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Focal Sphear Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£110
Form factor: in-ear
Connectivity: wireless
Battery life: 8 hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

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

5.0

Good

4.2

Poor

8.1

Excellent

5.6
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
9.0
Audio latency
25.0%
1.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
1.0
Battery life
3.6
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
1.0
Battery life
18.0%
10
Weight
16.0%
8.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
4.4
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
8.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
1.0
Battery life
14.0%
1.0
Companion app
5.2
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
10
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
1.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

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Verdict

The Focal Sphear is a high-fidelity in-ear headphone featuring 10.8mm electro-dynamic Mylar drivers, a wide frequency response of 20Hz – 20kHz, 16-ohm impedance, and 103dB sensitivity. It is characterized by an innovative spherical design for superior ergonomic comfort during long sessions, a bass-reflex system for rich, controlled low-end, and a stainless steel finish for durability. Main pros include its exceptionally clear and detailed high-end, wide soundstage, and the inclusion of various silicone and memory foam tips for an optimal seal. Main cons are the lack of volume controls on its universal one-button remote, a non-removable cable design that limits repairability, and its highly revealing nature that can make poor-quality recordings sound harsh or thin.

Technical Specifications of Focal Sphear

Overall score

5.0

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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

4.0

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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

4.5

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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

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Connectivity

5.5

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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

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

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

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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

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Features

1.9

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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

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

4.4

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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

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

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

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

8.3

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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

in-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

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Focal Sphear vs the average headphone

Why is Focal Sphear better than the average headphone?

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93.1% lower weight
Focal Sphear is lighter than the average headphone (15 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 Sphear is lighter than the average headphone (15 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.15 g vs 218 g
More flexible connectivity
Focal Sphear offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support 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 Sphear offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Focal Sphear includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.
Importance: MEDIUM
Focal Sphear includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
In-line controls
Focal Sphear 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 Sphear includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Rechargeable battery
Focal Sphear has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
Charging time 2 h. Wireless model with charging support indicates a rechargeable battery.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones rely on an internal rechargeable battery instead of replaceable disposable cells.
When it matters: When you expect regular wireless use and want charging convenience instead of buying and replacing disposable batteries.
Importance: MEDIUM
Focal Sphear has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
93.1% lower weight
Focal Sphear is lighter than the average headphone (15 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Rechargeable battery
Focal Sphear has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
More flexible connectivity
Focal Sphear offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Focal Sphear includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
In-line controls
Focal Sphear includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Calls & Controls

Why is Focal Sphear worse than the average headphone?

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Fixed cable
Focal Sphear has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
Tangle-prone cable
Focal Sphear uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
29.2 mm smaller driver size
Focal Sphear has smaller driver size than the average headphone (10.8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Focal Sphear has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
10 dB lower max SPL
Focal Sphear has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (100 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
22 hours shorter battery life
Focal Sphear has a lower battery life than the average headphone (8 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
No voice assistant support
Focal Sphear does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
29.2 mm smaller driver size
Focal Sphear has smaller driver size than the average headphone (10.8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.
Importance: MEDIUM
Focal Sphear has smaller driver size than the average headphone (10.8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.10.8 mm vs 40 mm
No voice assistant support
Focal Sphear does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.
Importance: LOW
Focal Sphear does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Fixed cable
Focal Sphear has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.
Importance: MEDIUM
Focal Sphear has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
22 hours shorter battery life
Focal Sphear has a lower battery life than the average headphone (8 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 Sphear has a lower battery life than the average headphone (8 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.8 hours vs 30 hours
2 Hz weaker bass extension
Focal Sphear has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 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 Sphear has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.20 Hz vs 18 Hz
Tangle-prone cable
Focal Sphear 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 Sphear uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
10 dB lower max SPL
Focal Sphear has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (100 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
What it is: Maximum safe sound pressure level
When it matters: When high-volume headroom is part of your use case.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=116 dB
Focal Sphear has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (100 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.100 dB vs 110 dB
4.1% worse value for money
Focal Sphear has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.47 vs 6.736).
What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Focal Sphear has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.47 vs 6.736).6.47 vs 6.74

Graphic comparison of Focal Sphear and

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Focal Sphear?

Excellent clarity and detail in high frequencies
Lightweight and comfortable for long-term wear
Balanced, natural sound signature typical of Focal
Includes both silicone and high-quality memory foam ear tips
Punchy and well-defined bass without being muddy
High-quality microphone for clear voice calls
Sturdy build quality with a thick, durable cable

What customers dislike about Focal Sphear?

Requires a long 'break-in' period to reach optimal sound quality
Bass can feel underwhelming or thin for 'bass-heads'
The larger spherical housing may be bulky for smaller ears
Wired model lacks an inline volume control rocker
Highly revealing nature can make poor recordings sound harsh
Cable is prone to tangling and not user-replaceable
Noise isolation is slightly lower than some competitors

