Head to head · for music listening
HIFIMAN Sundara vs Edition XS
More people recommend the HIFIMAN Sundara overall (79 vs 27). Only 1 of the 49 comments naming both explicitly choose one (0 for the HIFIMAN Sundara, 1 for the HIFIMAN Edition XS), too few to call a winner.
- Comments naming both
- 49
- Say they own both
- 2
- Choose the Sundara
- 0
- Choose the Edition XS
- 1
Counted across 20 review videos, harvested Sep 2026. A comment counts as a choice only when it says so in plain words (prefer X over Y, upgraded from Y to X); questions never count. Quotes are whole sentences of 12 words or fewer, linked to where they were said. How we count.
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | $179cheaper | $209 |
| Overall rank | #7higher | #22 |
| People who recommend it | 79more | 27 |
| Say they own it | 112more | 36 |
| Mentions | 806more | 304 |
| Type | open-back planar wired | open-back planar wired |
| Known for | Planar detailHomeAmp helps | PlanarSpaceValue |
| Best for | Best planar-magnetic sound under $200 for someone who already has, or will buy, a small desktop amp. | The planar to buy when you want Arya-style space for a fraction of the price. |
| Buy | Amazon · $179 | Amazon · $209Direct |
People who mention both, in their own words
“Edition XS > Sundara >>>> ALL”
Picks the Edition XSA commenter under Best Headphones Under $500 Compared! (The Headphone Show) · Sep 2022
#7 overall
HIFIMAN Sundara
6 of the 49 comments naming both come from people who say they own this one.
What owners love
- Planar speed and detail that people say is unmatched at the price
- Good soundstage and imaging; responds well to EQ
- Frequently on sale or open-box direct from HIFIMAN, which is how many owners bought it
- Comfortable and clean; several owners say they stopped shopping after buying it
The complaints
- Needs a proper amp or DAC/amp; weak from a phone
- Older units had driver failures and some people call HIFIMAN build and quality control poor
- Tuning takes getting used to; a couple of listeners simply do not like planars
In their words
“I bought the Sundara on your recommendations and really love it”
A commenter under Sundara v 660S v 1990 (Under $500 Headphone Comparison) (Joshua Valour) · Feb 2020
“I got my Sundaras at a crazy price, and I love them”
A commenter under The Best Deal in Audio... Period. (Joshua Valour) · Nov 2024
“I use the sundaras and i would recommend them”
A commenter under Why Do All Streamers Use These Headphones? (Dagwummy) · Jul 2023
#22 overall
HIFIMAN Edition XS
3 of the 49 comments naming both come from people who say they own this one.
What owners love
- Owners call it the best sound under $300 and better than anything in the $300-500 range
- Huge soundstage and clarity; takes EQ bass boosts without distortion
- The price keeps dropping, and people who bought at $169-$270 call it the best deal in audio
The complaints
- The headband and build: thin stock pads and a strap many owners mod or replace
- Big and awkward for some heads; uncomfortable for a minority
- HIFIMAN quality control and support worry owners
- Needs a DAC/amp to shine
In their words
“I really love my Hifiman Edition XS, cheap but really amazing pair”
A commenter under The Headphones I actually use. (DankPods) · Sep 2024
“I also have the HiFiman Edition XS and love them as well”
A commenter under Why You SHOULDN'T Buy HD 600... & What To Get Instead (The Headphone Show) · Sep 2025
“to Hifiman Edition XS and love them too”
A commenter under Don't Buy Studio Headphones Until You See This Tier List! (Under $500) (Andrew Chapman Creative) · Dec 2025