RED Planar

Superb reference sound in a tank-like build, but they weigh almost half a kilogram and feel like it. If you don't mix or master, skip the neck pain and get something comfortable.

What surprised us most? The planar drivers deliver speed and texture that flat-out embarrass many pricier models. Bass is tight and natural, mids are present but not forward, treble is extended without sizzle. You can hear reverb tails and mic placement decisions with ease. On the flip side, the 480g weight and mediocre pads land the Planar in the 2nd percentile for comfort, a real letdown for long sessions. You'll get a killer mix check, but your neck will remind you it's there.

You might see these next to wireless models like the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Bose QC Ultra in store categories, but that's like comparing a race car to a minivan. Those are ANC-toting, feature-packed commuters; the Planar is a wired, open-back mix tool. The real competition is other planar open-backs, like the HIFIMAN Sundara or the Audeze LCD-1. The Sundara is lighter and more comfortable, while the Planar tips the scale on pure detail and build heft. If you need a studio monitor on your head, the Planar makes a strong case.

Prices range from $399 to a wildly absurd $84,257 across vendors, and we're pretty sure someone's cat walked on a keyboard for that second listing. At $399, this is a strong entry for studio-focused planar headphones. You're getting pro-level detail at a price that undercuts many competitors. Skip the scalper listing and you're golden. For home studio work, it's a solid buy.

Open-back planar magnetics for under $400? Yep, the Avantone Pro Planar headphones promise reference-grade accuracy that our sound testing puts in the 97th percentile, basically top-tier clarity and detail. But here's the one thing you need to know: they're heavy, clampy, and after an hour you'll be desperate for a break. These are studio tools, not daily drivers. If you can handle the weight and the open-back leak, the sound quality is up there with cans costing twice as much. If comfort matters, you're in for a bumpy ride.

If you're looking for all-day comfort, wireless freedom, or any kind of noise isolation, this isn't it. Go get the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra instead. These are strictly for studio workhorses who can live with the weight.

The Avantone Pro Planar headphones are a brilliant, flawed piece of kit. For sound, they're among the best we've tested, period. But that 480g weight and 2nd-percentile comfort score are dealbreakers for all-day wear. If you're a mix engineer who needs reference detail and doesn't mind frequent breaks, buy them. For everyone else, your neck will thank you if you look at lighter planar options.