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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If price is a major consideration, the AKG K712 Pro might be the better choice, as they are significantly less expensive than the Focal Elex. Both offer open-back designs suited to giving you a broad soundstage for an immersive music experience, but neither is ideal for use in noisy environments or during exercise because of poor noise isolation and lack of sweat resistance. The K712 Pro has a slight edge in comfort, which could make a difference during long listening sessions. Nevertheless, the Focal Elex has a slightly sturdier build that may translate to better durability over time. Neither has wireless capability, active noise cancelling, or built-in controls and microphones, making them less suited for calls and meetings or activities like gaming and TV watching where low latency is important. 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 K712 Pro
- Good for gaming
Advantages of the Focal Elex
- The Focal Elex has no clear advantages over the AKG K712 Pro.
Key differences
Phone Calls
4.9
4.3
The AKG K712 Pro and Focal Elex are both poor for phone calls, though the AKG K712 Pro is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.8
7.1
The AKG K712 Pro and Focal Elex are both good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the AKG K712 Pro is somewhat better.
Cost
$659
$749
$350
$360
$370
$380
$390
$400
The AKG K712 Pro has a price of $659 and the Focal Elex costs $749.
Build Quality
8.5
9.0
The Focal Elex has excellent build quality, while the AKG K712 Pro has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.7
7.7
The AKG K712 Pro and Focal Elex are both good for music.
Gaming
7.0
6.9
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers AKG K712 Pro to be good for gaming, while the Focal Elex is only fair.
TV and Video
8.4
8.3
The AKG K712 Pro and Focal Elex are both very good for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The AKG K712 Pro and Focal Elex are both poor for noise reduction.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the AKG K712 Pro and the Focal Elex compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| AKG K712 Pro | Focal Elex |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$659 | $749 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | AKG | Focal | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2013 | December 1, 2017 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.8/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.9/10 | 4.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7/10 | 6.9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.4/10 | 4.3/10 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 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 | 8.4/10 | 8/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 235 Grams | 450 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
AKG K712 Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Headfonics
Michael | October 2013
"AKG has created a mini-masterpiece in my opinion. I enjoy this headphone a great deal and it will become my go-to reference headphone for the time being. She is slick, sexy, well-balanced, and crazy comfortable."
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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Earbuds and Headphones Expert
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