---
title: "HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth vs Arya Stealth: Which to Buy?"
description: "HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth 8.8/10 vs HIFIMAN Arya Stealth 8.7/10. The HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth wins and costs $400 less. They differ most on soundstage and comfort."
url: "https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-ananda-stealth-vs-hifiman-arya-stealth/"
type: "article"
section: "Headphones comparison"
author: "Jakub Charkiewicz"
published: "2024-07-25T00:00:00.000Z"
modified: "2026-09-23T00:00:00.000Z"
---

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# HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth vs HIFIMAN Arya Stealth

The HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth scores 0.1 higher and costs $400 less than the HIFIMAN Arya Stealth. The reviews favour the Ananda Stealth on tonal balance, and the Arya Stealth on soundstage and comfort.

By [Jakub Charkiewicz](https://theaudiostuff.com/authors/jakub-charkiewicz/), updated September 2026.

Our pick **HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth** The Ananda Stealth is 0.1 ahead on score and costs $400 less than the Arya Stealth: nothing to trade. The reviews favour the Arya Stealth over the Ananda Stealth on soundstage and comfort, which is its case.

When to choose the Arya Stealth over the Ananda Stealth

## The short version {#cmp-qa-title}

The HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth scores 8.8/10 (Highly Recommended) and the HIFIMAN Arya Stealth 8.7/10 (Highly Recommended). At $359 against $759, the Ananda Stealth saves you $400 over the Arya Stealth. On soundstage, the Arya Stealth's review lists "Unbeatable, accurate, near-3D imaging" where the Ananda Stealth's lists "Soundstage isn't the widest". On tonal balance the Ananda Stealth has the edge over the Arya Stealth: "Slightly warm tonality - rare for HIFIMAN" against "Slight plasticky tint to timbre". The published pick rule chooses the Ananda Stealth over the Arya Stealth.

![The Ananda Stealth's large egg-shaped earcup with its silver grille and three-material hybrid pad](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/hifiman-ananda-stealth-egg-earcups-1152w.avif)

Higher score

## [HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-ananda-stealth/)

Score **8.8** +0.1

Verdict Highly Recommended

Price **$359** -$400

Reviewed Jun 2024

[HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-ananda-stealth/)

![The Arya Stealth on a stand, showing its blacked-out suspension-strap headband and Window Shade grille](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/hifiman-arya-stealth-suspension-headband-1152w.avif)

## [HIFIMAN Arya Stealth](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-arya-stealth/)

Score **8.7** -0.1

Verdict Highly Recommended

Price **$759** +$400

Reviewed Jul 2024

[HIFIMAN Arya Stealth review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-arya-stealth/)

Keep the Ananda Stealth

- [Compare the Ananda Stealth with HIFIMAN Sundara scored 9.0 out of 10](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-ananda-stealth-vs-hifiman-sundara/)
- [Compare the Ananda Stealth with HIFIMAN Ananda Nano scored 8.6 out of 10](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-ananda-nano-vs-hifiman-ananda-stealth/)
- [Compare the Ananda Stealth with HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth scored 8.5 out of 10](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-ananda-stealth-vs-hifiman-he1000-stealth/)

Keep the Arya Stealth

- [Compare the Arya Stealth with HIFIMAN Ananda Nano scored 8.6 out of 10](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-ananda-nano-vs-hifiman-arya-stealth/)
- [Compare the Arya Stealth with HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth scored 8.5 out of 10](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-arya-stealth-vs-hifiman-he1000-stealth/)

## Which one to buy {#guidance-heading}

Our pick is the Ananda Stealth, unless its soundstage or comfort would be a dealbreaker; then the Arya Stealth.

### HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth

Our pick. Choose it if:

- The Ananda Stealth's tonal balance matters more to you than the Arya Stealth's soundstage and comfort.
- You want the Ananda Stealth's higher score (8.8 against 8.7) and $400 back against the Arya Stealth.

[HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-ananda-stealth/)

### HIFIMAN Arya Stealth

Choose it instead if:

- The Arya Stealth's soundstage and comfort matter more to you than the Ananda Stealth's tonal balance.
- You want the Arya Stealth's more analytical sound; the Ananda Stealth sits closer to neutral there.

