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Focal Listen Professional Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£180
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

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

5.3

Good

4.7

Poor

7.7

Very 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
0.9
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
3.7
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
3.3
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
3.7
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

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Best rankings

Verdict

The Focal Listen Professional is a closed-back circumaural headphone designed for studio monitoring, featuring 40mm Mylar/Titanium transducers that deliver a wide frequency response of 5Hz–22kHz and a sensitivity of 122dB SPL. With a low impedance of 32 ohms, these 280g headphones are easily driven by mobile devices and offer high-quality isolation, 22mm heat-sensitive memory foam ear cushions, and a robust, foldable construction. Main pros include its highly detailed, natural sound signature ideal for critical mixing, exceptional vocal clarity, and the inclusion of premium accessories like a rigid carrying case and two detachable cables. However, common cons include a high initial clamping force that may feel tight, relatively small ear cup dimensions for those with larger ears, and a lack of sufficient padding on the silicone headband that can cause discomfort during long sessions.

Technical Specifications of Focal Listen Professional

Overall score

5.3

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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

5.4

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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

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

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

4.6

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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

2.9

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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

3.8

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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

1.0

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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

6.5

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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

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

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

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Focal Listen Professional vs the average headphone

Why is Focal Listen Professional better than the average headphone?

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13 Hz lower bass extension
Focal Listen Professional 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 Professional 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
20 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Focal Listen Professional has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (122 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 Professional has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (122 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.122 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
In-line controls
Focal Listen Professional 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 Professional includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Foldable design
Focal Listen Professional 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 Professional has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
Boom microphone included
Focal Listen Professional includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a 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
Focal Listen Professional includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
19 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
Focal Listen Professional 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.
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
Focal Listen Professional 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.122 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
2,000 Hz higher treble extension
Focal Listen Professional 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.
What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=24000 Hz
Focal Listen Professional 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.22000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
Foldable design
Focal Listen Professional has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
13 Hz lower bass extension
Focal Listen Professional has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
20 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Focal Listen Professional has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (122 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
19 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
Focal Listen Professional 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 Professional 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.
In-line controls
Focal Listen Professional includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Boom microphone included
Focal Listen Professional includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.

Calls & Controls

Why is Focal Listen Professional worse than the average headphone?

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28.4% higher weight
Focal Listen Professional is heavier than the average headphone (280 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Tangle-prone cable
Focal Listen Professional uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
4 mm tighter earcup height
Focal Listen Professional has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (56 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
3 mm tighter earcup width
Focal Listen Professional has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (40 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
28.4% higher weight
Focal Listen Professional is heavier than the average headphone (280 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 Professional is heavier than the average headphone (280 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.280 g vs 218 g
Tangle-prone cable
Focal Listen Professional uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.
Importance: LOW
Focal Listen Professional uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
4 mm tighter earcup height
Focal Listen Professional 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 Professional 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 Professional is more expensive than the average headphone (£180 vs £90).
Focal Listen Professional is more expensive than the average headphone (£180 vs £90).£180 vs £90
3 mm tighter earcup width
Focal Listen Professional has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (40 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 Professional has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (40 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.40 mm vs 43 mm

Graphic comparison of Focal Listen Professional and

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Focal Listen Professional?

Neutral and accurate sound signature suitable for professional studio monitoring and mixing
Excellent vocal clarity and detailed mid-range reproduction
Robust build quality with a flexible, durable headband that improves on previous models
Effective passive noise isolation provided by a snug closed-back design and memory foam ear pads
Low impedance (32 Ohms), making them easy to drive even with mobile devices and laptops
Included accessories such as a rigid carrying case and multiple detachable cables (coiled and straight)

What customers dislike about Focal Listen Professional?

Tight clamping force and a lack of padding on the headband can cause discomfort or headaches during long sessions
Microfiber ear pads are prone to getting dirty and may wear out or dissolve if washed incorrectly
Bass response is described by some as lean or lacking 'meat' for certain genres like rock or metal
Small ear cup size may feel more like on-ear than over-ear for users with larger ears
Proprietary 3.5mm locking cable mechanism makes finding third-party replacements difficult and expensive
W-shaped frequency response or mid-range coloration can sometimes interfere with critical mixing decisions without calibration

Expert reviews

homestudiobasics.com

13/12/2025

Focal Listen Pro Review – A Bass Head's Dilemma?

