HiFiMan Edition XS
Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B
What Buyers Say
HiFiMan Edition XS
The Hifiman Edition XS delivers exceptional sound quality with a wide, holographic soundstage and detailed, well-controlled bass. However, comfort is a major concern due to the large earcups and a headband design that can cause pressure on the head, especially for smaller heads. Build quality feels cheap with plastic parts, and there are occasional QC issues like driver rattling. Despite these flaws, many users find the audio performance outstanding for the price, making it a strong recommendation for those who prioritize sound over ergonomics.
Pros
- Exceptional soundstage and imaging
- Detailed and well-controlled bass
- Great value for the price
- Comfortable earpads for large ears
- Responds well to EQ
Cons
- Uncomfortable headband for small heads
- Cheap plastic build quality
- Large earcups may not fit small heads
- Occasional driver rattling/buzzing issues
- Short stock cable
Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B
The Sony ULT Wear headphones receive generally positive feedback for their powerful bass, effective noise cancellation, and comfortable fit, with many users praising the sound quality and battery life. However, a significant number of reviews report a recurring hinge defect that causes the headphones to break within months, often not covered by warranty, leading to frustration and mixed overall sentiment.
Pros
- Powerful bass
- Effective noise cancellation
- Comfortable fit
- Long battery life
- Good sound quality
Cons
- Hinge breaks easily
- Warranty doesn't cover hinge
- Muffled sound without EQ
- Bulky design
- Microphone quality poor
Scores
Specifications
| HiFiMan Edition XS | Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | open | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.41 kg | 0.25 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | memory foam | thermo-foaming |
| Headband | refined matte black material | — |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | planar magnetic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | — | 40 mm★ |
| Freq Min | 8 Hz | 5 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | 50 kHz★ | 20 kHz |
| Impedance | 18 Ω | 314 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 92 dB | 110 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | HIFIMAN Edition XS Full-Size Over-Ear Open-Back Planar Magnetic Hi-Fi Headphones with Stealth Magnets Design, Adjustable Headband, Detachable Cable for Audiophiles, Home, Studio-Black | AAC, LDAC, SBC |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✗ | ✓★ |
| ANC Type | — | adaptive |
| Transparency | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.2★ |
| Profiles | — | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP |
| Multipoint | — | ✓★ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cable Length | — | 1.2000000476837158 m |
| Range | — | 9.800000190734863 m★ |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | — | 30 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | — | 3.5 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 3-minute charge provides 90 minutes of extra playtime |
| Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Mic Count | — | 2★ |
| NC Mic | — | ✓★ |
| Boom Mic | — | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | — | ✗ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | — | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Touch Controls | — | ✓★ |
| App | — | Sony Headphones Connect |
| Gaming Mode | — | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | — | IPX0 |
Pros & Cons
HiFiMan Edition XS
- Strong build (76th percentile)
- Strong social proof (72nd percentile)
- Below average comfort (10th percentile)10th %ile
- Below average mic (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B
- Strong connectivity (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong anc (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong sound (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (13th percentile)13th %ile
Pricing
Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B offers 4.0x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 18 of 39 specs.
