Over-Ear
Beyerdynamic T5 3rd
84Great
$1,000
Full review dataBeyerdynamic T5 3rd vs HiFiMAN HE 1000se: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN HE 1000se comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: HiFiMAN HE 1000se - Outstanding overall at around $1699.
Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 1000se
88Outstanding
$1,700
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Beyerdynamic T5 3rd
Sound8.5
Value7.0
HiFiMAN HE 1000se
Sound9.5
Value6.5
Specifications
| Spec | Beyerdynamic T5 3rd | HiFiMAN HE 1000se |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1,000 | $1,700 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2020 | 2018 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | planar |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-50kHz | 8Hz-65kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bright neutral |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW | 96 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 360 g | 440 g |
| USB-C | No | - |
| Balanced connection | Yes | Yes |
What reviewers said
Beyerdynamic T5 3rd
The Beyerdynamic T5 3rd is a premium closed-back headphone that combines easy drivability with a wide frequency response, making it suitable for both portable and hi-res listening. Its lightweight, comfortable build and solid construction earn consistent praise, positioning it as a strong high-end option for those prioritizing convenience and quality. While it excels in everyday use, its low-impedance design offers limited headroom for dedicated amplifier enthusiasts.
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
- Pro:Easy to drive from low-power devices
- Pro:Wide frequency response for hi-res audio
- Con:Limited benefit from dedicated amplifiers
- Con:Closed-back design may restrict soundstage
- Con:Price is steep for some buyers
HiFiMAN HE 1000se
The HiFiMAN HE1000se is a high-end planar magnetic headphone that delivers exceptional detail retrieval and a spacious, airy soundstage. Its bright-neutral tuning offers strong bass and treble extension, though the prominent treble can become harsh with lower-quality recordings. While its 35-ohm impedance and 96 dB sensitivity make it moderately easy to drive, it still benefits from quality amplification to perform at its best.
- Pro:Outstanding resolution and micro-detail clarity
- Pro:Wide, airy soundstage with excellent instrument separation
- Pro:Strong extension at both frequency extremes
- Con:Bright, peaky treble can fatigue on poorly mastered tracks
- Con:Requires a decent amp despite moderate sensitivity
- Con:Midrange lacks warmth and body for some tastes
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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