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Focal Sphear S Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£110
  • Avg. price in US: ~$130
  • Form factor: in-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

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

5.2

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%

4.7

Technical Score

20.0%

7.0

User score

Good
4.7

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%

4.2

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

3.7

Battery

4.0%

4.5

Calls & Controls

Poor
7.0

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%

8.2

User reviews

30.0%

4.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(82)
amazon
5.0
(9)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(82)
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
(9)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

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

  • 2.1
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    10

    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

  • 5.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    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

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Best prices in UK

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 Sphear S is a high-definition in-ear headphone featuring large 10.8mm Mylar electrodynamic drivers and a bass-reflex system designed to deliver rich, natural sound with a frequency response of 20Hz–20kHz. With a low impedance of 16 ohms and a sensitivity of 103dB, these earphones are easily driven by smartphones and include a universal one-button remote for calls and music control. Main characteristics include a premium stainless steel housing, an acoustic chamber for tonal balance, and a lightweight 15g design that shifts weight to the outer ear for improved long-term comfort. Pros include exceptional neutrality, a wide soundstage, and a generous accessory kit with both silicone and memory foam tips. Cons include the lack of an on-cable volume control, a non-detachable cable that can be slightly microphonic, and an average level of passive noise isolation compared to deeper-insertion competitors.

Technical Specifications of Focal Sphear S

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%

4.2

Sound

20.0%

4.1

Features

10.0%

8.3

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

3.7

Battery

4.0%

4.5

Calls & Controls

4.7
Focal Sphear S has a technical score of 4.73 points, which is lower than that of 58.7% 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%

8.2

User reviews

30.0%

4.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(82)
amazon
5.0
(9)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(82)
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
(9)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

7.0
Focal Sphear S has a user score of 7 points, which is lower than that of 78.9% of products in this category.
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.
4.2
Focal Sphear S has a popularity of 4.2 points, which is lower than 52.4% 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%

5.2

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

6.6
Focal Sphear S has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.6 points, which is lower than 54.9% 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 Sphear S 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

10.8 mm
Focal Sphear S uses a driver size of 10.8 mm, smaller driver size than 87.4% of headphones and equal to 0.1% 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 Sphear S 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

20 Hz
Focal Sphear S reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.6% of headphones and equal to 47.5% 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

no
Focal Sphear S does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% 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 Sphear S 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 Sphear S 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 Sphear S 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

wired
Focal Sphear S supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
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
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 Sphear S 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

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

yes
Focal Sphear S 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

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
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

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

15 g
Focal Sphear S weighs 15 g, lighter than 88.7% of headphones and equal to 0.8% 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

N/A
Show more

Focal Sphear S vs the average headphone

  • 93.1% lower weight
    Focal Sphear S 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 S is lighter than the average headphone (15 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.15 g vs 218 g
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Focal Sphear S 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 S 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 S 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 S includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 93.1% lower weight
    Focal Sphear S is lighter than the average headphone (15 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Focal Sphear S 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 S includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.

Total
Design
Connectivity
Calls & Controls
  • Fixed cable
    Focal Sphear S has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Focal Sphear S 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 S 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 S has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • No neodymium magnet
    Focal Sphear S does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
  • 29.2 mm smaller driver size
    Focal Sphear S 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 S 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
  • Fixed cable
    Focal Sphear S 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 S has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Focal Sphear S 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 S 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 S 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 S uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • No neodymium magnet
    Focal Sphear S does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
    What it is: Uses neodymium magnets for stronger, clearer sound
    When it matters: When driver construction details are part of how you compare sound hardware.

    Importance: LOW

    Focal Sphear S does not use neodymium magnets, the average headphone does. 77.4% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
  • 14.3% lower user score
    Focal Sphear S has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.00 vs 8.000).
    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.
    Focal Sphear S has a lower user score than the average headphone (7.00 vs 8.000).7 vs 8
Total
Overall
Design
Sound

Graphic comparison of Focal Sphear S and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
82 Reviews
amazon
5.0
9 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
82 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
9 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about Focal Sphear S?

