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HiFiMAN Ananda Stealth V3Image © Amazon

HiFiMAN Ananda Stealth V3

81/ 100
Outstanding
HearWiki score

Exceptional value

$250
typical price, USD
Still sold newupdated
Buy now onAmazon

At a glance

Brand
HiFiMAN
Type
Over-Ear
Fit
open
Connection
Wired
Noise cancelling
No
Released
2023

Score breakdownoutstanding overall

Sound8.5
Value9.4

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The HiFiMAN Ananda Stealth V3 is an open-back planar magnetic headphone that delivers a detailed, expansive soundstage and strong performance for its price point. Its lightweight design and detachable cable add convenience, though the lack of noise isolation and somewhat firm inner padding may not suit everyone. Overall, it’s a compelling option for listeners seeking high-fidelity audio without breaking the bank.

What works

  • Excellent value for planar magnetic performance
  • Open-back design provides a wide, airy soundstage
  • Detachable cable allows for easy upgrades or replacements
  • Relatively lightweight at 398g for long listening sessions
  • High sensitivity and low impedance make it easy to drive

What doesn't

  • Inner foam padding can feel firm and less comfortable for some
  • Open-back design offers no noise isolation, leaking sound in and out
  • Requires a quiet environment to fully appreciate its audio quality
  • May need a dedicated amplifier to reach its full potential despite low impedance

Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.

Specifications

Audio - HiFiMAN Ananda Stealth V3
Driverplanar magnetic
Driver typeplanar
Drivers per side1
Frequency response8 Hz - 55 kHz
Impedance16 Ω
Sensitivity93 dB/mW

Where to buy

Retailers we matched to this exact model. Prices are periodic snapshots - the link always opens the retailer's current listing.

What the reviews said

4 source(s) feeding this product's score.

pragmaticaudio.com

100

The reviewer calls the Ananda Stealth one of the best values in HIFIMAN’s lineup for most listeners. The tone of the review is strongly positive, with the model earning a top rating from the publication.

Read the full review

stwgames.eu

83

This review treats the Ananda Stealth V3 as a meaningful upgrade, but not one without tradeoffs. It is presented as a strong choice overall, especially for listeners who value planar sound and value, though it still has limitations.

Read the full review

theaudiostuff.com

88

The reviewer finds the Ananda Stealth to be a highly recommended open-back planar headphone that delivers strong performance for its price. The main criticism is that the inner foam is not very soft, which affects comfort for some listeners.

Read the full review

What YouTube reviewers say

Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.

The consensus

Positiveacross 2 videos

Reviewers agree the HiFiMAN Ananda Stealth V3 offers detailed, resolving sound with a wide soundstage and good imaging, making it a strong value at around $200.

Reviewers liked

  • Detailed and resolving sound
  • Wide and tall soundstage with good imaging
  • Good value at around $200

Reviewers flagged

  • Headband paint can rub off
  • Large ear cups may touch the jaw or be uncomfortable for some
  • Bass impact and vocal presence may be lacking depending on tuning preference
13:36

Great Value at ~$200 - Hifiman Ananda Stealth V3 Review

Late Night Unboxing8.9K viewsOct 2025

The reviewer finds the HiFiMAN Ananda Stealth V3 to be an excellent all-rounder open-back headphone, offering a warm, detailed, and non-fatiguing sound that balances technicality with musicality. They highlight its strong sub-bass, precise imaging, and relaxed treble, while noting that it requires a good amplifier to perform at its best and has some comfort issues due to its large ear cups. Overall, they consider it a great value at around $200, especially for those prioritizing sound quality.

12:24

HiFiMan Ananda Stealth (V3) Unboxing and Review

GirlOnAMission6.9K viewsFeb 2025

The reviewer finds the HiFiMan Ananda Stealth V3 to be a comfortable, detailed, and neutral-sounding open-back planar headphone, well-suited for those with larger heads or ears. While it lacks bass impact and intimate vocals, it offers a wide and tall soundstage with good imaging, and is easy to drive from various sources. The reviewer recommends it for listeners seeking a balanced, fatigue-free tuning.

Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.

What owners say

A sample of buyer reviews, quoted as written. They aren't verified and they don't feed the HearWiki score - that comes from published reviews only.

Unbelievable bargain

These headphones released in about 2020 (I think!), retailing at $1000. Because the model has been replaced in Hifiman s line by the Ananda Stealth, the company is clearing the Ananda from itsRead more

Beats The Competition

TLDR first: The Hifiman Ananda in a shootout against other various headphones I own, they blew the competition away. However may not be worth the paying double the price over the Hifiman Sundara whichRead more

Amazing sound at the trade off of build quality and minor comfort grievances

The sound is amazing. And for the price it better be. The headband leaves a little bit to be desired, but for my head, the pads were contoured just enough to be a comfortable fit. Swivel would makeRead more

vs. the Sennheiser HD6xx...

1 year update: I ve now had the Ananda for almost one year and have been switching back and forth between them and the HD6xx. I will have a new incoming very soon (either the Audeze LCD-2c or FocalRead more

via Amazon customer reviews

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