The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The 7hz Timeless earbuds are a solid choice if you're looking for something portable and relatively affordable compared to over-ear options like the HifiMan Edition XS. However, choosing between these two depends on your priorities. If you value comfort for long listening sessions and potentially better soundstage due to their over-ear design, the HifiMan Edition XS might be worth the extra cost. Earbuds like the 7hz Timeless offer convenience and discreetness, suitable for commuting or exercising, but might not provide the same level of immersion as over-ear headphones like the HifiMan Edition XS, which can offer richer and more detailed sound. Additionally, the build quality and aesthetic design might differ, so choose the HifiMan if you prefer premium materials and a more robust construction. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the 7hz Timeless
The 7hz Timeless has no clear advantages over the HifiMan Edition XS.
Advantages of the HifiMan Edition XS
Good for gaming
Best in class for TV and video
Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Gaming
6.6/10
7.4/10
The HifiMan Edition XS is good for gaming, while the 7hz Timeless is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.3/10
5.0/10
The HifiMan Edition XS and 7hz Timeless are both poor for phone calls, though the HifiMan Edition XS is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8/10
7.9/10
The HifiMan Edition XS is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the 7hz Timeless is only fair.
TV and Video
7.8/10
9.5/10
The HifiMan Edition XS is best in class for TV and video, while the 7hz Timeless is good.
Noise Reduction
5.3/10
2.5/10
The 7hz Timeless and HifiMan Edition XS are both poor for noise reduction, though the 7hz Timeless is somewhat better.
Cost
$190
$269
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The 7hz Timeless has a price of $190 and the HifiMan Edition XS costs $269.
"7Hz picked a bold name for the Timeless and frankly, got very close to justifying their word choice. Most importantly, the Timeless are good to go in stock form, so you don’t have to worry about source-matching and such. I can recommend the 7Hz Timeless to those who do not mind a dash of brightness up top, want a taste of planar in IEM form, and want one of the most resolving pair of earphones in the $150 - $300 price range."
"The Edition XS easily compete with headphones in their price range with a very high price-to-performance ratio. The XS are an amazing value and offer performance not far off from headphones more than twice their cost. These will be a mind-blowing revelation for enthusiasts and music lovers who have only heard standard big-brand mainstream headphones."
Get a great deal on the 7hz Timeless or the HifiMan Edition XS
About HifiMan
HiFiMAN is a Chinese, high-end, audio product manufacturer, with 20 years of experience, that specializes in amplifiers, digital audio players and planar magnetic headphones, some of which have become a staple in the audiophile community such as the entry-level Sundara, the midrange Edition X, and the very well-regarded, high-end, Arya.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
91,100
Recommendations made
13,665
Consumer hours saved
About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.