
HiFiMAN Ananda vs Wavefun Wave Pro X: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Wavefun Wave Pro X comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 89. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Wavefun Wave Pro X leads on 6 of 7 measures.
- HiFiMAN Ananda
- Wavefun Wave Pro X
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?
The Wavefun Wave Pro X is 8 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 Wavefun Wave Pro X adds USB-C. For 8 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Ananda2018
- Wave Pro X20268 yr newer
- USB-C
- No
- Yes
Everyday features
Specifications
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $250
- $130
- HearWiki score
- 76
- 89
- Released
- 2018
- 2026
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Sold new
- Driver
- planar magnetic
- 2× 40 mm dynamic
- Driver type
- planar
- dynamic
- Driver size
- -
- 40 mm
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 2
- Frequency response
- 8 Hz - 55 kHz
- 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- Sound signature
- neutral
- -
- Impedance
- 26 Ω
- -
- Sensitivity
- 93 dB/mW
- -
- Bluetooth
- -
- 6.0
- Wireless range
- -
- 10 m
- Battery life
- -
- 100 h
- Battery life (ANC on)
- -
- 60 h
- Wireless charging
- -
- Yes
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- Yes
- Transparency mode
- -
- Yes
- Wear detection
- -
- Yes
- Weight
- 399 g
- -
- Foldable
- No
- Yes
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- No
- Yes
- Balanced connection
- Yes
- -
What reviewers said
HiFiMAN Ananda
The HiFiMAN Ananda is a planar magnetic over-ear designed for neutral, critical listening, offering an impressively open and expansive soundstage. Its efficient 26-ohm driver makes it easier to drive than many older HiFiMAN models, while the lightweight 399g frame and plush pads ensure long-session comfort. With a detailed, slightly bright presentation and a balanced tone, it's a refined step-up for home listening, though its stock cable and non-foldable design may limit portability.
- Pro:Excellent soundstage and imaging for an open-back
- Pro:Easy to drive for a planar, works with modest amps
- Pro:Very comfortable for extended listening sessions
- Con:Stock cable quality is a common weak point
- Con:Not foldable, limiting travel convenience
- Con:Slightly bright treble may not suit sensitive ears
Wavefun Wave Pro X
The Wavefun Wave Pro X is a versatile over-ear wireless headphone with a claimed 100-hour battery life (60 with ANC on), Bluetooth 6.0, and a foldable design for portability. It features active noise cancellation, transparency mode, wear detection, and a detachable cable for wired use, making it a strong budget-friendly option for everyday listening.
- Pro:Exceptional 100-hour battery life (60 with ANC)
- Pro:Includes ANC, transparency mode, and wear detection
- Pro:Foldable design with USB-C and wireless charging
- Con:No mention of high-resolution codec support in specs
- Con:Frequency response range is standard, not extended
- Con:Plastic build may feel less premium at this price
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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