Audio-Technica ATH-S300BT
HiFiMan He400SE
What Buyers Say
Audio-Technica ATH-S300BT
The Audio-Technica ATH-S300BT is widely praised for its exceptional battery life, comfort, and solid sound quality at an affordable price. While the noise cancellation is not the strongest, it effectively blocks fan noise and is competitive for the price. Some users report ear sweating and cramped ear pads, and a few found the sound flat or muddy. Overall, it is seen as a great all-rounder for daily use.
Pros
- Exceptional battery life
- Comfortable for long wear
- Good sound quality for the price
- Physical buttons instead of touch controls
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Ear sweating after 15 minutes
- Cramped ear pads for some
- No carrying case included
- Noise cancellation not the strongest
- Sound can be flat or muddy
HiFiMan He400SE
The HiFiMan HE400se is widely praised for its exceptional sound quality, particularly its natural and detailed presentation with a wide soundstage. Users highlight its comfort and solid build, though some note the need for a good amplifier and a better cable. Overall, it is considered an outstanding value for entry into planar magnetic headphones.
Pros
- Natural and detailed sound
- Wide soundstage
- Comfortable for long sessions
- Solid build quality
- Great value for money
Cons
- Stock cable is too short
- Requires a good amplifier
- Slightly heavy
- Sound leakage in open spaces
- Treble may be recessed for some
Scores
Specifications
| Audio-Technica ATH-S300BT | HiFiMan He400SE | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | open |
| Foldable | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.26 kg★ | 0.39 kg |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | planar magnetic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | 20 Hz | 20 Hz |
| Freq Max | 20 kHz | 20 kHz |
| Impedance | 45 Ω | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB★ | 91 dB |
| Hi-Res Audio | — | ✓★ |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | HIFIMAN HE400SE Stealth Magnets Version Over-Ear Open-Back Full-Size Planar Magnetic Wired Headphones for Audiophiles/Studio, Great-Sounding, Stereo, High Sensitivity, Comfortable, Sliver |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓★ | ✗ |
| ANC Type | digital hybrid | — |
| Transparency | ✓★ | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Bluetooth | 5.1★ | — |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP | — |
| Multipoint | ✓★ | — |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✓★ | — |
| Cable Length | 1.2000000476837158 m | — |
| Range | 10 m★ | — |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 90 hrs★ | — |
| Charge Time | 2.5 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | 3 Minutes for 2.5 Hours | — |
| Charging | USB-C★ | — |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓★ | — |
| Mic Count | 1★ | — |
| NC Mic | ✗ | — |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | — |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | — |
| Mic Pattern | Omnidirectional | — |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri, Google Assistant | — |
| Touch Controls | ✓★ | — |
| App | Android & iOS | — |
| Gaming Mode | ✓★ | — |
Pros & Cons
Audio-Technica ATH-S300BT
- Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong battery (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong anc (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong sound (86th percentile)86th %ile
HiFiMan He400SE
- Strong user sentiment (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong social proof (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Below average comfort (10th percentile)10th %ile
- Below average mic (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average connectivity (19th percentile)19th %ile
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Pricing
Audio-Technica ATH-S300BT offers 3.9x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 81 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 19 of 38 specs.
