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

Avg. price:~£880Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

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

Focal Elear
5.2/10

Overall score

Score
5.2/ 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 94% of models
Score components

80%

4.8

Technical score

20%

7.2

User score

â–¼Worse than 94% of headphones
5.4

Value for money

Value for money
5.4/ 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 97% of models
Score components

70%

5.2

Overall score

30%

5.9

Price

â–¼Worse than 97%
4.8

Technical score

Technical score
4.8/ 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 97% of models
Score components

52%

5.2

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.4

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 97%
7.2

User score

User score
7.2/ 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 82% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

5.3

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 82%
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Where to buy
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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 Focal Elear

Technical score
Technical score
4.8/ 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 97% of models
Score components:

52%

5.2

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.4

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

3.8

Calls & Controls

4.8
User score
User score
7.2/ 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 82% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

5.3

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.2
Popularity
Popularity
5.3/ 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 57% of models
Popularity:
Focal Elear has a popularity score of 5.3 points, which is lower than that of 55.5% of products in this category.
5.3
Value for money
Value for money
5.4/ 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 97% of models
Score components:

70%

5.2

Overall score

30%

5.9

Price

5.4
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
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.6% of headphones and equal to 53.3% 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
no
This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while 15.1% is. 84.9% 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.
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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
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
Focal
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
450 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 450 g, heavier than 97% of headphones and equal to 0.4% 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

Focal Elear vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 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
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • 1.8 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    3 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.
  • 3,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (23,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    23,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 4 mm more spacious earcup height
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (64 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    64 mm vs 60 mm
  • 2 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • 1.8 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    3 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.
  • 4 mm more spacious earcup height
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (64 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    64 mm vs 60 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
  • 3,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (23,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    23,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 2 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 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.
  • 2.06x higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (450 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    450 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.
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 9.78x more expensive
    Focal Elear is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£880 vs £90).
    £880 vs £90
  • 33.8% worse value for money
    Focal Elear has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (5.43 vs 7.3).
    5.43 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.
  • 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
  • 9.78x more expensive
    Focal Elear is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£880 vs £90).
    £880 vs £90
  • 33.8% worse value for money
    Focal Elear has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (5.43 vs 7.3).
    5.43 vs 7.27
  • 11.2% lower user score
    User score
    7.2/ 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
    Focal Elear
    the average pair of headphones
    Focal Elear has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.2 vs 8).
    7.2 vs 8
  • 2.06x higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (450 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    450 g vs 218 g
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 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

4.0
DMS
≈ estimated
19/04/2018
Long-term test · half a year of use, listening and frequency measurements
Verdict
Focal Elear has excellent dynamics, but uneven treble makes it hard to enjoy for long listening sessions.
9.5
Gavin Fabiani-Laymond
≈ estimated
27/01/2018
Hands-on review · jazz and rock listening, sound and comfort
Verdict
Focal Elear delivers outstanding sound that feels like good value, best enjoyed at home with an amp.
6.0
lachlanlikesathing
≈ estimated
27/11/2016
Long-term loan review · three weeks of listening
Verdict
Focal Elear is a good headphone with a mid-range dip and heavy build, but not worth its high price for this reviewer.
9.5
aornic
≈ estimated
04/10/2016
Full review · long-term use and comparisons
Verdict
Focal Elear is a new favourite headphone and gets the strongest recommendation, if you can try it first.
9.0
phototristan
≈ estimated
24/09/2016
Hands-on review · several days of listening
Verdict
Focal Elear punches above its price point and will be hard to beat in that range, though it suits quiet rooms only.
9.0
Streaky
≈ estimated
07/11/2017
Short review · listening impressions
Verdict
Focal Elear is a smooth, detailed headphone worth checking out for long studio sessions.
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Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

