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Red_Liz | Staff 5.9K Views
Apr 23, 2026 8:07 PM

Refurbished: HIFIMAN Edition XS Over-Ear Open-Back Planar Magnetic Hi-Fi Headphones $166.30 + Free Shipping

$166

$499

66% off
Hifiman
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HIFIMAN [hifiman.com] has Refurbished: HIFIMAN Edition XS Full-Size Over-Ear Open-Back Planar Magnetic Hi-Fi Headphones on sale for $189 - $22.68 when you apply coupon code CLR10POFF at checkout = $166.32. Shipping is free.

Refurbished Condition:
  • The refurbished products have been thoroughly inspected and are all tested in good working condition but may have parts replaced by the factory (as needed) and cosmetic defects.
  • All refurbished products also come with accessories and are securely packaged. If the original packaging is missing, we will ensure they are packaged in a brand-new brown box.
  • Every HIFIMAN Refurbished product includes HIFIMAN's standard warranty, the same as brand-new products.
  • If you are not satisfied with the product for any reason, you can return the item in 30 days.
Community Notes
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Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
HIFIMAN [hifiman.com] has Refurbished: HIFIMAN Edition XS Full-Size Over-Ear Open-Back Planar Magnetic Hi-Fi Headphones on sale for $189 - $22.68 when you apply coupon code CLR10POFF at checkout = $166.32. Shipping is free.

Refurbished Condition:
  • The refurbished products have been thoroughly inspected and are all tested in good working condition but may have parts replaced by the factory (as needed) and cosmetic defects.
  • All refurbished products also come with accessories and are securely packaged. If the original packaging is missing, we will ensure they are packaged in a brand-new brown box.
  • Every HIFIMAN Refurbished product includes HIFIMAN's standard warranty, the same as brand-new products.
  • If you are not satisfied with the product for any reason, you can return the item in 30 days.

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Community Reviews

The Edition XS is a planar magnetic open back headphone known for a wide soundstage and detailed sound, and it has been a standout value under $200. It was originally launched around $500, so the current price sits far below its old street level. Comfort is the main variable, with some finding the stock fit fine and others needing a suspension strap or headband to keep it secure. Power needs are also debated, since it can play from a laptop but scales with a stronger DAC and amplifier. A strong pick if you want big, spacious sound and can sort out the fit and source gear.

Common Questions (3)

  • They can run from a laptop, phone, desktop, or other mainstream source, but they also benefit from a decent DAC/amp and more power to sound fuller and more detailed. For best results, plan on a stronger amp if you want to get the most out of the planar drivers.

  • Comfort depends on head size and shape: some find the stock fit comfortable, while others find it loose or not very comfortable. An aftermarket suspension strap or 3D-printed headband can improve the fit significantly.

  • The Edition XS launched at about $500 in 2021, but HIFIMAN's price drops have pushed it far below that and it has been seen around $200 new. At $166.30 refurbished, it is well below its original launch price.

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15 Comments

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Apr 23, 2026 8:46 PM
309 Comments
Joined Dec 2020
BeautifulSeagull451Apr 23, 2026 8:46 PM
309 Comments
$499?
Apr 23, 2026 9:13 PM
14 Comments
Joined Feb 2025
HappyFaucet400Apr 23, 2026 9:13 PM
14 Comments
Quote from BeautifulSeagull451 View quoted comment :
$499?
189 before the coupon, actually
1
2
Apr 23, 2026 9:16 PM
309 Comments
Joined Dec 2020
BeautifulSeagull451Apr 23, 2026 9:16 PM
309 Comments
Quote from HappyFaucet400 View quoted comment :
189 before the coupon, actually
My point is I don't think $499 is the usual cost of these. A quick look elsewhere shows many other channels selling it for a lot less.
2
1
Apr 23, 2026 10:42 PM
114 Comments
Joined Nov 2018
Bodhi_KamikazeApr 23, 2026 10:42 PM
114 Comments

