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Focal Listen Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£180
  • Avg. price in US: ~$250
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wireless
  • Battery life: 20 hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

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

5.1

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%

5.1

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
5.1

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%

5.9

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

6.3

Design

8.0%

4.3

Connectivity

6.0%

4.0

Battery

4.0%

6.7

Calls & Controls

Good
?

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

  • 8.8
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    9.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    9.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    3.1

    Battery life

  • 1.8
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    3.1

    Battery life

    18.0%

    3.7

    Weight

    16.0%

    1.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 6.0
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    1.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    3.1

    Battery life

    14.0%

    1.0

    Companion app

  • 3.8
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    3.7

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    3.1

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £180

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The Focal Listen is a premium closed-back headphone designed for mobility, featuring 40mm Mylar/Titanium drivers that deliver a balanced and dynamic sound signature with a frequency response of 5Hz to 22kHz. It is highly efficient for portable use with a 32-ohm impedance and 122dB sensitivity, ensuring high volume levels even from smartphones. Key characteristics include 22mm thick heat-sensitive memory foam ear cushions for superior passive isolation and a foldable, lightweight design (approximately 10 oz) for easy travel. Main pros consist of exceptional vocal clarity, impressive stereo separation for a closed-back model, and a robust build quality that withstands daily wear. However, some users report cons such as a high initial clamping force that may cause discomfort during long sessions, ear pads that run small for those with larger ears, and a slight lack of high-frequency detail compared to open-back alternatives.

Technical Specifications of Focal Listen

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

5.1
Focal Listen has a technical score of 5.08 points, which is higher than that of 55.4% 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
Focal Listen 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%

5.1

Overall score

40.0%

9.6

Price

6.4
Focal Listen has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.4 points, which is lower than 65.9% 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
Focal Listen 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

dynamic
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

40 mm
Focal Listen uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% 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

1
Focal Listen uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% 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
Focal Listen 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

yes
Focal Listen supports a noise-canceling microphone. 54.5% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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

yes
Focal Listen is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% 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

1
Focal Listen has 1 microphones, more microphones than 25.9% of headphones and equal to 52.2% 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

no
Focal Listen does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
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

?
Show more
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

wireless
Focal Listen supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 52.6% of headphones and equal to 47.4% of headphones.
supports both wireless and wired connectivity.
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

4.1
Focal Listen uses Bluetooth version 4.1, newer Bluetooth version than 62.2% of headphones and equal to 5.3% of headphones.
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

15 m
Focal Listen offers a Bluetooth range of 15 m, higher Bluetooth range than 84.2% of headphones and equal to 6.2% of headphones.
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

?
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

no
Focal Listen does not support multipoint. 65.1% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
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
Focal Listen 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

no
Focal Listen does not work with a companion app. 44.4% of headphones support companion apps.
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

yes
Focal Listen supports voice assistants. 39.2% 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

20 hours
Focal Listen offers battery life of 20 hours, lower battery life than 65.5% of headphones and equal to 8.2% of headphones.
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

3 hours
Focal Listen needs 3 hours to charge, higher charging time than 66% of headphones and equal to 21.3% of headphones.
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

no
Focal Listen does not support quick charging. 69.1% of headphones support quick charge.
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

500 mAh
Focal Listen has a battery capacity of 500 mAh, lower battery capacity than 55.9% of headphones and equal to 9.3% of headphones.
Show more
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

Focal
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

over-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

281 g
Focal Listen weighs 281 g, heavier than 74.5% of headphones and equal to 0.3% 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

6
Focal Listen has a clamp force of 6, higher clamp force than 88.6% of headphones and equal to 1.3% of headphones.
Show more

Focal Listen vs the average headphone

  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Focal Listen has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
    What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
    When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Focal Listen has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    Focal Listen 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

    Focal Listen 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
  • More flexible connectivity
    Focal Listen offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    supports both wireless and wired 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

    Focal Listen offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
  • Clear call microphone
    Focal Listen offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
    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

    Focal Listen offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • In-line controls
    Focal Listen includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
    What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
    When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.

