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HiFiMan Edition XS — Planar magnetic
HiFiMan

HiFiMan Edition XS

Planar magnetic

88
/ 100
From $499
VS
Sennheiser HD 800 S wins by 7
Sennheiser HD 800 S — Open-back
Sennheiser

Sennheiser HD 800 S

Open-back

95
/ 100
From $1,699
Specdex verdict

Sennheiser HD 800 S takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, HiFiMan Edition XS lands at 88 and Sennheiser HD 800 S at 95. That puts Sennheiser HD 800 S ahead by 7 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick HiFiMan Edition XS if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal

Pick Sennheiser HD 800 S if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Sennheiser HD 800 S

Tuning, detail, and staging

Sennheiser HD 800 S leads on sound (95 vs 88).

Noise cancelling

Tie

ANC strength for commute and travel

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Comfort

Tie

Long-session wearability

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

HiFiMan Edition XS

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

HiFiMan Edition XS more score per dollar ($499 vs $1,699).

HiFiMan Edition XS 88
vs
95 Sennheiser HD 800 S

Score breakdown

HiFiMan Edition XS
88
anc 0
sound 88
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Sennheiser HD 800 S
95
anc 0
sound 95
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

HiFiMan Edition XS versus Sennheiser HD 800 S — full spec comparison
Spec HiFiMan Edition XS Sennheiser HD 800 S
Type
Planar magnetic
Open-back

HiFiMan Edition XS

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

Sennheiser HD 800 S

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

FAQ: HiFiMan Edition XS vs Sennheiser HD 800 S

Which is better, HiFiMan Edition XS or Sennheiser HD 800 S? +

Sennheiser HD 800 S scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 7. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is HiFiMan Edition XS worth the price? +

At $499, HiFiMan Edition XS delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in battery.

Is Sennheiser HD 800 S worth the price? +

At $1,699, Sennheiser HD 800 S delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in battery.

Does HiFiMan Edition XS or Sennheiser HD 800 S last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sound quality, HiFiMan Edition XS or Sennheiser HD 800 S? +

Sennheiser HD 800 S — leads on sound (95 vs 88). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is the better value, HiFiMan Edition XS or Sennheiser HD 800 S? +

HiFiMan Edition XS — more score per dollar ($499 vs $1,699). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.