Short answer: The HiFiMAN HE400i Ver. 2020 is worth considering if you want an affordable, spacious open-back planar headphone for home listening. Its strengths are comfort, detail and a convincing sense of scale; its limits are sound leakage, lighter sub-bass, potentially bright treble, uncertain hinge durability and a connector that requires care when buying replacement cables.
What the HE400i Ver. 2020 is
This is an open-back, over-ear planar-magnetic headphone. The perforated-style earcups let air move freely, which helps create a wide, natural presentation, but they also leak your music and admit room noise. It is therefore primarily a home, desktop or critical-listening headphone—not a commuter, shared-office or recording-isolation model.
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HiFiMAN’s current product page lists the headphone at $169. That is the manufacturer’s listed price, not a guarantee of the current street price; check the seller, warranty, condition and stock before buying.
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Specifications
| Specification | HiFiMAN listing |
|---|---|
| Design | Open-back, over-ear planar magnetic |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz–35 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 93 dB |
| Impedance | 35 ohms |
| Weight | 370 g |
| Cable | 1.5 m |
| Plug compatibility | 3.5 mm and 6.35 mm via the supplied arrangement |
| Listed price | $169 on HiFiMAN’s product page (accessed September 28, 2026) |
These are published specifications, not a promise of a particular frequency balance, loudness from every source or identical results from every unit.
#1 Best Overall
- What is a planar headphone? What are its benefits over other designs? Planar headphones feature conductive layers that cover nearly the entire diaphragm, resulting in significantly lower distortion than conventional dynamic headphones.
- Acoustically Invisible Stealth Magnet Unlike the sound waves created by a conventional magnet, the special shape of Stealth Magnets enables the waves to pass through the magnets without generating interference. HIFIMAN’s advanced magnet design is acoustically transparent, dramatically reducing wave diffraction turbulence that degrades the integrity of the sound waves. The reduced distortion yields pure sonic output that is accurate and full-range.
- Durable Connections The headphone’s drivers are protected by a newly designed casing for enhanced durability and protection from the elements. A dual-sided high-performance 3.5mm cable is packaged with a 6.35mm adapter for maximum compatibility with a wide range of devices.
- The HE400SE’s high sensitivity makes it the perfect match for low-voltage sources, including portable hi-res. audio players.
- Maximum Comfort for Hours of Listening Pleasure Thanks to its newly designed adjustable lightweight headband, the HE400se remains cool and comfortable for hours, even in excessively warm weather.
How the HE400i 2020 sounds
Spaciousness and detail
The open cups produce a large, uncongested presentation that suits acoustic music, orchestral recordings, games and other material where separation matters. Planar drivers contribute a clean, controlled character and useful low-level detail for the price.
Bass: controlled, not subwoofer-like
Independent measurement by DIY-Audio-Heaven found bass beginning to roll off below roughly 70 Hz on its test setup. That means kick drums and bass guitars remain present, but the deepest sub-bass has less weight than on many bass-emphasized closed-back headphones. The result is more relaxed than club-oriented.
Rank #2
- Note: This cable only Compatible with Hifiman Sundara, SUNDARA Planar, Ananda, Arya, Arya Organic, Arya Stealth, Ananda Unveiled, HE400SE, Edition XS, Edition XV, Deva-Pro, HE4XX (2 x 3.5mm Version), HE-400i (2 x 3.5mm Version) headphone. Must Confirm your Headphone is The Model with Dual 3.5mm port
- length : 3metre/9.9ft, package include: 1*replacement cable ( there is no headphone include )
- Cable Diameter : 4mm (After the bifurcation 3mm), cable material:the outside calbe is Braided cable,the inside cable is OFC wire
- Connector: 3.5mm male and 6.35mm adapter to Dual 3.5mm male
- It is compatible with Hifiman Sundara, SUNDARA Planar, Ananda, Arya, Arya Organic, Arya Stealth, Ananda Unveiled, HE400SE, Edition XS, Edition XV, Deva-Pro, HE4XX (2 x 3.5mm Version), HE-400i (2 x 3.5mm Version). if you are using the old version HE-400i with both 2.5mm plug, please choose the other one with both 2.5mm male to order.
