HiFiMAN Edition Xs vs HiFiMAN Edition Xv: which should you buy?

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

Our pick: HiFiMAN Edition Xv - Great overall at around $275.

Over-Ear

Score breakdown

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

Neither pulls ahead overall - they trade wins across the measures.

HiFiMAN Edition Xs
HiFiMAN Edition Xv

HearWiki score

Sound

8.5

8.6

Value

9.3

9.2

Price (USD)

$270

$280

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 Edition Xv 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.

Edition Xs2022
Edition Xv20253 yr newer

Specifications

Edition XsEdition Xv

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $270; $280
HearWiki score: 75; 84
Released: 2022; 2025
Availability: Discontinued; Sold new
Driver: 80 mm planar magnetic; 80 mm planar magnetic
Driver type: planar; planar
Driver size: 80 mm; 80 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 8 Hz - 50 kHz; 8 Hz - 50 kHz
Impedance: 18 Ω; 12 Ω
Sensitivity: -; 92 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Controls: none; none
Weight: 405 g; 452 g
Foldable: No; -
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
USB-C: No; -
Balanced connection: Yes; Yes

Specification comparison of HiFiMAN Edition Xs vs HiFiMAN Edition Xv
Spec	HiFiMAN Edition Xs	HiFiMAN Edition Xv
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$270	$280
HearWiki score	75 / 100 Good	84 / 100 Great
Released	2022	2025
Audio
Driver	80 mm planar magnetic	80 mm planar magnetic
Driver type	planar	planar
Driver size	80 mm	80 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	8 Hz - 50 kHz	8 Hz - 50 kHz
Impedance	18 Ω	12 Ω
Sensitivity	-	92 dB/mW
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Controls	none	none
Design
Weight	405 g	452 g
Foldable	No	-
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
USB-C	No	-
Balanced connection	Yes	Yes

What reviewers said

HiFiMAN Edition Xs

The HiFiMAN Edition XS is a budget-friendly planar magnetic headphone that delivers impressive soundstage width, strong detail retrieval, and solid bass response for the price. It's best enjoyed in a stationary setting, as its open-back design leaks sound and the fit can be inconsistent, while its bright treble may not appeal to all listeners.

Pro:Excellent value for planar performance
Pro:Wide, open soundstage with good imaging
Pro:Strong detail and fast transient response

Con:Comfort can vary due to headband design
Con:Bright upper treble may cause fatigue
Con:Significant sound leakage; not portable-friendly

HiFiMAN Edition Xv

The HiFiMAN Edition Xv is an open-back planar headphone that leans toward a warm, smooth sound with gentle treble and lush bass/mids, making it easy to listen to for extended sessions. It offers spacious, immersive staging and pairs well with modest gear, though its midrange can feel veiled or overly warm and its accessories and ergonomics don't match the sonic quality.

Pro:Warm, forgiving tuning that's easy on the ears
Pro:Spacious, immersive soundstage
Pro:Comfortable for long listening despite weight

Con:Midrange can sound veiled or less defined
Con:Headband stiffness can affect fit
Con:Build and accessories feel less premium than price suggests

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

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