The HiFiMan ANANDA-BT Wireless are the Bluetooth version of the HiFiMan Ananda. They support higher resolution codecs like LDAC and aptX HD alongside USB audio connectivity for high-quality audio. Their open-back design lets sound interact with your environment to create a more immersive listening experience and a more open and spacious soundstage. Unlike their wired counterpart, they also have a detachable boom microphone; it doesn't have the best performance. These headphones aren't very versatile, as they're geared towards audiophiles and aren't intended for casual use. That said, these headphones have a very well-balanced, neutral audio reproduction that's ideal for audiophiles.
Our Verdict
The HiFiMan ANANDA-BT are mediocre for mixed usage. They have an impressively neutral audio reproduction that makes them ideal for audiophiles, but they aren't very versatile. These open-back headphones are designed to allow background noise to enter the ear cups to help make audio sound more immersive, but unfortunately, it also means they have poor noise isolation and leakage performance. They aren't very portable or stable, and their bulky design isn't very suitable for use while you're on the go.
- Detachable boom microphone.
- Very comfortable.
- Neutral, well-balanced sound profile.
- Terrible noise isolation performance.
- Not stable enough for light exercise.
- Leaks a lot of noise.
The HiFiMan ANANDA-BT are impressive for neutral sound. These open-back headphones have an open and spacious soundstage that provides an immersive listening experience. Overall, they have a neutral and well-balanced audio reproduction that's suitable for most music genres. Like most open-back headphones, they lack a touch of sub-bass. Their treble range can also be a bit bright with certain tracks.
- Open and spacious soundstage.
- Neutral, well-balanced sound profile.
- Consistent performance across users.
- Lacks a bit of sub-bass.
The HiFiMan ANANDA-BT are disappointing for commute and travel. They aren't designed for outdoor use, as their open-back design means they don't isolate any background noise and they leak a lot of sound. Also, their bulky design isn't very portable, so they may not fit easily into smaller bags and purses. On the upside, these headphones are very comfortable, and their 11-hour continuous battery life should be enough for when you're on the go.
- Very comfortable.
- Terrible noise isolation performance.
- Leaks a lot of noise.
- Not very portable.
The HiFiMan ANANDA-BT are okay for sports and fitness. Though they have a comfortable fit, their large, bulky design isn't suited for use while working out, and it also means that these headphones aren't very portable. They're fairly stable and can stay on your head while you're listening to music, but they'll likely fall off your ears during even light physical activity.
- Very comfortable.
- Not stable enough for light exercise.
The HiFiMan ANANDA-BT are poor for office use. While these comfortable headphones can be worn throughout your workday without a lot of fatigue, their open-back design isn't ideal for office use. They have an awful noise isolation performance, and they also leak a lot of noise, which may be distracting for your coworkers. On the upside, their over 11-hour continuous battery life should last you throughout your workday.
- Very comfortable.
- Terrible noise isolation performance.
- Leaks a lot of noise.
The HiFiMan ANANDA-BT can only be used via Bluetooth or wired to a computer with the USB-C cable. They can't be used wirelessly with PS4 or Xbox One. While they can be used with Bluetooth-enabled PCs, their high latency makes them inadequate for wireless gaming.
The HiFiMan ANANDA-BT are decent for wired gaming. They have a very comfortable fit, so you can wear them for long gaming sessions without a lot of fatigue. You can wire these headphones to your PC, but they aren't compatible with Xbox One or PS4. Like most open-back headphones, they lack a touch of sub-bass, so they don't reproduce the thump and rumble from explosions and action-packed scenes. They also have a detachable boom microphone for communicating with your teammates, but it can make your voice sound thin, distorted, or unnatural.
- Detachable boom microphone.
- Very comfortable.
- Poor microphone recording quality.
- Lacks a bit of sub-bass.
- Not compatible with PS4 or Xbox One.
The HiFiMan ANANDA-BT are disappointing for phone calls. Their boom microphone can make your voice sound a bit thin, and it struggles to separate your voice from background noise in even moderately noisy environments. Also, because of their open-back design, these headphones don't block out a lot of background noise, which can be distracting.
- Detachable boom microphone.
- Poor microphone recording quality.
- Terrible noise isolation performance.
Changelog
- Updated Aug 07, 2024: The intro has been slightly revised to acknowledge the headphones' LDAC and USB audio connectivity, and the Bluetooth section has been updated to mention that these headphones support LDAC and HWA Bluetooth codecs.
- Updated Jan 20, 2021: We've clarified the results of the USB Audio test.
- Updated Nov 30, 2020: We have updated the USB Audio test results.
- Updated Sep 11, 2020: Verified that there isn't Virtual Surround on the app.
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Popular Headphones Comparisons
The HiFiMan ANANDA-BT are premium open-back headphones released in 2019. Unlike most open-back over-ears, these well-built headphones can be used wirelessly via Bluetooth or with a USB-C cable, and they come with a detachable boom microphone. Their well-balanced and neutral audio reproduction is ideal for audiophiles, and their open-back design helps create an open and spacious soundstage, though they aren't as immersive as the wired HiFiMan Ananda. On the downside, these bulky headphones aren't very versatile, so they're more suitable for critical listening at home. If you're looking for other headphones, see our recommendations for the best open-back headphones, the best headphones for audiophiles, and the best headphones.
The HiFiMan Ananda are better headphones for neutral sound than the HiFiMan ANANDA-BT Wireless. The wired Ananda have a more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box and a better peaks and dips performance. Their soundstage is more elevated, too, and so audio sounds more like it's coming from all around you instead of inside your head. That said, the wireless Ananda-BT are more versatile headphones. They're Bluetooth and USB audio compatible. They have a detachable boom mic, and they have on-ear controls and a carrying case, unlike the wired Ananda.
The HiFiMan Edition X are better headphones for neutral sound than the HiFiMan ANANDA-BT Wireless. The Edition X have a more neutral, better-balanced audio reproduction and a better peaks and dips performance. Their soundstage is also larger and more open than the Ananda-BT. That being said, the Ananda-BT are more versatile headphones. They can be used wirelessly via Bluetooth, they have a detachable microphone, and they come with a carrying case. The Ananda-BT also have a more stable fit on your head.
The HiFiMan ANANDA-BT Wireless for neutral sound than the Beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless. The HiFiMan have a more consistent audio delivery, and their open-back design helps create a more open and spacious soundstage. That said, the Beyerdynamic have longer battery life, and their closed-back design allows them to isolate more noise and leak less sound.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are more versatile headphones than the HiFiMan ANANDA-BT Wireless. Thanks to their closed-back design and ANC feature, the Bose are much better at noise isolation, and they leak less noise. The Bose also have longer battery life and a more comfortable, stable fit. However, the HiFiMan's open-back design gives them a more open, spacious soundstage than the Bose, which may be preferred by audiophiles.
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