2026 Latest Professional Evaluation | Audio Enthusiast Guide | Full-Spectrum Performance Analysis
Why Choose Wired Headphones?
With the advancement of wireless technology, wired headphones appear obsolete. However, industry professionals understand: wired connections still provide the purest audio quality, lowest latency, and most stable performance. Professional music producers, recording engineers, and true audio enthusiasts remain committed to wired options. This guide consolidates data from globally renowned testing institutions (RTINGS, PCMag, What Hi-Fi, etc.), introducing you to today's finest wired headphones.
🏆 Global Top-Tier Wired Headphone Rankings
| Ranking | Product Name | Reference Price | Driver Type | Frequency Response | Core Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sennheiser HD 800 S | ¥12,000 and Up | 56mm Dynamic | 4Hz-51kHz | World-ClassOpen-BackExpansive Soundstage | |
| HiFiMan Ananda | ¥4,700 and Up | Planar Magnetic | 8Hz-55kHz | Best ValueDetail RecoveryEasy-Driven | |
| Etymotic ER4 XR | ¥2,000 and Up | Balanced Armature | 20Hz-16kHz | Professional MonitoringAccuracyPortable | |
| Shure Aonic 3 | ¥1,500 and Up | Dynamic | 20Hz-20kHz | Mid-Price LeaderBalancedAward-Winning | |
| Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro | ¥3,500 and Up | Dynamic | 5Hz-40kHz | StudioExcellent IsolationReference-Grade | |
| Sennheiser IE 900 | ¥7,500 and Up | Dynamic | 10Hz-44kHz | In-Ear FlagshipClarityPremium | |
| HiFiMan Arya Stealth Magnet | ¥8,000 and Up | Planar Magnetic | 8Hz-55kHz | Upper-Mid PriceUltra Low FrequencyTransparency | |
| Sennheiser HD 490 PRO | ¥4,500 and Up | Dynamic | 20Hz-20kHz | Mid-Price PerformanceAccurate Tonal BalanceWork-Oriented |
🎼 Category-Based Recommendations
Premium Flagship-Tier (¥8,000+) - The Ultimate Audio Experience
🏅 Sennheiser HD 800 S - Universally Regarded as the World's Best Open-Back Headphone
Driver
56mm Ring-Radiator Dynamic
Frequency Response
4Hz-51,000Hz
Impedance
300Ω
Sensitivity
102dB/V@1kHz
Weight
330g
Design
German-Made, Open-Back
Core Advantages:
- Expansive Soundstage - Open-back design creates unparalleled spatial sensation, as if in a concert hall
- Accurate Midrange - Exceptional vocal and instrument reproduction with rich detail
- Ultra-Low Distortion - THD < 0.02%, extraordinarily pure audio quality
- Refined Treble - 4Hz ultra-low frequency to 51kHz ultra-high frequency, complete spectrum coverage
- Requires Quality Front-End - 300Ω impedance requires professional amplification, equipment costs significant
- Significant Sound Leakage - Open-back design unsuitable for public spaces
🎯 HiFiMan Ananda - Perfect Planar Magnetic Interpretation
Driver
Planar Magnetic (Ultra-Nano Diaphragm)
Frequency Response
8Hz-55kHz
Impedance
25Ω
Sensitivity
103dB
Weight
399g
Feature
Easy-Driven, Strong Portability
Core Advantages:
- Outstanding Value - Originally $999, now reduced to approximately ¥4,700, unbeatable value proposition
- Extremely Low Distortion - Planar magnetic design ensures minimal distortion rate, perfect detail recovery
- Easy-Drive Design - 103dB sensitivity and 25Ω low impedance, smartphone direct-drive capable
- Ultra-Deep Bass - 8Hz ultra-low frequency, strong performance for bass-heavy music genres like EDM and rock
- Detail Performance - Diaphragm thickness merely 1-2 micrometers, rapid transient response, clear details
- Requires DAC Optimization - True potential requires pairing with quality audio sources
💎 Sennheiser IE 900 - Ultimate In-Ear Form Factor
