Planar magnetic is one of the most common and famous names in the world of audiophiles, as casual music listeners don’t really care about them. Anyways, I am here for the first ones mentioned, audiophiles and planar magnetic headphones!
In this article, you will find the top five best planar magnetic headphones in today’s market; hoping you will find the best ones that fill your needs! Let’s get started!
A Quick Look at My Favorite Planar Magnetic Headphones
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Epitome of High-End  | 8.6 | Check Latest Price | |
Stunning Audio Value  | 8.5 | Check Latest Price | |
For Audiophiles By Audiphiles  | 9.1 | Check Latest Price | |
Accuracy, Transparency, and Efficiency  | 8.8 | Check Latest Price | |
The Most Comfortable  | 8.6 | Check Latest Price |
Key Takeaways
- Planar magnetic headphones are designed for professionals who want the best listening experience.
- If you need a perfectly detailed sound from your headphones, the Audeze LCD-X are the best ones for you, without a doubt.
- Never expect to find affordable planar magnetic headphones, as they are known for their high-end prices.
- The main thing to check out on a pair of planar magnetic headphones is the magnet that they have on their planar magnetic drivers.
- If you want to find the greatest planar magnetic headphones for everyday use, I present to you Monolith M1060.
Top 5 Best Planar Magnetic Headphones
5. Audeze LCD-3 – Best High-End
Let me start with the fantastic, pricey, Audeze LCD-3 headphones that are the first to appear as fabulous planar magnetic headphones.
Audeze LCD-3 headphones are excellent in design, as they bring out a good-looking pair with a combination of two main colors. Also, when it comes to durability, you will definitely be amazed. They are super-strong headphones that can stay with you for a pretty long time.
Connectivity shouldn’t be left unmentioned, as it works excellently with instruments and computers. Still, you need to know here that Audeze LCD-3 headphones won’t have the best compatibility with phones.
The Audeze LCD-3 is the pair of headphones you have been looking especially if sound quality is what you’re after. You will quickly notice how great and good they sound, especially in the low and mid frequencies of sound. It comes clear enough, and the brand itself refers to it as a lifelike sound. On the other hand, the bass is powerful and will treble in the most profound form.
Why Should You Buy It?
If you have got some money to spend, I would gladly recommend the Audeze LCD-3 headphones to you guys that are more into bass; meaning the low frequencies of sound.
| Type | Over-Ear/Open-Back |
|---|---|
| Magnet Type | Neodymium |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz-50kHz |
| Impedance | 110 ohms |
| Sound Pressure Level | 100 dB |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Weight | 1.4 pounds |
4. HIFIMAN Arya – Most Durable
Another firm name regarding professional planar magnetic headphones is HIFIMAN Arya, as they are known to bring some fantastic headphones for professional musicians worldwide.
I cannot really decide whether these headphones look good or not, but what I like about them is that they are strongly built. The combination of metal and plastic, where needed, makes these headphones great on the durability part, and they can withstand whatever may come to their path. I am sure you will be using these headphones for quite a long time.
Everybody has heard about the 3.5mm headphone jack, and HIFIMAN Arya headphones own it and work flawlessly with other devices that you may own, as everything has the 3.5mm port on them. You can use these ones with your phone without any problem.
The planar magnetic drivers, made of stealth magnets, offer you outstanding sound quality, and you don’t have to worry about any frequency in particular. You should know that these headphones sound perfectly fine in all of them. Plus, they have a frequency range that starts at 8Hz, which is perfect.
Why Should You Buy It?
Durability and sound quality are two things that make these headphones perfect for purchase. So, if you are one of those people that want to make a quick smart purchase, at last, you can freely check out HIFIMAN Arya.
| Type | Over-Ear/Open-Back |
|---|---|
| Magnet Type | Stealth Magnet |
| Frequency Response | 8Hz-65kHz |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Sound Pressure Level | 94 dB |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Weight | 3.31 pounds |
3. DROP + HIFIMAN HE5XX – Best for Mid-Ranges
The third place of this article belongs to the DROP + HIFIMAN HE5XX headphones which are a definite beast, especially when it comes to mid frequencies of sound.
These headphones have a simple look, but they are perfectly built! That is mainly assured by the fact that there are used super strong materials on the built, but yet again, you will find them lightweight enough and not irritating.
Just like the headphones I mentioned above, you will find the 3.5mm jack to connect these headphones with any other device you own, and you will be more than satisfied with the sturdy connection.
The planar magnetic manner of the drivers will make these headphones your favorite ones as they know how to deal with different details of any sound that you will listen to with them over your ears. More special are the sound waves of the mid-frequencies that come at you super clearly, and they bring out great sound and an improvement of the whole sound quality in general.
Why Should You Buy It?
DROP + HIFIMAN HE5XX headphones are all about the details! These headphones are aimed at you who need to listen to detailed mid frequencies of sound instead of just music. That is because these headphones sound perfect!
| Type | Over-Ear/Open-Back |
|---|---|
| Magnet Type | Double-Sided |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20 kHz |
| Impedance | 18 ohms |
| Sound Pressure Level | 18 ohms |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Weight | 12.5 ounces |
2. Audeze LCD-X – Most Accurate
I know it seems weird to mention the same brand twice, but it can’t be helped since Audeze brings and launches some of the most fabulous planar magnetic headphone on the market. Here I have listed the fantastic Audeze LCD-X, which is also the best overall.
You should be aware that these headphones don’t look too good regarding the design part as you cannot find them as the most beautiful ones, but after all, they are very comfortable and don’t bother you in any way.
