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Campfire Audio Solaris Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£2,330
Avg. price in US: ~$1,500
Form factor: in-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Campfire Audio Solaris review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

5.4

Good

5.0

Good

6.8

Good

2.1
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
2.1
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
10
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
2.7
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
5.0
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
10
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

Verdict

The Campfire Audio Solaris is a flagship hybrid in-ear monitor featuring a four-driver configuration that includes a specially tuned 10mm A.D.L.C. dynamic driver for bass, a single rear-ported balanced armature for mids, and dual custom balanced armatures with a Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber (T.A.E.C.) for highs. It delivers a 5Hz–20kHz frequency response with a high sensitivity of 115 dB SPL/mW and a low 15.5-ohm impedance, necessitating a low-noise source to avoid background hiss. Main characteristics include its 'holographic' 3D soundstage, 24K gold-plated faceplates, and high-quality Super Litz silver-plated copper cabling. Pros center on its expansive imaging, visceral yet controlled bass response, and exceptional micro-detail retrieval. However, notable cons include its bulky housing which may cause fit issues for smaller ears, and high sensitivity that makes it prone to picking up source noise or hissing.

Technical Specifications of Campfire Audio Solaris

Overall score

5.4

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Popularity

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.

Sound

4.6

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Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

hybrid

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

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Calls & Controls

3.8

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

?

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A

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Connectivity

6.2

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Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

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Features

2.7

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Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery

7.8

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

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Design

10

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Campfire

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

in-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

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Campfire Audio Solaris vs the average headphone

Why is Campfire Audio Solaris better than the average headphone?

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96.3% lower weight
Campfire Audio Solaris is lighter than the average headphone (8 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
Campfire Audio Solaris is lighter than the average headphone (8 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.8 g vs 218 g
13 Hz lower bass extension
Campfire Audio Solaris has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Campfire Audio Solaris has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.5 Hz vs 18 Hz
13 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Campfire Audio Solaris has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (115 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
Campfire Audio Solaris has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (115 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.115 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Campfire Audio Solaris includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.
Importance: MEDIUM
Campfire Audio Solaris includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
USB-C charging
Campfire Audio Solaris uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
What it is: Uses USB-C connector for charging or data
When it matters: When you want to charge with the same cable family used by your phone, tablet, laptop, or other daily devices.
Importance: LOW
Campfire Audio Solaris uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
Quick mic mute
Campfire Audio Solaris includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
What it is: Ability to mute microphone during calls
When it matters: When you need to silence the mic quickly during meetings or multiplayer games.
Importance: LOW
Campfire Audio Solaris includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
12 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
Campfire Audio Solaris has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (115 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
What it is: Output loudness level of the headphones, usually measured in dB. It helps compare how loud a model can play under similar conditions.
When it matters: When you need a rough idea of how loud the headphones can get before you pair them with a weaker source.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=108 dB SPL
Campfire Audio Solaris has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (115 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.115 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
96.3% lower weight
Campfire Audio Solaris is lighter than the average headphone (8 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
13 Hz lower bass extension
Campfire Audio Solaris has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
13 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Campfire Audio Solaris has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (115 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
12 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
Campfire Audio Solaris has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (115 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
USB-C charging
Campfire Audio Solaris uses USB-C charging, the average headphone does not. 29.4% of headphones use USB Type-C.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Campfire Audio Solaris includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
Quick mic mute
Campfire Audio Solaris includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.

Calls & Controls

Why is Campfire Audio Solaris worse than the average headphone?

