OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
Headphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Audeze LCD 5 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£3,960Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Audeze LCD 5 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Audeze LCD 5
5.5/10

Overall score

Score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
Score components

80%

5.3

Technical score

20%

6.5

User score

â–¼Worse than 86% of headphones
4.2

Value for money

Value for money
4.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

70%

5.5

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

â–¼Worse than 99%
5.3

Technical score

Technical score
5.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components

52%

5.8

Sound

20%

5.0

Features

10%

5.3

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

5.1

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 84%
6.5

User score

User score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components

70%

8.1

User ratings

30%

2.6

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 93%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Audeze LCD 5

Technical score
Technical score
5.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components:

52%

5.8

Sound

20%

5.0

Features

10%

5.3

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

5.1

Calls & Controls

5.3
User score
User score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components

70%

8.1

User ratings

30%

2.6

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
6.5
Popularity
Popularity
2.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Popularity:
Audeze LCD 5 has a popularity score of 2.6 points, which is lower than that of 70.6% of products in this category.
2.6
Value for money
Value for money
4.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components:

70%

5.5

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

4.2
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
planar
Driver size
90 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 90 mm, larger driver size than 98.3% of headphones and equal to 0.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
5 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 5 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 86.3% of headphones and equal to 10.8% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
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Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
yes
This pair of headphones supports EQ customization. 76.8% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Audeze
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
420 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 420 g, heavier than 95.8% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
open-back
Clamp force
4.9
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 4.9, higher clamp force than 59.7% of headphones and equal to 8.5% of headphones.
Show more

Audeze LCD 5 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 50 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (90 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    90 mm vs 40 mm
  • EQ customization
    This pair of headphones supports EQ customization, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 30,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 20 mm more spacious earcup width
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (64 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    64 mm vs 44 mm
  • Sidetone support
    This pair of headphones supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
  • 20 mm more spacious earcup width
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup width than the average pair of headphones (64 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    64 mm vs 44 mm
  • 1.3 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (2.5 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    2.5 m vs 1.2 m
  • Open-back design
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • 5 mm more spacious earcup height
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (65 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    65 mm vs 60 mm
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 50 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (90 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    90 mm vs 40 mm
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    5 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 30,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 0.2 % lower distortion
    This pair of headphones has a lower total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 50x higher input power handling
    This pair of headphones has a higher max input power than the average pair of headphones (5,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    5,000 mW vs 100 mW
  • 20 dB higher max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (130 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    130 dB vs 110 dB
  • Sidetone support
    This pair of headphones supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
  • EQ customization
    This pair of headphones supports EQ customization, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 92.7% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (420 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    420 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 12 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (90 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    90 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 44x more expensive
    Audeze LCD 5 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£3,960 vs £90).
    £3,960 vs £90
  • 74.2% worse value for money
    Audeze LCD 5 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (4.17 vs 7.3).
    4.17 vs 7.27
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 23.8% lower user score
    User score
    6.5/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Audeze LCD 5
    the average pair of headphones
    Audeze LCD 5 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (6.46 vs 8).
    6.46 vs 8
  • 44x more expensive
    Audeze LCD 5 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£3,960 vs £90).
    £3,960 vs £90
  • 74.2% worse value for money
    Audeze LCD 5 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (4.17 vs 7.3).
    4.17 vs 7.27
  • 23.8% lower user score
    User score
    6.5/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Audeze LCD 5
    the average pair of headphones
    Audeze LCD 5 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (6.46 vs 8).
    6.46 vs 8
  • 2.22x less popular
    Audeze LCD 5 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (2.65 vs 5.9).
    2.65 vs 5.87
  • 92.7% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (420 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    420 g vs 218 g
  • 0.6 higher clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a higher clamp force than the average pair of headphones (4.9 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    4.9 vs 4.3
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 12 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (90 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    90 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 13 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a lower sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (90 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    90 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.5
Audiophile Heaven
≈ estimated
09/08/2023
Long-term review · sound impressions and connector check
Verdict
Audeze LCD-5 offers excellent resolution, detail and rich bass; the early-batch connector flaw is rare, and post-2022 units are fine.
7.0
Joshua Valour
≈ estimated
11/03/2022
Hands-on review · long-term use and sound impressions
Verdict
Audeze LCD-5 has a distinctive, performance-focused sound that suits some listeners more than others, so try it before buying.
9.0
MrAyrit
≈ estimated
10/03/2022
Hands-on review · sound, build and comparison with rivals
Verdict
Audeze LCD-5 performs strongly for relaxed listening at low volume, though it is not ideal for everyday use.
9.5
MFG Audio Reviews
≈ estimated
19/02/2022
Hands-on review · sound, amp pairings and fit tests
Verdict
Audeze LCD-5 is a very strong flagship headphone, with tight clamping as its main drawback.
9.0
The Headphone Show
≈ estimated
13/12/2021
Hands-on review · sound, comparisons and tuning
Verdict
Audeze LCD-5 is a strong LCD-4 successor, but it is expensive and recommended only if you can afford it.
9.0
Reviews By WaveTheory
≈ estimated
24/11/2021
Full review · sound tests and comparison with top planars
Verdict
Audeze LCD-5 is an excellent all-round planar with slight treble shout, though still not as natural as Susvara.
9.0
headfi
≈ estimated
20/09/2021
Review · measurements and designer interview
Verdict
Audeze LCD-5 is a long-awaited flagship, resolving, open and neutral, though brighter than its predecessor.
8.0
SoundStage! Network
≈ estimated
21/08/2023
Second opinion · listening test with a desktop amp
Verdict
Audeze LCD-5 sounds excellent for smooth-listening audiophiles who don't need deep bass, though the price is steep.
Not graded
Shop video
Not graded
Not graded

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Audeze LCD 5

  • World-class detail retrieval and transparency across the entire frequency range.
  • Significant weight reduction (approx. 420g) compared to its predecessors like the LCD-4.
  • Extremely fast transient response, making it one of the 'speediest' headphones available.
  • Outstanding build quality featuring premium materials like carbon fiber, magnesium, and acetate.
  • Highly responsive to Equalization (EQ), allowing users to easily add bass or adjust mids to their preference.
  • Improved efficiency makes it easier to drive with a wider variety of amplifiers compared to past flagships.

What customers don't like about Audeze LCD 5

  • Aggressive clamping force, especially with the initial headband version, can cause discomfort for some users.
  • Stock tuning can feel 'shouty' or fatiguing due to a prominent 3kHz peak in the upper midrange.
  • Lean bass quantity in its default state may feel 'lifeless' or thin to those used to the classic Audeze sound.
  • Smaller, sculpted earpads may not fit all ear shapes as comfortably as older, larger designs.
  • Glued-on earpads make user-replacement difficult compared to magnetic or clip-on systems.
  • More intimate soundstage that lacks the 'grandeur' or width found in some competing flagships.

Verdict

The Audeze LCD-5 is a flagship open-back planar magnetic headphone featuring a 90mm Parallel Uniforceâ„¢ driver with Fluxorâ„¢ magnets and updated Fazorâ„¢ waveguides, delivering a highly transparent, neutral-analytical sound signature with a frequency response of 5Hz to 50kHz. Boasting a significantly reduced weight of 420g through the use of magnesium, carbon fiber, and acetate, it offers exceptional technical performance, including industry-leading detail retrieval, transient speed, and precise imaging at a low 14-ohm impedance and 90dB sensitivity. Main pros include its lightweight ergonomic design, class-leading resolution, and fast, tightly controlled bass; however, some users may find the stock midrange too forward (specifically a 3kHz peak), the clamping force initially high, and the acetate rings prone to minor scratches.

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