HiFiMAN Ananda Unveiled vs Shure Srh840a: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN Ananda Unveiled comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 81. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: HiFiMAN Ananda Unveiled - Great overall at around $399.

Over-Ear

Score breakdown

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

HiFiMAN Ananda Unveiled leads on 3 of 4 measures.

HiFiMAN Ananda Unveiled
Shure Srh840a

HearWiki score

Sound

8.6

8.0

Value

8.7

7.5

Price (USD)

$400

$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 HiFiMAN Ananda Unveiled is 3 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

Ananda Unveiled20253 yr newer
Srh840a2022

Specifications

Ananda UnveiledSrh840a

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $400; $170
HearWiki score: 81; 71
Released: 2025; 2022
Availability: Sold new; Discontinued
Driver: 80 mm planar magnetic; 40 mm dynamic
Driver type: planar; dynamic
Driver size: 80 mm; 40 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 5 Hz - 55 kHz; 5 Hz - 25 kHz
Impedance: 22 Ω; 40 Ω
Sensitivity: 93 dB/mW; 97 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling: -; No
Controls: -; buttons
Weight: 449 g; 273 g
Foldable: -; Yes
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
USB-C: No; No
Balanced connection: Yes; -

Specification comparison of HiFiMAN Ananda Unveiled vs Shure Srh840a
Spec	HiFiMAN Ananda Unveiled	Shure Srh840a
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$400	$170
HearWiki score	81 / 100 Great	71 / 100 Good
Released	2025	2022
Audio
Driver	80 mm planar magnetic	40 mm dynamic
Driver type	planar	dynamic
Driver size	80 mm	40 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	5 Hz - 55 kHz	5 Hz - 25 kHz
Impedance	22 Ω	40 Ω
Sensitivity	93 dB/mW	97 dB/mW
Features
Active noise cancelling	-	No
Controls	-	buttons
Design
Weight	449 g	273 g
Foldable	-	Yes
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
USB-C	No	No
Balanced connection	Yes	-

What reviewers said

HiFiMAN Ananda Unveiled

The HiFiMAN Ananda Unveiled is an open-back planar headphone that delivers a highly detailed and spacious sound, with notable strengths in bass, midrange, and imaging, alongside improved comfort over earlier models. It offers solid value at its price point, though its presentation may not suit everyone, and it carries some compromises in build and accessories.

Pro:Detailed and resolving planar sound
Pro:Comfortable fit for extended listening
Pro:Strong bass and midrange performance

Con:Stock accessories and packaging feel basic
Con:Headband build lacks premium feel
Con:Bass impact and vocals may not suit all tastes

Shure Srh840a

This wired over-ear headphone offers a balanced, monitoring-focused sound with a slight bass lift and a subtle upper-mid dip, making it a reliable choice for studio tracking and casual listening. It features a lower impedance for easier use with various devices, a detachable cable, and a foldable design for portability, all wrapped in a practical, professional-looking build. Overall, it's a solid, no-frills performer that improves on its predecessor with better efficiency and usability.

Pro:Clear, flat midrange ideal for monitoring
Pro:Lower impedance works well with portable gear
Pro:Detachable cable and foldable design add convenience

Con:Slight bass emphasis may not suit purists
Con:Upper midrange dip can affect vocal presence
Con:No wireless or noise-canceling features

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

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparison HiFiMAN Ananda Unveiled Shure Srh840a