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Alienware Pro Wireless vs HiFiMAN Sundara: 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 6 of 7 measures.

  • Alienware Pro Wireless
  • HiFiMAN Sundara
HearWiki score
86
79
Sound
8.7
8.5
Noise cancelling
8.1
-
Battery
9.1
-
Calls
8.7
-
Value
8.6
9.3
Price (USD)
$120
$180

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 6 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 6 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Pro Wireless20246 yr newer
  • Sundara2018
What differsPro WirelessSundara

Everyday features

USB-C
Yes
No

Specifications

Pro WirelessSundara
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$120
$180
HearWiki score
86
79
Released
2024
2018
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
50 mm driver
80 mm planar magnetic
Driver type
-
planar
Driver size
50 mm
80 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 40 kHz
6 Hz - 75 kHz
Impedance
32 Ω
32 Ω
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
-
Transparency mode
Yes
-
Weight
310 g
342 g
Foldable
-
No
Detachable cable
-
Yes
USB-C
Yes
No
Pad material
leatherette
-
Clamp force
365 g
-
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 Sundara

The HiFiMAN Sundara are open-back planar magnetic over-ears that deliver highly accurate, neutral sound with strong detail retrieval and a wide soundstage, making them a favorite for critical listening. They offer solid build and comfort for the price, though their bright treble and stock cable are common points of criticism. With a balanced connector and detachable cable, they also respond well to EQ for those wanting to tailor the tuning.

  • Pro:Very accurate, neutral sound reproduction
  • Pro:Detailed mids and highs with fast transient response
  • Pro:Spacious soundstage for an open-back design
  • Con:Treble can sound sharp or forward on bright tracks
  • Con:Stock cable quality is below par
  • Con:Quality control can be inconsistent

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

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