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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple AirPods (3rd generation) are more suitable for everyday use, being true wireless earbuds with a microphone for calls and meetings, and sport a midrange price point. They're convenient for exercise, have an ear detection feature, and support wireless charging; plus, they are optimized for Apple devices. On the other hand, the Focal Elex headphones, while more expensive, offer superior overall sound quality and a more expansive soundstage, making them ideal for an immersive listening experience. However, they lack a microphone and wireless capabilities, making them less versatile for calls and on-the-go activities. The Focal Elex are over-ear, open-back headphones which may not isolate noise as effectively as the closed-back Apple AirPods during commutes or in noisy 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 Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
- Good for phone calls
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Focal Elex
- Very good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.1
7.7
The Focal Elex and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both good for music, though the Focal Elex is somewhat better.
Gaming
5.4
6.9
The Focal Elex is only fair for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
7.6
4.3
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the Focal Elex is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
7.1
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Focal Elex is good.
TV and Video
5.5
8.3
The Focal Elex is very good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Focal Elex does not have a battery.
Cost
$179
$749
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the Focal Elex costs $749.
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Key similarities
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Focal Elex are both poor for noise reduction.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Focal Elex both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Focal Elex compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Focal Elex |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $749 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Focal | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | December 1, 2017 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 4.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 6.9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 4.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 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 | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 450 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
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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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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11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
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Recommendations made
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Consumer hours saved
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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