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HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth vs HiFiMAN HE1000 WiFi: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 83. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth - Outstanding overall at around $1399.

Score breakdown

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

HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth leads on 4 of 5 measures.

  • HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth
  • HiFiMAN HE1000 WiFi
HearWiki score
83
77
Sound
9.3
9.2
Battery
-
4.5
Value
8.8
5.8
Price (USD)
$1,400
$2,700

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 HE1000 WiFi is 2 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 HiFiMAN HE1000 WiFi adds USB-C.

  • HE 1000 Stealth2023
  • HE1000 WiFi20252 yr newer
What differsHE 1000 StealthHE1000 WiFi

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

HE 1000 StealthHE1000 WiFi
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$1,400
$2,700
HearWiki score
83
77
Released
2023
2025
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
planar magnetic
planar magnetic
Driver type
planar
planar
Drivers per side
1
-
Frequency response
8 Hz - 65 kHz
8 Hz - 65 kHz
Sound signature
neutral
-
Impedance
32 Ω
32 Ω
Sensitivity
93 dB/mW
-
Codecs
-
SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
-
No
Battery life
-
23 h
Full charge time
-
180 min
Wireless charging
-
No
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
-
none
Transparency mode
-
No
Companion app
-
No
Custom EQ
-
No
Wear detection
-
No
Weight
458 g
452 g
Water resistance
-
none
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
No
Yes
Connector
6.35 mm
-
Balanced connection
Yes
-

What reviewers said

HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth

The HiFiMAN HE 1000 Stealth is a wired, open-back planar magnetic flagship that delivers a neutral, highly detailed sound signature. It's easier to drive than typical planars thanks to its 32-ohm impedance and 93 dB sensitivity, yet still rewards quality amplification. With its relatively lightweight build for a large headphone and detachable balanced cable, it offers strong technical performance and comfort, though its size and price may not suit everyone.

  • Pro:Refined, neutral sound with excellent detail
  • Pro:Easier to drive than most planar headphones
  • Pro:Comfortable for its large over-ear design
  • Con:Still relatively heavy at 458 grams
  • Con:Large fit may be awkward for smaller heads
  • Con:Treble can sound uneven on bright recordings

HiFiMAN HE1000 WiFi

The HiFiMAN HE1000 WiFi is a premium open-back planar magnetic headphone that merges high-resolution wireless streaming with integrated DAC/amp hardware. It supports WiFi, Bluetooth, and USB audio with codecs like LDAC and aptX HD, delivering a flagship-level listening experience in a comfortable, 452-gram frame. Its 23-hour battery life and lack of ANC make it a niche choice for audiophiles seeking untethered, high-fidelity sound.

  • Pro:Excellent planar magnetic sound quality with wide frequency response
  • Pro:Versatile connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, and USB-C audio
  • Pro:Supports high-res codecs including LDAC and aptX HD
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or transparency mode
  • Con:Heavy at 452 grams for extended wear
  • Con:No app support or custom EQ for tuning

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

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