AudioFu Chart · October 2026

Best HiFi Headphones for Beginner 2026

Q: What should I look for when buying hifi headphones?

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Q: How much should I spend on hifi headphones?

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Q: Are expensive hifi headphones worth the investment?

Higher-priced hifi headphones typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Q: What are the best brands for hifi headphones?

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Q: Should I buy hifi headphones online or in-store?

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

The top pick is Behringer HPM1000 Multi-Purpose Headphones ($10). AKG K92 Closed-Back Over-Ear Studio Headphones leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 94 models across 27 brands, prices checked every night.

Last updated: October 12, 2026

94models in this chart

27brands

$206median price

39price drops since Aug

Narrow the chart

All HiFi Headphones Showing: For Beginner · clear

Price

Skill level

Brand

Top 10

Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.

Behringer HPM1000 Multi-Purpose Headphones
HPM1000-BK · Behringer
4 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
Seriously, for twelve bucks, these are a steal. They're surprisingly decent for casual listening, monitoring basic tracks, or just needing a reliable pair of headphones for travel. Perfect for students, beginners, or anyone needing an affordable backup option – don’t expect audiophile performance, but the value is undeniable.
Pros
- Surprisingly balanced frequency response for the price point; clear mids and highs.
- Robust ABS plastic construction feels more durable than the price suggests.
- 32 Ohm impedance makes them easy to drive from phones and basic interfaces.
Cons
- Plastic earcups lack premium feel; some creaking under pressure.
- Bass response is present but lacks the impactful depth of higher-end models.
52AudioFu
Index
- Demand48
- Lineup68
- Price100
- Specs0
- Maker36
↓ 18.3%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
$12 · Aug 14$10 now

$10€9 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Superlux HD-651 Red
Superlux
Not on Reverb yet2 finishes at Thomann
These Superlux HD-651 Reds are a genuinely baffling value. The clarity and detail you get for the asking price is just wild – perfect for budget-conscious students, or anyone needing a portable, revealing monitor for critical listening or casual music enjoyment. Don't expect audiophile refinement, but the performance is astonishingly good.
Pros
- Surprisingly detailed sound for the price; revealing across the frequency spectrum
- Lightweight design makes extended listening sessions comfortable
- Detachable cable reduces wear and tear; easy to replace
Cons
- Build quality feels plasticky; headband prone to cracking with heavy use
- Closed-back design lacks natural soundstage; can feel isolating
46AudioFu
Index
- Demand30
- Lineup68
- Price100
- Specs0
- Maker58
↓ 24.5%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
$18 · Aug 14$13 now

$13€12 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Yamaha HPH-50B Closed-Back Headphones
HPH-50B · Yamaha
15 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
These Yamaha HPH-50Bs are a solid choice for budget-conscious musicians and audio enthusiasts needing reliable monitoring. The sound is surprisingly clean and neutral for the price, making them great for tracking, DJing, or casual listening – just don’t expect a super wide soundscape.
Pros
- Clear, balanced sound signature suitable for monitoring
- Comfortable clamping force for extended use
- Durable construction with robust swivel joints
Cons
- Plastic build feels budget-oriented, lacks premium refinement
- Soundstage is somewhat narrow for critical listening
65AudioFu
Index
- Demand83
- Lineup68
- Price66
- Specs0
- Maker78
↓ 5.4%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
$41 · Aug 14$39 now

$39€35 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Gewa HP SIX Black
Gewa
Not on Reverb yet2 finishes at Thomann
These Gewa HP SIX Black headphones are a surprisingly capable option for anyone needing a portable, affordable, and easily drivable set of cans. The supraaural design keeps things relatively contained, making them good for commutes or quiet environments. They're best suited for casual listeners and those who prioritize portability over audiophile-grade sound reproduction.
Pros
- Supraaural design offers decent passive noise isolation for casual listening.
- Lightweight build (256g) ensures comfortable extended listening sessions.
- 32 Ohm impedance makes them readily drivable from phones and laptops.
Cons
- Plastic construction feels budget-oriented; lacks premium durability.
- 110dB sensitivity suggests potential for distortion at higher volumes.
38AudioFu
Index
- Demand30
- Lineup68
- Price50
- Specs0
- Maker52
Stableno change since Aug 14
Aug 14$18 now

