HiFiMan HE400se Planar Headphones

A Genuine First Step Into Planar Magnetic Sound

The HiFiMan HE400se is a full-size, open-back planar magnetic headphone built to introduce genuinely audiophile-grade engineering at an entry-level price, using the same Stealth Magnet technology found in HiFiMan's flagship models.

An 80mm diaphragm with silver traces moves as one uniform surface rather than pivoting from a single point, which is what gives planar drivers their characteristic speed and low distortion in complex musical passages.

At 32 ohms and 91dB sensitivity, the HE400se produces sound easily enough from a phone or laptop, though it needs meaningfully more power than most headphones to reach its full potential overall.

Where Stealth Magnets Earn Their Keep

Flagship Magnet Design at an Entry-Level Price

HiFiMan's Stealth Magnets reshape the magnet edges so sound waves pass through with less interference than a conventional planar driver produces, a genuine flagship-level engineering detail trickling down to an accessible price point.

Perforated open-back earcups let air and sound flow freely, creating a wider, more natural-sounding presentation than a sealed design, at the cost of leaking sound in both directions around you.

A Lightweight Build for Extended Sessions

At roughly 385 grams, the HE400se is genuinely lighter than many planar magnetic headphones, with a padded headband that distributes weight evenly across genuinely long listening sessions at a desk over time.

Hybrid earpads combine cloth and synthetic leather for a breathable, comfortable fit, though a few listeners note the clamp force feels snug at first and loosens with regular use over time.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Headphones.com's Chrono described a neutral tonal balance with linear bass and midrange, praising the updated headband and yoke design as a meaningful comfort improvement over earlier HE400 models.

Headfonics found the HE400se performs well across the entire frequency range, calling it a well-rounded headphone that's genuinely good for the price without excelling or faltering noticeably at any single thing in particular.

Who Is the HE400se Best For?

• You're curious about planar magnetic sound without a major investment: the Stealth Magnet driver delivers genuine flagship-derived engineering at an entry-level price
• You listen at home in a quiet environment: the open-back design rewards a dedicated listening room over a noisy commute
• You enjoy jazz, classical, acoustic, or vocal-forward music: reviewers consistently praise the detail and clarity on this kind of material
• You already own (or plan to buy) a headphone amplifier: a dedicated amp unlocks noticeably fuller bass and better dynamics
• You want your first planar magnetic headphone — the HE400se is where HiFiMan starts

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Dual 3.5mm connectors at each earcup accept the included cable, which terminates in a 3.5mm plug with a 6.35mm adapter included for desktop amplifiers and DAC/amp combos.

Because the connectors are standard 3.5mm, an aftermarket cable drops in easily — genuinely the most common upgrade owners make, since the stock cable tends to be stiffer than most listeners prefer.

Pairs Well With

What finishes the system around an HE400se:

• Headphone amplifiers — this driver genuinely comes alive with a dedicated desktop amp behind it
• Digital-to-analog converters — a clean digital source feeding your amp matters as much as the amp itself
• Headphone cables — a replacement cable is a popular first upgrade for the stiffer stock option
• Music streamers — feed this driver lossless or high-resolution audio to hear what it can really do

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a headphone amplifier for the HE400se?

Not strictly, but you'll get noticeably better results with one. At 91dB sensitivity, a phone or laptop drives it to moderate volume, but a dedicated amp unlocks fuller bass and a wider soundstage.

What does open-back mean for everyday use?

Sound leaks freely in both directions — people nearby hear your music, and outside noise comes in. Reserve these for quiet home listening, not a commute.

How does this compare to the SUNDARA?

The SUNDARA is HiFiMan's next step up, with a thinner diaphragm and more refined treble. Reviewers find the HE400se gets surprisingly close at a significantly lower price if you're on a budget.

Is the stock cable worth upgrading?

Many reviewers consider it the weakest part of the package — functional but stiffer than most owners prefer. Since the connectors are standard 3.5mm, an aftermarket swap is an easy, affordable fix.

Are the earpads replaceable?

Yes. The hybrid cloth-and-leather pads are user-replaceable, so a worn or damaged set is a simple swap rather than a trip back to HiFiMan for service.

What comes in the box?

The HE400se headphone, a dual 3.5mm-to-3.5mm cable, a 6.35mm adapter, and warranty documentation — no carrying case is included with this particular model.

See It in Action

The Headphone Show presents CHEAP Beginner Planar Headphones? HiFiMan HE400se Review in a Minute #audiophile #headphones.

The Headphone Show presents HiFiMAN HE400se Review - Baby Sundara.

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Learn More

Want to learn more about planar magnetic headphones, headphone amplifiers, or getting the most from an open-back design? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.