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30 mm smaller driver size
Campfire Audio Solaris has smaller driver size than the average headphone (10 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
0.7 % higher distortion
Campfire Audio Solaris has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
3 fewer drivers
Campfire Audio Solaris has fewer drivers than the average headphone (4 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 drivers.
No voice assistant support
Campfire Audio Solaris does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
30 mm smaller driver size
Campfire Audio Solaris has smaller driver size than the average headphone (10 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.
Importance: MEDIUM
Campfire Audio Solaris has smaller driver size than the average headphone (10 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.10 mm vs 40 mm
No voice assistant support
Campfire Audio Solaris does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.
Importance: LOW
Campfire Audio Solaris does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
0.7 % higher distortion
Campfire Audio Solaris has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <=1%
Campfire Audio Solaris has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.1 % vs 0.3 %
25.89x more expensive
Campfire Audio Solaris is more expensive than the average headphone (£2,330 vs £90).
Campfire Audio Solaris is more expensive than the average headphone (£2,330 vs £90).£2,330 vs £90
65.2% worse value for money
Campfire Audio Solaris has worse value for money than the average headphone (4.08 vs 6.736).
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.
Campfire Audio Solaris has worse value for money than the average headphone (4.08 vs 6.736).4.08 vs 6.74
17.8% lower user score
Campfire Audio Solaris has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.79 vs 8.000).
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.
Campfire Audio Solaris has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.79 vs 8.000).6.79 vs 8
3 fewer drivers
Campfire Audio Solaris has fewer drivers than the average headphone (4 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 drivers.
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.
Importance: LOW
Campfire Audio Solaris has fewer drivers than the average headphone (4 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 drivers.4 vs 1

Graphic comparison of Campfire Audio Solaris and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Campfire Audio Solaris?

Large, holographic soundstage with precise 3D imaging and layering
Excellent technical performance with high resolution and detail retrieval
Engaging hybrid sound signature with impactful, textured bass and clear mids
Premium build quality featuring CNC-machined metal shells
High-quality included accessories, including a luxury leather or cork case and premium Super Litz cable
Natural and lifelike timbre, particularly with acoustic and vocal-heavy tracks
Effective noise isolation once a proper seal is achieved

What customers dislike about Campfire Audio Solaris?

Large and bulky housing can be challenging for those with small ears or unique ear shapes
Highly sensitive to source noise, often resulting in background hiss with some amplifiers or DAPs
Fit can be finicky and may require significant experimentation with different ear tips to maintain a seal
The 2020 and subsequent versions, while smaller, can still be heavy or cumbersome for some users
Not a neutral or reference tuning; has a distinct 'fun' or 'W-shaped' coloration that may not suit all tastes
Premium price point makes it a significant investment compared to other high-end alternatives

Expert reviews

majorhifi.com

19/12/2018

Campfire Audio Solaris vs Campfire Audio Andromeda Review Are you looking for these specifically to compare their sound signature to the newer 2020 ve...

According to a MajorHiFi comparison, the Campfire SolarisGo and AndromedaGo differ primarily in mid-range handling, with the Andromeda offering a warmer, lower-mid focus and the Solaris prioritizing upper-mid vibrancy for increased detail. Pros for the Solaris include exceptional acoustic layering and vocal presence, while the Andromeda excels in creating a cohesive, non-fatiguing...Read more

audiodiscourse.com

09/05/2019

Campfire Solaris Review - Audio Discourse

The Campfire Solaris is a highly balanced, flagship in-ear monitor ($1499) that features a stunning 24-karat gold-plated shell housing a 10mm dynamic driver and three balanced armatures. In terms of performance pros, it delivers an incredibly wide, holographic, and 3D soundstage that mimics the expansive audio presentation of a live speaker system or full-sized over-ear headphones....Read more

head-fi.org

26/10/2018

Campfire Audio Solaris | Headphone Reviews and Discussion

The Campfire Audio SolarisGo is recognized by Head-Fi users as a premier hybrid in-ear monitor combining a dynamic driver with balanced armatures, producing an exceptionally wide, holographic soundstage. Pros include powerful, textured bass, a luxurious 24-karat gold-plated design, and an engaging, airy sound profile superior to the Andromeda in technical performance. However, user...Read more

forbes.com

08/07/2019

Gather Round The Campfire And Listen To These Awesome Earphones Are you looking for technical measurements like frequency response graphs, or are you...

