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Furutech Alpha Design Labs H118 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£200Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Furutech Alpha Design Labs H118 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Furutech Alpha Design Labs H118
5.3/10

Overall score

Score
5.3/ 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 93% of models
Score components

80%

5.3

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 93% of headphones
6.5

Value for money

Value for money
6.5/ 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 91% of models
Score components

70%

5.3

Overall score

30%

9.5

Price

â–¼Worse than 91%
5.3

Technical score

Technical score
5.3/ 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 85% of models
Score components

52%

5.8

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.1

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 85%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 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 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • furutech-alpha-design-labs-h118
  • furutech-alpha-design-labs-h118
furutech-alpha-design-labs-h118
furutech-alpha-design-labs-h118
Where to buy
    N/A~ £200
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 Furutech Alpha Design Labs H118

Technical score
Technical score
5.3/ 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 85% of models
Score components:

52%

5.8

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.1

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

4.9

Calls & Controls

5.3
User score
User score
8.0/ 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 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 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 99% of models
Popularity:
Furutech Alpha Design Labs H118 has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than that of 73.4% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.5/ 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 91% of models
Score components:

70%

5.3

Overall score

30%

9.5

Price

6.5
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
40 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.6% of headphones and equal to 53.3% 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
20 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 47.3% 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
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% 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
N/A
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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.
Show more
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
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% 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
Furutech
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
245 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 245 g, heavier than 59.8% of headphones and equal to 0.9% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
4.5
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 4.5, higher clamp force than 55.3% of headphones and equal to 2.8% of headphones.
Show more

Furutech Alpha Design Labs H118 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • 1.8 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    3 m vs 1.2 m
  • Foldable design
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • 1.8 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    3 m vs 1.2 m
  • 4.7 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    5 % vs 0.3 %
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 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.
  • 12.4% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (245 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    245 g vs 218 g
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • 5.87x less popular
    Furutech Alpha Design Labs H118 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 5.87x less popular
    Furutech Alpha Design Labs H118 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 11.4% worse value for money
    Furutech Alpha Design Labs H118 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.52 vs 7.3).
    6.52 vs 7.27
  • 2.22x more expensive
    Furutech Alpha Design Labs H118 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£200 vs £90).
    £200 vs £90
  • 12.4% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (245 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    245 g vs 218 g
  • 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.
  • 4.7 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    5 % vs 0.3 %
  • 4 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    98 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 5 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
    This pair of headphones has a lower sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    98 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • 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.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
AudioHead
≈ estimated
17/04/2013
Hands-on review · comfort, sound and build
Verdict
Furutech Alpha Design Labs H118 is well built and comfortable, with a fun bass-forward sound and plenty of potential.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

soundandvision.com
14/05/2013
Listening review · Closed-back portable
Verdict
The ADL H118 is a closed-back with a lovely midrange for vocals and acoustic music, though its bright treble and boomy bass make aggressive music tiring.
theheadphonelist.com
28/06/2014
Hands-on review · Warm closed-back
Verdict
The ADL H118 is a lush, warm closed-back with forgiving treble and good isolation, best for fans of dark, relaxed headphones.
soundstagexperience.com
01/07/2013
Feature review · Closed-back headphones
Verdict
The ADL H118 is an intimate closed-back with precise, detailed sound and clean dynamics, though its bass boost and upper-mid push clash with bright gear.
N
novo.press
14/06/2013
Summary of the review
Alpha Design Labs ADL-H118 Headphone Review - NOVO High-End
A
adl-av.com
13/06/2013
Summary of the review
Canada HiFi – ADL H118 Review
hifitest.de
18/02/2014
Listening test · Closed-back headphones
Verdict
The ADL H118 is a closed-back headphone with balanced, unobtrusive tone and strong dynamics, though its plastic housing doesn't look premium.
miniklangwunder.de
25/06/2017
Short test · Comparison with H128
Verdict
The ADL H118 is a foldable, darker closed-back that fits small to medium heads best, though its sibling, the H128, is the stronger pick.
lesnumeriques.com
23/12/2013
Lab test · Closed-back headphones
Verdict
The ADL H118 has solid sound, but its tight headband, plastic look and narrow soundstage are real drawbacks.
O
on-mag.fr
23/04/2013
Summary of the review
ADL H118 - ON-mag: Front Page
(Translated)Show original
on-mag.fr
29/08/2014
Hands-on test · Semi-portable headphones
Verdict
The ADL H118 is a warm, lively closed-back that suits pop and jazz, but its plastic build and single 3m cable limit portable use.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Furutech Alpha Design Labs H118

  • Warm, smooth, and 'lush' sound signature that is very easy to listen to
  • Excellent midrange performance, particularly for vocals and acoustic instruments
  • High-quality build for the price, featuring durable plastics and a solid feel
  • Unique 'Triform' triangular earcups provide a superior acoustic seal and good passive noise isolation
  • Includes a high-quality detachable cable with a locking mini-XLR connector and a stepped 3.5mm plug that fits thick phone cases
  • Comes with a sturdy hardshell zippered travel case
  • Generally comfortable fit due to lightweight design and deep ear padding

What customers don't like about Furutech Alpha Design Labs H118

  • Small earcup size can cause discomfort or pressure on the ears for users with larger pinnae after about an hour
  • Bass can become boomy, indistinct, or show audible distortion at high volumes
  • Slightly 'treble-shy' or dark tonality may lack the air and openness desired by some audiophiles
  • High clamping force may be tight for some users initially
  • Requires a dedicated headphone amplifier to reach its full potential; performance is noticeably weaker when driven by standard mobile devices
  • Primarily plastic construction may feel less premium to those expecting metal components
  • Tends to trap heat and make ears 'sweaty' during prolonged use due to thick padding and closed-back design

Verdict

The Furutech Alpha Design Labs H118 is a closed-back circumaural headphone featuring 40mm high-flux Alpha-Cryo treated neodymium magnet drivers, a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, and an impedance of 68 ohms. Its primary characteristics include unique Triform earcups designed to improve the acoustic seal and reduce internal reflections, along with a folding design and a detachable 3-meter cable featuring a non-magnetic rhodium-plated mini-XLR connector. Main pros are its smooth, balanced audiophile sound profile, high passive noise attenuation, and supreme comfort for long listening sessions. However, its 68-ohm impedance and 98dB sensitivity mean it may not perform optimally with standard portable devices without an external amplifier, and some users note a lack of air or openness in the soundstage compared to open-back designs.

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