OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
Headphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
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 Listen Wireless Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£160Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wirelessBattery life:20 hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Focal Listen Wireless 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 Listen Wireless
6.2/10

Overall score

Score
6.2/ 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–² Better than 52% of models
Score components

80%

6.2

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–²Better than 52% of headphones
7.3

Value for money

Value for money
7.3/ 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 51% of models
Score components

70%

6.2

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

â–¼Worse than 51%
6.2

Technical score

Technical score
6.2/ 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–² Better than 65% of models
Score components

52%

7.0

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

6.0

Design

8%

6.6

Connectivity

6%

4.6

Battery

4%

8.6

Calls & Controls

â–²Better than 65%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 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 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
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Where to buy
    N/A~ £160
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 Listen Wireless

Technical score
Technical score
6.2/ 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–² Better than 65% of models
Score components:

52%

7.0

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

6.0

Design

8%

6.6

Connectivity

6%

4.6

Battery

4%

8.6

Calls & Controls

6.2
User score
User score
8.0/ 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 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 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 99% of models
Popularity:
Focal Listen Wireless has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than that of 73.4% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.3/ 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 51% of models
Score components:

70%

6.2

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

7.3
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
15 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 15 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 58.3% of headphones and equal to 5.8% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
yes
This pair of headphones supports a noise-canceling microphone. 61.1% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
2
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 2 microphones, more microphones than 77.9% of headphones and equal to 8.9% 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
?
Show more
Connectivity
wireless
This pair of headphones supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 49.2% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
4.1
This pair of headphones uses Bluetooth version 4.1, newer Bluetooth version than 62.3% of headphones and equal to 5.4% of headphones.
Maximum Bluetooth range
15 m
Market range: <10 m – >15 m
This pair of headphones offers a Bluetooth range of 15 m, higher Bluetooth range than 84.9% of headphones and equal to 6.2% of headphones.
Audio latency
?
Multipoint support
?
Show more
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
yes
This pair of headphones supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
20 hours
Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life of 20 hours, lower battery life than 65.1% of headphones and equal to 8.3% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
3 hours
Market range: <1.5 hours – >3.5 hours
This pair of headphones needs 3 hours to charge, higher charging time than 66.7% of headphones and equal to 20.8% of headphones.
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
500 mAh
Market range: <290 mAh – >1k mAh
This pair of headphones has a battery capacity of 500 mAh, lower battery capacity than 55.3% of headphones and equal to 9.4% of headphones.
Show more
Brand name
Focal
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
300 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 300 g, heavier than 80.9% of headphones and equal to 1.3% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-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 Listen Wireless vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 20 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (122 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    122 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • Clear call microphone
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 5 m longer Bluetooth range
    This pair of headphones has a higher Bluetooth range than the average pair of headphones (15 m vs 10 m). The average headphones offer a Bluetooth range of 10 m.
    15 m vs 10 m
  • AAC codec support
    This pair of headphones supports AAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 32.2% of headphones support AAC.
  • Wind noise reduction
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Hi-Res Audio certification
    This pair of headphones has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.1% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
  • 20 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (122 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    122 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 3 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (15 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    15 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 19 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a higher sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (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
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 12 dB higher max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (122 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    122 dB vs 110 dB
  • Play while charging
    This pair of headphones can play while charging, the average pair of headphones cannot. 29.1% of headphones support play while charging.
  • Rechargeable battery
    This pair of headphones has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • 5 m longer Bluetooth range
    This pair of headphones has a higher Bluetooth range than the average pair of headphones (15 m vs 10 m). The average headphones offer a Bluetooth range of 10 m.
    15 m vs 10 m
  • AAC codec support
    This pair of headphones supports AAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 32.2% of headphones support AAC.
  • NFC pairing
    This pair of headphones supports NFC pairing, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.7% of headphones support NFC pairing.
  • AptX support
    This pair of headphones supports aptX, the average pair of headphones does not. 18.4% of headphones support aptX.
  • Fast pairing support
    This pair of headphones supports fast pairing, the average pair of headphones does not. 14% of headphones support fast pairing.
  • Low-latency game mode
    This pair of headphones includes a low-latency game mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.2% of headphones support low-latency game mode.
  • Clear call microphone
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 1 more microphones
    This pair of headphones has more microphones than the average pair of headphones (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    2 vs 1
  • Wind noise reduction
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    3 hours vs 2 hours
  • 37.6% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (300 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    300 g vs 218 g
  • 10 hours shorter battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (20 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    20 hours vs 30 hours
  • 5.87x less popular
    Focal Listen Wireless is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 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
  • 77.8% more expensive
    Focal Listen Wireless is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£160 vs £90).
    £160 vs £90
  • 13.8% lower battery capacity
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery capacity than the average pair of headphones (500 mAh vs 580 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 580 mAh.
    500 mAh vs 580 mAh
  • 5.87x less popular
    Focal Listen Wireless is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 77.8% more expensive
    Focal Listen Wireless is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£160 vs £90).
    £160 vs £90
  • 37.6% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (300 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    300 g vs 218 g
  • 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
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    3 hours vs 2 hours
  • 10 hours shorter battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (20 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    20 hours vs 30 hours
  • 13.8% lower battery capacity
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery capacity than the average pair of headphones (500 mAh vs 580 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 580 mAh.
    500 mAh vs 580 mAh

