HIFIMAN Edition XS vs OLLO Audio X1
The OLLO Audio X1 scores 0.2 higher; the HIFIMAN Edition XS costs $280 less. Going by the two reviews, the Edition XS is stronger on soundstage and value and the X1 on comfort.
By Jakub Charkiewicz Published Updated
On score and price OLLO Audio X1 Its score lead is worth more than the Edition XS's lower list price.
When to choose the Edition XS over the X1Is the X1 worth $280 more than the Edition XS?
On score, yes: the X1 leads the Edition XS by 0.2, two steps, which outweighs the price difference. Going by the two reviews, what the X1 adds for the money is its comfort and driver technology, and the Edition XS keeps the edge on soundstage and value.
HIFIMAN Edition XS
Higher score
OLLO Audio X1
Which one to buy
The X1 is the better buy unless its soundstage or value would put you off, in which case take the Edition XS.
| At a glance | HIFIMAN Edition XS | OLLO Audio X1 |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 8.7/10, Highly Recommended | 8.9/10, Highly Recommended |
| List price | $269 | $549 |
| Lowest US price now | $209 at Apos Audio and 2 other stores on Oct 21, 2026 | not tracked at US stores |
HIFIMAN Edition XS
Choose it instead if:
- You care more about the Edition XS's soundstage and value than the X1's comfort.
OLLO Audio X1
Choose it if:
- You care more about the X1's comfort than the Edition XS's soundstage and value.
What matters most to you?
| What matters | HIFIMAN Edition XS | OLLO Audio X1 |
|---|---|---|
| Sound | 8.3 | 8.8 |
| Technical performance | 9.0 | 8.8 |
| Build & comfort | 8.4 | 9.0 |
| System fit | 8.9 | 9.0 |
| Value | 9.1 | 9.0 |
The widest gap is build & comfort: 8.4 for the Edition XS against 9.0 for the X1. The Edition XS column is worked out from its review's 11 pros and cons and the X1 column from 14, and each adds back up to its overall score, 8.7 and 8.9. How a score is built
Where they differ
Three topics the Edition XS and X1 reviews both discuss, the most decisive first.
Only the Edition XS
Only the X1
Soundstage and imaging
Here the Edition XS review is the more positive of the two and the X1 review finds fault:
- Edition XS, praised: "Fantastic, wide soundstage with great image separation"
- X1, criticized: "Soundstage is realistic, not impressively wide"
Price and value
Here the Edition XS review is the more positive of the two and the X1 review finds fault:
- Edition XS, praised: "Truly exceptional sound for the price"
- X1, criticized: "Not the cheapest at this price point"
Comfort and fit
Here the X1 review is the kinder of the two and the Edition XS review has reservations:
- X1, praised: "Hybrid velour + perforated leather pads, user-replaceable"
- Edition XS, criticized: "Solid headband (no suspension strap) creates a hotspot after a few hours"
Only the Edition XS review praises its bass but faults its treble and mids; only the X1 review praises its driver technology and cabling but faults its tonal balance and is mixed on its in-box accessories.
What they have in common
The Edition XS and the X1 are both open-back headphones, the Edition XS with a planar magnetic driver and the X1 with a dynamic one. The Edition XS and the X1 are both praised for their amp matching and build.
Sound signature, overlaid
The Edition XS review describes its stage size and the X1 review its tonal balance, so no axis is described in both reviews and each mark is one review's own reading, not a comparison.
On paper
The Edition XS ranks joint #8 and the X1 #5 of the 30 headphones reviewed here; on value the Edition XS rates Excellent and the X1 Strong. To reach 110 dB peaks the Edition XS needs about 63 mW (most dongle DACs) and the X1 7.9 mW to 248 mW (a phone jack or any dongle at the low end, a desktop headphone amplifier at the high end).
The Edition XS and X1 figures are the makers' own; IEC 60268-7 defines how they are measured.
| Spec | HIFIMAN Edition XS | OLLO Audio X1 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | Planar magnetic | Dynamic |
| Impedance | 18 Ω | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 92 dB/mW | 101 dB (reference not stated) |
| Frequency response | 8 Hz - 50 kHz | 5 Hz - 22 kHz |
Only the Edition XS review lists weight; only the X1 review lists connector.
How these verdicts were reached
The Edition XS review was published on Jun 1, 2023 and the X1 review on Aug 1, 2025, just over two years later, on one reference chain and rubric. The Edition XS review never mentions the X1, nor the X1 review the Edition XS: two separate sessions. The Edition XS and X1 reviews were both last checked on Oct 3, 2026.
Sources
Further reading for the Edition XS and the X1: the Edition XS's Stealth Magnets and the two driver types.
Questions about the Edition XS and X1
What is the difference between the HIFIMAN Edition XS and the OLLO Audio X1?
On score, the OLLO Audio X1 is ahead of the Edition XS, 8.9 against 8.7. The Edition XS does better on soundstage and value, the X1 on comfort. The Edition XS and the X1 have similar sound signatures on every axis.
Which should you buy, the HIFIMAN Edition XS or the OLLO Audio X1?
The X1: its 8.9 against the Edition XS's 8.7 is two steps, enough to justify the extra $280.
How do the Edition XS and the X1 compare on soundstage and imaging?
The Edition XS: its review is positive about soundstage, while the X1 review is critical.
Which is the better value, the Edition XS or the X1?
The Edition XS: its review is positive about value, while the X1 review is critical.