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank

Quote from BeautifulSeagull451 View quoted comment :
My point is I don't think $499 is the usual cost of these. A quick look elsewhere shows many other channels selling it for a lot less.
They released at $500 in 2021 replacing the the Edition X which were over $1500.
HiFiman had major price drops around 2023ish that permanently slashed the prices of their line up. But yeah $500 has not been the usual price for these in years and with the Edition XV now out, this model like the Ananda Stealth's are being phased out.
With that said, i think these are great headphones. Have had a pair for a few years now.
4
Apr 23, 2026 10:46 PM
309 Comments
Joined Dec 2020
BeautifulSeagull451Apr 23, 2026 10:46 PM
309 Comments
Quote from Bodhi_Kamikaze View quoted comment :
They released at $500 in 2021 replacing the the Edition X which were over $1500. HiFiman had major price drops around 2023ish that permanently slashed the prices of their line up. But yeah $500 has not been the usual price for these in years and with the Edition XV now out, this model like the Ananda Stealth's are being phased out.With that said, i think these are great headphones. Have had a pair for a few years now.
Thanks.
1
Apr 24, 2026 2:23 AM
15 Comments
Joined Jan 2016
DumpsterFyrApr 24, 2026 2:23 AM
15 Comments

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank

I got these new from Amazon for about $200 a few months ago and they're great. Nice wide sound stage. Not very comfortable stock so I'd suggest getting a head band for it or 3D printing one
2
Apr 26, 2026 4:09 AM
3.3K Comments
Joined Oct 2004
SDNick484Apr 26, 2026 4:09 AM
3.3K Comments
I am looking for a decent open ear headphones for a desktop (will also use headphone amp) for both music and gaming - any thoughts on these or others in the same sub $200 price range?

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Apr 26, 2026 9:20 AM
151 Comments
Joined Nov 2024
CrimsonCable738Apr 26, 2026 9:20 AM
151 Comments
Quote from SDNick484 View quoted comment :
I am looking for a decent open ear headphones for a desktop (will also use headphone amp) for both music and gaming - any thoughts on these or others in the same sub $200 price range?
If you want something easier to drive Sennheiser 660S/S2, 6XX are very classic solid options. 660S are a but over 200 new but you can probably find 6XXs.
Apr 26, 2026 8:29 PM
205 Comments
Joined Nov 2025
VioletAlpaca8489Apr 26, 2026 8:29 PM
205 Comments
This is the best headphone you can get for under $200. I have a pair and I use a topping dac to drive it but tbh it is still amazing without the dac. At this price it's a no brainer
1
Apr 27, 2026 3:07 AM
450 Comments
Joined Nov 2018
GnarlyDavidsonApr 27, 2026 3:07 AM
450 Comments
These are excellent but hard to drive, you will want a decent dac/amp to make it shine to the fullest
2
Apr 29, 2026 6:07 AM
95 Comments
Joined Feb 2022
E-ZeeApr 29, 2026 6:07 AM
95 Comments
Quote from GnarlyDavidson View quoted comment :
These are excellent but hard to drive, you will want a decent dac/amp to make it shine to the fullest
Depending upon someone's expectations, or what they compare against, I don't find these hard to drive at all. I use mine connected only to my laptop and they do everything I need them to do in that application. Perhaps one could claim that a dedicated amplifier will help these perform at a higher level, but that is not the same as being difficult to drive.
I have many to compare against and I find the edition XS to be very easy to drive. You should be able to use them with any mainstream source: phone, laptop, desktop, home theater receiver, low price battery powered DAP, or mp3 player. These can be used with any mainstream device, without needing dedicated amplification.
Apr 30, 2026 4:55 AM
450 Comments
Joined Nov 2018
GnarlyDavidsonApr 30, 2026 4:55 AM
450 Comments
Quote from E-Zee View quoted comment :
Depending upon someone's expectations, or what they compare against, I don't find these hard to drive at all. I use mine connected only to my laptop and they do everything I need them to do in that application. Perhaps one could claim that a dedicated amplifier will help these perform at a higher level, but that is not the same as being difficult to drive.
I have many to compare against and I find the edition XS to be very easy to drive. You should be able to use them with any mainstream source: phone, laptop, desktop, home theater receiver, low price battery powered DAP, or mp3 player. These can be used with any mainstream device, without needing dedicated amplification.
You're drip feeding the thing and calling it a meal. These are 18Ω, 92dB/mW planars, low sensitivity and high current draw means it needs a lot of it. I run mine at my dac/amp ceiling of 1600mW ultra high gain.
Your laptop being able to make noise at 100-150mW changes not the laws of electromechanics, planars don't care about your opinion. That's like running a McLaren in first gear during rush hour traffic and calling it fun.
1
Pro
Apr 30, 2026 7:58 PM
2.6K Comments
Joined Mar 2011
toastedwhitebread
Pro
Apr 30, 2026 7:58 PM
2.6K Comments
These are great headphones. But to drive them you need some more gear. Get something like a Fiio K7 ($219), Topping DX5 II ($299) or something with some power to drive these. You also might want to get some balanced cables 4.4mm to Dual 3.5mm Male Version ($20-$30) to really get the most out of these.