    Importance: LOW

    Focal Listen includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 5 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Focal Listen has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (107 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

    Focal Listen has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (107 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.107 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 5 m longer Bluetooth range
    Focal Listen has a higher Bluetooth range than the average headphone (15 m vs 10 m). The average headphones offer a Bluetooth range of 10 m.
    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

    Focal Listen has a higher Bluetooth range than the average headphone (15 m vs 10 m). The average headphones offer a Bluetooth range of 10 m.15 m vs 10 m
  • Foldable design
    Focal Listen has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
    What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
    When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.

    Importance: LOW

    Focal Listen has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • Foldable design
    Focal Listen has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    Focal Listen has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 13 Hz lower bass extension
    Focal Listen 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 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Focal Listen has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (107 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 19 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    Focal Listen has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (122 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • 2,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Focal Listen has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Focal Listen has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • Play while charging
    Focal Listen can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Focal Listen offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
  • 5 m longer Bluetooth range
    Focal Listen has a higher Bluetooth range than the average headphone (15 m vs 10 m). The average headphones offer a Bluetooth range of 10 m.
  • Clear call microphone
    Focal Listen offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • In-line controls
    Focal Listen includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Total
Design
Sound
Battery
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • 28.9% higher weight
    Focal Listen is heavier than the average headphone (281 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 1.7 higher clamp force
    Focal Listen has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (6 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
  • 5 mm tighter earcup width
    Focal Listen has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (38 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
  • 4 mm tighter earcup height
    Focal Listen has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (56 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    Focal Listen has a higher charging time than the average headphone (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
  • 10 hours shorter battery life
    Focal Listen has a lower battery life than the average headphone (20 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
  • 16.7% lower battery capacity
    Focal Listen has a lower battery capacity than the average headphone (500 mAh vs 600 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 600 mAh.
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    Focal Listen has a higher charging time than the average headphone (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    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

    Focal Listen has a higher charging time than the average headphone (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.3 hours vs 2 hours
  • 28.9% higher weight
    Focal Listen is heavier than the average headphone (281 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

    Focal Listen is heavier than the average headphone (281 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.281 g vs 218 g
  • 1.7 higher clamp force
    Focal Listen has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (6 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    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

    Focal Listen has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (6 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.6 vs 4.3
  • 10 hours shorter battery life
    Focal Listen has a lower battery life than the average headphone (20 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    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

    Focal Listen has a lower battery life than the average headphone (20 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.20 hours vs 30 hours
  • 4.65x less popular
    Focal Listen 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.
    Focal Listen is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • 5 mm tighter earcup width
    Focal Listen has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (38 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
    What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Focal Listen has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (38 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.38 mm vs 43 mm
  • 4 mm tighter earcup height
    Focal Listen has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (56 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Focal Listen has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (56 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.56 mm vs 60 mm
  • 2x more expensive
    Focal Listen is more expensive than the average headphone (£180 vs £90).
    Focal Listen is more expensive than the average headphone (£180 vs £90).£180 vs £90
Total
Overall
Design
Battery

Graphic comparison of Focal Listen and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Focal Listen?

  • Balanced and natural sound signature with impressive vocal clarity
  • Excellent passive noise isolation for closed-back headphones
  • Durable, sturdy build quality featuring a flexible headband
  • Great spatial imaging and soundstage for a closed-back design
  • Replaceable, detachable cables included in the package
  • High sensitivity makes them easy to drive from mobile devices

What customers dislike about Focal Listen?

