Sennheiser HD 600 vs HiFiMAN Sundara
Two of the most recommended open-backs. The HD 600 is a light, 300-ohm dynamic reference headphone; the Sundara is a cheaper planar magnetic. Both sound best with a desktop amp.
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Quick answer
Pick the HD 600 for a light 260 g headphone with a long reputation as a reference standard; it’s $329.95 at Sennheiser (list $499.95) and needs an amp at 300 ohms. Pick the HiFiMAN Sundara to save about $130 and get planar magnetic drivers; it’s $199 at HiFiMAN, is easier to drive on voltage, but is heavier.
Last updated Prices checked Oct 2026
Check Sennheiser HD 600 price (opens in a new tab)Check HiFiMAN Sundara price (opens in a new tab)
Key facts at a glance
| Sennheiser HD 600 | HiFiMAN Sundara | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $329.95 at Sennheiser (list $499.95) | $199 at HiFiMAN (new headband) |
| Driver type | Dynamic, open-back | Planar magnetic, open-back |
| Impedance | 300 Ω | About 32–37 Ω (varies by revision) |
| Sensitivity | 97 dB (1 V) | About 92–94 dB/mW (varies by revision) |
| Weight | 260 g | About 340–370 g (varies by revision) |
For more options, see best open-back headphones under $300.
Sennheiser HD 600 vs HiFiMAN Sundara: side-by-side
| Sennheiser HD 600 | HiFiMAN Sundara | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $329.95 at Sennheiser (list $499.95) | $199 at HiFiMAN (new headband) |
| Driver type | Dynamic, open-back | Planar magnetic, open-back |
| Impedance | 300 Ω | About 32–37 Ω (varies by revision) |
| Sensitivity | 97 dB (1 V) | About 92–94 dB/mW (varies by revision) |
| Weight | 260 g | About 340–370 g (varies by revision) |
| Frequency response (maker) | 12 Hz – 40.5 kHz | Wide (see HiFiMAN) |
How much do they cost?
Sennheiser HD 600 plans
| Store | Price |
|---|---|
| Sennheiser US | $329.95 (list $499.95) |
HiFiMAN Sundara plans
| Store | Price |
|---|---|
| HiFiMAN store | $199 (new headband) |
What are the pros and cons?
Sennheiser HD 600: pros
- Very light at 260 g
- Long-standing reference reputation
- Replaceable parts widely available
Sennheiser HD 600: cons
- 300 Ω needs a proper amp
- Costs more
- Older design
HiFiMAN Sundara: pros
- $199 for planar drivers
- Low impedance
- Big price gap vs the HD 600
HiFiMAN Sundara: cons
- Heavier
- Planars like current; a weak dongle may limit it
- Specs vary by revision
Which should you choose: Sennheiser HD 600 or HiFiMAN Sundara?
Both are safe choices. Buy the HD 600 if comfort and long-term parts support matter most and you’ll budget for an amp. Buy the Sundara if you want planar drivers and the lower price. Either way, plan on a desktop amp from best DAC/amps for open-back headphones.
Choose Sennheiser HD 600 if…
- You want the lightest fit
- You want a long-standing reference sound
- You already own a good amp
Choose HiFiMAN Sundara if…
- You want to spend about $200
- You want to try planar magnetic drivers
- You don’t mind a heavier headphone
Amp requirements
The HD 600’s 300-ohm impedance means it needs more voltage than a phone or laptop delivers well. The Sundara’s low impedance makes it easier on voltage, but planars draw more current. A $120–$150 amp like the JDS Labs Atom Amp 2 or FiiO K11 handles both.
Open-back trade-offs
Both leak sound and let in outside noise, so they’re for quiet rooms. For travel or commuting, see best headphones for travel.
Frequently asked questions
Is the HD 600 better than the Sundara?
Do I need an amp for the HD 600?
How much are they?
Sources
Pricing and plan details were checked on the official pages below as of Oct 2026. Vendors change prices, credits and plan names often, and some show regional pricing at checkout, so confirm on the vendor’s site before you buy.
- Sennheiser: HD 600 (us.sennheiser-hearing.com)
- HiFiMAN: Sundara (new headband) (store.hifiman.com)
- HiFiMAN: Sundara owner’s manual (down.hifiman.com)
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