OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
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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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Blue Ella Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£660Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wirelessBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

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

Blue Ella
5.9/10

Overall score

Score
5.9/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 69% of models
Score components

80%

5.6

Technical score

20%

7.0

User score

▼Worse than 69% of headphones
6.2

Value for money

Value for money
6.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 94% of models
Score components

70%

5.9

Overall score

30%

7.0

Price

▼Worse than 94%
5.6

Technical score

Technical score
5.6/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 68% of models
Score components

52%

6.0

Sound

20%

4.8

Features

10%

5.4

Design

8%

4.9

Connectivity

6%

5.0

Battery

4%

6.2

Calls & Controls

▼Worse than 68%
7.0

User score

User score
7.0/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 86% of models
Score components

70%

7.8

User ratings

30%

5.1

Number of reviews

▼Worse than 86%
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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 Blue Ella

Technical score
Technical score
5.6/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 68% of models
Score components:

52%

6.0

Sound

20%

4.8

Features

10%

5.4

Design

8%

4.9

Connectivity

6%

5.0

Battery

4%

6.2

Calls & Controls

5.6
User score
User score
7.0/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 86% of models
Score components

70%

7.8

User ratings

30%

5.1

Number of reviews

7.0
Popularity
Popularity
5.1/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 59% of models
Popularity:
Blue Ella has a popularity score of 5.1 points, which is lower than that of 58% of products in this category.
5.1
Value for money
Value for money
6.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 94% of models
Score components:

70%

5.9

Overall score

30%

7.0

Price

6.2
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
50 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 50 mm, larger driver size than 86.3% of headphones and equal to 8.2% 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
20 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 47.3% 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
1
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 1 microphones, more microphones than 26.9% of headphones and equal to 50.9% 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
?
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Connectivity
wireless
This pair of headphones supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 49.2% 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.
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Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% 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
yes
This pair of headphones supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
3.5 hours
Market range: <1.5 hours – >3.5 hours
This pair of headphones needs 3.5 hours to charge, higher charging time than 87.8% of headphones and equal to 2.7% of headphones.
source range 3-4 h.
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
1,000 mAh
Market range: <290 mAh – >1k mAh
This pair of headphones has a battery capacity of 1,000 mAh, higher battery capacity than 86% of headphones and equal to 4.8% of headphones.
Show more
Brand name
Blue
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
481 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 481 g, heavier than 98.3% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

Blue Ella vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    50 mm vs 40 mm
  • Wear detection
    This pair of headphones supports wear detection, the average pair of headphones does not. 8.6% of headphones support in/on-ear detection.
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 72.4% higher battery capacity
    This pair of headphones has a higher battery capacity than the average pair of headphones (1,000 mAh vs 580 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 580 mAh.
    1,000 mAh vs 580 mAh
  • Play while charging
    This pair of headphones can play while charging, the average pair of headphones cannot. 29.1% of headphones support play while charging.
  • Rechargeable battery
    This pair of headphones has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • 10 mm larger driver size
    This pair of headphones uses a larger driver size than the average pair of headphones (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    50 mm vs 40 mm
  • 72.4% higher battery capacity
    This pair of headphones has a higher battery capacity than the average pair of headphones (1,000 mAh vs 580 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 580 mAh.
    1,000 mAh vs 580 mAh
  • Play while charging
    This pair of headphones can play while charging, the average pair of headphones cannot. 29.1% of headphones support play while charging.
  • Rechargeable battery
    This pair of headphones has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wear detection
    This pair of headphones supports wear detection, the average pair of headphones does not. 8.6% of headphones support in/on-ear detection.
  • 2.21x higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (481 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    481 g vs 218 g
  • 1.5 hours longer charging time
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (3.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    source range 3-4 h.
    3.5 hours vs 2 hours
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 6.2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (95.8 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    95.8 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 7.33x more expensive
    Blue Ella is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£660 vs £90).
    £660 vs £90
  • 16.9% worse value for money
    Blue Ella has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.22 vs 7.3).
    6.22 vs 7.27
  • 14.2% lower user score
    User score
    7.0/ 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
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Blue Ella
    the average pair of headphones
    Blue Ella has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7 vs 8).
    7 vs 8
  • 7.33x more expensive
    Blue Ella is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£660 vs £90).
    £660 vs £90
  • 16.9% worse value for money
    Blue Ella has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.22 vs 7.3).
    6.22 vs 7.27
  • 14.2% lower user score
    User score
    7.0/ 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
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Blue Ella
    the average pair of headphones
    Blue Ella has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7 vs 8).
    7 vs 8
  • 2.21x higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (481 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    481 g vs 218 g
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 6.2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (95.8 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    95.8 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 16 dB lower max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a lower max SPL than the average pair of headphones (94 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    94 dB vs 110 dB
  • 9 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a lower sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (94 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    94 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 1.5 hours longer charging time
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (3.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    source range 3-4 h.
    3.5 hours vs 2 hours