[HIFIMAN Arya Stealth review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-arya-stealth/)

### What matters most to you? {#cmp-ax-title}

**Rubric axes out of 10: Ananda Stealth and Arya Stealth.**
| What matters | HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth | HIFIMAN Arya Stealth |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sound | 9.1 | 9.1 |
| Technical performance | 8.4 | 8.7 |
| Build & comfort | 8.8 | 8.6 |
| System fit | 8.9 | 8.7 |
| Value | 8.8 | 8.2 |

The widest gap is value: 8.8 for the Ananda Stealth against 8.2 for the Arya Stealth. Each column comes from its own review's pros and cons, 13 for the Ananda Stealth and 14 for the Arya Stealth, and recombines to its headline score, 8.8 and 8.7. [How a score is built](https://theaudiostuff.com/about/#rubric)

## Where they differ {#diff-heading}

The Arya Stealth has cups that swivel and the Ananda Stealth does not.

### Soundstage and imaging

The [Arya Stealth review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-arya-stealth/#sound-quality-warm-balance-unbeatable-imaging) lists two strengths and one flaw here, the [Ananda Stealth review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-ananda-stealth/#sound-quality-warm-for-a-hifiman-and-it-grows-on-you) one strength and one flaw.

- Arya Stealth, strength: "Unbeatable, accurate, near-3D imaging"
- Ananda Stealth, flaw: "Soundstage isn't the widest"

### Comfort and fit

The [Arya Stealth review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-arya-stealth/#is-it-comfortable-light-not-luxurious) lists two strengths here, the [Ananda Stealth review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-ananda-stealth/#is-it-comfortable-big-egg-cups-light-frame) two strengths and two flaws.

- Arya Stealth, strength: "Most comfortable HIFIMAN at this price"
- Ananda Stealth, flaw: "Inner foam isn't very soft - takes getting used to"

### Tonal balance

The [Ananda Stealth review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-ananda-stealth/#sound-quality-warm-for-a-hifiman-and-it-grows-on-you) lists one strength here, the [Arya Stealth review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-arya-stealth/#sound-quality-warm-balance-unbeatable-imaging) one strength and one flaw.

- Ananda Stealth, strength: "Slightly warm tonality - rare for HIFIMAN"
- Arya Stealth, flaw: "Slight plasticky tint to timbre"

Only the [Ananda Stealth review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-ananda-stealth/#technical-specifications-easy-to-drive-stealth-magnets) discusses amp matching (one strength); only the [Arya Stealth review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-arya-stealth/) discusses mids (one flaw), build (two flaws), and cabling (one strength).

## What they have in common {#common-heading}

The Ananda Stealth and the Arya Stealth are both open-back planar magnetic headphones from HIFIMAN, and both have Stealth Magnets, a suspension-strap headband, dual 3.5mm cable sockets, and bass that reaches down to 20 Hz. The Ananda Stealth and Arya Stealth reviews both praise bass and driver technology, and both fault detail.

## Sound signature, overlaid {#sig-heading}

On tonal balance the Ananda Stealth sounds warm where the Arya Stealth sits near neutral, on presentation the Ananda Stealth sits near neutral where the Arya Stealth sounds analytical, on energy the Ananda Stealth sits near neutral where the Arya Stealth sounds energetic, and on stage size the Ananda Stealth sits near neutral where the Arya Stealth sounds wide-staged. The Arya Stealth review reads bass weight and the Ananda Stealth review does not, so the two go uncompared there.

## On paper {#specs-heading}

The Ananda Stealth ranks #6 and the Arya Stealth #8 of the 30 headphones reviewed here; on value the Ananda Stealth rates Strong and the Arya Stealth Steep. To reach 110 dB peaks the Ananda Stealth needs about 50 mW and the Arya Stealth about 40 mW, which puts both in reach of most dongle DACs. The Ananda Stealth and the Arya Stealth both take Dual 3.5 mm cables, so one upgrade cable fits either. The Ananda Stealth and Arya Stealth spec sheets match on driver (Planar magnetic) and connector (Dual 3.5 mm).

The Ananda Stealth and Arya Stealth figures come from [HIFIMAN's official site](https://hifiman.com).

**Specifications for the HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth compared with the HIFIMAN Arya Stealth**
| Spec | HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth | HIFIMAN Arya Stealth |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Impedance | 16 Ω | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 93 dB | 94 dB/mW |
| Frequency response | 8 Hz - 55 kHz | 8 Hz - 65 kHz |

Only the [Ananda Stealth review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-ananda-stealth/#specs-heading) records weight, not the Arya Stealth review.

## How these verdicts were reached {#deepdive-heading}

The Ananda Stealth was reviewed in June 2024 and the Arya Stealth in July 2024, on one [reference chain](https://theaudiostuff.com/#rig-title) and [rubric](https://theaudiostuff.com/about/#rubric). The Ananda Stealth review never mentions the Arya Stealth, nor the Arya Stealth review the Ananda Stealth: two separate sessions. The Ananda Stealth and Arya Stealth reviews were both re-checked in September 2026.