$18€17 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Superlux HD 572
Superlux
Not on Reverb yet1 finish at Thomann
Seriously, for the money, these are a steal. They’re a great entry point into more critical listening – perfect for budding music producers, DJs, or anyone on a budget needing a reliable monitoring solution. Don't expect audiophile perfection, but the clarity and detail are genuinely impressive.
Pros
- Surprisingly detailed sound for the price, revealing subtle nuances.
- Neodymium driver delivers a tight, controlled low-end response.
- Lightweight design (130g) makes extended listening sessions comfortable.
Cons
- Build quality feels plasticky; not as robust as higher-end headphones.
- Closed-back design can introduce a slight 'boxed-in' feeling.
34AudioFu
Index
- Demand30
- Lineup43
- Price50
- Specs0
- Maker58
Stableno change since Aug 14
Aug 14$14 now

$14€13 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Sennheiser CX 80S
Sennheiser
Not on Reverb yet3 finishes at Thomann
The CX 80S are a remarkable value. They deliver a surprisingly enjoyable listening experience with a decent amount of bass and clear mids, making them ideal for casual listening on the go or for someone just getting into better audio without spending a fortune.
Pros
- Surprisingly balanced sound for the price, decent bass response
- Compact and lightweight design, comfortable for extended wear
- Right-angled 3.5mm jack prevents cable strain and snagging
Cons
- Soundstage is quite narrow, lacks spatial separation
- Cable length is restrictive for some users
47AudioFu
Index
- Demand30
- Lineup86
- Price50
- Specs0
- Maker100
Stableno change since Aug 14
Aug 14$33 now

$33€29 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
AKG K92 Closed-Back Over-Ear Studio Headphones
K-92 · AKG
25 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
The AKG K-92 is a surprisingly capable budget-friendly option for casual listening or basic monitoring. They offer a reasonably neutral sound and decent isolation, making them suitable for students, travelers, or anyone needing a reliable pair of headphones without spending a fortune. Don't expect audiophile performance, but they’re a solid choice for the price.
Pros
- Surprisingly robust headband construction for the price point.
- Decent sound isolation due to the closed-back design.
- Relatively flat frequency response for accurate monitoring.
Cons
- Plastic construction feels a bit cheap, lacks premium feel.
- Bass response is somewhat lacking, can sound thin.
61AudioFu
Index
- Demand98
- Lineup43
- Price57
- Specs0
- Maker52
↓ 2.2%since Aug 14 · lowest so far
$50 · Aug 14$49 now

$49€44 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Hama Shell II Headphone
Hama
Not on Reverb yet1 finish at Thomann
Look, these are incredibly affordable, and you get a functional pair of headphones. Don't expect audiophile quality; the sound is a bit flat and lacks nuance. They're a good option for casual listening, travel, or anyone needing a basic, budget-friendly set of headphones for everyday use.
Pros
- Surprisingly robust plastic construction for the price point.
- Decent sound isolation due to the closed-back design.
- Lightweight and comfortable for extended listening sessions.
Cons
- Sound lacks detail and refinement; a 'budget' sound signature.
- Plastic headband padding feels thin and potentially prone to wear.
33AudioFu
Index
- Demand30
- Lineup43
- Price69
- Specs0
- Maker22
↓ 6.2%since Aug 14
$18 · Aug 14$17 now

$17€15 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
JVC HA-FR9UC White
JVC
Not on Reverb yet1 finish at Thomann
Okay, these JVCs are a bit of a quirky find. The integrated DAC is a genuinely useful feature, giving you a cleaner signal than most budget IEMs. They're a great option for someone who’s on a tight budget but wants a step up from basic smartphone earbuds, especially if they frequently use USB-C devices.
Pros
- Surprisingly robust build for the price, feels more premium than expected.
- The integrated DAC provides a noticeable clarity boost over standard mobile audio.
- Compact and lightweight design makes them comfortable for extended listening sessions.
Cons
- USB-C connection limits compatibility; requires a USB-C source device.
- Soundstage is relatively narrow, lacking the openness of higher-end headphones.
34AudioFu
Index
- Demand30
- Lineup43
- Price50
- Specs0
- Maker58
Stableno change since Aug 14
Aug 14$19 now

$19€17 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗
Roland RH-5 Stereo Headphones
RH-5 · Roland
11 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
The Roland RH-5 is a surprisingly competent option for monitoring or casual listening when you're on a tight budget. The sound is relatively clean and balanced, and the long cable is a real plus for studio use. These are perfect for keyboard players, podcasters, or anyone needing reliable, affordable closed-back headphones.
Pros
- Comfortable clamping force, surprisingly good for extended monitoring sessions
- Solid build quality for the price point; feels more robust than expected
- Clear and balanced sound signature; decent for critical listening
Cons
- Sound lacks deep bass extension; more mid-focused response
- Closed-back design can feel slightly claustrophobic during long use
49AudioFu
Index
- Demand75
- Lineup43
- Price50
- Specs0
- Maker36
Stableno change since Aug 14
Aug 14$37 now

$37€33 at Thomann · in stock
Check price ↗

All 94 hifi headphones

Sort

Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.

