Avantone Pro Planar (BLACK)

The Avantone Pro Planar is a wired, open-back planar magnetic headphone built for studio detail. It delivers honest sound and great build quality, but comfort is a weak point for long sessions. The price is all over the map, so you need to hunt for a deal to make it worthwhile.

Let's talk sound, because that's the only reason you'd buy these. The planar magnetic drivers deliver a detailed, fast response that's typical of the technology. The frequency range of 30Hz to 30kHz covers more than enough ground for human hearing. In our testing, the sound quality lands at the 54th percentile, which is solidly middle-of-the-pack. That might sound disappointing for a 'reference-grade' headphone, but it tells you the tuning is likely very neutral. It's not going to wow you with booming bass or sparkling highs. Instead, it gives you an honest, uncolored picture of your audio, which is exactly what you want for studio work.

Where performance falls off a cliff is anything related to communication or noise canceling. The mic score is a disappointing 21st percentile, and ANC is at 34th. But honestly, complaining about that on an open-back planar headphone is like complaining your sports car can't tow a boat. It's not what it's for. The battery score is also a non-factor since these are purely passive, wired headphones. The 52nd percentile score there is just a quirk of our database comparing them against wireless models. Plug them in and they work, forever.

Stacked against the big names, the Avantone Pro Planar is in a tough fight. The Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 are wireless, ANC-equipped lifestyle headphones. They'll run circles around the Avantone for travel, calls, and convenience, but they can't match the raw, honest detail of a good planar magnetic driver for analytical listening. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 is a closer call for sound quality in a wireless package, but again, it's a closed-back, consumer-tuned experience. The Avantone is for a different job.

If you're actually in the market for studio headphones, the Apple AirPods Max and Technics EAH-A800 aren't even on the same playing field. You'd be comparing the Avantone to something like the Audeze LCD-1 or the Hifiman Sundara. Those competitors generally offer better comfort and a more established reputation in the planar magnetic space. The Avantone's main advantage is its build, but it's let down by how it feels on your head during a long mix session.

Value is the trickiest part of this review. We've seen this headphone listed from $377 all the way up to an eye-watering $9,534. At the lower end of that spectrum, you're getting a solid planar magnetic headphone for studio use that competes on build quality. At the high end, it's a complete non-starter. You absolutely must shop around. For context, you could grab a pair of Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4s for a great wireless experience, or look at dedicated studio options from brands like Beyerdynamic or Audeze that have more consistent pricing and better comfort. The Avantone's value hinges entirely on you finding it at a sane price.

The Avantone Pro Planar is a bit of an odd duck in the headphone world, and that's exactly what makes it interesting. This is an open-back, planar magnetic headphone aimed squarely at the studio crowd, but its price tag and design put it in a weird spot. You're looking at a pair of cans that can range wildly in price depending on where you shop, from a reasonable $377 all the way up to a frankly absurd $9,534. For a wired, no-frills audiophile headphone, that spread is something you absolutely need to pay attention to. It's built for critical listening, not for taking calls or commuting, and the specs and our data back that up in a big way.

Right out of the box, you get a detachable cable, a carrying bag, and a pair of headphones that feel more serious than fun. The open-back design means sound leaks in and out, so these are strictly for a quiet room. Avantone is pitching these as reference-grade, and for someone mixing or mastering, that flat, honest sound signature is the whole point. But if you're just looking for a pair of headphones to enjoy your Spotify playlist, the Pro Planar might feel a little too clinical. It's a tool first, a toy second.

Comfort is a mixed bag here. The build quality is a standout, landing in the 81st percentile in our database, which means they feel durable and well-put-together. But the comfort score sits at a mediocre 35th percentile. For long studio sessions, that could be a real problem. You might find yourself adjusting them more than you'd like. They're not heavy in a cheap way, but the clamping force or pad material just doesn't disappear on your head the way some competitors do.

Skip these if comfort is a top priority, because the 35th percentile score means they're not built for all-day wear. Also look elsewhere if you need any kind of noise isolation or a decent mic for calls. Casual listeners will find the sound too clinical and the lack of features frustrating. For a more comfortable wired planar experience, check out Hifiman, or for a great all-around wireless headphone, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 is a much better fit.

The Avantone Pro Planar is a purpose-built tool that does its main job well but stumbles on the basics. The sound is detailed and honest, and the build quality is a real strong point. But headphones are something you wear, and the mediocre comfort score is a significant drawback for the studio work these are designed for. You can't mix an album if you're constantly distracted by the clamp on your jaw.

Should you buy this? Only if you find it at the lower end of its bizarre price range and you absolutely need a neutral, open-back planar headphone for critical listening in a silent room. For everyone else, there are more comfortable, more versatile, and more consistently priced options out there. This is a niche product that demands you know exactly what you're getting into.