Hifiman Ananda Unveiled Planar Magnetic Headphones
Best open-back headphones for audiophiles seeking pure, transparent sound quality.
Experience unparalleled acoustic transparency with the Hifiman Ananda Unveiled Planar Magnetic Headphones. Featuring innovative 'Unveiled' technology that removes traditional grilles, these headphones deliver a remarkably pure and clean sound. They utilize Hifiman's latest thin-film driver technology and a NEO Supernano Diaphragm, significantly thinner than previous generations, for exceptional detail. Designed for high-fidelity listening, they offer a balanced signature with a prominent midrange. The lightweight composite headband ensures comfort during extended listening sessions, and included Magnetic Veils protect the open drivers.
$549.00
More Ananda Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
454
/ 6142
#454 in Headphones
Price vs Category Average
-7%
Below average
Frequency Response
555
/ Hz-kHz
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking surgical precision and micro-detail in their music
- Listeners craving an immersive, concert-like spatial experience
- Music lovers wanting high-end performance without expensive dedicated amplifiers
Who should skip it
- Commuters or office workers needing privacy and noise isolation
- Users prioritizing premium, rugged build quality over lightweight comfort
- Listeners sensitive to sharp or fatiguing high-frequency peaks
Performance breakdown
Acoustic Transparency
Removing the traditional grille creates an almost entirely unobstructed sonic path.
Detail Retrieval
The ultra-thin diaphragm captures micro-nuances with surgical precision and speed.
Soundstage Width
Open-back design provides an expansive, airy presentation that feels remarkably natural.
Driveability
Low impedance makes these surprisingly easy to power with mobile devices.
Long-term Comfort
Lightweight composite construction minimizes fatigue during marathon listening sessions.
Build Protection
Magnetic veils are clever, but exposed drivers require careful handling.
Key Specs
Frequency Response
5Hz-55kHz
Sensitivity
93dB
Impedance
22Ω
Weight
449g (excluding Magnetic Veils and headphone cable)
Driver Type
Planar Magnetic
Ear Type
Over-ear
Connectivity
Wired
Diaphragm Thickness
60% thinner than Gen.1
Features
- Unveiled technology for pure, unhindered sound
- Planar Magnetic drivers for high-fidelity audio
- Ultra-thin NEO Supernano Diaphragm Gen.2
- Rare-Earth-Free magnets for high sensitivity
- Lightweight composite headband for comfort
- Magnetic Veils protect exposed drivers
- Expansive soundstage from open-back design
- High sensitivity suitable for mobile devices
What customers say
The Hifiman Ananda earns high praise for its phenomenal audio fidelity and expansive soundstage, often called holographic. Reviewers consistently highlight the exceptional clarity, speed, and detail retrieval across all frequencies, noting how articulate bass balances the resolved treble. While the large earcups offer comfort, some feel the physical build quality does not fully align with the premium cost. Achieving peak performance necessitates a powerful amplifier. Ultimately, the consensus suggests tremendous value, offering high end audio performance comparable to significantly more expensive models.
Know before you buy
By removing the traditional protective grilles, the Unveiled design eliminates potential sound reflections and obstructions. This results in a more transparent, open, and natural audio presentation that feels less like listening to headphones and more like an open-air experience.
Because the drivers are exposed to achieve maximum transparency, they are susceptible to dust and debris. Hifiman includes magnetic 'Veils' that attach to the earcups to protect the drivers when the headphones are not in use.
With an impedance of 22Ω and a sensitivity of 93dB, these headphones are relatively easy to drive compared to many high-end planar models. While they will work with mobile devices, you will get the best performance and dynamic range by using a dedicated DAC or headphone amplifier.
The Gen.2 diaphragm is 60% thinner than the previous version, which allows it to react faster to electrical signals. This increased speed results in better transient response, meaning you will hear more precise detail and clarity in complex musical passages.
Yes, the Ananda Unveiled features a lightweight composite headband designed to distribute weight evenly across the head. While they are substantial at 449g, the ergonomic design is intended to minimize pressure points during extended use.
These headphones offer a balanced, high-fidelity sound signature with a notably prominent and natural midrange. Because of the open-back design, they provide an expansive soundstage that excels at instrument separation and spatial imaging.
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