Audio & Headphones · Head-to-head
HiFiMan Sundara (2024 revision) vs Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, pulled from our full The Best Open-Back Headphones: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) comparison.
The Sundara offers the biggest leap in resolution and control for the money, provided you feed it a modest amp. If you want accurate sound the moment you plug in, the DT 900 Pro X is the effortless runner-up.
HiFiMan Sundara (2024 revision)
Buy itThe planar-magnetic set that makes most dynamic rivals sound ordinary, for sensible money.
- Planar-magnetic drivers deliver standout resolution and fast, controlled bass that reviewers consistently rate above dynamic peers near the price
- Tuning is close to neutral with an airy, spacious presentation owners praise for detail
- Slim frame feels more refined than most at this tier
- Scales noticeably with a dedicated amp; laptop and phone outputs leave performance on the table
- Pads and clamp draw occasional comfort complaints during very long sessions
Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X
Buy itA neutral, plug-and-play open-back that sounds honest straight out of a laptop.
- 48-ohm driver is easy to power well from interfaces, laptops, and portable sources with no separate amp required
- Balanced, relatively neutral tuning that independent testing describes as accurate and fatigue-free
- Detachable cable and robust, replaceable-part build aimed at long-term use
- A treble lift around the upper presence region can sound bright on harsh recordings
- Utilitarian studio styling and firmer clamp will not suit everyone
Side by side
The 7 criteria below are the ones our full comparison judged every product on, narrowed to these two.
| HiFiMan Sundara (2024 revision) Our pick | Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Listeners who want the biggest jump in resolution per dollar and have, or will add, a modest desktop amp. | Desktop and studio users who want accurate sound immediately, without buying an amp first. |
| Price tier | $$ · mid-range | $$ · mid-range |
| Driver type | Planar magnetic | Dynamic, 48 ohm |
| Sound signature | Neutral, airy, detailed | Neutral, slightly bright |
| Amp needed | Recommended; scales with power | No; drives easily |
| Soundstage & imaging | Wide and precise | Wide, accurate |
| Comfort (long sessions) | Good; firm pads | Good; firmer clamp |
| Build & serviceability | Slim, refined frame | Rugged, replaceable parts |
| Sound leakage | High (open-back) | High (open-back) |
Which one is right for you?
Pick the HiFiMan Sundara (2024 revision) if
listeners who want the biggest jump in resolution per dollar and have, or will add, a modest desktop amp.
Know before buying: scales noticeably with a dedicated amp; laptop and phone outputs leave performance on the table.
Pick the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X if
desktop and studio users who want accurate sound immediately, without buying an amp first.
Know before buying: a treble lift around the upper presence region can sound bright on harsh recordings.
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the HiFiMan Sundara (2024 revision) - The planar-magnetic set that makes most dynamic rivals sound ordinary, for sensible money. Choose the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X instead if desktop and studio users who want accurate sound immediately, without buying an amp first.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Open-Back Headphones: 4 Compared (and One to Skip).