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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If your priority is affordability and convenience for casual use, such as commuting or exercise, the Apple AirPods would be a good choice as they're wireless, compact, and integrate well with other Apple devices. However, if you're seeking superior sound quality for critical listening or a high-fidelity audio experience at home, the Focal Elex would be superior, offering premium sound at a higher price point. The Elex would also cater better to audiophiles but lacks the portability and wireless convenience of the AirPods. Consider how you'll predominantly use them—on the go or in a static, high-quality audio environment. 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 Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
- Good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Focal Elex
- Good for music
- Very good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
5.8
7.7
The Focal Elex is good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
6.9
The Focal Elex is only fair for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
6.9
4.3
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the Focal Elex is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
7.1
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Focal Elex is good.
TV and Video
5.4
8.3
The Focal Elex is very good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Focal Elex does not have a battery.
Cost
$89
$749
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the Focal Elex costs $749.
Build Quality
7.6
9.0
The Focal Elex has excellent build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Focal Elex are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Focal Elex compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Focal Elex |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $749 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Focal | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | December 1, 2017 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 4.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 6.9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 4.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
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 | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 450 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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Focal Elex
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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."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Focal Elex
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
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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.
By the numbers
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Earbuds and headphones evaluated
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Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
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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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