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Fostex Th 5 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£45
  • Avg. price in US: ~$50
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Fostex Th 5 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

3.3

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%

3.3

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
3.3

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%

2.5

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

5.5

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

4.9

Battery

4.0%

3.4

Calls & Controls

Poor
?

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%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 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

  • 1.1
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    4.4

    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

  • 5.4
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.4

    Weight

    24.0%

    9.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £45

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Fostex TH-5 is a semi-open dynamic headphone featuring 30mm drivers, a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, and an impedance of 44 ohms. Main characteristics include its lightweight 250g build and a 1.2m Y-type cable designed for entry-level studio monitoring and casual listening. Its primary pros are its high sensitivity of 96dB/mW, which makes it easy to drive from standard jacks, and a comfortable design suitable for long-term wear. However, notable cons include sound leakage due to the semi-open architecture, slight compression in the upper mids, and a relaxed high end that may lack detail for critical monitoring.

Technical Specifications of Fostex Th 5

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%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

3.3
Fostex Th 5 has a technical score of 3.29 points, which is lower than that of 96.5% 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%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
Fostex Th 5 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% 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%

3.3

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

5.3
Fostex Th 5 has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.3 points, which is lower than 93.9% 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
Fostex Th 5 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

30 mm
Fostex Th 5 uses a driver size of 30 mm, smaller driver size than 77.7% of headphones and equal to 4.1% 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
Fostex Th 5 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
Fostex Th 5 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
Fostex Th 5 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
Fostex Th 5 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

?
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
Fostex Th 5 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

N/A
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
Fostex Th 5 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
Fostex Th 5 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

no
Fostex Th 5 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% 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

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: HIGH

over-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

250 g
Fostex Th 5 weighs 250 g, heavier than 61.3% of headphones and equal to 1.5% 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

semi-open
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

?
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Fostex Th 5 vs the average headphone

  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Fostex Th 5 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

    Fostex Th 5 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • Open-back design
    Fostex Th 5 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
    semi-open design.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones use an open-back housing that lets air and sound pass through more freely than a closed design.
    When it matters: When you listen in quiet places and care more about spacious sound than blocking outside noise or preventing sound leakage.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Fostex Th 5 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • Open-back design
    Fostex Th 5 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Fostex Th 5 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Total
Design
Connectivity
  • Fixed cable
    Fostex Th 5 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 14.7% higher weight
    Fostex Th 5 is heavier than the average headphone (250 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • No travel bag
    Fostex Th 5 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Fostex Th 5 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 10 mm smaller driver size
    Fostex Th 5 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
  • 6 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Fostex Th 5 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Fostex Th 5 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 7 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    Fostex Th 5 has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (96 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
  • No voice assistant support
    Fostex Th 5 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Fostex Th 5 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
    When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Fostex Th 5 does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 10 mm smaller driver size
    Fostex Th 5 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (30 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

    Fostex Th 5 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.30 mm vs 40 mm
  • No voice assistant support
    Fostex Th 5 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

    Fostex Th 5 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    Fostex Th 5 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

    Fostex Th 5 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 6 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Fostex Th 5 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (96 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 Th 5 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.96 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    Fostex Th 5 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

    Fostex Th 5 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
  • 14.7% higher weight
    Fostex Th 5 is heavier than the average headphone (250 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

    Fostex Th 5 is heavier than the average headphone (250 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.250 g vs 218 g
  • 27% worse value for money
    Fostex Th 5 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.30 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.
    Fostex Th 5 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.30 vs 6.736).5.3 vs 6.74
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Features

Graphic comparison of Fostex Th 5 and

Attribute category
Attribute
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Fostex Th 5?

  • High level of comfort suitable for long listening sessions without ear fatigue
  • Lightweight and relatively well-built for its budget price point
  • Lively low-end performance that works well for pop and rock music
  • Semi-open design provides a better sense of soundstage and realism than some closed-back competitors
  • Includes a 'mini to standard' conversion extension cable for versatile use
  • Easy to drive with portable players due to 44-ohm impedance

What customers dislike about Fostex Th 5?

  • Lacks fine detail throughout the frequency range compared to other studio monitors
  • Slight compression present in the upper midrange
  • The high end can feel relaxed and lacks sparkle on the highest notes
  • Missing some nuance and precision in the low-end frequencies
  • Not recommended for critical listening or genres like classical and orchestral music
  • Cable is not detachable, which may affect long-term durability if damaged

Expert reviews

S
soundonsound.com
15/08/2013
Fostex TH7BB & TH5BB - Sound On Sound

From a sonic perspective, both models suffer from clear performance disadvantages that make them unsuitable for mixing. The cheaper TH5BB exhibits a highly flawed sound profile characterized by an overblown, one-note bass response paired with a dull top end. The pricier TH7BB delivers a more balanced overall response, but it still suffers from a lumpy bass and an overly prominent,...Read more

M
majorhifi.com
26/11/2016
Fostex TH-5BB Review - Major HiFi

The Fostex TH-5BB is an affordable, $49 semi-open headphone that features a plastic frame reinforced with an aluminum band, thick pleather padding, and a 5-foot extension cable with a 1/4” stereo plug. Operating at an impedance of 44 ohms and a 20-20,000 Hz frequency range, it delivers ample volume due to its high 116 dB sound pressure level. Its primary benefits include outstanding...Read more

O
on-mag.fr
Date not specified
Fostex TH-5BB - Specifications and price", "Fostex TH-5BB - Specs and price

The ON-mag review highlights the Fostex TH-5BB as an extremely promising, entry-level, wired hi-fi headphone that marks the brand's direct distribution expansion into the French market after moving away from Sennheiser France. Priced at an official retail price of 65 €, this lightweight, 250-gram circum-auricular, closed-back headphone provides a highly accessible entry point for...Read more

(Translated)Show original
O
on-mag.fr
22/10/2013
Fostex portable hi-fi headphones: low price and extra sound performance

The Fostex TH-5BB is a budget-friendly, entry-level headphone that acts as a hybrid between an on-ear (supra-aural) and over-ear (circum-aural) design. Priced at just €65, it features a unique, non-clone plastic construction reinforced with metal sliders and a headband made of thin metallic strips. Designed for dual use, it accommodates mobile listeners with a fixed 1.2-metre cable...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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