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
Sulit Tech Reviews
≈ estimated
14/02/2019
Unboxing and review · sound, comfort and battery tests
Verdict
Focal Listen Wireless has great sound and comfort, though battery life and weight are drawbacks.
9.0
HOME ENTERTAINMENT
≈ estimated
16/02/2018
Hands-on review · sound, design and noise isolation
Verdict
Focal Listen Wireless is well designed and built, with accurate, bright sound and decent isolation, though not for bass lovers.
8.0
Gavin Fabiani-Laymond
≈ estimated
24/01/2018
Short hands-on review · sound, fit and controls
Verdict
Focal Listen Wireless is a decent-sounding pair of Bluetooth headphones with pleasing bass and a comfortable fit.
8.0
The Master Switch
≈ estimated
24/11/2017
Short hands-on review · sound, design and controls
Verdict
Focal Listen Wireless has good sound and long battery life, but design flaws let it down a little.
9.0
Booredatwork.com
≈ estimated
16/10/2017
Hands-on review · battery, sound and mic tests
Verdict
Focal Listen Wireless is solid, with clean sound, though it lacks noise cancelling and runs warm.
Shop video
Overview video
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

uk.pcmag.com
31/07/2017
Hands-on test · Over-ear headphones
Verdict
The Focal Listen Wireless is a clear, balanced over-ear headphone for listeners who want accuracy over booming bass, though its headband can press after long listens.
cnet.com
19/07/2017
Hands-on test · Bluetooth headphones
Verdict
The Focal Listen Wireless sounds rich and refined for a Bluetooth headphone, but its slight brightness and lack of noise cancelling hold it back.
whathifi.com
13/11/2017
Listening test · Wireless headphones
Verdict
The Focal Listen Wireless is smooth and clear, but its lack of drive and creaky headband mean better alternatives exist for the money.
majorhifi.com
18/07/2017
Hands-on test · Wireless headphones
Verdict
The Focal Listen Wireless is a stylish, bass-heavy everyday headphone for pop and rock, with a fit that may feel tight at first.
headphonereview.com
21/06/2018
Hands-on test · Over-ear headphones
Verdict
The Focal Listen Wireless suits listeners who want accurate sound without active noise cancelling, though its firm clamp takes getting used to.
hifiandmusicsource.com
19/02/2018
Two-week test · Over-ear headphones
Verdict
The Focal Listen Wireless is a comfortable, clear-sounding pair for walking, with good isolation, though its carry case is too tight.
themasterswitch.com
04/07/2018
Hands-on test · Over-ear headphones
Verdict
The Focal Listen Wireless has rich, warm sound that suits most music, but its tight clamp and clumsy controls may bother some listeners.
pcmag.com
31/07/2017
Listening test · Bluetooth headphones
Verdict
The Focal Listen Wireless is a clear, balanced pair with restrained bass, best for listeners who want accuracy over booming low end.
H
headfonia.com
19/10/2017
Summary of the review
Review: FOCAL Listen & Listen Wireless - Headfonia
soundguys.com
23/05/2018
Hands-on review · Over-ear headphones
Verdict
The Focal Listen Wireless is a bulky but comfortable pair with strong passive isolation and 20 hours of battery, though not the best value for Bluetooth.
digitaltrends.com
28/08/2017
Hands-on review · Wireless headphones
Verdict
The Focal Listen Wireless suits listeners who want balanced, warm sound and a 20-hour battery, though its bass lacks punch.
trustedreviews.com
06/06/2018
Hands-on review · Full-size headphones
Verdict
The Focal Listen Wireless has clear, wide sound and good value for money, but its headband becomes uncomfortable after a couple of hours.
wired.com
18/04/2018