  • High clamping force can feel too tight or cause discomfort during long sessions
  • Lack of sufficient padding on the headband can lead to pressure on the scalp
  • W-shaped frequency response may result in slightly piercing or sibilant highs
  • Bass may feel restrained or lack 'impact' for listeners who prefer heavy low-end
  • Awkward placement of the inline remote/microphone module on the cable
  • Ear pads may be too small for users with larger-than-average ears

Expert reviews

S
soundguys.com
15/06/2016
Focal Listen Review

The Focal Listen headphones deliver exceptional audio performance and highly effective passive noise isolation, making them suitable for blocking out ambient noise without active cancellation. The robust, collapsible design ensures portability and durability, though the headset’s aesthetics are considered generic for its price point. Significant drawbacks include disappointing...Read more

U
uk.pcmag.com
24/06/2016
Focal Listen - Review 2016

Sound Performance and Target Audience The Focal Listen headphones deliver a highly accurate and balanced audio experience specifically tuned to appeal to audiophiles who appreciate a neutral, flat frequency response. They feature 40mm Mylar/Titanium drivers that produce a rich and deep low-end when it is natively present in the mix, without artificially introducing or inflating...Read more

H
head-fi.org
22/07/2016
Focal Listen Impressions and Review - Head-Fi

The Head-Fi thread for the Focal ListenGo outlines a highly capable closed-back headphone positioned at a competitive $249 price point. Acoustic pros focus on a balanced, cohesive, and smooth sound signature heavily praised for its exceptional midrange clarity, transparent vocal reproduction, and hard-hitting, clean bass extension that avoids muddy mid-bass humps. On a hardware...Read more

H
headphone.guru
28/11/2017
Focal LISTEN Review - Headphone Guru

Conversely, the headphones have a distinct drop-off in performance beyond the upper-mid range, suffering from a quick decline in its ability to audibly deliver high-range frequencies and treble. The vocals and mid-range presentation also feel somewhat mild, laid back, and slightly veiled compared to more analytical alternatives. Additionally, while the thermosensitive material does...Read more

W
whathifi.com
02/03/2017
Focal Listen review - What Hi-Fi?

The Focal Listen over-ear headphones are a durable, wired, portable option designed for on-the-go music listening, originally tested at a price of £150. Structurally, they feature highly resilient headbands, sturdy brushed chrome ear cups, and 40mm titanium drivers paired with memory foam padding. The 1.5m cable includes a smartphone-friendly microphone and a built-in playback...Read more

T
techradar.com
08/07/2016
Focal Listen review - TechRadar

The Focal Listen is a sub-$300/£200 over-ear, closed-back pair of headphones that successfully delivers a premium experience despite being built primarily of plastic. It features a highly praised, spacious, and slightly warm sound signature with rich and textured bass, making it highly versatile across multiple music genres. Additionally, commuters will benefit from its excellent...Read more

S
stereo.de
01/05/2017
Focal Listen - Test Results

The Focal Listen, reviewed by Stereo.de as mobile on-the-go headphones priced around €200, feature a functional 280-gram design with an integrated inline remote that notably lacks volume control. While offering a secure fit ideal for sports, the headphones possess a strong clamping pressure, which is mitigated by exceptionally soft ear cushions. Acoustically, they deliver a...Read more

(Translated)Show original
D
delamar.de
01/07/2019
Focal Listen Professional Review: Foldable High-End Headphones

The Focal Listen Professional is a dynamic, closed-back studio headphone praised for delivering an unadulterated, linear sound profile and excellent impulse response ideal for music producers and sound engineers. It operates within a notable frequency response range of 5–22,000 Hz, driven by 40-mm Mylar-titanium cone drivers that yield highly precise frequency tracking, exceptional...Read more

(Translated)Show original
B
bonedo.de
07/06/2018
Focal Listen Professional Review", "Focal Listen Professional Test

The Focal Listen Professional is a closed-back, over-ear dynamic studio headphone designed for recording, mixing, and mobile use. It features 40mm transducers made of Mylar and titanium, delivering a highly accurate, linear response between 5 and 22,000 Hz. With a low impedance of 32 Ohms, it performs exceptionally well even on weak mobile outputs. The package is generously...Read more