11
the t.bone HP 66the t.bone

Index 25↑ 14.5%
25
↑ 14.5%$9€8
$9€8Check ↗
12
Superlux HD-387 BlackSuperlux

Index 34Stable
34
Stable$20€17
$20€17Check ↗
13
Mackie MC-100 Closed Back Headphones - 32 OhmsMC-100 · Mackie

Index 54Stable
54
Stable$44€39
$44€39Check ↗
14
JVC HA-RX330E BlackJVC

Index 34Stable
34
Stable$21€19
$21€19Check ↗
15
AKG K52 Closed-Back HeadphonesK-52 · AKG

Index 46↓ 2.9%
46
↓ 2.9%$37€33
$37€33Check ↗
16
Sennheiser HP 02-100 Single UnitSennheiser

Index 38Stable
38
Stable$28€25
$28€25Check ↗
17
AKG K72 Closed-back Studio Monitoring HeadphonesK-72 · AKG

Index 59Stable
59
Stable$53€47
$53€47Check ↗
18
the t.bone HD 200the t.bone

Index 32Stable
32
Stable$22€20
$22€20Check ↗
19
Sennheiser HD 400SSennheiser · 4 finishes

Index 57↓ 17.0%
57
↓ 17.0%$55€49
$55€49Check ↗
20
Listen Technologies Listen LA-402Listen Technologies

Index 49↓ 8.0%
49
↓ 8.0%$46€41
$46€41Check ↗
21
Fun Generation HP-7Fun Generation

Index 28↑ 4.6%
28
↑ 4.6%$26€23
$26€23Check ↗
22
JVC HA-S36W WhiteJVC

Index 36↓ 5.4%
36
↓ 5.4%$39€35
$39€35Check ↗
23
Superlux HD-330Superlux

Index 34Stable
34
Stable$38€34
$38€34Check ↗
24
Sennheiser CX 80U SakuraSennheiser

Index 38Stable
38
Stable$44€39
$44€39Check ↗
25
Gewa HP EIGHTGewa

Index 33Stable
33
Stable$41€37
$41€37Check ↗
26
Yamaha HPH-100WH On-Ear HeadphonesHPH-100B · Yamaha · 2 finishes

Index 44↓ 5.2%
44
↓ 5.2%$62€55
$62€55Check ↗
27
Yamaha HPH-MT5 Closed-Back Monitor HeadphonesHPH-MT5W · Yamaha · 2 finishes

Index 69Stable
69
Stable$133€119
$133€119Check ↗
28
Yamaha HPH-MT8 Closed-Back Monitor HeadphonesHPH-MT8 · Yamaha

Index 68↓ 16.7%
68
↓ 16.7%$223€199
$223€199Check ↗
29
Yamaha HPH-MT7 Over-Ear Studio Monitor HeadphonesHPH-MT7 Black · Yamaha · 2 finishes

Index 64Stable
64
Stable$206€184
$206€184Check ↗
30
Mackie MC-150 Closed-Back Monitor HeadphonesMC-150 · Mackie

Index 57Stable
57
Stable$66€59
$66€59Check ↗
31
Sennheiser HD 650 Reference HeadphonesHD 650 · Sennheiser

Index 55↑ 3.7%
55
↑ 3.7%$406€362
$406€362Check ↗
32
Yamaha HPH-150B Open-Air HeadphonesHPH-150B · Yamaha

Index 53Stable
53
Stable$100€89
$100€89Check ↗
33
Audeze LCD-5 Open-Back Planar Magnetic HeadphonesLCD-5 · Audeze · 2 finishes

Index 53↓ 4.0%
53
↓ 4.0%$5,377€4,798
$5,377€4,798Check ↗
34
HIFIMAN Mini Shangri-LaHIFIMAN

Index 52Stable
52
Stable$2,150€1,919
$2,150€1,919Check ↗
35
Sennheiser HD 550Sennheiser · 2 finishes

Index 51↓ 28.7%
51
↓ 28.7%$223€199
$223€199Check ↗
36
HIFIMAN Edition XSHIFIMAN · 2 finishes

