Short answer: the HIFIMAN RE600S, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #1208 of 1291 in-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 1.5/5, at $75.46; the HIFIMAN RE800 ranks #1282, rated 1.0/5, and costs $99, so there is little reason to consider the other one. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 1291 in-ear headphones, so if sound quality matters, consider the Intuaura Reference 2019 instead, ranked #7 at $34.99.
The HIFIMAN RE600S is the better-sounding pick. At 16 ohms and 102 dB/mW a phone drives it easily, and the single 8.5mm dynamic driver keeps the design simple. Watch for: In oratory1990’s measurement bass falls 6 dB below target by 95 Hz and is about 11 dB down at 30 Hz, so music sounds thin, while presence and air sit roughly 10 to 12 dB below target with a 13.4 dB dip near 11.9 kHz.
The case for the HIFIMAN RE800: A wired in-ear with a single 9.2mm dynamic driver, 60 ohm impedance and a rated 5Hz to 20kHz frequency response. The catch: A tonal tilt of +2.30 makes it sound bright and thin.
Buy the HIFIMAN RE600S. It is rated higher for sound quality than the HIFIMAN RE800 and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
At 16 ohms and 102 dB/mW a phone drives it easily, and the single 8.5mm dynamic driver keeps the design simple.
Amazon $75.46 eBay
A wired in-ear with a single 9.2mm dynamic driver, 60 ohm impedance and a rated 5Hz to 20kHz frequency response.
HIFIMAN $99.00 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| HIFIMAN RE600S | HIFIMAN RE800 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $75.46 | $99.00 |
| Ranked | #1208 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones | #1282 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | - |
| Harman Preference Score | 43 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 24 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 4.42 dB standard deviation | 5.44 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.02 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | +2.30 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 95 Hz (-11.1 dB at 30 Hz) | - |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 8.5mm dynamic | 1 x 9.2mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 16 ohms | 60 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB/mW | - |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 5Hz - 20kHz |
| Weight | - | 0 lbs (14.5 g) |
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