(Translated)Show original
K
kopfhoerer.de
17/05/2018
Focal Listen Professional review on kopfhoerer.de", "Focal Listen Professional tested by kopfhoerer.de

A standout pro of these headphones is their highly precise, detailed acoustic profile, highlighted by finely drawn treble, clean sound stage depth, and an unexaggerated, well-contoured sub-bass performance ideal for electronic and urban music. They also provide strong passive isolation from outside noise without creating a choked, overly compressed sound typical of closed-back...Read more

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thmmagazine.fr
16/11/2016
Focal Listen Headphones Review - THM Magazine

The Focal Listen is a premium, closed-back circum-aural headphone designed for daily nomad use, specifically optimized for smartphones and tablets with its 32-Ohm impedance. Priced at 199 euros, it achieves an overall review score of 9.0 out of 10 by delivering an exceptionally well-balanced, dynamic, and clean sound signature. It features 40mm mylar/titanium transducers and 22mm...Read more

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maison-et-domotique.com
30/11/2016
Focal Listen headphone review: great sound at an affordable price

The Focal Listen, reviewed by Maison et Domotique, is a closed-back, over-ear headphone featuring 40mm Mylar/Titanium drivers, designed for easy driving with mobile devices and priced under €200. It is lauded for its exceptional musical balance, high fidelity, and superior sound quality for the price, delivering a rich, accurate audio experience across genres. While offering...Read more

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audioduvillage.fr
29/11/2018
Focal Listen Wireless Review - Audio Du Village

The Focal Listen Wireless is a closed-back, multipoint Bluetooth 4.1 headphone that stands out for its exceptional, audiophile-leaning sound quality, which remains identical whether used wirelessly via aptX or through a wired connection. Originally launched at €250, this model delivers a highly balanced, clean, and near-neutral audio signature with excellent instrument separation...Read more

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on-mag.fr
26/02/2018
Focal Listen Wireless Review: A Robust and Practical Wireless Headphone

The Focal Listen WirelessGo review by ON-mag highlights a robust, practical closed-back bluetooth headphone priced at €250, giving it a 3.5 out of 5-star rating. The pros center on its exceptionally sturdy, "all-terrain" construction featuring thick plastic sliders that allow the unit to fold into itself seamlessly. Sonically, it utilizes 40mm mylar/titanium drivers to deliver a...Read more

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leclaireur.fnac.com
28/01/2018
Focal Listen Wireless Review: A Successful Transition to Wireless

The Focal Listen Wireless is the French brand’s successful first entry into the wireless headphone market, offering a robust 22 hours of battery life that exceeded the manufacturer's 20-hour claim. Tested by Labo Fnac, the headphone delivers high-quality audio with minimal distortion and a very consistent frequency response, meaning sound profile and quality remain nearly identical...Read more

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lesnumeriques.com
21/09/2017
Focal Listen Wireless Review: Wireless Audio Performance

Great Sound With Small Flaws The Focal Listen Wireless headphones deliver excellent, well-balanced sound with deep, punchy bass and sharp details. They are very easy to use and feature handy physical buttons, including two keys just for skipping tracks. The battery life is a big plus, lasting over 23 hours in real-world tests. The headphones can connect to two devices at the same...Read more

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johncouscous.com
08/12/2016
Focal Listen Portable Headphones Review - JohnCouscous.com

The JohnCouscous.com review evaluates the Focal ListenGo, a closed-back, circum-aural portable headphone equipped with 40mm Mylar/Titanium drivers and a 32-Ohm impedance. The author praises the French brand for delivering a high-quality product that is incredibly simple to use. Designed for travel, it features a 1.4-metre detachable jack cable with a locking mechanism, easily...Read more

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diisign.com
29/11/2016
Focal Listen: the (very good) sensible choice