Expert reviews

earmass.wordpress.com

28/07/2020

Focal Sphear: The Lesser-Known Choice

The Focal Sphear is an in-ear monitor (IEM) that features a beautiful design with a stainless steel housing, a smartly integrated logo that doubles as a bass reflex port, and highly comfortable ergonomics for passive noise isolation. In terms of audio performance, it excels at delivering an engaging, fast-paced, and energetic sound profile that is uniquely well-suited for rock,...Read more

majorhifi.com

23/12/2016

FOCAL SPHEAR: Audiophile Sound in an In-Ear Headphone - Major HiFi

The Focal Sphear review highlights these sub-$100 in-ear headphones as a hidden gem from the French audio brand, packing high-fidelity sound into an affordable package. On the positive side, the design stands out with a sophisticated, shiny stainless steel finish featuring the Focal emblem, alongside universally compatible inline smartphone controls that effortlessly handle calls...Read more

majorhifi.com

13/11/2016

Focal Sphear Review - Major HiFi

The Focal Sphear is a $129 ergonomic, spherical earphone that delivers exceptional comfort and high-fidelity sound, making it a highly compelling option for smartphone and computer use. The review highlights its low-end performance, which provides remarkable clarity, detailed control, and a pleasant bass presence without bleeding into other frequencies. Additionally, its standout...Read more

uk.pcmag.com

07/04/2016

Focal Sphear Review

The Focal Sphear is a pair of no-frills, in-canal earphones geared towards serious music lovers, retailing around £68.92 to $149.99. The design features black earpieces with stainless steel accents and a cut-out logo grille that enhances bass response. To ensure a secure and comfortable fit, the package includes an airline adapter, a zip-up case, and six pairs of eartips—three...Read more

head-fi.org

23/11/2015

Focal Sphear High-Resolution In-Ear Headphones - Head-Fi

The Focal Sphear IEMsGo are lauded for a warm, fatigue-free sound signature featuring a punchy, well-controlled low-end and an airy, wide soundstage driven by 10.8mm drivers. Listeners can achieve a secure seal and excellent passive isolation using the provided memory foam tips, avoiding harsh sibilance in the upper frequencies. However, the headphones exhibit a noticeably recessed...Read more

whathifi.com

06/11/2015

Focal Sphear review

The Focal Sphear marks the French hi-fi company’s successful two-year development entry into the in-ear headphones market, delivering a highly accomplished performance for its £100 price tag. The design stands out for its high-quality stainless steel build and a snug, secure round fit that ensures the buds stay firmly in place. Notable design details include a discrete in-line...Read more

kopfhoerer.de

21/11/2016

Focal Sphear review at kopfhoerer.de

The Focal Sphear is a stylish, closed-back wired In-Ear headphone that delivers exceptionally high-quality sound and functional design elements. Its rounded earbuds feature a robust plastic body covered by a stainless steel shell, housing unusually large 10.8 mm drivers that provide excellent acoustic spatiality and crystal-clear instrument separation. The mid-frequencies are...Read more

computerbild.de

23/10/2015

Focal Sphear In-Ear Headphone Review

The Focal Sphear marks the French audio specialist's successful debut into the in-ear headphone market, offering a high-quality mobile listening experience. Visually sleek but notably large, the rounded earbuds are well-crafted and manage to sit comfortably and securely in the ear canal despite their bulky size. The headphones include a practical inline microphone on the right cable...Read more

audisseus.de

01/01/2015

Focal Sphear In-Ear Monitor Review

The Focal Sphear is a highly impressive in-ear monitor debut that delivers an exceptionally well-balanced, full-bodied, and harmonious sound signature. Benefiting from a larger-than-average black plastic housing and a heavily engineered Mylar driver membrane with rear ventilation, these earphones offer a wide and remarkably spatial soundstage. The bass response stands out for its...Read more

forum.lesnumeriques.com

06/08/2015

Official Thread - Focal Sphear Headphones Review

The provided forum thread details the critical reception of Les Numériques’ 3-star review of the Focal Sphear in-ear monitors, Focal's first entry into the intra-auural market. Initial feedback from users was heavily critical due to a frequency response chart that showed significant deviations from neutrality, with users highlighting sluggish bass performance and over-accentuated...Read more

leclaireur.fnac.com

20/08/2015

We tested the Sphear, Focal's first in-ear headphones

Introduction and Design The Focal Sphear represents the French high-fidelity brand's first venture into the in-ear headphone market, offering a premium and well-engineered product at a reasonable price of €129.90. The construction features an angled jack to prevent loose connections, a clean finish despite using plastic, and metallic covers on the earbuds featuring the company logo....Read more

lesnumeriques.com

06/08/2015

Focal Sphear review: a first attempt that doesn't entirely convince", "Focal Sphear review: a first try that falls a bit short

The Les Numériques review gives the Focal SphearGo a lukewarm rating of 3 out of 5 stars, noting that the French brand's first foray into the in-ear market fails to fully convince due to a highly "acidic" and unbalanced sound signature. In terms of product design and usability, the pros include a solid build quality, durable construction featuring an elegant stainless steel finish,...Read more

on-mag.fr

25/06/2015

Focal Sphear Review: The first in-ear headphones from our national audio champion

In their review of the Focal SphearGo in-ear headphones, ON-mag explores the French manufacturer's humble and serious entry into the intra-auricular market with a well-researched, accessible product priced at €130. The reviewer notes that the key to its architecture is clever mass distribution; the relatively bulky, spherical housings rest comfortably against the ear conch while the...Read more

tf1info.fr

12/08/2015

Focal Sphear: The first earphones from the French sound specialist

The Focal Sphear marks the French audio specialist's first entry into the in-ear headphone market, offering high-end build quality at a price point of 129 euros. On the positive side, the earphones feature a premium finish combining lacquered plastic and stainless steel, accompanied by a thoughtful 45-degree angled jack connector. Focal is generous with accessories, including a...Read more

content.suono.it

10/12/2015

Focal Sphear review", "Testing the Focal Sphear

The review by SUONO.it presents the Focal Sphear as an ambitious hybrid earphone that attempts to combine the acoustic advantages of in-ear monitors with the comfort of traditional earbuds. Priced at €129.00 and weighing 15 grams, it is framed as a highly affordable entry point into true "hi-fi" music listening when paired with a smartphone. The reviewer highlights Focal’s reliance...Read more

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