Driver
Single Dynamic Driver
Frequency Response
10Hz-44kHz
Feature
Gold-Plated Connectors, Multiple Adapters
Configuration
6 Ear Tip Sizes, 3 Different Cable Options
Price
¥7,500 and Up
Positioning
Audiophile In-Ear Flagship
Core Advantages:
- Single Driver Design - Single dynamic driver eliminates crossover coloration, purest sound
- Exceptional Clarity - Capable of uncovering subtle recording nuances
- Open Transparency - Open tonal balance with excellent soundstage sensation
- Complete Configuration - Provides 3.5mm, 2.5mm balanced, 4.4mm balanced connectors
Professional Recording/Reference-Grade (¥3,000-¥8,000) - Music Production Exclusive
🎙️ Etymotic ER4 XR - Professional Monitoring Standard
Driver
Single Balanced Armature
Frequency Response
20Hz-16kHz
Impedance
45Ω
Isolation Capability
35-42dB (Industry-Leading)
Application
Recording Studio, Live Monitoring, Audio Engineering
Feature
Replaceable Filter, Customizable Adjustment
Core Advantages:
- Reference-Grade Standard - 68% of professional audio engineers choose wired earphones as reference monitoring
- Superior Isolation - 35-42dB isolation capability exceeds most consumer-grade ANC
- Frequency Accuracy - ±1dB frequency matching precision, decades-established standard curve
- Maintainability - Replaceable filters and cables, extended lifespan, easy repair
- Requires Deep Insertion - Standard deep-insert style may require initial adaptation
- Relatively Restrained Bass - XR version adds bass, but still lacks reference-grade over-ear options
🎛️ Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro - Recording Studio Standard
Driver
40mm Tesla Driver
Frequency Response
5Hz-40kHz
Design
Replaceable Cable, Closed-Back
Application
Track Recording, Mixing Monitoring
Advantage
Robust, Highly Repairable
Configuration
Includes Hard Carrying Case
Core Advantages:
- Studio Standard - Recording studio common configuration, industry-recognized tracking standard
- Excellent Isolation - Closed-back design provides strong isolation, prevents recording interference
- Repairable - Replaceable cables and ear pads, low long-term ownership costs
- Robust Construction - German engineering, durably built
Mid-Price Leaders (¥1,500-¥3,000) - Highest Value
🏅 Shure Aonic 3 - Award-Winning Frequent
Driver
Dynamic
Feature
What Hi-Fi? Award Winner 8 Years
Price
¥1,500 and Up
Tonal Balance
Neutral, Honest
Configuration
9 Ear Tip Sizes, Remote Control Microphone
Advantage
Balanced Audio Performance
Core Advantages:
- Long Award History - Since 2020 What Hi-Fi? Annual Award Winner, consecutive 8-year recommendation
- Balanced Audio Quality - No obvious shortcomings, balanced frequency performance
- Honest Reproduction - Authentic tonal balance, uncolored, suitable for all music types
- Complete Configuration - 9 ear tip sizes and remote control, convenient daily use
- Requires Pairing - Audio quality fully realized only with quality audio sources
🎶 Sennheiser HD 490 PRO - Practical Work Edition
Driver
42mm Dynamic
Frequency Response
20Hz-20kHz
Design
Open-Back, Replaceable Ear Pads
Application
Mixing Monitoring, Music Production
Feature
Provides Two Different Tonal Ear Pads
Price
¥4,500 and Up
Core Advantages:
- Mixing Standard - RTINGS evaluation ranks within top 5 mixing headphones
- Accurate Bass - Excellent bass reproduction without excessive coloration
- Practical Ear Pads - Two different tonal ear pads included, convenient tonal adjustment
- Lightweight Comfortable - Light weight, no fatigue during extended wear
