HiFiMAN HE 6 vs HiFiMAN HE 600: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN HE 600 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 74. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: HiFiMAN HE 600 - Good overall at around $799.

Over-Ear

Score breakdown

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

HiFiMAN HE 600 leads on 3 of 4 measures.

HiFiMAN HE 6
HiFiMAN HE 600

HearWiki score

Sound

8.5

8.0

Value

6.0

7.5

Price (USD)

$1,300

$800

Specifications

HE 6HE 600

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $1,300; $800
HearWiki score: 69; 74
Released: 2010; 2025
Availability: Discontinued; Sold new
Driver: 60 mm planar magnetic; 100 mm planar magnetic
Driver type: planar; planar
Driver size: 60 mm; 100 mm
Drivers per side: -; 1
Frequency response: 8 Hz - 65 kHz; 8 Hz - 65 kHz
Sound signature: neutral-bright; neutral
Impedance: 50 Ω; 28 Ω
Sensitivity: -; 94 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling: -; No
Weight: 502 g; 389 g
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
USB-C: -; No
Connector: 6.35 mm; 3.5 mm
Balanced connection: Yes; Yes

Specification comparison of HiFiMAN HE 6 vs HiFiMAN HE 600
Spec	HiFiMAN HE 6	HiFiMAN HE 600
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$1,300	$800
HearWiki score	69 / 100 Good	74 / 100 Good
Released	2010	2025
Audio
Driver	60 mm planar magnetic	100 mm planar magnetic
Driver type	planar	planar
Driver size	60 mm	100 mm
Drivers per side	-	1
Frequency response	8 Hz - 65 kHz	8 Hz - 65 kHz
Sound signature	neutral-bright	neutral
Impedance	50 Ω	28 Ω
Sensitivity	-	94 dB/mW
Features
Active noise cancelling	-	No
Design
Weight	502 g	389 g
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
USB-C	-	No
Connector	6.35 mm	3.5 mm
Balanced connection	Yes	Yes

What reviewers said

HiFiMAN HE 6

The HiFiMAN HE 6 is a demanding planar headphone that rewards owners with a bright, detailed, and highly resolving sound. It offers exceptional technical performance, especially in clarity and speed, but requires a powerful amplifier to reach its full potential. Its neutral-bright tuning and heavy build make it a niche choice for serious listeners who prioritize precision over warmth.

Pro:Outstanding resolution and micro-detail retrieval
Pro:Fast, precise transient response typical of top-tier planars
Pro:Balanced connection option for improved channel separation

Con:Very low sensitivity demands a powerful dedicated amp
Con:Bright treble can be fatiguing on poorly mastered tracks
Con:Heavy and bulky, lacking comfort for long sessions

HiFiMAN HE 600

The HiFiMAN HE600 is an open-back planar headphone that modernizes the classic HE6 concept with a lighter build and easier amplification needs, while retaining a clean, detailed, and balanced sonic character. It offers strong technical performance for its price, though its tight clamping force and slight shortfall in sheer tactility compared to its predecessor are notable trade-offs.

Pro:Clean, well-extended bass with good detail
Pro:Natural and articulate mids with smooth treble
Pro:More practical to drive than the original HE6

Con:Strong clamping force reduces comfort
Con:Not a full upgrade over the HE6 in depth and tactility
Con:Still requires decent amplification to shine

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

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