Edifier STAX SPIRIT S5

The Edifier STAX SPIRIT S5 delivers the absolute best sound we've ever measured in a wireless headphone, thanks to planar magnetic drivers and exhaustive codec support. Battery life is ridiculous at 80 hours. But comfort is among the worst in its class, and the build feels fragile, so it's only for desk-bound audiophiles who won't need ANC or all-day wear.

Planar magnetic drivers in a wireless headphone? That's the promise of the Edifier STAX SPIRIT S5, and it's a rare one. Most wireless headphones stick to dynamics, but Edifier went all-in with a second-gen EqualMass planar setup, a 2µm thin film, and a Snapdragon Sound platform that unlocks pretty much every hi-res codec you'd want. So if you've been searching for an audiophile-grade wireless headphone that doesn't skimp on detail, this thing is likely on your radar. It's priced around $400 at most retailers, though we've seen wild swings all the way up to over $12,000 from resellers—so shop smart.

For music lovers sick of cables, the S5 looks like a dream on paper: LDAC, LHDC, aptX Lossless, 80 hours of battery, and optional wired operation over 3.5mm or USB-C. And yes, the sound quality is the real deal. Our testing puts it in the 100th percentile for audio performance among over-ear headphones—meaning it's literally at the top of the charts right now. But numbers don't tell the whole story, and after using them daily, the S5 shows glimmers of brilliance alongside some pretty glaring flaws.

Comfort is a sore spot. Despite lambskin and cowhide earcups that feel premium at first touch, the clamping force and weight distribution land this pair in the bottom 10% for comfort. Build quality also lags behind—our testing pegs it in the 35th percentile, and customer reviews mirror that with reports of fragile plastic around the headband. If you're after an all-arounder for commuting, look elsewhere. But if music is your only priority and you're willing to accept the trade-offs, the S5 might be your new best friend.

Let's start where the S5 absolutely dominates: sound. The planar magnetic drivers here don't just deliver detail—they shove it in your face in the best way. Imaging is precise, separation is stellar, and the bass extension stays tight even at low volumes. The 2µm film and EqualMass wiring keep distortion out of the picture, even when you push the 120Ω impedance. Compared to typical wireless headphones, this is a different league. We found that the dynamic EQ setting in the app gave the most balanced presentation, though purists can switch to a flatter tuning. If you're asking "is the Edifier STAX S5 good for critical listening?" the answer is an emphatic yes—this is the kind of headphone that makes you rediscover songs you thought you knew.

Wireless performance is equally solid. With Snapdragon Sound and BT 5.4, the S5 supports aptX Lossless, LDAC, LHDC, and the usual suspects, so you can stream bit-perfect audio from most modern Android phones. Latency is low enough for casual gaming, but dedicated gamers will notice the 56.5 score here is decent, not outstanding—you'll be better off with a wired connection for fast-paced titles. Battery life is a monster at 80 hours, landing in the 94th percentile. Even with heavy hi-res streaming, you'll charge this thing once every couple of weeks.

There's a weird pricing story here. The Edifier STAX S5 typically sells around $400, which puts it directly against flagship ANC headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4. That's a bold move considering it lacks noise cancellation. But you're essentially trading ANC and comfort for the absolute best wireless sound you can buy under $500. Some resellers list it for insane amounts—we've seen upwards of $12,433—so don't overpay. Stick to reputable stores where the price stays near the MSRP. If raw audio fidelity is your only criterion, the S5 is a steal compared to other planar wireless headphones that easily cross $1,000. Just know you're sacrificing a lot of everyday usability.

When you stack the S5 against the Sony WH-1000XM6, the differences are stark. The Sony is far more comfortable, has class-leading ANC, and a more robust app ecosystem, but its sound is merely good—not exceptional. The S5 demolishes it in audio quality but can't touch it for travel. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 sits in the middle: solid sound, good ANC, and a comfortable fit, but it doesn't reach the S5's detail retrieval. If you're deciding between them, ask yourself whether you'll use these headphones on a plane or at a desk. For plane use, the Sony or Sennheiser win; for a desk, the S5 is magic.

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 comes closer in sound but at a much higher price, and it still offers ANC. The S5 undercuts it while delivering a purer, more revealing listen. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Technics EAH-A800 are better all-rounders for most people, but neither has the audiophile chops of the S5. Bottom line: the S5 is for a specific crowd—planar fanatics who don't mind giving up creature comforts.

Skip the S5 if you need headphones for commuting or travel—the lack of ANC and poor noise isolation make it a chore in loud environments. Gamers looking for wireless 3D audio should pick a dedicated headset instead, and anyone who values all-day comfort will find the clamping force unbearable after an hour. If you take frequent calls, the mic quality is just average, so business users might want the Sony or Bose alternatives. In short, this is a single-purpose tool for critical music listening in a quiet room, and not much else.

The Edifier STAX SPIRIT S5 is a tough one to recommend without a big asterisk. If you're the kind of person who has a dedicated listening corner, never leaves the house with your headphones, and cares about nothing but how music sounds, then yes—buy these. The sound quality is so good that for $400, it might be the only wireless pair you'll ever need. But if you plan to wear headphones for more than an hour at a time, commute, game online, or take lots of calls, the S5 will disappoint. Comfort and build issues can't be ignored, and they seriously limit who this is for.

I wish Edifier had spent more time on the physical design because the audio engineering inside is world-class. As it stands, the S5 is a brilliant niche product that many people will try once and return. For those who keep them, it'll be an unforgettable listening experience.