OVERALL

SPECS

VS AVERAGE

REVIEWS

ALTERNATIVES

Fostex Te 100 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£970
Form factor: in-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Fostex Te 100 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

5.7

Good

5.5

Good

6.7

Good

6.9
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
?
Audio latency
25.0%
4.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
4.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
?
Battery life
5.7
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
4.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
?
Battery life
18.0%
?
Weight
16.0%
4.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
4.0
Ambient sound mode
6.1
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
4.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
4.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
?
Battery life
14.0%
4.0
Companion app
7.3
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
?
Weight
24.0%
4.0
Water resistance
20.0%
?
IP rating
16.0%
?
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

Verdict

The Fostex TE100 is a premium, sealed hybrid in-ear monitor (IEM) developed in collaboration with FitEar, featuring a 9mm dynamic driver for powerful full-range performance and a balanced armature driver for precise high-frequency detail. Its standout characteristics include an 'air-controlled' acoustic tuning shell produced via high-precision 3D printing, which achieves high sound insulation without traditional vent holes, alongside a detachable 6N-OFC cable and a 17Ω impedance for easy drivability. Main pros highlighted by users include a vast soundstage with pinpoint imaging, excellent phase coherency, and a warm yet transparent tonal balance that yields emotional, textured vocals. However, some users have noted cons such as a slight lack of dynamic range at the extremes, potential harshness in the upper frequencies on poorly mastered tracks, and a high price point compared to contemporary multi-driver competitors.

Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Fostex Te 100

Overall score

5.7

Show more

Hide

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

5.8

Show more

Hide

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: HIGH

hybrid

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: HIGH

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

Show more

Calls & Controls

4.9

Show more

Hide

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: LOW

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: LOW

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

Show more

Connectivity

4.6

Show more

Hide

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: LOW

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: LOW

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: MEDIUM

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: LOW

Show more

Features

4.0

Show more

Hide

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

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: HIGH

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

Show more

Battery

4.6

Show more

Hide

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: LOW

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: LOW

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: LOW

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: LOW

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: LOW

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

Show more

Design

8.0

Show more

Hide

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: LOW

Fostex

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: LOW

in-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

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

Importance: HIGH

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: LOW

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: LOW

N/A

Show more

Fostex Te 100 vs the average pair of headphones

Why is Fostex Te 100 better than the average pair of headphones?

Show more

Hide

95.4% lower weight
Fostex Te 100 is lighter than the average pair of headphones (10 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: HIGH
Good value: <150 g
Fostex Te 100 is lighter than the average pair of headphones (10 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.10 g vs 218 g
8 Hz lower bass extension
Fostex Te 100 has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 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
Fostex Te 100 has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.10 Hz vs 18 Hz
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Fostex Te 100 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% 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: LOW
Fostex Te 100 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
6 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Fostex Te 100 has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (108 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
Fostex Te 100 has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (108 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.108 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
1 more drivers
Fostex Te 100 uses more drivers than the average pair of headphones (2 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 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
Fostex Te 100 uses more drivers than the average pair of headphones (2 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 drivers.2 vs 1
Play while charging
Fostex Te 100 can play while charging, the average pair of headphones cannot. 29.1% of headphones support play while charging.
What it is: Can be used while charging
When it matters: When you need to keep listening during long work or gaming sessions.
Importance: LOW
Fostex Te 100 can play while charging, the average pair of headphones cannot. 29.1% of headphones support play while charging.
95.4% lower weight
Fostex Te 100 is lighter than the average pair of headphones (10 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
8 Hz lower bass extension
Fostex Te 100 has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
6 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Fostex Te 100 has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (108 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
1 more drivers
Fostex Te 100 uses more drivers than the average pair of headphones (2 vs 1). The average headphones use 1 drivers.
Play while charging
Fostex Te 100 can play while charging, the average pair of headphones cannot. 29.1% of headphones support play while charging.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Fostex Te 100 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Why is Fostex Te 100 worse than the average pair of headphones?

Show more

Hide

Non-replaceable earpads
Fostex Te 100 has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
Tangle-prone cable
Fostex Te 100 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
31 mm smaller driver size
Fostex Te 100 has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (9 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
No neodymium magnet
Fostex Te 100 does not use neodymium magnets, the average pair of headphones does. 81.9% of headphones use neodymium magnets.
No battery indicator
Fostex Te 100 does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
1 fewer microphones
Fostex Te 100 has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Fostex Te 100 does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
31 mm smaller driver size
Fostex Te 100 has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (9 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: HIGH
Fostex Te 100 has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (9 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.9 mm vs 40 mm
Non-replaceable earpads
Fostex Te 100 has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
What it is: Earpads can be replaced when worn out
When it matters: When you care about long-term maintenance and extending product life.
Importance: LOW
Fostex Te 100 has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
No voice assistant support
Fostex Te 100 does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones 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
Fostex Te 100 does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
10.78x more expensive
Fostex Te 100 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£970 vs £90).
Fostex Te 100 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£970 vs £90).£970 vs £90
29.5% worse value for money
Fostex Te 100 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (5.62 vs 7.279).
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.
Fostex Te 100 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (5.62 vs 7.279).5.62 vs 7.28
No battery indicator
Fostex Te 100 does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
What it is: Shows remaining battery charge visually or audibly
When it matters: When you dislike unexpected shutdowns and want clearer warning before leaving home, boarding a flight, or joining a call.
Importance: LOW
Fostex Te 100 does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
1 fewer microphones
Fostex Te 100 has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 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
Fostex Te 100 has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
18.5% lower user score
Fostex Te 100 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (6.75 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.
Fostex Te 100 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (6.75 vs 8.000).6.75 vs 8

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Fostex Te 100 and other products in the Headphones category

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Fostex Te 100?