Mark Sparrow’s Forbes review highlights the 2019 Campfire Audio Polaris as a dual-driver hybrid earphone featuring a 9.2mm dynamic driver for powerful bass and a balanced armature driver for detailed highs, packaged with a premium Smoky Litz cable and leather case. Pros include a punchy bass response ideal for modern music, durable MMCX connectors, and distinctive, high-quality...Read more

head-fi.org

26/10/2018

Campfire Audio Solaris - Reviews - Head-Fi

The Campfire Audio Solaris hybrid IEM receives high praise from Head-Fi users for its top-tier sonic performance, featuring authoritative, punchy bass, natural mids, and smooth, detailed treble. It is lauded for producing a massive, holographic 3D soundstage with exceptional imaging, complemented by a premium build quality and high-quality accessories. However, the primary drawbacks...Read more

twister6.com

27/12/2018

Campfire Audio Solaris - Twister6 Reviews

The Campfire Audio Solaris is a flagship hybrid in-ear monitor (IEM) that integrates the brand's top-tier technologies into a single cohesive design, featuring a combination of balanced armature drivers with patented T. A. E. C. technology and a 10mm A. D. L. C. dynamic driver diaphragm. It delivers a natural, detailed, and smooth tonality with a balanced bass presentation and...Read more

majorhifi.com

17/12/2018

Campfire Audio Solaris Review - My Favorite Sound Signature

The Campfire Audio Solaris ($1499) delivers a highly engaging sound signature characterized by exceptional clarity paired with a tasteful, controlled bass boost. Built as a hybrid system with three balanced armature drivers and one dynamic driver, it excels in creating an expansive, nuanced soundstage with impressive vertical height and separation. Reviewer Steph Durwin praises the...Read more

soundstagesolo.com

01/12/2018

Campfire Audio Solaris Earphones - SoundStage! Solo

The Campfire Audio Solaris is a complex, bulky, and expensive ($1,499 USD) set of hybrid earphones that delivers an exceptionally natural and flawless tonal balance, earning a perfect score for sound quality. The audio architecture mimics a three-way speaker, combining a 10mm dynamic driver for bass, a rear-ported balanced armature for mid-tones, and two smaller balanced armatures...Read more

headfonics.com

13/01/2019

Campfire Audio Solaris Review - Headfonics

The Headfonics review highlights the Campfire Audio Solaris as a premium flagship hybrid IEM offering an expansive, holographic soundstage with precise imaging. Design pros include the sophisticated CNC-machined gold shell and high-quality cable, though the massive shell size and wide nozzles create comfort issues for some users. Sonically, it delivers deep, punchy sub-bass, natural...Read more

hifitest.de

05/04/2019

Campfire Audio Solaris In-Ear Headphones Review

The Campfire Audio Solaris in-ear monitors (IEMs) are highly praised by reviewer Dr. Martin Mertens as a genuine, pocket-sized high-end sound system that outperforms many traditional home audio setups. Priced around €1,600, these hybrid earphones achieve a reference-class rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars by combining one dynamic driver for deep lows with three balanced armature drivers...Read more

hifi-ifas.de

13/12/2020

Review: Campfire Solaris 2020 In-Ear Headphones

The Campfire Solaris 2020 is a premium, hand-crafted hybrid in-ear monitor priced at 1,700 Euro that delivers an exceptionally dynamic and hard-hitting audio experience. Built with high-end materials in Portland, Oregon, it features durable aluminum housings that are 20% smaller than its predecessor, improving portable convenience and comfort. Inside, it utilizes an intricate...Read more

kopfbox.de

04/10/2020

Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 Review

The Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 is a top-of-the-line hybrid in-ear monitor (IEM) priced at €1,699 that positions itself as an exceptional, musical all-rounder. It features a hybrid driver configuration combining three balanced armature drivers for high-end precision with one 10mm dynamic driver (borrowed from the Campfire Atlas) dedicated to sub-bass and low frequencies. A key...Read more

hiendportable.com

22/06/2020

Campfire Solaris - High-End Portable

Unboxing, Build, and Ergonomics The reviewer begins by noting that while the $1,499 premium price tag creates high expectations, the initial unboxing experience is surprisingly sparse and understated. However, the actual build quality of the hand-assembled capsules is exceptional, featuring precise joints and flawless, jewelry-like finishes. Structurally, the hybrid setup houses...Read more

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