The inclusion of the LDAC codec, long battery life, and excellent comfort are significant advantages in this price bracket. However, it’s worth noting that the noise-canceling performance is on par with the JBL Tune 770NC and doesn't quite reach the level of the Valco VMK25, for example.
To the review →
Edifier WH950NB
At the current price of around 100 euros, WH950NB is an an excellent purchase. It offers modern features, a decent noise-cancelling function, and a fine build. The sound quality is also quite good after a little equalization.
To the review →
Valco VMK25 (currently VMK25.2)
Valco VMK25 doesn't compete with extra features or uniqueness, but differs from its competitors due to its relatively neutral sound. It could be suitable even for studio monitoring. The noise-cancelling function and the build have also seen clear improvements compared to the older VMK20.
The VMK25.2, which replaced the VMK25, has been tuned with a more V-shaped sound signature, potentially making it a better fit for noisy environments. On the other hand, the sound becomes somewhat unnatural when ANC is engaged, representing a step back from the balance of the original VMK25. Without noise canceling, however, the audio quality remains top-tier, allowing this Valco model to keep its place on the wall of fame.
200–500 €
AKG N9 Hybrid
Thanks to the included wireless USB transmitter (lossless audio & low latency), this is a versatile pair of headphones that sounds nearly perfect after a bit of EQ. The product's appeal is further enhanced by an excellent microphone implementation, making the N9 Hybrid suitable for both office meetings and calls in noisier environments. On the other hand, the noise canceling isn't the most powerful and the design isn't the sleekest, so the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, for instance, remains a better choice for travel.
To the review →
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Effective active noise cancellation, excellent comfort, and sound quality that shines after minor adjustments make the QuietComfort Ultra one of the best products in its price range. Especially at a price point of €300–350, I can highly recommend these headphones. While the Sony WH-1000XM6 cancels noise slightly more effectively, it doesn't sound as balanced or feel as comfortable on the head as the Bose model.
To the review →
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e
High-quality and relatively balanced sound in the under €400 price bracket. The PX7 S2e also boasts build quality and aesthetics that are among the best on the market, while its noise cancellation doesn't lag too far behind the competition. By default, the bass dominates the presentation a bit too much, but with minor adjustments, the above-average resolution and well-structured soundstage truly shine. Unfortunately, under critical listening, the newer PX7 S3 doesn't sound quite as good; it mainly offers more bass and treble than the S2e. Therefore, for those seeking a balanced performance, I recommend the S2e out of the two.
To the review →
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
A balanced noise-canceling model where sound quality, build, ANC effectiveness, comfort, and features all reach a solid level—and this hasn't changed even with the arrival of newer competitors. On the other hand, in terms of pure sound quality, I slightly prefer the AKG, Bose, and B&W models I’ve previously featured in this price range over the Momentum 4. Additionally, since Sony and Bose offer significantly more powerful noise cancellation, the Momentum 4 doesn't quite 'break the bank' or hit a home run in the end.
To the review →500–1000 €
Focal bathys
Sonically one of the best noise-canceling headphones ever tested by Kuulokenurkka, with performance that improves even further when using a USB cable or activating the Dynamic sound mode. They offer a level of dynamics and resolution that more affordable models simply cannot match. The build quality is also superior to the norm, making the high price tag somewhat justified. On the other hand, the noise-canceling effectiveness falls below the level of models costing under 200 euros, proving that you still can't have it all in a single package.
To the review →Over 1000 €
Focal Bathys MG
A sonically improved version of the original Bathys, featuring a different color scheme and a significantly steeper price tag. While it is difficult to justify the €1,200 asking price, I haven't heard any other wireless headphones in this price bracket—aside from the T+A Solitaire T—that sound this good. Especially in Dynamic mode, the Bathys MG’s sound is pleasantly fatigue-free, yet remains engaging and clear. Focal has also managed to slightly enhance the noise cancellation, and the comfort was already excellent with the first model.
To the review →
EN 
FI
Hifiman Edition XS maksaa nykyään noin 230€, joten sen sijaintia kunniaseinällä ja vertailukohteita olisi varmaan syytä päivittää.
Hyvä huomio, jonka kanssa olen pitkälti samaa mieltä puolustaen kuitenkin samalla myös sijoittelua alkuperäiseen hintaluokkaan. Koska kuulokkeet kelpasivat kunniaseinälle reilun 500 euron hintaisina, ne ovat tavallaan edelleen tämän summan arvoiset. Nyt kun hinta on tullut alaspäin, kuluttajat voivat mieltää kuulokkeet entistä paremmaksi hankinnaksi. Tämä pienenä puolustuksena, mutta Hifiman yleisesti ottaen on kyllä valmistajana hankala tapaus, kun tuotteiden pidempiaikainen hintaluokka määrittyy vasta ajan saatossa. Esimerkiksi alun perin 3000 euroa maksaneen HE1000 V2:n seuraajaa saa nyt edullisimmillaan noin 800 eurolla, mikä myös sotkee kunniaseinäni aika pahasti. 🙂 Myös Arya V2 Stealth 500-600 eurolla olisi selvästi parempi hankinta kuin aikanaan vajaalla 2000 eurolla. Muiden valmistajien kohdalla tällaisia ongelmia ei onneksi tule, joten pohdin jatkossa, miten Hifimaniin tulisi suhtautua.
Mr Sword of Democles – is audio difference between AKG n9 and Maxwell audeze truly that huge? I’m torn between these two, price is similar in my region (AKG do 230 vs 260 for Audeze). Please help!