Excellent soundstage with vast width, good depth, and stable holographic imaging
Detailed and high-resolution audio performance that competes with more expensive headphones
Natural and warm tonal balance that remains musical and emotional
Fast and responsive bass performance (sub-bass and mid-bass) that is tight and well-controlled
High-quality build and collaboration with high-end manufacturer FitEar
Excellent noise isolation due to the air-controlled acoustic shell design
Detachable high-grade 6N-OFC cable with a 2-pin connector

What customers dislike about Fostex Te 100?

High price point (around $1,200), making it a significant investment
Included cable has been described as feeling somewhat cheap or basic despite its high-grade wire
Can exhibit occasional harshness in the upper frequencies or lack layering in the highs
May sound a bit 'thin' on certain tracks or lack the organic fullness of some competitors
Requires a good quality source to truly excel, though it is not overly picky

Expert reviews

porta.fi

27/09/2019

Summary of the review

Fostex TE-100 headphone review — a closely guarded secret 💡 Key Collaboration: These earphones were a notable partnership between Fostex and the famo...

The Fostex TE-100 is an interesting hybrid earphone made through a special team-up between Fostex and FitEar. FitEar provided the very comfortable, black matte plastic shells that fit great in the ear, while Fostex put in a dynamic driver alongside hidden armature drivers. The overall sound is warm, smooth, and highly emotional, with a great balance between big and small details. It features a nice soundstage with great instrument placement, and it is not too picky about the audio source you plug it into. However, these premium earphones also come with a few notable downsides. The included stock cable is very simple, easily gets tangled, and uses a standard, unbalanced 3.5mm metal connector that feels cheap for a $1,200 product. While the bass is full and the midrange is very clear, the high notes are a bit smoothed over and can sound slightly harsh due to poor layering. There is also a small limit to its dynamic range, though the clever sound tuning helps to hide these minor flaws.

pt.audio

15/07/2017

Summary of the review

Review: Fostex TE100 IEM headphones

The Fostex TE100 universal-fit in-ear monitor (IEM), priced at $1,200 USD, is a high-end hybrid earphone engineered in a special partnership with the prominent Japanese brand FitEar. Departing from the multi-driver "cold war" of its era, this earphone relies on a minimalist hybrid configuration consisting of a single balanced armature driver handling the high frequencies alongside a 9mm dynamic driver delivering the rest of the sound spectrum. Pros highlighted in the review include its highly cohesive sound presentation, an "out-of-head" spaciousness with an expansive soundstage, and highly detailed, textured vocals that offer perceived distance and dimensional depth. Additionally, the earphone boasts excellent bass control, a smooth yet extended treble response that avoids harshness, an innovative ventless "air-controlled acoustic tuning" shell design for maximum noise isolation, and a robust, custom detachable two-prong cable connector that significantly improves upon industry standards. Conversely, the review mentions several cons and distinct design compromises that buyers must take into consideration before making a purchase. The universal-fit design means that achieving an optimum bass response is heavily reliant on finding the perfect ear tip seal; failing...

on-mag.fr

No date

Summary of the review

Fostex TE 01 - ON-mag: Front Page (Mentions the TE100 lineage in detailed testing notes)

The Fostex TE 01 review highlights a budget-friendly pair of wired, in-ear earphones from a Japanese brand traditionally recognized for its professional studio equipment. Priced officially at an affordable €24 and weighing just 15.4 grams, these lightweight earphones feature an attractive outer shell made of chrome-plated plastic and a straight, un-angled plug. Despite their entry-level cost, they deliver impressive acoustic performance, showing that high-quality sound engineering from a legacy studio brand can successfully transition into a highly accessible consumer product. ON-mag.frA breakdown of the specific advantages and limitations noted in the evaluation reveals: Pros: Outstanding value for the money, a highly attractive and sleek visual design, lightweight construction for easy portability, and a generous inclusion of four different ear tip sizes to ensure a proper fit for various users. Cons: A lack of active noise cancellation (ANC), no integrated inline microphone or remote controls on the cable, and the omission of a carrying bag or protective storage pouch in the retail box. ON-mag.

tnt-audio.com

15/10/2016

Summary of the review

Review: Fostex TE-03, TE-05, and TE-07 Headphones", "Fostex TE100 - Technical Datasheet and Product Description", "Fostex TE100: The hybrid earphones...

This review evaluates three consumer in-ear monitors from Fostex's consumer lineup: the budget TE-03 (£49), the mid-tier TE-05 (£119), and the top-of-the-line TE-07 (£209). The entry-level TE-03 features a sturdy, tangle-free flat cable with an inline smartphone microphone, providing warm bass and an overall rhythmic sound. However, its major drawbacks include a bulky, ungraceful aesthetic, a congested midrange, and a harsh, shrill treble that makes classical or modern brass arrangements nearly unlistenable. The reviewer notes that competing products at a similar price point offer a much more musical and refined high-frequency performance than the TE-03.

Video reviews

Best alternatives

JBL Tour One M3

Headphones

Sony WH 1000XM6

Headphones

Sony WH 1000XM4

Headphones

Headphones

Sony WH ULT900N

Headphones

Sony WH 1000XM5

Headphones

Headphones

Sennheiser Momentum

Headphones

Huawei Freebuds Studio

Headphones

Anker Soundcore Q20i

Headphones

Headphones

Headphones

Compare Fostex Te 100 with other products in the Headphones category

Compare