stereophile.com
28/07/2016
Hands-on review · Open headphones
Verdict
The Focal Elear is a beautifully built, very comfortable open headphone with an unusually light driver, though its stiff, heavy cable drags when you move.
R
rtings.com
20/12/2018
Summary of the review
Focal Elear Headphones Review - RTINGS.com
hifiplus.com
13/06/2018
Head-to-head test · Open headphones
Verdict
The Focal Elear is a detailed open headphone with a wide, expanding soundstage that belongs on the short list, though the HiFiMAN Edition X has warmer vocals.
H
head-fi.org
29/07/2016
Summary of the review
Focal Elear - Reviews - Head-Fi
headfonia.com
22/06/2017
Hands-on review · Open headphones
Verdict
The Focal Elear is a bold, well-built headphone whose headband stays comfortable for hours, though its 4 m cable is too long for listeners sitting close to the amp.
S
superbestaudiofriends.org
12/08/2016
Summary of the review
Focal Elear Measurements - Super Best Audio Friends RTINGS.com
H
hifi-ifas.de
17/06/2018
Summary of the review
Review: Focal Elear & Focal Clear Headphones
(Translated)Show original
miniklangwunder.de
20/03/2017
Personal review · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Focal Elear is a comfortable open-back with deep bass and clear vocals, good for long relaxed listening, though others nearby limit how loud you can play it.
audisseus.de
15/05/2017
Hands-on test · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Focal Elear is a premium-looking, comfortable open-back built for home listening, not for trains or flights where noise leaks in and out.
audisseus.de
15/05/2017
Hands-on test · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Focal Elear is a premium-looking, comfortable open-back built for home listening, not for trains or flights where noise leaks in and out.
modernhifi.de
26/09/2016
Trade show preview · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Focal Elear is a punchy, tightly controlled open headphone with strong dynamics, a touch warmer than its brighter sibling, the Utopia.
S
stereo.de
Keine Angabe
Summary of the review
Focal Elear - Test Results - stereo.de
(Translated)Show original
H
headphone.shop
01/01/2023
Summary of the review
Focal Elear | Headphone Shop (Product Review)
(Translated)Show original
lesnumeriques.com
24/01/2017
Lab test · Open headphones
Verdict
The Focal Elear is a neutral, precise open headphone with a natural, wide soundstage and comfortable fit, though it picks up much of the surrounding noise.
L
lesnumeriques.com
18/09/2018
Summary of the review
Focal Elear: Best Price (Room for Improvement)
(Translated)Show original
H
homecinema-fr.com
15/06/2016
Summary of the review
FOCAL: headphones (HCFR reviews) / NAIM: electronics
(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
16/06/2016
Summary of the review
Focal Utopia, Elear and Listen: A Luxury Headphone Range
(Translated)Show original
fr.audiofanzine.com
08/03/2017
Measured listening test · Open headphones
Verdict
The Focal Elear is a detailed, airy open headphone with deep, punchy bass that suits relaxed listening, though its flattering coloring needs correction for mixing.
H
hifi.nl
04/02/2018
Summary of the review
Focal Elear and Focal Utopia - Hifi.nl
(Translated)Show original
lexicommultimedia.nl
16/04/2019
In-store listening · Open-back headphones
Verdict
The Focal Elear is a relaxed open-back for easy listening, with close vocals, though it exposes recording flaws and bass lacks punch on some tracks.

Third-party reviews

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

What customers like about Focal Elear

  • Exceptional dynamics with powerful punch and physical "slam"
  • Premium build quality featuring solid aluminium yokes and high-end materials
  • Outstanding bass performance that is tight, detailed, and well-extended
  • High level of comfort for long sessions due to thick microfiber-covered memory foam pads
  • Relatively easy to drive from standard headphone jacks without a specialized amplifier
  • Excellent detail retrieval and clarity across most of the frequency range

What customers don't like about Focal Elear

  • Noticeable 'suckout' or dip in the upper midrange (3-6 kHz), causing some vocals to sound recessed or 'dead'
  • Substantial weight (approx. 450g) can lead to 'hotspots' on the top of the head for some users
  • The stock 13-foot cable is frequently described as excessively heavy, thick, and unwieldy
  • Small and intimate soundstage width compared to other high-end open-back competitors
  • Open-back design results in significant sound leakage and zero noise isolation, making them unsuitable for public use
  • Reports of a 'creaking' sound in the headband assembly when moving or maneuvering

Verdict

The Focal Elear is a high-end, open-backed circum-aural headphone featuring exclusive 40mm 'M'-shaped aluminum/magnesium dome drivers, an 80-ohm impedance, and a frequency response of 5Hz–23kHz. Handcrafted in France, it is characterized by a premium build utilizing solid aluminum yokes, a leather headband, and microfiber memory foam ear cushions that provide exceptional comfort for long listening sessions. Main pros include its remarkable dynamic punch, realistic soundstage, and high sensitivity of 104dB which makes it relatively easy to drive compared to other audiophile models. However, notable cons include its significant weight of 450g, a cumbersome and heavy 3-metre stock cable, a relatively narrow soundstage for an open-back design, and a recessed upper mid-range that can sometimes result in a 'veiled' or distant vocal presentation.

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