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Alienware Pro Wireless vs HiFiMAN HE 400i Ver.2020: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Alienware Pro Wireless comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Alienware Pro Wireless - Outstanding overall at around $125.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Alienware Pro Wireless leads on 7 of 7 measures.

  • Alienware Pro Wireless
  • HiFiMAN HE 400i Ver.2020
HearWiki score
86
65
Sound
8.7
7.6
Noise cancelling
8.1
-
Battery
9.1
-
Calls
8.7
-
Value
8.6
6.4
Price (USD)
$120
$170

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The Alienware Pro Wireless is 4 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Alienware Pro Wireless adds USB-C. For 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Pro Wireless20244 yr newer
  • HE 400i Ver.20202020
What differsPro WirelessHE 400i Ver.2020

Everyday features

USB-C
Yes
No

Specifications

Pro WirelessHE 400i Ver.2020
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$120
$170
HearWiki score
86
65
Released
2024
2020
Availability
Still sold new
Discontinued
Driver
50 mm driver
70 mm planar magnetic
Driver type
-
planar
Driver size
50 mm
70 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 40 kHz
20 Hz - 35 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
35 Ω
Sensitivity
-
93 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
-
Codecs
SBC
-
Multipoint pairing
No
-
Battery life
70 h
-
Battery life (ANC on)
35 h
-
Quick charge
15 min → 6 h
-
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
Transparency mode
Yes
-
Controls
-
none
Weight
310 g
370 g
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
Yes
No
Pad material
leatherette
-
Clamp force
365 g
-
Connector
-
6.35 mm
Balanced connection
-
Yes
Microphones
2
-
Call noise reduction
Yes
-
Call NR technology
AI ENC
-

What reviewers said

Alienware Pro Wireless

Its leatherette pads and moderate 310g weight aim for comfort during long sessions, while the 2.4GHz wireless option and USB-C charging add versatility for desk and on-the-go use. Sound quality is generally strong, but the microphone performance and a single SBC codec limit keep it from being a flawless all-rounder.

  • Pro:Excellent battery life, especially with ANC off
  • Pro:Comfortable leatherette ear pads for long wear
  • Pro:Active noise cancellation and transparency mode included
  • Con:Microphone quality is underwhelming for the price
  • Con:Only SBC codec support limits high-res wireless audio
  • Con:No multipoint connection for seamless device switching

HiFiMAN HE 400i Ver.2020

The HiFiMAN HE 400i Ver.2020 is a budget-friendly planar magnetic headphone that delivers a fast, detailed, and spacious sound, making it a strong choice for critical listening. While its open-back design offers a natural soundstage, the tuning may benefit from EQ to tame brightness and address lighter bass, especially from portable sources. It represents solid value for its price, though it lacks extra accessories and isolation.

  • Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and speed
  • Pro:Comfortable fit for long sessions
  • Pro:Strong value in the sub-$200 range
  • Con:Tuning can sound bright on some recordings
  • Con:Sub-bass is light, especially from weaker sources
  • Con:Open-back design offers no isolation

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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