Index 50↓ 18.6%
50
↓ 18.6%$245€219
$245€219Check ↗
37
HIFIMAN HE1000 UnveiledHIFIMAN · 2 finishes

Index 50↓ 18.9%
50
↓ 18.9%$2,688€2,399
$2,688€2,399Check ↗
38
Sennheiser HD599 Open Back Headphones - 50 OhmsHD 599 · Sennheiser

Index 46↓ 6.7%
46
↓ 6.7%$156€139
$156€139Check ↗
39
AKG K702 Open-Back Studio Reference HeadphonesK-702 · AKG

Index 45↑ 28.8%
45
↑ 28.8%$201€179
$201€179Check ↗
40
Sennheiser HD 600 Professional HeadphonesHD 600 · Sennheiser

Index 45↓ 5.1%
45
↓ 5.1%$335€299
$335€299Check ↗
41
HIFIMAN ARYA UnveiledHIFIMAN

Index 45↓ 21.9%
45
↓ 21.9%$1,400€1,249
$1,400€1,249Check ↗
42
Meze Audio 105 AerMeze Audio

Index 44↓ 25.1%
44
↓ 25.1%$335€299
$335€299Check ↗
43
Sennheiser HD 660S2Sennheiser

Index 44↓ 12.0%
44
↓ 12.0%$492€439
$492€439Check ↗
44
HIFIMAN ANANDA NanoHIFIMAN

Index 43↓ 13.2%
43
↓ 13.2%$369€329
$369€329Check ↗
45
HIFIMAN ARYA OrganicHIFIMAN

Index 42↓ 11.3%
42
↓ 11.3%$884€789
$884€789Check ↗
46
Fostex TH1100RP Open-Back Planar Magnetic HeadphonesTH1100RP · Fostex

Index 42↓ 14.7%
42
↓ 14.7%$3,137€2,799
$3,137€2,799Check ↗
47
Sennheiser HD-200 ProSennheiser

Index 41↓ 5.8%
41
↓ 5.8%$73€65
$73€65Check ↗
48
JVC HA-S95NJVC

Index 41↓ 19.8%
41
↓ 19.8%$100€89
$100€89Check ↗
49
Roland RH-200 Over-Ear HeadphonesRH-200 · Roland

Index 41Stable
41
Stable$106€95
$106€95Check ↗
50
Meze Audio Alba SMeze Audio · 2 finishes

Index 41Stable
41
Stable$145€129
$145€129Check ↗
51
Sennheiser HP 02-100Sennheiser

Index 41↓ 5.7%
41
↓ 5.7%$369€329
$369€329Check ↗
52
Fostex TH616Fostex

Index 41↓ 18.9%
41
↓ 18.9%$817€729
$817€729Check ↗
53
JVC HA-S75NJVC

Index 40↓ 12.7%
40
↓ 12.7%$77€69
$77€69Check ↗
54
Sennheiser HD 569Sennheiser

Index 40↓ 5.2%
40
↓ 5.2%$122€109
$122€109Check ↗
55
Meze Audio 99 Classics 2nd GenerationMeze Audio

Index 39↓ 6.9%
39
↓ 6.9%$364€325
$364€325Check ↗
56
Sennheiser HD-490 PROSennheiser

Index 39↓ 2.9%
39
↓ 2.9%$380€339
$380€339Check ↗
57
Sennheiser IE 200Sennheiser

Index 38Stable
38
Stable$145€129
$145€129Check ↗
58
Avantone Planar the II RedAvantone · 2 finishes

Index 38Stable
38
Stable$481€429
$481€429Check ↗
59
HIFIMAN ANANDA unveiledHIFIMAN

Index 38↓ 1.8%
38
↓ 1.8%$615€549
$615€549Check ↗
60
AIAIAI Tracks USB-C WhiteAIAIAI · 2 finishes

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$66€59
$66€59Check ↗
61
HIFIMAN SUNDARA Closed BackHIFIMAN

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$156€139
$156€139Check ↗
62
HIFIMAN Audivina LEHIFIMAN

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$447€399
$447€399Check ↗
63
HIFIMAN ARYA StealthHIFIMAN

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$738€659
$738€659Check ↗
64
HIFIMAN HE 600HIFIMAN

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$929€829
$929€829Check ↗
65
Dan Clark Audio AEON 2 Open-BackDan Clark Audio

Index 37↓ 11.6%
37
↓ 11.6%$940€839
$940€839Check ↗
66
HIFIMAN HE-R 10 PHIFIMAN

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$6,835€6,099
$6,835€6,099Check ↗
67
HIFIMAN SUSVARAHIFIMAN

