Skip to content
HearWiki

HiFiMAN HE 400i Ver.2020 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.

Our pick: Wavefun Wave Pro X - Outstanding overall at around $130.

Score breakdown

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

Wavefun Wave Pro X leads on 7 of 7 measures.

  • HiFiMAN HE 400i Ver.2020
  • Wavefun Wave Pro X
HearWiki score
65
89
Sound
7.6
8.5
Noise cancelling
-
8.0
Battery
-
9.5
Calls
-
7.5
Value
6.4
9.0
Price (USD)
$170
$130

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 Wavefun Wave Pro X is 6 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 6 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • HE 400i Ver.20202020
  • Wave Pro X20266 yr newer
What differsHE 400i Ver.2020Wave Pro X

Everyday features

USB-C
No
Yes

Specifications

HE 400i Ver.2020Wave Pro X
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$170
$130
HearWiki score
65
89
Released
2020
2026
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
70 mm planar magnetic
2× 40 mm dynamic
Driver type
planar
dynamic
Driver size
70 mm
40 mm
Drivers per side
1
2
Frequency response
20 Hz - 35 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
35 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
No
Yes
Transparency mode
-
Yes
Wear detection
-
Yes
Controls
none
-
Weight
370 g
-
Foldable
-
Yes
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes
Connector
6.35 mm
-
Balanced connection
Yes
-

What reviewers said

HiFiMAN HE 400i Ver.2020

The HiFiMAN HE 400i Ver.2020 is a budget-friendly planar magnetic headphone that delivers a fast, detailed, and spacious sound, making it a strong choice for critical listening. While its open-back design offers a natural soundstage, the tuning may benefit from EQ to tame brightness and address lighter bass, especially from portable sources. It represents solid value for its price, though it lacks extra accessories and isolation.

  • Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and speed
  • Pro:Comfortable fit for long sessions
  • Pro:Strong value in the sub-$200 range
  • Con:Tuning can sound bright on some recordings
  • Con:Sub-bass is light, especially from weaker sources
  • Con:Open-back design offers no isolation

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.

Compare something else

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

New comparisonHiFiMAN HE 400i Ver.2020Wavefun Wave Pro X