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Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£220
Avg. price in US: ~$250
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

7.3

Very good

7.4

Very good

7.0

Very good

3.2
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%
10
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
5.8
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
10
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
9.0
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
10
Ambient sound mode
5.2
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
10
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
7.7
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
9.0
Weight
24.0%
9.0
Water resistance
20.0%
9.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

#11 in Best Wired Headphones
#219 in Best Over Ear Headphones
#219 in Best Noise Cancelling Over Ear Headphones
#251 in Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
#252 in Best Headphones with Mic

Verdict

The Polk Audio UltraFocus 8000 is a flagship over-ear headphone featuring 40mm Dynamic Balance drivers, a wide frequency response of 8Hz – 28kHz, 32-ohm impedance, and a sensitivity of 110 dB. It is characterised by its active noise cancellation (ANC) powered by two AAA batteries (providing 40–60 hours of use), a carbon fiber headband for durability, and Apple-compatible on-ear controls with a 'Push-to-Hear' ambient mode. Main pros include its neutral, well-balanced sound profile with taut bass, high build quality, and a comfortable, secure fit for long sessions. However, notable cons include its bulky and heavy design, an ANC system that cannot be turned off while in use, the requirement of battery power to even pass audio, and noise cancellation performance that is considered average compared to top-tier competitors.

Technical Specifications of Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000

Overall score

7.3

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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

8.8

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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: 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

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

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Calls & Controls

9.5

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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

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

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

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Connectivity

2.9

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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

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

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Features

4.7

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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

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

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Battery

7.3

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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

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

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Design

8.5

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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

Polk

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

?

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

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Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 vs the average headphone

Why is Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 better than the average headphone?

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Active noise cancellation
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.
Importance: HIGH
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
10 Hz lower bass extension
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (8 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
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (8 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.8 Hz vs 18 Hz
Clear call microphone
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
8 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (110 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
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
On-device controls
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
What it is: Physical controls available directly on headphones
When it matters: When you need playback, volume, or call controls to be easy to reach without pulling out your phone.
Importance: MEDIUM
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
In-line controls
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 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
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
8,000 Hz higher treble extension
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=24000 Hz
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.28000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
Sidetone support
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
What it is: Lets users hear their own voice during calls
When it matters: When long calls matter and you do not want to sound unnaturally loud in your own ears while speaking.
Importance: LOW
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
Active noise cancellation
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
10 Hz lower bass extension
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (8 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
8 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (110 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
8,000 Hz higher treble extension
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (28,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
10 hours longer ANC battery life
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 has a higher battery life with ANC than the average headphone (40 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
Removable battery
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
Clear call microphone
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
On-device controls
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
In-line controls
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Sidetone support
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 supports sidetone, the average headphone does not. 29.7% of headphones support sidetone.
Quick mic mute
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 includes a quick mic mute, the average headphone does not. 33.5% of headphones support a mute function.
Boom microphone included
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.

Calls & Controls

Why is Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 worse than the average headphone?

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0.6 higher clamp force
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (4.9 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
No voice assistant support
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
5 years older release date
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
August 2012
No voice assistant support
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 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
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
2.44x more expensive
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 is more expensive than the average headphone (£220 vs £90).
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 is more expensive than the average headphone (£220 vs £90).£220 vs £90
0.6 higher clamp force
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (4.9 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
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
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (4.9 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.4.9 vs 4.3
14.4% lower user score
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.99 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.
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.99 vs 8.000).6.99 vs 8
5 years older release date
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
August 2012
What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2020
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2012 vs 2017
3.38x less popular
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 is less popular than the average headphone (1.38 vs 4.646).
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.
Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 is less popular than the average headphone (1.38 vs 4.646).1.38 vs 4.65

Graphic comparison of Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000 and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000?

High-quality audio reproduction with clear highs and deep, satisfying bass
Generally comfortable for long listening sessions with first-rate ear pads
Sturdy build quality featuring carbon fiber elements
Convenient on-earcup controls for volume, playback, and a 'push-to-hear' ambient mode
Includes a generous selection of accessories and a high-quality travel case
Excellent battery life, typically providing 40–60 hours on two AAA batteries

What customers dislike about Polk Audio Ultrafocus 8000?

