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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for a high-quality listening experience and don't mind investing more, the HifiMan Sundara could be your choice, particularly noted for its planar magnetic drivers that typically offer a higher level of detail and a wider soundstage. However, the Sundara may also require a dedicated amplifier to reach its full potential, adding to the overall cost. On the other hand, the Philips Fidelio X2HR is more budget-friendly and still delivers high-quality sound using dynamic drivers; it's a plug-and-play solution with no need for extra equipment. Both headphones are open-back, meaning they provide a spacious sound but are not suitable for noisy environments as they don't isolate sound well. 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 HifiMan Sundara
- The HifiMan Sundara has no clear advantages over the Philips Fidelio X2HR.
Advantages of the Philips Fidelio X2HR
- The Philips Fidelio X2HR has no clear advantages over the HifiMan Sundara.
Key differences
Cost
$279
$148
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The HifiMan Sundara has a price of $279 and the Philips Fidelio X2HR costs $148.
Build Quality
8.2
9.0
The Philips Fidelio X2HR has excellent build quality, while the HifiMan Sundara has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
9.3
9.3
The HifiMan Sundara and Philips Fidelio X2HR are both excellent for music.
Gaming
7.2
7.0
The HifiMan Sundara and Philips Fidelio X2HR are both good for gaming.
Phone Calls
4.9
5.0
The Philips Fidelio X2HR and HifiMan Sundara are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.8
7.9
The Philips Fidelio X2HR and HifiMan Sundara are both good for podcasts and audiobooks.
TV and Video
8.8
8.8
The Philips Fidelio X2HR and HifiMan Sundara are both very good for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The HifiMan Sundara and Philips Fidelio X2HR are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the HifiMan Sundara and the Philips Fidelio X2HR compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| HifiMan Sundara | Philips Fidelio X2HR |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$279 | $148 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | HifiMan | Philips | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2020 | September 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 9.3/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.2/10 | 7.1/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.8/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.5/10 | 4.5/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 2.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.2/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 394.6 Grams | 390 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
HifiMan Sundara
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | July 2023
"The HiFiMan Sundara is the set of headphones to get if you want high-end audio, but don't want to shell out a king's ransom for it. These planar magnetic headphones are comfortable, straightforward, and excellent performers."
Philips Fidelio X2HR
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Dig into reviews and images
Liquid Audio
Stefan | May 2022
"This piece is a fantastic option for music lovers searching for premium sound and a snug fit. You should get these headphones if you care about sound quality and want to hear music in a new light. This technology is a great option for high-quality headphones with superb sound reproduction."
Get a great deal on the HifiMan Sundara or the Philips Fidelio X2HR
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.
About Philips
Philips is a Dutch conglomerate and electronics manufacturer with over 130 years of history. Philips makes the Fidelio audio line which includes several models of full-sized wired and wireless headphones, true wireless earbuds. soundbars and wireless speakers.
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Why trust us
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.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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