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HiFiMAN Ananda vs HiFiMAN Ananda Nano: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN Ananda Nano comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: HiFiMAN Ananda Nano - Great overall at around $319.

Score breakdown

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

HiFiMAN Ananda
Sound8.0
Value7.0
HiFiMAN Ananda Nano
Sound8.5
Value8.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of HiFiMAN Ananda vs HiFiMAN Ananda Nano
SpecHiFiMAN AnandaHiFiMAN Ananda Nano
TypeOver-EarOver-Ear
Price (USD)$340$319
HearWiki score78 / 100 · Great84 / 100 · Great
Released-2023
Audio
DriverPlanarplanar
Drivers per side21
Frequency response8Hz-55kHz5Hz-55kHz
Sound signatureNeutral-
Impedance26 Ω14 Ω
Sensitivity93 dB/mW94 dB/mW
Wireless
Multipoint pairing-No
Features
Active noise cancelling-No
Design
Weight399 g419 g
FoldableNo-
Detachable cableYes-
USB-CNoNo
Balanced connectionYesYes

What reviewers said

HiFiMAN Ananda

The HiFiMAN Ananda is an open-back planar headphone that offers a neutral, highly detailed sound with a wide, airy soundstage. It is notably easier to drive than many other planars, making it a practical choice for use with lighter or portable gear, while also providing long-lasting comfort for extended listening. Its balanced tuning and technical refinement make it a strong contender for critical listening, though its basic cable and mediocre gaming performance hold it back slightly.

  • Pro:Easy to drive for a planar design
  • Pro:Spacious and well-defined soundstage
  • Pro:Comfortable for long listening sessions
  • Con:Stock cable feels cheap and basic
  • Con:Not ideal for gaming use
  • Con:Slightly bright treble can be fatiguing at high volumes

HiFiMAN Ananda Nano

The HiFiMAN Ananda Nano is a highly efficient open-back planar headphone that pairs stealth magnet and nanometer diaphragm tech for fast, detailed sound. Its low impedance and high sensitivity make it surprisingly easy to drive with portable gear, while delivering strong dynamics, resolution, and a spacious stage for its price. It's a clear step up from earlier Ananda models, though some ergonomic and accessory compromises remain.

  • Pro:Exceptional efficiency for a planar, works well with portable sources
  • Pro:Fast transients and low distortion for crisp, detailed audio
  • Pro:Wide, immersive soundstage with solid dynamics
  • Con:Clamp force may feel tight for some listeners
  • Con:Included accessories are fairly minimal
  • Con:Open-back design leaks sound and 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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