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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The AKG K361 is a closed-back headphone, making it better for noise isolation, and thus suitable for noisy environments. It's also more portable due to its foldable design. On the other hand, the Focal Elex is an open-back headphone with a larger soundstage, providing a more immersive experience for music and TV, but its open design means less isolation from external noise and is less conducive for use in noisy settings or during travel. The Focal Elex also has a higher build quality. The AKG K361 is less expensive; consider the Focal Elex if your priority is soundstage and build quality, and you'll mainly use them in quieter environments. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the AKG K361
- Good for air travel
Advantages of the Focal Elex
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Gaming
6.3
6.9
The Focal Elex and AKG K361 are both only fair for gaming, though the Focal Elex is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
3.2
4.3
The Focal Elex and AKG K361 are both poor for phone calls, though the Focal Elex is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.0
7.1
The Focal Elex is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the AKG K361 is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0
2.5
The AKG K361 is only fair for noise reduction, while the Focal Elex is poor.
Cost
$99
$749
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The AKG K361 has a price of $99 and the Focal Elex costs $749.
Build Quality
8.5
9.0
The Focal Elex has excellent build quality, while the AKG K361 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.5
7.7
The Focal Elex and AKG K361 are both good for music.
TV and Video
7.8
8.3
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Focal Elex to be very good for TV and video, while the AKG K361 is good.
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How the AKG K361 and the Focal Elex compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| AKG K361 | Focal Elex |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$99 | $749 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | AKG | Focal | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2018 | December 1, 2017 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 3.3/10 | 4.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.4/10 | 6.9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 4.3/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 8/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 219 Grams | 450 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
AKG K361
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Dig into reviews and images
Medium
Alex Rowe | November 2019
"The K361 retains much of what makes the K371 such a winner, though it has a leaner sound, and the build changes made to trim the price down are immediately apparent. Still, it’s another excellent offering from AKG, and other companies in this fight should either be very worried or quickly designing updates to their old models."
Focal Elex
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Dig into reviews and images
Golden Sound
Golden Sound | October 2021
"The Focal Elex are an excellent pair of headphones for the money and a great all-rounder that will suit many tastes. They’re an easy recommendation for anyone looking for something comfortable, well built, that looks good, and will work with just about any genre."
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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