Over-Ear
Audio-Technica Ad500x
72Good
$85
Full review dataAudio-Technica Ad500x vs HiFiMAN HE 400i Ver.2020: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN HE 400i Ver.2020 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 82. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: HiFiMAN HE 400i Ver.2020 - Great overall at around $169.
Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 400i Ver.2020
82Great
$169
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Audio-Technica Ad500x
Sound7.5
Value8.0
HiFiMAN HE 400i Ver.2020
Sound8.5
Value9.0
Specifications
| Spec | Audio-Technica Ad500x | HiFiMAN HE 400i Ver.2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $85 | $169 |
| HearWiki score | 72 / 100 · Good | 82 / 100 · Great |
| Released | - | 2020 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | planar |
| Driver size | 53 mm | 70 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 5 - 25,000 Hz | 20Hz-35kHz |
| Impedance | 48 Ω | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW | 93 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | none | - |
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Battery | ||
| Wireless charging | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| ANC type | none | - |
| Transparency mode | No | - |
| Companion app | No | - |
| Custom EQ | No | - |
| Wear detection | No | - |
| Controls | none | none |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 235 g | 370 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | No | No |
| Balanced connection | - | Yes |
What reviewers said
Audio-Technica Ad500x
The Audio-Technica AD500X is an open-back, over-ear headphone that prioritizes comfort and a natural, airy sound. Its self-adjusting wing system and lightweight frame make it easy to wear for long sessions, while the 53mm drivers deliver a clear, detailed presentation with a notably wide soundstage. It's a wired-only model, so it's best suited for home listening setups.
- Pro:Very comfortable, pressure-free fit
- Pro:Spacious, open soundstage
- Pro:Clear and detailed treble
- Con:No wireless or Bluetooth connectivity
- Con:No included cable or accessories
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound
HiFiMAN HE 400i Ver.2020
The HiFiMAN HE 400i Ver.2020 is an open-back planar headphone that delivers impressive clarity and speed for its budget-friendly price. While its neutral tuning may benefit from EQ for some listeners, it offers solid comfort and strong overall value in the sub-$200 range. Its main limitations include lighter bass response and an open design that lacks isolation.
- Pro:Fast, resolving planar sound with good detail
- Pro:Comfortable fit for extended listening sessions
- Pro:Excellent value for the price
- Con:Tuning can sound sharp on bright tracks
- Con:Bass is lighter compared to some rivals
- Con:No carrying case included
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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