Midrange: a laid-back presence region
The same measurement showed a dip between about 1 and 3 kHz. In practice, vocals, guitars and speech presence can sit slightly farther back rather than projecting aggressively. Some listeners will find this smooth; others may prefer a more forward vocal balance.
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Reviews and measurements note a treble rise or edge that can read as extra detail on well-recorded material and as sharpness on bright recordings. This is listener- and recording-dependent, and individual units can vary. A modest treble reduction with equalization is an option if cymbals or sibilants become tiring.
Rank #3
- 【Universal Compatibility】Designed to perfectly fit HiFiMan models including Sundara, HE-400i, HE400S, HE-500, HE-560, HE35X, HE-4, HE-4XX, HE-5, HE6, HE-X4, and HE-5SE, offering a versatile upgrade for your premium headphones.
- 【Innovative Ice Cloth Material】The outer layer is made from Ice Cloth, a breathable fabric that stays cool against your skin, ensuring long hours of comfortable use without overheating or discomfort.
- 【Cooling Gel & High-Density Foam Core】Engineered with a blend of Cooling Gel and high-density foam, these earpads provide exceptional noise isolation and cushioning. The gel layer regulates temperature, while the foam maintains shape and acoustic seal, enhancing your audio experience.
- 【Superior Comfort & Sound Quality】Our Voarmaks replacement earpads not only rejuvenate your headphones' comfort level but also improve sound quality by ensuring a tight seal around your ears. Enjoy immersive audio with deep bass and clear treble, as intended by the manufacturer.
- 【Easy Installation & Durable Design】With a user-friendly design, these ear pads are effortless to install, allowing you to upgrade your headphones in seconds. Crafted from durable materials, they are built to withstand daily wear and tear, providing a lasting solution for your audio needs.
Does it need an amplifier?
Not automatically. A 35-ohm impedance and 93 dB sensitivity describe a moderately easy electrical load, but they do not ensure the same volume or dynamics from every phone, laptop, USB dongle or audio interface. Source output voltage, current capability, software volume limits and recording level all matter.
One independent review recommends a medium-power amplifier/DAC for the best performance. Treat that as optimization rather than a requirement: try your existing source first. If you reach normal listening levels without excessive volume, hiss or a strained sound, an amp is not urgent. A desktop amp/DAC becomes more useful when a weak source sounds quiet, compressed or unstable, or when you want consistent headroom for EQ.
Rank #4
- A Major Upgrade of the Popular Edition X: The new Edition XS expands on its predecessor’s achievements with several essential upgrades. Featuring Stealth Magnet Technology and the company’s NEO supernano Diaphragm, the Edition XS produces a wide, natural soundstage that puts the listener in the best seat in the house. Edition XS from HIFIMAN brings the depth and range of well-recorded music to an affordably priced headphone.
- Acoustically Invisible Stealth Magnet: Unlike the sound waves created by a conventional magnet, the special shape of Stealth Magnets enables the waves to pass through the magnets without generating interference. HIFIMAN’s advanced magnet design is acoustically transparent, dramatically reducing wave diffraction turbulence that degrades the integrity of the sound waves. The reduced distortion yields pure sonic output that is accurate and full-range.
- HIFIMAN’s NEO “supernano” Diaphragm (NsD): The new NsD is 75% thinner than previous designs, resulting in fast response and detailed imaging with lush, full range sonics.
- The Headband: The light weight, ergonomically accurate offers maximum comfort for hours of listening pleasure. The exterior is refined matte black material, and the interior features high-grade memory foam for the most comfortable fit and elasticity. The headphone’s structural design supports overall durability that retains its comfortable fit for years of enjoyment.
- The Cable: HIFIMAN’s new 3.5mm sockets are similar to those found on most common audio devices. The supplied 3.5mm cable is user changeable and replaceable.
Comfort, construction and ownership
Comfort
Comfort is a major strength. Soundnews described the comfort as “very high,” citing the updated design and large pads, and RTINGS also found the tested pair comfortable. The 370 g weight is substantial on paper, so head shape, clamp and pad preference still determine whether long sessions feel effortless.