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$7,506€6,698
$7,506€6,698Check ↗
68
HIFIMAN SUSVARA UnveiledHIFIMAN

Index 37Stable
37
Stable$9,859€8,798
$9,859€8,798Check ↗
69
Meze Audio 105 SilvaMeze Audio

Index 36Stable
36
Stable$559€499
$559€499Check ↗
70
Meze Audio StradaMeze Audio

Index 36Stable
36
Stable$895€799
$895€799Check ↗
71
Meze Audio 109 ProMeze Audio

Index 36Stable
36
Stable$895€799
$895€799Check ↗
72
Meze Audio AstruMeze Audio

Index 36Stable
36
Stable$1,007€899
$1,007€899Check ↗
73
Meze Audio PoetMeze Audio

Index 36Stable
36
Stable$2,240€1,999
$2,240€1,999Check ↗
74
Fostex TH1000RP Closed-Back Planar Magnetic HeadphonesTH1000RP · Fostex

Index 36↓ 1.6%
36
↓ 1.6%$3,349€2,989
$3,349€2,989Check ↗
75
Meze Audio Empyrean IIMeze Audio

Index 36Stable
36
Stable$3,361€2,999
$3,361€2,999Check ↗
76
Meze Audio Elite TungstenMeze Audio

Index 36Stable
36
Stable$4,482€4,000
$4,482€4,000Check ↗
77
Fostex TH1000RPmk2Fostex

Index 34Stable
34
Stable$3,404€3,038
$3,404€3,038Check ↗
78
Fostex TH1100RPmk2Fostex

Index 34Stable
34
Stable$3,677€3,281
$3,677€3,281Check ↗
79
Gewa HP NINE-XGewa

Index 33Stable
33
Stable$73€65
$73€65Check ↗
80
Avantone Planar the II CremeAvantone

Index 33↓ 1.4%
33
↓ 1.4%$481€429
$481€429Check ↗
81
HEDD HEDDphone OneHEDD

Index 33Stable
33
Stable$1,848€1,649
$1,848€1,649Check ↗
82
HEDD HEDDphone Two GT UnpluggedHEDD

Index 33Stable
33
Stable$1,893€1,689
$1,893€1,689Check ↗
83
HEDD HEDDphone Two GTHEDD

Index 33Stable
33
Stable$2,408€2,149
$2,408€2,149Check ↗
84
Audeze CRBN2Audeze

Index 33Stable
33
Stable$7,564€6,750
$7,564€6,750Check ↗
85
Beyerdynamic TYGR 300 R Open Back HeadsetTYGR 300 R · beyerdynamic

Index 32Stable
32
Stable$178€159
$178€159Check ↗
86
Austrian Audio The ArrangerAustrian Audio

Index 32Stable
32
Stable$1,119€999
$1,119€999Check ↗
87
Austrian Audio The ComposerAustrian Audio

Index 32Stable
32
Stable$2,800€2,499
$2,800€2,499Check ↗
88
Kawai SH-9Kawai

Index 30Stable
30
Stable$111€99
$111€99Check ↗
89
Dexibell DX HF7Dexibell

Index 30Stable
30
Stable$118€105
$118€105Check ↗
90
Grell OAE 2Grell

Index 30Stable
30
Stable$559€499
$559€499Check ↗
91
ArcTec AB 92ArcTec

Index 30Stable
30
Stable$2,688€2,399
$2,688€2,399Check ↗
92
Audeze LCD-2 Classic Open SystemAudeze

Index 28↑ 10.9%
28
↑ 10.9%$1,007€899
$1,007€899Check ↗
93
Dan Clark Audio Noire XDan Clark Audio

Index 28↑ 9.0%
28
↑ 9.0%$1,342€1,198
$1,342€1,198Check ↗
94
Sennheiser HD 620S Mic BundleSennheiser

Index 25↓ 8.8%
25
↓ 8.8%$301€269
$301€269Check ↗

HiFi Headphones by the numbers

Measured across all 113 models we track, not a sample.

Price distribution

Median $206 — half of all hifi headphones here cost less.

<$50$50–150$150–300$300–500$500–1k$1k–2k$2k–5k$5k+

How the AudioFu Index works

Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.

This chart covers 113 hifi headphones from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.

AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.

Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.

Questions

What should I look for when buying hifi headphones?

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

How much should I spend on hifi headphones?

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Are expensive hifi headphones worth the investment?

Higher-priced hifi headphones typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

What are the best brands for hifi headphones?

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Should I buy hifi headphones online or in-store?

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.