You'll spend about $500 between headphones, cables and DAC/AMP. But, you will have such clear and detailed audio. So clear you might need to sign up for TIDAL to get lossless streaming audio.

It can be a bit of a money pit, but this is the cost to make it worthwhile to buy really good planar headphones.

If you feel like the Hifiman Edition XS doesn't fit your head well, you will also need to buy something like the X Capra Audio Comfort Strap for Headphones. ($25)


E: I just tried my Edition XS headphones with my laptop since people in this thread said they are pleased with their performance. They sound clear, but thin and weak. I'd for sure get a DAC/AMP. I have a dongle that is about 5x more powerful than a computer's headphones port and I still prefer the way these headphones sound with even more power. 1500-2000mw or more is what I'd shoot for if I wanted to do these headphones justice, if you ask me.
Last edited by toastedwhitebread April 30, 2026 at 01:12 PM.
May 1, 2026 6:13 AM
95 Comments
Joined Feb 2022
E-ZeeMay 1, 2026 6:13 AM
95 Comments
Quote from DumpsterFyr View quoted comment :
I got these new from Amazon for about $200 a few months ago and they're great. Nice wide sound stage. Not very comfortable stock so I'd suggest getting a head band for it or 3D printing one
There are certainly different viewpoints related to comfort. More commonly expressed is the idea that the comfort band used in the Sundara or Ananda is "much more comfortable". In contrast there are certainly others who find this simple style equally or even more comfortable. Point being. I don't think it's fair to categorize these as uncomfortable, even if there is a style that some prefer above this. Plus different head sizes are a factor. I find these to be very comfortable for my head size and shape. I also think the comfort band style is very comfortable, but both can be true at the same time.

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Pro
May 2, 2026 3:50 AM
2.6K Comments
Joined Mar 2011
toastedwhitebread
Pro
May 2, 2026 3:50 AM
2.6K Comments
Quote from E-Zee View quoted comment :
There are certainly different viewpoints related to comfort. More commonly expressed is the idea that the comfort band used in the Sundara or Ananda is "much more comfortable". In contrast there are certainly others who find this simple style equally or even more comfortable. Point being. I don't think it's fair to categorize these as uncomfortable, even if there is a style that some prefer above this. Plus different head sizes are a factor. I find these to be very comfortable for my head size and shape. I also think the comfort band style is very comfortable, but both can be true at the same time.
In my view, I'd need to have a literal watermelon for a head to make this fit me comfortably without adding an aftermarket suspension strap. I wear a 7 5/8 hat and Edition XS still felt loose on my head. The X Capra Audio Comfort Strap totally solved the fit issue for me. Now it's really comfortable.

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