Video reviews

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

8.0
Tech YES City
≈ estimated
21/11/2018
Hands-on review · sound, build and comfort tests
Verdict
Blue Ella offers smooth, enjoyable sound with good detail, but it is pricey and needs a DAC/amp for best results.
9.0
Digital Trends
≈ estimated
08/04/2017
Hands-on review · sound, fit and amplifier tests
Verdict
Blue Ella has impressive audiophile sound that rivals some of the best, though the price is steep.
9.0
Matthew Moniz
≈ estimated
21/03/2017
Hands-on review · one month of use, sound and comfort
Verdict
Blue Ella delivers excellent sound and comfort for indoor listening, but it is heavy and slips when you move.
Not graded
Shop video
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Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

pcmag.com
02/02/2017
Editorial review · Premium headphones
Verdict
The Blue Ella is an exceptionally clear planar headphone with a striking frame, best for design-minded audiophiles who can afford it.
theverge.com
05/05/2017
Hands-on test · Closed-back headphones
Verdict
The Blue Ella is a well-built, warm-sounding headphone that suits home listening more than travel, given its weight and bulk.
soundguys.com
11/04/2017
Hands-on test · Over-ear headphones
Verdict
The Blue Ella sounds great and feels premium at a desk or in a studio, but its bulk and limited volume rule out portable use.
whathifi.com
09/05/2017
Test room review · Planar headphones
Verdict
The Blue Ella is a lively, striking planar headphone that lacks the finesse of the best rivals, making it more fun than precise.
digitaltrends.com
23/08/2019
Hands-on test · Planar headphones
Verdict
The Blue Ella is a vivid, wide-sounding planar headphone whose built-in amp suits smartphones, though its weight and clamp take some getting used to.
androidpolice.com
06/03/2017
Personal review · Planar headphones
Verdict
The Blue Ella is a warm, detailed planar headphone that works well from a smartphone, best for buyers who can justify its high cost.
trustedreviews.com
25/08/2017
Review · Planar magnetic headphones
Verdict
The Blue Ella sounds powerful and detailed with its built-in amp, but its mid-bass blurs vocals and its price is hard to justify.
headphonereview.com
13/02/2017
Review · Planar magnetic headphones
Verdict
The Blue Ella sounds great and is well built, with a useful built-in amp, but its weight and bulk make it a home-only headphone.
soundstagesolo.com
01/03/2017
Listening test · Planar headphones
Verdict
The Blue Ella keeps every instrument clear in the mix, but its bulk and weak isolation make it best suited to home listening.
performermag.com
02/05/2017
Review · Studio planar headphones
Verdict
The Blue Ella is a top pick for serious listeners and mixing sessions, with clear articulation between instruments, but it is slightly pricey.
ilounge.com
14/05/2021
Two-week review · Flagship headphones
Verdict
The Blue Ella is a warm, power-hungry flagship that sounds its best with the amp on, but its loose amp switch is hard to accept at this price.
uk.pcmag.com
02/02/2017
Listening test · Planar over-ears
Verdict
The Blue Ella has clear highs and deep bass that isn't overboosted, but its massive frame and steep price won't suit everyone.
M
musictech.com
21/08/2017
Summary of the review
Blue Ella Review - Our New Reference For Sound? - MusicTech
cravingtech.com
05/03/2019
Personal review · Planar headphones
Verdict
The Blue Ella is impractical for commuting but makes music feel immersive at home, with a 3D soundstage and clear detail.
macobserver.com
21/06/2017
Hands-on review · Planar headphones
Verdict
The Blue Ella sounds clear with defined bass and separation, but it fits looser than the Mo-Fi and is not portable.
arstechnica.com
20/07/2017
Hands-on review · Planar magnetic
Verdict
The Blue Ella sounds excellent and detailed, but its heavy 481 g frame and high price make it hard to recommend over cheaper rivals.
kopfhoerer.de
29/05/2018
Hands-on test · Planar amplified headphones
Verdict
The Blue Ella is a comfortable, eye-catching planar headphone whose built-in amp adds warmth and punch, but its passive mode sounds too dull.
macwelt.de
18/06/2018
Hands-on review · Audiophile planar headphones
Verdict
The Blue Ella's amplifier and planar drivers give warm, detailed sound, but its heavy frame and unmarked left and right sides make it awkward to put on.
bonedo.de
29/07/2017
Hands-on test · Planar headphones
Verdict
The Blue Ella is a balanced planar headphone that blocks outside noise well and suits mobile, studio and home use, though it is heavy.
A
appkosmos.de
27/10/2017
Summary of the review
Blue Ella - become a musical connoisseur too!
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Blue Ella

  • Superb audio precision and detail from 50mm planar magnetic drivers
  • Built-in 250mW Class AB amplifier ensures high performance on mobile devices
  • Three versatile listening modes: Passive (Off), Active (On), and Bass Boost (On+)
  • Striking, high-quality industrial design with a multi-jointed 'F1-inspired' headband
  • Excellent build quality using premium materials and braided nylon cables
  • Effective passive noise isolation due to the snug, closed-back design
  • Intelligent 'Auto-Pause' feature when headphones are removed

What customers don't like about Blue Ella

  • Extremely heavy (approx. 481g / 1 lb), which can lead to neck fatigue
  • The $699 / £675 price point is very high compared to similar-sounding rivals
  • Bulky frame makes them less portable than typical consumer headphones
  • Included soft carrying pouch provides minimal protection for the price
  • Integrated amp requires charging (approx. 12-hour battery life)
  • The 'On+' bass mode can sound boomy or overemphasised on some tracks
  • Inline remote buttons are flush and difficult to distinguish by touch

Verdict

The Blue Ella is a high-end, closed-back headphone featuring 50mm x 50mm planar magnetic drivers and a built-in 250mW Class AB audiophile amplifier, designed to deliver transparent, detailed sound from any source. Its unique multi-jointed headband, inspired by Formula One suspension, provides a personalized fit, while three analog modes—Off (passive), On, and On+ (bass boost)—allow for tailored listening for up to 12 hours on a single charge. Key advantages include its superb audio clarity, impressive build quality with premium materials, and the convenience of an integrated amp that eliminates the need for external gear. However, the headphones are notably heavy at 481g, bulky for portable use, and carry a high price tag that may be a barrier for many users.

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