Buying lab

Compare headphones before you buy.

Line up review signal, value, release age, audio tech, and buyer fit across up to four products.

Best blended pick

HiFiMAN Sundara

The review signal is high relative to the usual price. Prioritise deals and refurbished options. Target price: $284.

Worth-it breakdown

4 products selected

HiFiMAN official product image

Audiophile

HiFiMAN Sundara

Best valuePlanar magnetic

The review signal is high relative to the usual price. Prioritise deals and refurbished options.

Critic score89

Value signal100

Price$299

Release age8y 5m old

User score7.2

Best for

critical listeninghome desksdetail seekers

Consensus

89/100

Release age

8y 5m old

Value signal

100/100

Focal official product image

Audiophile

Focal Bathys

Best valueDAC / ANC

The review signal is high relative to the usual price. Prioritise deals and refurbished options.

Critic score86

Value signal100

Price$699

Release age3y 8m old

User score7.4

Best for

critical listeninghome desksdetail seekers

Consensus

86/100

Release age

3y 8m old

Value signal

100/100

Sennheiser official product image

Audiophile

Sennheiser HD 600

Best valueWired

The review signal is high relative to the usual price. Prioritise deals and refurbished options.

Critic score84

Value signal100

Price$449

Release age29y 5m old

User score8.3

Best for

critical listeninghome desksdetail seekers

Consensus

84/100

Release age

29y 5m old

Value signal

100/100

AI-generated Headphoneify fallback image

Audiophile

Sennheiser HD 560S

Discount onlyWired

Still credible, but only compelling with a meaningful discount or certified refurb pricing.

Critic score81

Value signal100

Price$229

Release age5y 8m old

User score8.2

Best for

critical listeninghome desksdetail seekers

Consensus

81/100

Release age

5y 8m old

Value signal

100/100