The Focal Listen is a closed-back, portable headphone that delivers an exciting, "bass head" sound experience without the usual bloated low-end mess. The low-end strikes a near-perfect balance, providing a clean rumble and controlled slam centered around a subtle 30-50Hz emphasis. Combined with a lively mid-range and distinct treble details, it breathes incredible clarity into...Read more

recordingmag.com

01/03/2018

Focal Listen Professional Headphones: Designed for the Studio

The Recording Magazine review highlights the Focal Listen Professional as an exceptionally built tool for home studio reference listening, editing, and mixing. Pros include extraordinary sound isolation, an extremely comfortable design for long sessions, efficient driver performance, and a clear, non-fatiguing, yet powerful low-frequency response. While praised for accuracy, the...Read more

musicradar.com

05/04/2019

Focal Listen Professional review

The Focal Listen Professional is a closed-back studio headphone design that offers an honest, transparent, and direct soundstage with excellent clarity and detail across the entire frequency spectrum. Replacing the defunct Spirit Pro model, these all-rounder headphones feature a significantly sturdier headband, a refined folding mechanism that protects the internal cones, and dense...Read more

bonedo.de

07/06/2018

Focal Listen Professional Review

The Focal Listen Professional is a closed-back, over-ear studio headphone featuring 40mm drivers constructed from Mylar and a titanium coating. It is highly versatile, providing dynamic and uncompressed sub-bass delivery, detailed midrange frequencies reminiscent of Yamaha NS-10 monitors, and well-balanced highs that prevent ear fatigue during long mixing or "bedroom producing"...Read more

kopfhoerer.de

17/05/2018

Focal Listen Professional review on kopfhoerer.de

The Focal Listen Professional is a versatile, closed-back over-ear studio headphone that offers excellent value for money, retailing at approximately €203. Weighing just 284 grams without the cable, it features an attractive burgundy-red and black scratch-resistant design with microfiber ear cushions and heat-sensitive memory foam. The package includes a high-quality hardshell...Read more

beat.de

10/09/2018

Focal Listen Professional Review: Top-Class Headphones for Production, Monitoring, and Mixing

The Focal Listen Professional is reviewed as an exceptional, highly linear, and unadulterated closed-back studio headphone that excels in production, mixing, and casual listening. Priced at 296 EUR, this lightweight 280-gram model features dynamic 40mm Mylar and titanium drivers that cover an impressive frequency range of 5 Hz to 22 kHz. The review highly praises its pros, which...Read more

musiker-board.de

21/04/2018

Focal Listen Professional Studio Headphones Review Bonedo

Based on the German community review, the Focal Listen Professional studio headphones are highly capable closed-back monitors that offer great detail and value, though they suffer from a tight physical fit. Sound and Design (Pros) The reviewer praised the headphones for providing a precise, "professional" sound rather than a typical hyped consumer profile. They feature tight lows,...Read more

delamar.de

01/07/2019

Focal Listen Professional Review: Foldable High-End Headphones

The Focal Listen Professional is a closed-back, dynamic studio headphone designed for music producers and sound engineers looking for high-end, uncoloured audio playback at an affordable price point. It features 40mm drivers equipped with custom-designed Mylar and titanium cones that deliver an impressive, linear frequency response of 5 to 22,000 Hz. Built primarily from...Read more

lesnumeriques.com

08/08/2018

Focal Listen Professional Review: A Smooth Studio Monitoring Headphone

The Focal Listen Pro is a lightweight, flexible, and foldable closed-back monitoring headphone designed for both stationary studio mixing and mobile use. It features highly comprehensive accessories, including a rigid carrying case, a long coiled cable, and a straight smartphone cable with a functional microphone. On the performance side, it offers low harmonic distortion and...Read more

alarrecordingstudio.com

08/08/2020

Focal Listen Professional Studio Headphones

The Focal Listen Professional is a 280-gram, closed-back circumaural headphone designed specifically for music producers and studio engineers. Key advantages include its highly flexible, road-ready headband, excellent noise isolation, and deep 22mm thermosensitive memory foam ear cushions that adapt comfortably to the user during long sessions. Its low 32-ohm impedance allows it to...Read more

musicmaker.nl

16/07/2018

Focal Listen Professional headphones review

The Focal Listen Professional is a beautifully designed, closed-back headphone tailored for both studio production and mobile use, striking a great balance between portability and sound quality. On the positive side, it features highly functional accessories, including a rugged carrying case and two detachable cables—a long, 5-meter coiled studio cable with a locking adapter, and a...Read more

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