All categories/Over-Ear Headphones/HiFiMan/HiFiMan HE400se
HiFiMan HE400se

HiFiMan HE400se

Based on 21 comments across 4 communities
What 21 owners say
111 comments reviewed · scored on the 21 clearest verdicts
71%
Recommend
15 owners
24%
Neutral
5 owners
5%
Don't recommend
1 owners
Source
Breakdown
Score
N
Counted in the score
Other forumsAudio Science Review, Head-Fi
67%
15
Independent blogsino affiliate links
83%
6
Reviewed, but not counted — and why
Affiliate blogsipaid commission
100%
1
Affiliate blogs here say 100% recommend, while the owner-based score is 71%. They earn a commission on every sale — so we show them for transparency but never let them move the score.

The headline score reflects owners (Reddit, enthusiast forums), independent lab tests, and blogs with no affiliate links. YouTube and affiliate blogs are shown for perspective but kept out — hover the i for why.

What owners love
  • Outstanding sound quality for the low price6 owners · 29%
  • Tight, fast planar bass response3 owners · 14%
  • Responds extremely well to EQ3 owners · 14%
  • Comfortable for long listening out of box3 owners · 14%
Common issues
  • Headband causes hot spots and headaches5 owners · 24%

Top quotes, sourced

111 reviewed · 22 shown
Sentiment
Community
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Audio Science Review▲ recommend

I have a pair of these HE400se that are V2 and they are seriously the most easy to listen to with EQ. They have that wonderful planar bass and soundstage on these is amazing for the cost.

Head-Fi— neutral

I had same issue with both HE400i 2020 and HE400se. New headband maybe soft, but the style just doesn't work as intended. I had old headband pad around and it works as charm

Audio Science Review▼ don’t recommend

My copy of the HE400SE has a collection of very high-Q, high magnitude spikes between 8-12kHz located in quite different spots between the left and right channels that I find unbearable to listen to without EQ, and available EQ presets don't correct them.

Head-Fi— neutral

It is relatively hard to drive - what I mean is 400i 2020 can be powered by phone ( OnePlus 3T) it will not sound it best but it will be OK where 400se needs more juice

Head-Fi▲ recommend

Overall I feel that for 100 euros (they are 140 now on AliExpress but a sale is coming) they are a no brainer. Good, fun sound and comfortable headphones out of the box.

Audio Science Review▲ recommend

I have had mine since May, and always thought they were a fantastic buy at $149. I suspected that low distortion might be a factor in my liking them so much, and that does appear to be the case.

Head-Fi— neutral

These are extremely impressive for $149 cans. But I can't call them giant killers, especially with the Sennheiser HD 560s at $199. The 560s seem to have better detail and soundstage. But the HE400se are a bit warmer, more musical and a bit less clinical, if that makes any sense.

MakeLifeClick▲ recommend

The HiFiMAN HE400se has been out for a number of years now, but is yet to be usurped as one of the best bang-for-buck headphones on the market.

Audio Science Review— neutral

I owned this headset and thought it was sounding really good for its price. Comfort though was really bad for me so I sold it. Also it was kinda slow/untight in the bass I think and the soundstage was very focused, pretty small out of the head soundstage compared to for example my Ananda.

James Fiorucci's Portfolio— neutral

As a planar magnetic headphone, the HE400se provides a keen sense of immediacy and excellent microdynamics for the price. The reviewer noted a veil to vocals, particularly female vocals which step back in the mix, resulting in less vocal intimacy, as if listening from the middle rows of a concert hall.

Audio Science Review▲ recommend

he400se won't go ear piercingly bright with s8 but has more than enough output for long long highly musical listening sessions.

Home Studio Basics (affiliate)▲ recommend

After testing over 140 headphones with thousands of demo hours, I can confidently say the 400se is the best option in mid-fi.

No Borders Audiophile▲ recommend

You get much more than you pay for. I can definitely recommend these, but only if you plan to use them with an amplifier.

Audio Science Review▲ recommend

Very good results for the price. Enjoying mine for 2 weeks. Also I can say that they feel very comfortable on head.

Audio Discourse▲ recommend

The HE400SE is priced low and I feel it could cost a little more. It's a spectacular offering at a low price.

Audio Science Review▲ recommend

Imaging is amazing, probably the best headphones when it comes to that that i heard. However, this is the first planar that i try, and i have little experience in headphones in general compared to speakers. Perhaps that's why i think so. it's great though no doubt.

Audio Science Review▲ recommend

I have these along with the Sennheiser HD6xx on my bedside table, and love them both.

Audio Science Review▲ recommend

Add a bit of salt and pepper in the form of bass boost and lower treble energy and you are in business with a very high fidelity headphone. That it comes at such a low cost is a huge bonus, making the HE400SE one of my best picks for a bargain headphone. I am happy to recommend the Hifiman HE400SE.

MatAudiophiles▲ recommend

As for the price of 109 USD, it is extremely attractive.

Headfonics▲ recommend

The HIFIMAN HE400SE has an ability to do well in all areas of sound and while not being the best at anything, are not the worst at anything either in any part of the sound signature which makes them an all-around generally good set of cans, not perfect, but great for the price and a well-rounded offering.

Head-Fi▲ recommend

I prefer the sound of the 400se...not sure why

Head-Fi▲ recommend

But what i got is actually a great all-rounder. The bass is tight, fast and impactful while sub-bass could use some EQ. Vocals are what blows me away though, It sounds very full and natural. Details, separation and clarity are great. Nothing to write home about soundstage. comfort-wise, they are uncomfortable for me.