Budget-Efficient (¥500-¥1,500) - Entry-Level Essential
💰 SoundMagic E11C - Breakthrough-Level Value
Driver
10mm Dynamic
Sensitivity
112dB - Exceptionally High
Price
Approximately ¥300
Feature
3.5mm, Strong Driveability
Configuration
Remote Control and Microphone Included
Rating
What Hi-Fi? Multi-Year Recommendation
Core Advantages:
- Ultra-Low Price - Under ¥350, achieving excellent audio quality
- Balanced Tonal Balance - Adequate dynamics, full bass, clear treble
- Efficient Drive - 112dB high sensitivity, smartphone direct-drive capable
- Practical Configuration - Remote control and microphone included, suitable for daily use
- Ordinary Material - Relatively inexpensive plastic housing, less durable than premium products
📊 Performance Comparison Chart
| Performance Dimension | Sennheiser HD 800 S | HiFiMan Ananda | Etymotic ER4 XR | Shure Aonic 3 | SoundMagic E11C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | |||||
| Bass Performance (20-250Hz) | ★★★★☆ Slightly Weak | ★★★★★ Excellent | ★★★★☆ Controlled | ★★★★☆ Balanced | ★★★★☆ Full |
| Midrange Accuracy | ★★★★★ Best | ★★★★★ Excellent | ★★★★★ Professional | ★★★★★ Honest | ★★★★☆ Very Good |
| Treble Clarity | ★★★★★ Refined | ★★★★★ Transparent | ★★★★★ Clear | ★★★★☆ Crisp | ★★★★☆ Clear |
| Soundstage | ★★★★★ Unbeatable | ★★★★☆ Open | ★★★☆☆ Compact | ★★★★☆ Natural | ★★★☆☆ Standard |
| Detail Recovery | ★★★★★ Premium | ★★★★★ Excellent | ★★★★★ Professional | ★★★★☆ Outstanding | ★★★★☆ Good |
| Drive Efficiency | ★★★☆☆ Amplification Required | ★★★★★ Easy-Drive | ★★★★★ Easy-Drive | ★★★★☆ Quite Easy | ★★★★★ Extremely Easy |
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ Very Good | ★★★★☆ Very Good | ★★★★☆ After Adaptation | ★★★★★ Outstanding | ★★★★★ Lightweight |
| Portability | ★★★☆☆ Stationary | ★★★★☆ Portable | ★★★★★ Portable | ★★★★★ Extremely Portable | ★★★★★ Extremely Portable |
| Value Proposition | ★★★☆☆ Premium | ★★★★★ Outstanding | ★★★★★ Professional | ★★★★★ Balanced | ★★★★★ Breakthrough |
🎯 Purchase Recommendation Quick Reference
Which One Should I Choose? Quick Determination by Scenario
🎵 Music Enthusiasts/Home Audio
First Choice: Sennheiser HD 800 S
Reason: Open soundstage, premium midrange reproduction, rich details. Optimal results when paired with DAC/amplifier.
Reason: Open soundstage, premium midrange reproduction, rich details. Optimal results when paired with DAC/amplifier.
Second Choice: HiFiMan Ananda
Reason: Planar magnetic easy-drive, high value proposition, balanced full-spectrum performance, strongest HD 800 S alternative.
Reason: Planar magnetic easy-drive, high value proposition, balanced full-spectrum performance, strongest HD 800 S alternative.
Budget-Conscious: Shure Aonic 3
Reason: Mid-price best, award-winning, honest tonal balance, highest value without sacrificing audio quality.
Reason: Mid-price best, award-winning, honest tonal balance, highest value without sacrificing audio quality.
🎙️ Professional Music Production/Recording Studio
First Choice: Etymotic ER4 XR
Reason: 68% professional engineers' choice, reference-grade accuracy, superior isolation, portable monitoring standard.
Reason: 68% professional engineers' choice, reference-grade accuracy, superior isolation, portable monitoring standard.
Second Choice: Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro
Reason: Recording studio standard configuration, excellent isolation, replaceable cables, robust construction.
Reason: Recording studio standard configuration, excellent isolation, replaceable cables, robust construction.
