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Fostex TE05 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£55Form factor:in-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Fostex TE05 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Fostex TE05
6.0/10

Overall score

Score
6.0/ 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–¼ Worse than 63% of models
Score components

80%

5.7

Technical score

20%

7.1

User score

â–¼Worse than 63% of headphones
7.2

Value for money

Value for money
7.2/ 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 59% of models
Score components

70%

6.0

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 59%
5.7

Technical score

Technical score
5.7/ 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–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Score components

52%

6.1

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

8.0

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.0

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 60%
7.1

User score

User score
7.1/ 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 84% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

4.9

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 84%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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 Fostex TE05

Technical score
Technical score
5.7/ 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–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Score components:

52%

6.1

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

8.0

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.0

Calls & Controls

5.7
User score
User score
7.1/ 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 84% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

4.9

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.1
Popularity
Popularity
4.9/ 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 60% of models
Popularity:
Fostex TE05 has a popularity score of 4.9 points, which is lower than that of 59.5% of products in this category.
4.9
Value for money
Value for money
7.2/ 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 59% of models
Score components:

70%

6.0

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.2
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
8 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 8 mm, smaller driver size than 96.1% of headphones and equal to 1.7% 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
10 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 10 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 67.2% of headphones and equal to 12.6% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% 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
1
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 1 microphones, more microphones than 26.9% of headphones and equal to 50.9% 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
?
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Connectivity
wired
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
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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
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Fostex
Form factor
in-ear
Weight
6 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 6 g, lighter than 98.4% of headphones and equal to 0.4% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
N/A
Show more

Fostex TE05 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.
  • 97.2% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (6 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    6 g vs 218 g
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones 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
    This pair of headphones 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.
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 5,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 97.2% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (6 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    6 g vs 218 g
  • 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.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    This pair of headphones 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
  • 5,000 Hz higher treble extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    25,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones 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.
  • In-line controls
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • 32 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    8 mm vs 40 mm
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • 9 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (93 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    93 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 13.4% lower user score
    User score
    7.1/ 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
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Fostex TE05
    the average pair of headphones
    Fostex TE05 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.06 vs 8).
    7.06 vs 8
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 18 dB lower max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a lower max SPL than the average pair of headphones (92 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    92 dB vs 110 dB
  • 11 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a lower sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (92 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    92 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 13.4% lower user score
    User score
    7.1/ 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
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Fostex TE05
    the average pair of headphones
    Fostex TE05 has a lower user score than the average pair of headphones (7.06 vs 8).
    7.06 vs 8
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 32 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (8 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    8 mm vs 40 mm
  • 9 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (93 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    93 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 18 dB lower max SPL
    This pair of headphones has a lower max SPL than the average pair of headphones (92 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    92 dB vs 110 dB
  • 11 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a lower sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (92 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    92 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 95% lower input power handling
    This pair of headphones has a lower max input power than the average pair of headphones (5 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    5 mW vs 100 mW
  • No battery indicator
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.

Third-party reviews

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

What customers like about Fostex TE05

  • Detachable MMCX cable makes replacement or upgrades easy
  • Excellent midrange reproduction with clear, articulate vocals
  • Balanced, transparent tuning works especially well for classical and acoustic music
  • Lightweight machined aluminum shells feel solid and stay comfortable over long sessions
  • Strong price-to-performance value compared with pricier competitors
  • Protective leather carrying case is included

What customers don't like about Fostex TE05

  • Bass and treble may feel too restrained for listeners wanting a more energetic V-shaped sound
  • Upper frequencies can become a little sharp with some recordings
  • Left-right markings are hard to read in low light
  • Included silicone tips are only average and many users prefer aftermarket replacements
  • No remote or microphone on the standard cable

Verdict

The Fostex TE05 is a high-performance in-ear monitor featuring an 8mm dynamic driver housed in a precision-machined aluminum body to ensure rigid, high-quality audio reproduction. These earphones offer a wide frequency response of 10Hz to 25kHz, an impedance of 16 ohms, and a sensitivity of 92dB, making them efficient enough for use with mobile devices. Main characteristics include a detachable OFC (oxygen-free copper) cable for easy replacement and an in-line control panel for headset functionality. Pros highlight its excellent mid-range clarity, tight bass response, and the inclusion of a fashionable leather carrying case with multiple ear tip sizes (XS, S, M, L). However, some users note potential cons such as slightly harsh highs and difficulty distinguishing between left and right channels in low-light conditions.

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