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RTINGS reported weak hinges on its tested unit. That is a documented warning, not a published failure rate: many owners may have no issue, but long-term durability is less certain than the comfort. Handle the cups by the headband and avoid twisting the hinges when putting the headphone on or removing it.
Best Value
- LUXURY LAMBSKIN: Made from premium double-sided lambskin with delicate texture and grain, our Voarmaks headband strap is designed for comfort and style, hand-finished by skilled artisans.
- UNIVERSAL FIT: Compatible with a wide range of HIFIMAN headphones, including HE300, HE400, HE400i, HE500, HE560, HE5, HE6, HE4, HE-5LE, HE-5, ANANDA, ANANDA BT, Arya, Nano, Susvara, HE1000 SE, HE1000 V2, Edition X HEX V2, Monolith M1060c.
- WIDER, BREATHABLE DESIGN: Our wider headband strap with perforations offers better breathability and weight distribution, enhancing comfort and keeping you cooler. The lightweight design provides durability without adding bulk, making it ideal for extended use.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Features robust stitching and professional edge sealing for long-lasting wear and a sleek look.
- REMINDER: This product does not come with the metal clips or riveted metal pieces required for installation. Only the leather head strap is included. Customers need to select the appropriate installation accessories and methods based on their specific headphone model.
Pads and replacement parts
The manual lists earpads as included and says the headphone should be used with pads installed. For replacement pads, verify the exact dimensions, mounting method and compatibility in each listing; aftermarket products described as “HE400i” are not necessarily identical in fit.
Cable and connector revisions
The 2020 revision uses a detachable cable, but HiFiMAN documented connector changes during HE400i production: earlier versions moved from screw-on connectors to 2.5 mm plug-in connectors while performance stayed the same. The supplied cable’s source-side arrangement is not enough to identify every replacement. Before ordering an HE400i replacement cable, confirm the headphone-side connector on your exact unit and the seller’s revision description.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where it works—and where it does not
| Use case | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet home or desktop listening | Strong fit | Open staging, planar detail and comfortable pads suit extended sessions. |
| Critical listening | Strong fit | Separation and detail are the design’s main advantages. |
| Commuting or airplanes | Poor fit | Open cups neither block outside noise nor contain your music. |
| Shared office or library | Poor fit | Leakage can disturb people nearby, while room noise remains audible. |
| Recording or microphone work | Poor fit | Sound leakage can reach microphones and monitoring is not isolated. |
| Bass-heavy listening | Conditional | Deep-bass roll-off gives less sub-bass impact than many closed designs. |
How it compares with budget alternatives
Choose by design priorities rather than by the planar label alone:
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- HE400i 2020: best when you prioritize open-back spaciousness, comfort and detail at home, and can accept leakage and lighter sub-bass.
- Closed-back budget headphone: better for travel, offices, recording and stronger perceived bass, but usually with a smaller or less speaker-like stage.
- Another open-back planar: compare measured bass extension, midrange balance, pad comfort, hinge construction, source requirements, warranty and current price—not just driver type.
Street pricing changes, so compare the delivered price and return policy on the day you buy rather than relying on the original launch price.
Buying checklist
- Confirm that an open-back design suits your room and that leakage is acceptable.
- Check the seller’s current price, warranty, return terms and whether the item is new, refurbished or used.
- Inspect product photos or specifications to identify the headphone-side cable connector.
- Plan for your source: test a phone, laptop or dongle first, then add an amp/DAC only if you need more headroom or cleaner EQ operation.
- Keep the pads installed and handle the hinges gently.
Verdict
At HiFiMAN’s listed $169, the HE400i Ver. 2020 is a credible entry into planar-magnetic listening for a home user who values an expansive presentation, comfort and fine detail more than isolation or powerful sub-bass. Buy it with realistic expectations: the open design limits portability, the 1–3 kHz dip can make vocals relaxed, treble may need taming, hinge durability is a question mark, and replacement cables require connector verification. For the right room and source, those trade-offs still make it one of the more appealing low-cost ways to get a large, open sound.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