Mixing Requirement: Sennheiser HD 490 PRO
Reason: RTINGS top 5 mixing, accurate bass, dual ear pad options, extended comfortable wear.
Reason: RTINGS top 5 mixing, accurate bass, dual ear pad options, extended comfortable wear.
👨💼 Commute/Office Use
First Choice: Shure Aonic 3
Reason: Portable, balanced, award-winning, optimal commute choice.
Reason: Portable, balanced, award-winning, optimal commute choice.
Budget-Conscious: SoundMagic E11C
Reason: Under ¥350 price point, exceptionally high sensitivity (smartphone direct-drive), complete configuration, entry-level first choice.
Reason: Under ¥350 price point, exceptionally high sensitivity (smartphone direct-drive), complete configuration, entry-level first choice.
Strongest Overall: Etymotic ER4 XR
Reason: Superior isolation, reference-grade audio quality, strong portability, excellent resale value.
Reason: Superior isolation, reference-grade audio quality, strong portability, excellent resale value.
💰 Strict Budget Constraint (¥500 or Less)
Sole Recommendation: SoundMagic E11C (¥300-350)
Reason: Unbeatable at this price point, What Hi-Fi? multi-year recommendation, exceptional value.
Reason: Unbeatable at this price point, What Hi-Fi? multi-year recommendation, exceptional value.
Increased Budget to ¥1,500: Shure Aonic 3
Reason: Additional ¥1,200 investment yields qualitative audio improvement, 8-year award-winning product.
Reason: Additional ¥1,200 investment yields qualitative audio improvement, 8-year award-winning product.
⚙️ Technical Deep Dive
Driver Type Comparison: Each Has Strengths
| Driver Type | Representative Product | Advantages | Disadvantages | Application Scenarios |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56mm Ring-Radiator Dynamic (HD 800 S) |
Sennheiser HD 800 S | Extremely low distortion, accurate midrange reproduction, strong soundstage | High impedance requiring amplification, susceptible to interference | Home audio, professional monitoring |
| Planar Magnetic (HiFiMan) |
HiFiMan Ananda HiFiMan Arya |
Ultra-low distortion, rich details, next-generation easy-drive | High cost, diaphragm susceptible to damage | Desktop music appreciation, home use |
| Balanced Armature (Etymotic) |
Etymotic ER4 XR Shure Aonic |
Superior isolation, compact size, accurate midrange | Relatively restrained bass, limited soundstage | Live monitoring, portable use, professional engineering |
| Conventional Dynamic (Most Consumer-Grade) |
SoundMagic E11C Shure Aonic 3 |
Mature technology, low cost, easily repairable | Relatively higher distortion rate, inferior detail resolution | Daily use, entry-level, portable |
🔧 Essential Pre-Purchase Reading: 5 Major Wired Headphone Advantages
- Purest Audio Quality - Wireless transmission compresses audio quality, wired delivers 100% original signal
- Zero Latency - Critical for music production and gaming, wireless has minimum 20ms latency
- Charging-Free Longevity - No battery required, extended-use cost low, environmentally sustainable
- Reference Standard - Professional engineers' choice, industry standard configuration
- Strong Maintainability - Replaceable cables, repairable, excellent resale value
💡 Final Recommendation
The wired headphone market has matured, with clear recommendations across all price segments. Based on your actual needs and budget:
Generous Budget (¥8,000+): Sennheiser HD 800 S is undisputed best choice. Paired with quality audio sources and amplification, achieves audio quality exceeding million-yuan audio systems.
Value Pursuit (¥3,000-8,000): HiFiMan Ananda represents pinnacle planar magnetic technology. Current pricing approximates half HD 800 S cost, unbeatable value.
Professional Requirement (¥2,000-3,000): Etymotic ER4 XR chosen by 68% professional audio engineers. Reference-grade accuracy and portability irreplaceable.
Daily Use (¥500-2,000): Shure Aonic 3 dominates mid-price segment with 8-year award record substantiating quality. For ¥300-500 budgets, SoundMagic E11C represents breakthrough-level exceptional value.