  • Balanced and detailed sound signature with clear highs and punchy, tight bass
  • Excellent long-term comfort due to a lightweight, bulbous design that shifts weight away from the ear canal
  • Premium build quality featuring a thick, durable cable and stainless steel accents
  • Generous accessory package including both memory foam and silicone ear tips, a hard carrying case, and an airplane adapter
  • High-quality microphone performance, often cited as one of the clearest in its class for phone calls

What customers dislike about Focal Sphear S?

  • Lacks integrated volume controls on the inline remote
  • Highly 'revealing' sound can make compressed or poor-quality recordings sound harsh or sibilant
  • Average passive noise isolation, especially when compared to dedicated noise-isolating models like the Shure SE215
  • Non-removable cable design makes the unit difficult or impossible to repair if the wire fails
  • Silicone tips often provide a poorer seal and thinner sound compared to the included foam tips

Expert reviews

D
digitalreviews.net
15/01/2018
Focus on Focal: Sphear S, Spark, and Spark Wireless Earphone Review Roundup

This Digital Reviews Network (DRN) review covers three pairs of in-ear headphones from French audio company Focal: the Spark (wired), Spark Wireless, and Sphear S. The wired Spark ($109 AUD) is the entry-level option, praised for its elegant piano black and silver design, tangle-free flat ribbon cable, and solid bass performance. However, its sound can flatten out and the mid-range...Read more

H
headfonia.com
23/12/2017
Review: Focal Sphear S - Headfonia

The Focal Sphear S features a durable, high-gloss plastic design with stainless steel accents and comfortable, secure-fitting ear-tips, though the non-detachable cable and large housing, which restricts cable-over-ear wear, are notable build drawbacks. Sonically, the earphones deliver high-clarity, detailed sound with sparkling treble, but suffer from a lack of warmth in the lower...Read more

N
neozone.org
05/05/2016
Focal Sphear In-Ear Headphones Review

The Focal Sphear is a high-end, wired in-ear headphone developed by the French audio specialist company Focal. The package includes twelve ear tips—consisting of three silicone pairs and three memory foam pairs—alongside an airplane adapter and a rigid carrying case. Designed with a bulbous shape and an aluminium finish featuring the brand's logo, these earbuds include a 3.5 mm...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
06/08/2015
Focal Sphear review: A first attempt that doesn't completely convince

The Focal Sphear wired in-ear headphones receive a 3 out of 5 rating from Les Numériques, balancing solid construction with a highly sculpted sound profile. Built from thick plastic and stainless steel, the earbuds offer great durability and include a 45-degree angled 3.5mm jack that prevents pocket damage. They deliver precise audio detailing and nearly imperceptible harmonic...Read more

(Translated)Show original
O
on-mag.fr
25/06/2015
Focal Sphear Review: The First In-Ear Headphones from Our National Champion

The ON-mag review highlights the Focal Sphear (€130) as an energetic and expressive first entry into the in-ear monitor market by the renowned French audio manufacturer. Architecturally, the earphones utilize a unique spherical design with 10.8 mm dynamic drivers engineered to shift weight entirely onto the outer ear anatomy rather than deep inside the canal. In terms of sonic...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
04/07/2017
Focal Sphear S: Specs and Price

Based on the provided review product page and testing historical context from Les Numériques, the Focal Sphear S is a lightweight, wired in-ear headphone weighing exactly 15 grams. Designed for mobile audio use, it features a built-in hands-free microphone kit to handle smartphone calls and manage music playback. However, according to the official product specifications, the device...Read more

(Translated)Show original
T
tf1info.fr
12/08/2015
Focal Sphear: the first earphones from the French audio specialist

The TF1 Info review provides a balanced evaluation of the Focal Sphear, marking the French audio brand's €129 debut into the intra-auricular earphone market. On the positive side, the review praises the premium build quality, highlighting the clean assembly of lacquered plastic and stainless steel parts, as well as a highly practical 45-degree angled jack. The generous package of...Read more

(Translated)Show original
C
content.suono.it
10/12/2015
Focal Sphear review

The review from SUONO.it evaluates the Focal Sphear as an innovative hybrid in-ear monitor designed to deliver high-fidelity audio directly from smartphones, which have become the most common source for digital music. A major pro highlighted is its physical design, which blends the secure fit and deep bass performance of an in-ear monitor with the prolonged comfort of traditional...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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