Introduction
In the world of audiophile gear, it’s not often that a product under $150 garners as much praise as the Hifiman HE400se. With its open-back planar magnetic design, this headphone delivers a high-end experience at an unbelievable price point.
In this detailed review, we’ll explore the HE400se’s design, sound characteristics, technical performance, comfort, and real-world usability. Whether you’re an audio newcomer looking for your first serious headphone, or a seasoned audiophile searching for a capable budget planar, this review will help you determine if the HE400se belongs in your setup.
Hifiman HE400se
Overview and Specs
The HE400se is an open-back planar magnetic headphone with the following key specifications:
- Driver Type: Planar magnetic
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
- Impedance: 25 or 35 Ohms (depending on version)
- Sensitivity: 91 dB/mW
- Weight: ~385g
- Cable: Dual 3.5mm to 3.5mm (an adapter to 6.35mm is included)
There are two main versions: the China-only V1 (no Stealth Magnets, lower impedance) and the international V2 (with Stealth Magnets). Both offer excellent performance, but the V2 is generally preferred for its improved efficiency and subtly refined sound.
Hifiman HE400se with cable
Build Quality and Design
Despite its modest price, the HE400se features a solid construction. The yokes and headband structure are made of metal, providing good durability, while the ear cups are plastic, helping to keep the weight manageable. At 385g, it’s not feather-light, but remains wearable for extended sessions.
The headband is padded with synthetic leather and uses a straightforward adjustment mechanism. Some users report a “hot spot” after a couple of hours due to the firm padding. The ear pads are hybrid-style, with synthetic leather on the outside and a soft fabric on the face, providing decent breathability, though they can get warm during long sessions.
A notable design concern is the exposed diaphragm and magnet structure inside the cup, making it vulnerable to dust and accidental contact. However, this isn’t typically a major issue with proper care.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is subjective, and the HE400se falls somewhere in the middle. Users with smaller or average-sized heads generally find it stable and snug. The clamping force is moderate, and the ear cups have some rotation to fit most head shapes well.
However, the 385g weight and rigid headband padding can become noticeable over long listening periods. If comfort is a top priority, the HIFIMAN Sundara or the Ananda - with their suspended strap-style headbands - might be better options, albeit at a higher cost.
Sound Quality
This is where the HE400se earns its cult status. It’s simply astonishing how technically capable this headphone is at such a low price point.
Tonal Balance
The HE400se is a neutral-leaning headphone with a slightly cool tilt. It doesn’t exaggerate any particular frequency range and presents music with honesty and clarity. Compared to warmer dynamic models like the Fidelio X2HR, the HE400se may sound less lush, but far more transparent.
Bass
Bass is tight, fast, and well-extended for an open-back headphone. There’s good sub-bass reach, but it’s not elevated - don’t expect booming lows. Instead, you get clean, articulate bass that serves the music rather than dominating it. Electronic and hip-hop fans might crave more impact, but jazz, rock, metal, and acoustic genres shine with this kind of bass.
Mids
Midrange is clean, detailed, and slightly recessed, particularly in the lower mids. Vocals - especially male - can lack some body or warmth, while female vocals tend to come through more clearly. Instruments like guitars and strings are well rendered but may lack a bit of fullness compared to more mid-forward headphones like the Sennheiser HD600.
Treble
The treble region is one of the HE400se’s highlights. It is detailed and airy without being piercing. There’s a touch of brightness, which adds to the perceived openness and resolution, but it rarely becomes harsh. Some sensitive listeners might detect a slight metallic timbre on certain recordings, though it’s far from offensive.
Soundstage and Imaging
For its price, the soundstage is impressively wide, with a good sense of air and space. Instrument separation and layering are excellent. Games and cinematic music benefit greatly from this, as positional cues and ambient effects come through clearly. While not on the level of high-end headphones, the HE400se easily beats most competitors under $300.
Technical Performance
Where the HE400se truly stands out is in its technical capabilities:
- Resolution: Exceptional for the price. You’ll hear details that budget dynamics simply can’t retrieve.
- Speed: Thanks to its planar driver, the HE400se excels with fast transients and complex passages.
- Distortion: Very low, even at high volumes. Clean presentation with minimal coloration.
From fast double-kick metal drums to intricate jazz solos, the HE400se handles it all with remarkable control.
Amping and Power Requirements
At 91 dB/mW, the HE400se is not easy to drive. It will play from a smartphone or basic dongle, but won’t sound its best. A decent dedicated amplifier is strongly recommended.
Users report good results with:
- FiiO K11 / K13 (budget portable DAC/amps)
- Topping L30 / A30 Pro
- FiiO Q11 (portable with balanced output)
For optimal performance, consider using a balanced cable.
Use Cases
Music Listening
The HE400se is ideal for listeners of:
- Classical and Jazz – Nuanced, airy, and resolving
- Rock and Metal – Fast and detailed
- Acoustic and Instrumental – Clear and transparent
Bass-heavy genres like EDM or hip-hop might benefit more from bassier headphones, but the HE400se still performs competently with proper EQ or amp pairing.
Gaming
Several reviewers call the HE400se one of the best sub-$200 headphones for gaming. Its wide soundstage and accurate imaging make it easy to pinpoint footsteps and directional cues in FPS titles. It’s also immersive in open-world games and RPGs.
Movies
Due to its clarity, spatiality, and layering, the HE400se performs well for movie watching - especially when paired with a quality DAC/Amp. Explosions may lack body compared to bassier options, but dialogue clarity and ambient immersion are top-notch.
Comparisons
vs. Philips Fidelio X2HR
- Fidelio X2HR: Warmer, bassier, more fun sounding
- HE400se: More neutral, detailed, and technical
- Verdict: Choose the HE400se for analytical precision
vs. Sennheiser HD600
- HD600: Intimate mids, classic tuning
- HE400se: Wider stage, faster transients, more treble air
- Verdict: Consider the HE400se for technicality
vs. Hifiman Sundara
- Sundara: More refined and balanced, better build and comfort
- HE400se: 70% of the performance at 40% of the price
- Verdict: The HE400se is a budget-friendly alternative to the Sundara
Final Verdict
The Hifiman HE400se is nothing short of a revolution in the budget headphone market. It delivers true planar magnetic performance, with a clear, open, and detailed sound signature, solid build, and good comfort - all at a price that seems almost too good to be true.
While it isn’t perfect - comfort could be improved, the mids could be fuller, and it requires a proper amp to shine. But once you meet those conditions, the HE400se offers a level of performance that challenges headphones 2–3x its price.
Who is it for?
- Beginners stepping into high-end audio
- Gamers seeking immersive spatial sound
- Audiophiles needing a budget-friendly option
Who should skip it?
- Bassheads looking for big slam
- Listeners without access to proper amplification
For everyone else, this headphone is a no-brainer recommendation. It redefines what’s possible at $100–$150 and proves that great sound is no longer reserved for the rich.
If you’re curious about planar sound or want to upgrade from typical consumer headphones, don’t hesitate. The Hifiman HE400se will surprise you - in the best way possible.
Where to Buy
You can find the Hifiman HE400se on:
Affiliate Disclaimer: Listen Vibes may earn commissions from qualifying purchases that helps to maintain the website - at no extra cost to you.