Long-term use · Colorful over-ear headphones
Verdict
The Focal Listen Wireless is a comfortable, colorful pair with light, smooth sound, though its weak bass and missing noise cancelling may disappoint.
techradar.com
07/07/2017
Test review · Wireless headphones
Verdict
The Focal Listen Wireless has balanced sound and long battery life, but without two-device connection, noise cancelling or auto pause, it feels dated.
the-gadgeteer.com
04/08/2017
Hands-on review · Bluetooth headphones
Verdict
The Focal Listen Wireless is a fun, bass-and-treble-boosted pair with punchy low end and wide sound, but its volume dips slightly over Bluetooth.
lesnumeriques.com
21/09/2017
Lab test · Wireless headphones
Verdict
The Focal Listen Wireless sounds precise and powerful with long battery life, but its headband and weak microphone let it down.
clubic.com
02/06/2019
Hands-on test · Bluetooth headphones
Verdict
The Focal Listen Wireless isolates well and sounds even and clear across most of its range, but its midrange colors voices and there is no app.
on-mag.fr
26/02/2018
Hands-on test · Wireless headphones
Verdict
The Focal Listen Wireless is a sturdy, warm-sounding pair you can listen to for hours, but it is heavy and grips tightly.
L
leclaireur.fnac.com
28/01/2018
Summary of the review
Focal Listen Wireless Review: A Successful Transition to Cordless
(Translated)Show original
maison-et-domotique.com
28/09/2017
Hands-on test · Wireless headphones
Verdict
The Focal Listen Wireless suits anyone who wants balanced, faithful sound and long battery life, but it has no noise cancelling and weak outdoor calls.

Third-party reviews

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

What customers like about Focal Listen Wireless

  • Balanced and clear sound signature with impressive detail in the mid-range and vocals
  • Excellent passive noise isolation from thick memory foam ear cushions
  • Solid battery life of approximately 20 hours on a single charge
  • Durable and flexible build quality, featuring a sturdy plastic frame and metal hinges
  • Included accessories like a neoprene carrying case and a locking 3.5mm cable for wired use
  • Supports high-quality wireless audio via the aptX Bluetooth codec

What customers don't like about Focal Listen Wireless

  • Strong clamping force and firm headband padding can cause discomfort during long sessions
  • Confusing on-ear control layout, often leading to accidental button presses
  • Lack of active noise cancellation (ANC) and multipoint Bluetooth connectivity
  • Relatively heavy weight compared to some competitors in the same price range
  • Treble can occasionally sound a bit bright or harsh on certain tracks
  • Micro-USB charging port is considered dated compared to modern USB-C standards

Verdict

The Focal Listen Wireless is a closed-back circum-aural headphone featuring 40mm Mylar-titanium electrodynamic drivers that deliver a balanced, high-fidelity sound with a frequency response of 15Hz to 22kHz and a high sensitivity of 122dB. Key characteristics include Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity with aptX support for CD-quality audio, a 20-hour battery life, and high-density heat-sensitive memory foam ear cushions that provide excellent passive noise isolation. Main pros include its durable, foldable design, exceptional vocal clarity, and the inclusion of a dual-microphone 'Clear Voice Capture' system for high-quality calls. However, some cons to consider are the lack of active noise cancellation (ANC), the absence of multipoint pairing, and a relatively bulky profile that does not fold flat for storage.

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