Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£1,580
  • 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 2020 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.3

Overall score

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 components:

80.0%

4.3

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.3

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.6

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

10

Design

8.0%

2.9

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

1.1

Calls & Controls

Poor
?

User score

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 components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 0.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    0.0

    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

  • 0.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 4.0
    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%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £1,580

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 is a high-end hybrid in-ear monitor featuring a 10mm A.D.L.C. dynamic driver for lows/mids and three custom balanced armatures (one for mids, two for highs) integrated with a 3D-printed 'Solid-Body' internal acoustic chamber and T.A.E.C. technology. Known for its 'W-shaped' signature, it delivers a holographic soundstage, rich 'tube-like' midrange, and impactful, woofer-like bass response within a 5Hz–20kHz frequency range and 15.5 ohm impedance. Main pros include a significantly improved fit via a 20% smaller gloss black PVD-finished shell, exceptional imaging, and an expansive, musical presentation that avoids sibilance. Potential cons include a high sensitivity that may pick up source hiss, a lack of sub-bass texture compared to some competitors, and a slightly reduced soundstage width relative to the original model.

Technical Specifications of Campfire Audio Solaris 2020

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

4.3
Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 has a technical score of 4.27 points, which is lower than that of 81.6% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

4.3

Overall score

40.0%

2.2

Price

3.6
Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 has a quality-to-price ratio of 3.6 points, which is lower than 98.7% of products in this category.
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

no
Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
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

10 mm
Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 uses a driver size of 10 mm, smaller driver size than 87.8% of headphones and equal to 3.9% of headphones.
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

4
Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 uses 4 drivers, more drivers than 99.2% of headphones and equal to 0.5% of headphones.
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

5 Hz
Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 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
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

N/A
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

no
Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
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

0
Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% of headphones.
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

N/A
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
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

wired
Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
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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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

no
Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
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

no
Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
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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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

14.6 g
Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 weighs 14.6 g, lighter than 89.6% of headphones.
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
Show more

Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 vs the average headphone

  • 93.3% lower weight
    Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 is lighter than the average headphone (14.6 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 2020 is lighter than the average headphone (14.6 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.14.6 g vs 218 g
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 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 2020 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
  • 17 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (119 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 2020 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (119 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.119 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 93.3% lower weight
    Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 is lighter than the average headphone (14.6 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 17 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (119 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 30 mm smaller driver size
    Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 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 2020 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
  • 9 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (94 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • 3 fewer drivers
    Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 has fewer drivers than the average headphone (4 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 drivers.
  • Not headset-ready
    Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 30 mm smaller driver size
    Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 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 2020 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 2020 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 2020 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 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 2020 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 %
  • Not headset-ready
    Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
    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

    Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 17.56x more expensive
    Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 is more expensive than the average headphone (£1,580 vs £90).
    Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 is more expensive than the average headphone (£1,580 vs £90).£1,580 vs £90
  • 85% worse value for money
    Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 has worse value for money than the average headphone (3.64 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 2020 has worse value for money than the average headphone (3.64 vs 6.736).3.64 vs 6.74
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 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

    Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 4.65x less popular
    Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
    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.
    Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65

Graphic comparison of Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Campfire Audio Solaris 2020?

  • Significantly improved ergonomics with a 20% smaller and 25% lighter housing compared to the original model
  • Exceptional build quality with a durable 'piano black' PVD finish and stainless steel spouts
  • Holographic soundstage with excellent imaging, layering, and three-dimensional placement
  • Powerful yet well-controlled bass performance provided by the 10mm dynamic driver
  • Smooth and refined midrange that brings vocals more forward than the previous generation
  • Premium accessory package including a sustainable cork carrying case and a high-quality 'Super Smoky Litz' cable

What customers dislike about Campfire Audio Solaris 2020?

  • Extremely sensitive drivers that can pick up background hiss from certain sources
  • Glossy black finish is a major fingerprint magnet
  • Despite being smaller, the housings are still relatively large and may not fit users with very small ears comfortably
  • Some users report occasional sibilance in the upper-midrange or treble depending on the track
  • Potential for minor paint chipping or wear over long-term use
  • Rough zippers on the new cork cases can be difficult to use

Expert reviews

A
aboutaudio.org
14/09/2020

The Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 is a refined, hybrid in-ear monitor (IEM) featuring a 3 DD driver configuration that significantly improves upon the ergonomics of its bulky predecessor. The reviewer highlights major design overhauls, notably a 20% size reduction that delivers a snug, comfortable fit, and a switch to durable, eco-friendly cork packaging. Sonically, the IEM provides a...Read more

A
audiodiscourse.com
02/09/2020

The Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 features a hybrid configuration consisting of a single dynamic driver and three balanced armatures. It provides a warmer than neutral low end with a remarkably natural bass decay. The key pros highlighted in the review include its outstanding technical performance, specifically its expansive soundstage width and depth, alongside excellent instrument...Read more

T
twister6.com
06/07/2020

The Campfire Audio ARA features a neutral-to-mid-forward sound with a bright, transparent, and micro-detailed signature, offering exceptional acoustic layering, precise imaging, and superior separation. Its mid-range is free of harshness, though pros are balanced by a flatter, quality-focused bass that lacks sub-bass rumble. Compared to the UERR, the ARA provides a crisper, more...Read more

M
majorhifi.com
28/05/2020

According to MajorHiFi, the Campfire Solaris 2020 features a significant structural overhaul, reducing the shell size by 20% for improved comfort over the original while replacing the gold finish with a black PVD coating. Internally, the 2020 version utilizes a 3D-printed Solid-Body acoustic chamber, resulting in a cleaner, more refined, and higher-resolution sound with better...Read more

M
majorhifi.com
17/08/2021

The Major HiFi comparison review outlines the distinct design and technical profiles of two premium in-ear monitors (IEMs), the Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 and the Vision Ears VE7, which operate in a similar price bracket above $1,200. On the technical front, the Solaris 2020 features a hybrid system combining a 10mm dynamic driver with three balanced armatures. This design delivers...Read more

A
audiofool.reviews
31/03/2021

The Campfire Solaris 2020 is a hybrid in-ear monitor (IEM) featuring a redesigned, 25% smaller aluminum shell with a PVD coating and a stainless steel nozzle, offering significantly improved long-term wearing comfort over its bulky predecessor. Internally, it pairs a 10mm diamond-like carbon dynamic driver for the low end with three balanced armatures for the mid and upper...Read more

E
ear-fidelity.com
28/02/2021

The Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 successfully addresses the physical shortcomings of its predecessor by introducing a shell that is 20% smaller and significantly more rounded. This design overhaul drastically improves long-term wearing comfort and provides a stealthy, refined all-black look. It retains a premium 1-dynamic driver and 3-balanced armature configuration while shifting...Read more

H
hifi-ifas.de
13/12/2020

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. The reviewer notes that even when paired directly with an iPhone 11 running compressed AAC files, the earphones produce an astonishing "acoustic atomic explosion" of volume, effortless transients, and a remarkably...Read more

K
kopfbox.de
04/10/2020

The Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 is a high-end hybrid in-ear monitor (IEM) priced at €1,699 that serves as the brand's flagship generalist model. This updated version features a black PVD finish and a redesigned shell that is 20% smaller than the bulky original, significantly improving long-term wearing comfort and mass-market fit. Utilizing a combination of three balanced armature...Read more

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