Noise cancellation performance is average and less effective than competitors like Bose
Bulky design that does not fold down for easier portability
Can feel heavy or have high clamping pressure for some users, potentially leading to discomfort
On-ear controls can feel 'fiddly' and produce an audible clicking sound in the ear when pressed

Expert reviews

au.pcmag.com

18/12/2012

Polk Audio UltraFocus 8000 Review

The PCMag Australia review rates the Polk Audio UltraFocus 8000 headphones an "Excellent" 4.0 out of 5 stars, praising them as an exceptionally comfortable pair with a powerful, bass-forward audio performance. On the positive side (pros), the headphones deliver a "thunderous" and clean sub-bass response that avoids distortion even at maximum volumes, backed by crisp high-mids that...Read more

bigpicturebigsound.com

07/08/2012

Polk Audio UltraFocus 8000 Active Noise Canceling Headphones Review

The Polk Audio UltraFocus 8000 is an over-ear active noise-canceling (ANC) headphone model priced at $349.95 that delivers exceptional depth, clarity, and detail. To combat the sound degradation common in ANC technology, Polk utilizes audio algorithms alongside proprietary "Optimized Active Tuning" and discrete equalization filters to achieve a lifelike, uncolored frequency response...Read more

legitreviews.com

21/04/2015

Polk Audio UltraFocus 8000 Noise Canceling Headphones Review

Polk Audio UltraFocus 8000 Active Noise Canceling Headphones The review on Legit Reviews highlights the Polk Audio UltraFocus 8000 as the company's flagship headset, designed to offer high-tier audio performance and a solution for drowning out environmental noise. Priced at a retail value of $249.95 (with online discounts down to $199.00 at the time), these over-the-ear headphones...Read more

appleinsider.com

31/03/2013

Review: Polk Audio's UltraFocus 8000 Active Noise Canceling Headphones

The Polk Audio UltraFocus 8000 is a sturdily built, over-ear active noise-canceling (ANC) headset priced at $300 that delivers a remarkably lifelike, immersive, and crisp audiophile-quality sound experience across various musical genres. Its design features black as the dominant color with high-quality matte plastic cans, carbon fiber in the headband, stainless steel and aluminum...Read more

uk.pcmag.com

17/12/2012

Polk Audio UltraFocus 8000 - Review 2012 - PCMag UK

The Polk Audio UltraFocus 8000 over-ear headphones deliver a powerful audio performance highlighted by thunderous sub-bass and crisp, clear high frequencies that prevent the sound from becoming muddy or distorted even at maximum volumes. They feature a highly comfortable design with an understated black frame, plush earpads, and a carbon-fiber-accented headband that ensures...Read more

whathifi.com

09/04/2015

Polk UltraFocus 8000 review - What Hi-Fi?

The Polk Audio UltraFocus 8000 noise-cancelling headphones offer a big, lively, and enthusiastic sound that thrives on upbeat genres, delivering a prominent, deep, and warm low end. While the bass remains taut and controlled rather than boomy, it can occasionally overemphasize bass-heavy tracks. On the positive side, these headphones provide a clear, focused midrange with direct,...Read more

digitaltrends.com

23/08/2013

Polk UltraFocus 8000 Review AppleInsider

about purchasing these, let me know: What specific environment will you use them in most? (e.g., loud commutes vs. quiet home listening)Your preferred music genres to see if the taut bass suits you.If you want to compare them to newer models with passive backup features. Copy

rtings.com

26/02/2016

Polk Audio UltraFocus 8000 Review - RTINGS.com

The Polk Audio UltraFocus 8000 headphones, as reviewed on RTINGS, feature a highly flexible, flat, and accurate sound profile suitable for various music genres, complemented by an exceptionally comfortable design. They also offer convenient on-ear controls, which are optimized for iOS device navigation. Conversely, the review notes significant drawbacks, including subpar active...Read more

rms.pl

22/12/2015

Polk Audio UltraFocus 8000 - test, review, opinions

The Polk Audio UltraFocus 8000 over-ear headphones are designed for both home and portable use, packaged with a 140cm tangle-free ribbon cable featuring four-pole micro-jack and 3.5mm mini-jack connectors. The headphones feature built-in controls on the right ear cup for media playback, phone calls, and an ambient monitor feature that temporarily lowers music volume while slightly...Read more

audio.com.pl

21/01/2016

Polk Audio UltraFocus 8000 Review - Wired Headphones", "Polk Audio UltraFocus 8000 Test - Wired Headphones

The Polk Audio UltraFocus 8000 is reviewed as a heavy, serious, and premium pair of wired over-ear headphones constructed from high-quality materials including aluminum, stainless steel, Kevlar, and carbon fiber. Priced at 1,295 PLN, they feature built-in Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) powered by two AAA batteries, which provides 40 to 60 hours of operation. Pros highlighted in the...Read more

tnt-audio.com

01/12/2012

Polk RT600i - Listening Test

The Polk RT600i is a slender, moderately sized floorstanding speaker priced at 700 Euros per pair. It is praised by reviewer Richard George for its highly neutral, clean, and balanced sound that avoids the harsh, sibilant treble common in home theatre equipment. The speaker features proprietary audio engineering, including a 1-inch trilaminar dome tweeter, a 6.5-inch woofer, and an...Read more

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