--- title: "HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth vs HIFIMAN Sundara: Which to Buy?" description: "HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth vs HIFIMAN Sundara: warm vs neutral open-back planar magnetic headphones. The Sundara scores 9.0/10 to 8.8/10 and costs $60 less." url: "https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-ananda-stealth-vs-hifiman-sundara/" type: "article" section: "Headphones comparison" author: "Jakub Charkiewicz" published: "2024-06-18T00:00:00.000Z" modified: "2026-10-10T00:00:00.000Z" --- > Markdown rendering of https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-ananda-stealth-vs-hifiman-sundara/ > Canonical URL to cite: https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-ananda-stealth-vs-hifiman-sundara/ > Generated from the published page. Text and links only; see the HTML for layout. Breadcrumb: [Home](https://theaudiostuff.com/) > [Comparisons](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/) > HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth vs HIFIMAN Sundara # HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth vs HIFIMAN Sundara The HIFIMAN Sundara scores 0.2 higher and costs $60 less than the Ananda Stealth. Going by the two reviews, the Ananda Stealth is stronger on driver technology and comfort and the Sundara on soundstage. By [Jakub Charkiewicz](https://theaudiostuff.com/authors/jakub-charkiewicz/) Published Jun 18, 2024 Updated Oct 10, 2026 On score and price **HIFIMAN Sundara** Higher score and lower list price than the Ananda Stealth. When to choose the Ananda Stealth over the Sundara ## Is the Ananda Stealth worth $60 more than the Sundara? {#cmp-qa-title} Not on score: the Ananda Stealth scores 0.2 lower than the Sundara. Going by the two reviews, what the Ananda Stealth adds for the money is its driver technology and comfort, and the Sundara keeps the edge on soundstage. ![HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth lifted from a wooden stand, slatted grille across its egg-shaped cup](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/hifiman-ananda-stealth-egg-earcups-1152w.avif) ## [HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-ananda-stealth/) Score **8.8** -0.2 Verdict Highly Recommended List price **$359** +$60 [HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-ananda-stealth/) ![HIFIMAN Sundara ear cup from the side, its honeycomb grille set in a matte cast frame](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/sundara-open-back-ear-cup-1152w.avif) Higher score ## [HIFIMAN Sundara](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-sundara/) Score **9.0** +0.2 Verdict Highly Recommended List price **$299** -$60 [HIFIMAN Sundara review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-sundara/) Keep the Ananda Stealth - [Compare the Ananda Stealth with HIFIMAN Arya Stealth scored 8.7 out of 10](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-ananda-stealth-vs-hifiman-arya-stealth/) - [Compare the Ananda Stealth with HIFIMAN Edition XS scored 8.7 out of 10](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-ananda-stealth-vs-hifiman-edition-xs/) - [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 Sundara - [Compare the Sundara with HIFIMAN Edition XS scored 8.7 out of 10](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-edition-xs-vs-hifiman-sundara/) - [Compare the Sundara with HIFIMAN Ananda Nano scored 8.6 out of 10](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-ananda-nano-vs-hifiman-sundara/) - [Compare the Sundara with Meze 105 Silva scored 8.7 out of 10](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-sundara-vs-meze-105-silva/) ## In the reviewer's words {#words-heading} The Ananda Stealth review mentions the Sundara in passing, verbatim below. > Regarding resolution, it's more or less on par with the Sundara, meaning it's not the most resolving headphone in the world - not even close. *HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth review, from the section "Slightly warm sound, excellent placement". [Read it in context in the Ananda Stealth review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-ananda-stealth/#slightly-warm-sound-excellent-placement)* ## Which one to buy {#guidance-heading} The Sundara is the better buy unless its driver technology or comfort would put you off, in which case take the Ananda Stealth. **Who the Ananda Stealth and the Sundara are each for, side by side** | At a glance | HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth | HIFIMAN Sundara | | --- | --- | --- | | Score | 8.8/10, Highly Recommended | 9.0/10, Highly Recommended | | List price | $359 | $299 | | Lowest US price now | [$249 at Apos Audio and 3 other stores on Oct 20, 2026](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-ananda-stealth/#rv-price-heading) | [$179 at Apos Audio and 2 other stores on Oct 20, 2026](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-sundara/#rv-price-heading) | ### HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth Choose it instead if: - You care more about the Ananda Stealth's driver technology and comfort than the Sundara's soundstage. [HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-ananda-stealth/) ### HIFIMAN Sundara Choose it if: - You care more about the Sundara's soundstage than the Ananda Stealth's driver technology and comfort. [HIFIMAN Sundara review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-sundara/) ### What matters most to you? {#cmp-ax-title} **Rubric axes out of 10: Ananda Stealth and Sundara.