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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 and you need convenience for on-the-go use like workouts or commuting, Apple AirPods Pro are wireless, offer active noise cancellation, and provide ease of use with Apple devices. However, if you're an audiophile seeking superior sound quality and are using them in a stationary setting, the Focal Elex headphones deliver a high-fidelity listening experience, though they lack the portability and wireless features of the AirPods Pro and come at a higher price. AirPods Pro also have a built-in microphone for calls, which the Focal Elex do not, making them more versatile for everyday use. 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 Pro
- Good for phone calls
- Excellent 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
6.8
7.7
The Focal Elex is good for music, while the Apple Airpods Pro is only fair.
Gaming
5.1
6.9
The Focal Elex is only fair for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Pro is poor.
Phone Calls
7.4
4.3
The Apple Airpods Pro is good for phone calls, while the Focal Elex is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.3
7.1
The Apple Airpods Pro is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Focal Elex is good.
TV and Video
5.7
8.3
The Focal Elex is very good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods Pro is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1
2.5
The Apple Airpods Pro is excellent for noise reduction, while the Focal Elex is poor.
Battery
5.0 Hours
N/A
The Apple Airpods Pro has 5 hours of battery life. The Focal Elex does not have a battery.
Cost
$260
$749
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Pro has a price of $260 and the Focal Elex costs $749.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Apple Airpods Pro and Focal Elex both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Pro and the Focal Elex compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Pro | Focal Elex |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$260 | $749 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Focal | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2019 | December 1, 2017 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.9/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.4/10 | 4.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.2/10 | 6.9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.7/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.1/10 | 4.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | 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 | 8/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5.4 Grams | 450 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Pro
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Sound Guys
Adam Molina | January 2023
"For just $50 USD more than the original model with the wireless charging case, this is definitely the pair of buds to get. The AirPods Pro (1st generation) sounds better than the originals and has a way better fit and active noise canceling to boot. If you have an iOS device, just get this."
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."
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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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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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