The French tech website diisign gives a highly positive review of the Focal ListenGo wired, circum-aural headphones, calling them a "very good, rational choice" for nomadic listening under €200. The reviewer praises Focal's commitment to audio purity and neutrality, noting that the headphones deliver an incredibly precise, deep, and uncolored sound signature that faithfully...Read more

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leclaireur.fnac.com
29/11/2016
Focal Listen Lab Test", "Focal Listen Review

The Focal Listen is a closed-back, circum-aural wired headphone that received a 4 out of 5-star technical rating from Labo Fnac. On the technical side, it delivers highly impressive acoustic precision, scoring a near-perfect 9.3 out of 10 for distortion across multiple frequencies (80 Hz, 100 Hz, and 200 Hz), which ensures a clean, parasite-free audio signal. It also earns a perfect...Read more

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lesnumeriques.com
29/09/2016
Focal Listen Review: Stunning Audio Performance

Review Overview The Focal Listen is a closed-back portable headphone that delivers surprisingly natural bass, high precision, and a remarkably wide, well-ventilated soundstage for its category. In terms of audio performance, it earns a flawless rating by maintaining extremely low, inaudible harmonic distortion and requiring very little power to drive, making it highly efficient for...Read more

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digitalvideoht.it
16/12/2016
Focal Listen - Digital Video Home Cinema

The Focal Listen is a closed-back, over-ear "Premium Mobile" headphone designed for high-performance audio on the go, originally launched with a recommended price tag of €199. Built primarily from rigid plastic, it features memory foam ear cushions covered in leatherette and a 1.4-meter detachable cable equipped with a smartphone microphone and universal remote button. It is driven...Read more

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tech.everyeye.it
16/04/2018
Focal Listen Review: Wired headphones for quality smartphone audio

The Everyeye Tech review gives the Focal Listen wired over-ear headphones a final rating of 8.4 out of 10. These closed-back, circumaural headphones weigh 273 grams and are built for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. They feature 40mm Mylar/Titanium drivers, a 32-ohm impedance, and a 1.4-meter detachable cable with a built-in microphone and control button. The reviewer...Read more

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alarrecordingstudio.com
08/08/2020
Focal Listen Professional Studio Headphones

The Focal Listen Professional is a lightweight (280g), closed-back circumaural headphone designed for music producers and audio engineers. It features 40mm dynamic drivers with a mylar/titanium dome and highly flexible, durable plastic headbands built for on-the-road use. The package includes a semi-rigid carrying case, a 5-meter coiled cable, and a 1.4-meter multimedia cable with a...Read more

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iear.nl
N/A
Focal Listen koptelefoon Would you like to see reviews for the Wireless or Professional versions of the Focal Listen as well?

The Focal Listen is a closed-back, over-ear headphone released in 2016 that was engineered primarily for mobile music consumption and travel. Weighing 273 grams, it features an extremely lightweight, foldable design that makes it highly portable and convenient for on-the-go use. Its technical specifications include a frequency range of 15 to 22,000 Hz, a sensitivity of 122 dB, and a...Read more

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hifi.nl
30/12/2016
Review: Focal Listen over-ear headphones", "Focal Listen review

The Focal Listen is a closed-back, portable headphone priced at 199 euros, designed specifically for on-the-go use with smartphones. It features a durable and flexible design with a continuous headband and brushed-aluminum effect driver cups that handle daily wear well. Its key highlights include a universal single-button remote that works across both iOS and Android platforms, a...Read more

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musicmaker.nl
16/04/2018
Focal Listen Professional Headphones Review

The Focal Listen Professional is a closed-back headphone designed for travel and studio use, offering high comfort with its soft bordeaux-red earcups that fit precisely over the ears. It is highly practical, featuring a low impedance of 32 ohms that allows laptops and smartphones to easily drive it to high volumes. The package delivers great value by including a sturdy carrying...Read more

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