** | What matters | HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth | HIFIMAN Sundara | | --- | --- | --- | | Sound | 9.1 | 9.0 | | Technical performance | 8.4 | 9.3 | | Build & comfort | 8.8 | 8.6 | | System fit | 8.9 | 8.7 | | Value | 8.8 | 9.2 | The widest gap is technical performance: 8.4 for the Ananda Stealth against 9.3 for the Sundara. The Ananda Stealth column is worked out from its review's 13 pros and cons and the Sundara column from 12, and each adds back up to its overall score, 8.8 and 9.0. [How a score is built](https://theaudiostuff.com/about/#rubric) ## Where they differ {#diff-heading} The Ananda Stealth has Stealth Magnets and the Sundara does not. ### Detail and dynamics The [Ananda Stealth review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-ananda-stealth/#slightly-warm-sound-excellent-placement) and the [Sundara review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-sundara/#micro-detail-is-the-standout) both have something to say here, and the Ananda Stealth review compares the two on it directly, quoted above: - Ananda Stealth, criticized: "Resolution roughly on par with Sundara - not class-leading" - Sundara, praised: "Outstanding micro-detail retrieval, especially for the price" ### Driver technology Here the [Ananda Stealth review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-ananda-stealth/#easy-to-drive-with-stealth-magnets) is the more positive of the two and the [Sundara review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-sundara/) finds fault: - Ananda Stealth, praised: "Stealth Magnets + NEO Supernano Diaphragm" - Sundara, criticized: "Does not include Stealth Magnets" ### Comfort and fit Here the [Ananda Stealth review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-ananda-stealth/#roomy-pads-and-firm-foam-on-a-light-frame) is the kinder of the two and the [Sundara review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-sundara/#an-all-metal-build-with-a-suspension-strap) has reservations: - Ananda Stealth, praised: "Suspension-strap headband - distributes weight well" - Sundara, criticized: "Inner pad diameter likely too small for many ears" ### [Soundstage](https://theaudiostuff.com/glossary/soundstage/) and [imaging](https://theaudiostuff.com/glossary/imaging/) Here the [Sundara review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-sundara/#a-wide-soundstage-and-real-slam) is the more positive of the two and the [Ananda Stealth review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-ananda-stealth/#slightly-warm-sound-excellent-placement) has reservations: - Sundara, praised: "Great wide and decently accurate soundstage" - Ananda Stealth, criticized: "Soundstage isn't the widest" Only the [Ananda Stealth review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-ananda-stealth/#easy-to-drive-with-stealth-magnets) praises its amp matching; only the [Sundara review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-sundara/#an-all-metal-build-with-a-suspension-strap) praises its build. ## What they have in common {#common-heading} The Ananda Stealth and the Sundara are both open-back planar magnetic headphones from HIFIMAN, and both have a suspension-strap headband and dual 3.5mm cable sockets. Neither the Ananda Stealth nor the Sundara has cups that swivel. The Ananda Stealth and the Sundara are both praised for their bass and tonal balance. ## Sound signature, overlaid {#sig-heading} On tonal balance, the Ananda Stealth sounds warm while the Sundara sounds neutral. For presentation, the better guide is the Ananda Stealth review's own comparison with the Sundara, quoted above. ## On paper {#specs-heading} The Ananda Stealth ranks joint #6 and the Sundara #4 of the 30 headphones reviewed here; on value the Ananda Stealth rates Strong and the Sundara Excellent. To reach 110 dB peaks the Ananda Stealth needs about 50 mW and the Sundara about 63 mW, which puts both in reach of most dongle DACs. At 342 g against 398 g, the Sundara is 56 g lighter than the Ananda Stealth. The Ananda Stealth and the Sundara both take dual 3.5 mm cables, so one upgrade cable fits either. The Ananda Stealth and Sundara figures are the makers' own; [IEC 60268-7](https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/86573) defines how they are measured. **Specifications for the HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth compared with the HIFIMAN Sundara** | Spec | HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth | HIFIMAN Sundara | | --- | --- | --- | | Impedance | 16 Ω | 32 Ω | | Sensitivity | 93 dB (reference not stated) | 92 dB/mW | | Weight | 398 g | 342 g | Only the [Ananda Stealth review](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/hifiman-ananda-stealth/#specs-heading) lists frequency response, which the Sundara review leaves out. ## How these verdicts were reached {#deepdive-heading} The Sundara review was published on Jul 14, 2023 and the Ananda Stealth review on Jun 18, 2024, 11 months later, on one [reference chain](https://theaudiostuff.com/about/how-we-test/) and [rubric](https://theaudiostuff.com/about/#rubric). The Ananda Stealth review mentions the Sundara in passing, quoted above. The Ananda Stealth and Sundara reviews were both last checked on Oct 3, 2026. ## Sources {#cmp-sources-heading} Further reading for the Ananda Stealth and the Sundara: the Ananda Stealth's Stealth Magnets and what both reviews say about [tonality](https://theaudiostuff.com/glossary/sound-signature/). - [HyperPhysics: Diffraction of sound](https://hyperphysics.gsu.edu/hbase/Sound/diffrac.html) - [Olive (2022): The perception and measurement of headphone sound quality: what do listeners prefer?](https://acousticstoday.org/he-perception-and-measurement-of-headphone-sound-quality-what-do-listeners-prefer-sean-e-olive/) ## Questions about the Ananda Stealth and Sundara {#compare-faq-heading} 1. ### What is the difference between the HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth and the HIFIMAN Sundara? {#compare-hifiman-ananda-stealth-hifiman-sundara-faq-what-is-the-difference-between-the-hifiman-ananda} The HIFIMAN Sundara scores 9.0 and the Ananda Stealth 8.8. The Ananda Stealth does better on driver technology and comfort, the Sundara on soundstage. For voicing, the better guide is the Ananda Stealth review's own comparison with the Sundara, quoted above. 2. ### Which should you buy, the HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth or the HIFIMAN Sundara? {#compare-hifiman-ananda-stealth-hifiman-sundara-faq-which-should-you-buy-the-hifiman-ananda-stealth} The Sundara beats the Ananda Stealth on both counts, scoring 9.0 to 8.8 and costing $60 less. 3. ### How does the engineering differ between the Ananda Stealth and the Sundara? {#compare-hifiman-ananda-stealth-hifiman-sundara-faq-how-does-the-engineering-differ-between-the-ananda} The Ananda Stealth: its review is positive about driver technology, while the Sundara review is critical. 4. ### Which is more comfortable, the Ananda Stealth or the Sundara? {#compare-hifiman-ananda-stealth-hifiman-sundara-faq-which-is-more-comfortable-the-ananda-stealth-or} The Ananda Stealth, narrowly: both reviews are mixed on comfort, the Ananda Stealth's less so than the Sundara's. ## Where they rank {#ranks-heading} [Best Headphones Under $500](https://theaudiostuff.com/guides/best-headphones-under-500/) Sundara **#1** - Best Overall Ananda Stealth **#2** 8 picks [Best Open-Back Headphones](https://theaudiostuff.com/guides/best-open-back-headphones/) Sundara **#4** - Best Value Ananda Stealth **#6** 14 picks [Best Planar Magnetic Headphones](https://theaudiostuff.com/guides/best-planar-magnetic-headphones/) Sundara **#4** - Best Value Ananda Stealth **#5** 10 picks [Best Reference-Grade Audio Gear](https://theaudiostuff.com/guides/best-reference-grade-audio-gear/) Sundara **#10** - Best Value Ananda Stealth not listed 10 picks ## Tools for this decision {#compare-tools-heading} Calculator ### [Headphone Power Calculator](https://theaudiostuff.com/tools/headphone-power-calculator/) EQ ### [Online Equalizer](https://theaudiostuff.com/tools/eq-simulator/) ## Related comparisons {#related-heading} Nearby headphone matchups without the Ananda Stealth or the Sundara. [HIFIMAN Arya Organic 9.2 HIFIMAN HE1000se 9.3](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-arya-organic-vs-hifiman-he1000se/) [HIFIMAN Arya Unveiled 9.1 HIFIMAN HE1000se 9.3](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-arya-unveiled-vs-hifiman-he1000se/) [HIFIMAN Arya Organic 9.2 HIFIMAN Arya Unveiled 9.1](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-arya-organic-vs-hifiman-arya-unveiled/) [HIFIMAN Arya Organic 9.2 HIFIMAN Arya Stealth 8.7](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-arya-organic-vs-hifiman-arya-stealth/) [HIFIMAN Arya Stealth 8.7 HIFIMAN Arya Unveiled 9.1](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-arya-stealth-vs-hifiman-arya-unveiled/) [HIFIMAN Arya Unveiled 9.1 HIFIMAN Edition XS 8.7](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-arya-unveiled-vs-hifiman-edition-xs/) [All headphone matchups](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/#cat-headphones) [All headphone reviews](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/headphones/)