Audeze LCD-X headphones work with a whole different wired connection. You will have to use their XLR connector, which mainly assures the use by professionals. These connectors work in various audio equipment.
Why do you think I have listed these headphones as the most accurate ones? Let me tell you! These headphones from Audeze bring an impressive excellent sound quality, and there are no words to describe it. Lows, mids, and high sound frequencies are brought perfectly, as anyone would want to listen to the sound. If you are a professional in creating sound, you will be more than satisfied with these.
Why Should You Buy It?
If you are a music producer, don’t look further! The Audeze LCD-X is a pair of headphones especially made for you as they include every feature that a professional would want.
| Type | Over-Ear/Open-Back |
|---|---|
| Magnet Type | Neodymium |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz-50kHz |
| Impedance | 20 ohms |
| Sound Pressure Level | 103 dB |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Weight | 1.4 pounds |
1. Monolith M1060 – Most Comfortable
Last but not least, here goes Monolith M1060 headphones as some of the most used planar magnetic headphones, especially for the part of the comfort that they bring out.
The first thing to mention about these headphones is the comfort they provide you. These headphones have an adjustable headband and super-fluffy ear pads, making them the most comfortable planar magnetic headphone out there. You will definitely be thrilled to use these headphones for a whole day. By the way, besides comfort, these headphones also look very good.
Like many other headphones, Monolith M1060 uses the famous 3.5mm jack to connect to other devices you may need. These headphones work great with phones as well, for personal listening experience.
Now, these headphones are aimed at professionals but also can be used consistently for everyday use. The sound is great overall but not the best when compared to the sound quality of the headphones that I mentioned above.
Why Should You Buy It?
Comfort is the main feature that Monolith headphones bring, and the Monolith 1060 ae the headphones to check if your main concern goes on the comfort part and also they are good enough for everyday use of listening to music.
| Type | Over-Ear/Open-Back |
|---|---|
| Magnet Type | Neodymium |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz-50kHz |
| Impedance | 50 ohms |
| Sound Pressure Level | 103 dB |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Weight | 4.2 ounces |
Buying Guide
Just like in everything else, when searching for planar headphones, you will have to check out some things, the most important things, so that you can be more than sure of what you have chosen and whether they are the best ones. I would like to make a list of the things to consider before purchasing the best planar magnetic headphones.
Magnets
Hence their name, the most important thing to check out on a planar magnetic headphone are the types of magnets that they use. Whenever searching for these headphones, you will deal with different magnets and different things, but if you notice the name planar magnetic, neodymium, double-sided, or stealth magnet, you are good to go and choose the greatest ones.
Sound Quality
Planar magnetic headphones are mostly aimed at professionals, and that’s why the sound quality is another super important thing to check out when trying to purchase a pair. If you notice that there is a “problem” known for the sound quality, you should immediately avoid them. However, if there are more pros than cons regarding sound quality, check them out and purchase them without a doubt.
Connectivity
A pair of headphones without a great connection doesn’t define the term best headphones, and whenever searching for planar magnetic headphones, you should always have in mind that the connection should be good. Now, you will always notice that these types of headphones come mostly wired, and that’s because they need sturdier connectivity and not a range of networks that keeps them connected.
Comfort and Durability
I am purposely listing comfort and durability as the last things to consider, and that’s because not many people care about them, especially when they sound good. Anyways, comfort and durability are quite important things to check out, as it all depends on the amount of time that you plan on using them. Comfort is for usage during the day. Meanwhile, durability will show you how much you can use the headphones that you are about to purchase.
Price Range
If you wisely check all the planar magnetic headphones mentioned in this article, you will easily understand that the greatest ones come at high prices. When choosing the best planar magnetic headphones, make sure to have some extra cash on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does planar magnetic refer to in headphones?
Planar magnetic refers to the drivers that the headphones you are choosing own. When you notice the planar magnetic name, you should immediately know that the headphones’ drivers are made of magnets.
What specialties do planar magnetic headphones bring?
The drivers of planar magnetic headphones bring out a faster and better performance regarding many things. You will find out that the main specialty of these headphones is the part of sound quality, through which they will bring every frequency of sound super detailed, and you will have an outstanding performance.
Do planar magnetic headphones have noise-canceling technology?
Planar magnetic headphones come with open-back designs, which means you cannot find noise canceling technology on them. However, you may encounter some headphones with sound isolation features.
Are planar magnetic headphones for everybody?
Everybody can listen to music with planar magnetic headphones, but these headphones are not aimed at everybody! If you are an audiophile or a professional in the “music world” I am pretty sure that you will be more satisfied with them since they bring out sound details.
Are planar magnetic headphones worth it?
First, planar magnetic headphones come at very high-end prices, and I am sure nobody likes high prices. However, if you consider everything they deliver, and as a professional in music, I would like to assure you that planar magnetic headphones are really worth it.
Final Words
As we come to the end of this article, I would like to assure you that all the headphones mentioned here are definitely the best planar magnetic headphones to find on the market. You will be more than satisfied if you choose and use any of the pairs mentioned.
Anyway, I hope this article has brought you whatever you need to know about planar magnetic headphones, and I hope you find the best planar magnetic headphones for you!
Further Reading
I know I have mentioned the word magnet many times in this article, and you are probably wondering why headphones have magnets, so give that article a read to find out.
Besides, not only headphones as audio items have magnets. Vinyl records consist of magnets, as well, so find out how vinyl records work.
So, have fun reading and I’ll see you next time. Enjoy!
Equipment Tester & Reviewer
I’m an unbiased audio equipment tester & reviewer, dedicated to keeping you up-to-date on the latest and greatest in audio gear.