## Questions about the Ananda Stealth and Arya Stealth {#compare-faq-heading}

1. ### What is the difference between the HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth and the HIFIMAN Arya Stealth? {#compare-hifiman-ananda-stealth-hifiman-arya-stealth-faq-what-is-the-difference-between-the-hifiman-ananda}
   The HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth edges the Arya Stealth where it is measured, 8.8 to 8.7. In the reviews' own lines, tonal balance goes to the Ananda Stealth and soundstage and comfort to the Arya Stealth. On voicing the Arya Stealth is the more analytical of the two; the Ananda Stealth does not lean far on that axis.
2. ### Which should you buy, the HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth or the HIFIMAN Arya Stealth? {#compare-hifiman-ananda-stealth-hifiman-arya-stealth-faq-which-should-you-buy-the-hifiman-ananda-stealth}
   The Ananda Stealth: it leads the Arya Stealth on both counts, 8.8 against 8.7 and $400 less.
3. ### How do the Ananda Stealth and the Arya Stealth compare on soundstage and imaging? {#compare-hifiman-ananda-stealth-hifiman-arya-stealth-faq-how-do-the-ananda-stealth-and-the-arya}
   The Arya Stealth, narrowly: its review lists two strengths and one flaw on soundstage, the Ananda Stealth review one strength and one flaw.
4. ### Which is more comfortable, the Ananda Stealth or the Arya Stealth? {#compare-hifiman-ananda-stealth-hifiman-arya-stealth-faq-which-is-more-comfortable-the-ananda-stealth-or}
   The Arya Stealth, narrowly: its review lists two strengths on comfort, the Ananda Stealth review two strengths and two flaws.
5. ### Is the Arya Stealth worth $400 more than the Ananda Stealth? {#compare-hifiman-ananda-stealth-hifiman-arya-stealth-faq-is-the-arya-stealth-worth-400-more-than}
   Not on score: the Arya Stealth costs $400 more than the Ananda Stealth for 0.1 less on the rubric. In the reviews' own lines, it buys the Arya Stealth's soundstage and comfort over the Ananda Stealth.

## Where they rank {#ranks-heading}

In Best Planar Magnetic Headphones the Ananda Stealth ranks #5 and the Arya Stealth #7; in Best Open-Back Headphones the Ananda Stealth ranks #6 and the Arya Stealth #9; only the Ananda Stealth makes Best Headphones Under $500 (#2).

[Best Headphones Under $500](https://theaudiostuff.com/guides/best-headphones-under-500/)

Ananda Stealth **#2** Arya Stealth not listed 12 picks

[Best Planar Magnetic Headphones](https://theaudiostuff.com/guides/best-planar-magnetic-headphones/)

Ananda Stealth **#5** Arya Stealth **#7** 11 picks

[Best Open-Back Headphones](https://theaudiostuff.com/guides/best-open-back-headphones/)

Ananda Stealth **#6** Arya Stealth **#9** 14 picks

## Tools for this decision {#compare-tools-heading}

Calculator

### [Headphone Power Calculator](https://theaudiostuff.com/tools/headphone-power-calculator/)

Generator

### [Online Tone Generator](https://theaudiostuff.com/tools/signal-generator/)

## Related comparisons {#related-heading}

Nearby headphones matchups without the Ananda Stealth or the Arya Stealth.

[HIFIMAN Arya Organic HIFIMAN HE1000se 9.2 vs 9.3](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-arya-organic-vs-hifiman-he1000se/) [HIFIMAN Arya Unveiled HIFIMAN HE1000se 9.1 vs 9.3](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-arya-unveiled-vs-hifiman-he1000se/) [HIFIMAN Arya Organic HIFIMAN Arya Unveiled 9.2 vs 9.1](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-arya-organic-vs-hifiman-arya-unveiled/) [HIFIMAN Arya Unveiled HIFIMAN Edition XS 9.1 vs 8.7](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-arya-unveiled-vs-hifiman-edition-xs/) [HIFIMAN Ananda Nano HIFIMAN Sundara 8.6 vs 9.0](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-ananda-nano-vs-hifiman-sundara/) [HIFIMAN Edition XS HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth 8.7 vs 8.5](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-edition-xs-vs-hifiman-he1000-stealth/)

[All headphones matchups](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/#cat-headphones) [All headphones reviews](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/headphones/)