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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you're looking for versatility and features for everyday use, the Audio Technica ATH-TWX7 might be a better choice. They are wireless, have active noise cancelling for quieter environments, support a low latency mode for better synchronization during activities like gaming, and offer sweatproof certification for exercise. They also come with an app that allows equalizer customization, are compatible with LDAC and AAC codecs for high-quality streaming, and have a good battery life with the convenience of a charging case. On the other hand, if you prioritize sound quality for critical listening and have a suitable environment to enjoy them, the Focal Elex headphones might be what you need. Their open-back design provides a more natural soundstage but doesn't isolate noise well, making them less ideal for noisy environments or commuting. They have excellent build quality and are wired, which can limit mobility but means you don't have to worry about battery life. Note that they lack many of the convenience features of the Audio Technica, like wireless connectivity, app support, and active noise cancelling. 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 Audio Technica ATH-TWX7
- Excellent for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Focal Elex
- The Focal Elex has no clear advantages over the Audio Technica ATH-TWX7.
Key differences
Gaming
8.7
6.9
The Audio Technica ATH-TWX7 is very good for gaming, while the Focal Elex is only fair.
Phone Calls
9.1
4.3
The Audio Technica ATH-TWX7 is excellent for phone calls, while the Focal Elex is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.1
7.1
The Audio Technica ATH-TWX7 is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Focal Elex is good.
Noise Reduction
8.3
2.5
The Audio Technica ATH-TWX7 is very good for noise reduction, while the Focal Elex is poor.
Battery
6.5 Hours
N/A
The Audio Technica ATH-TWX7 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Focal Elex does not have a battery.
Cost
$199
$749
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Audio Technica ATH-TWX7 has a price of $199 and the Focal Elex costs $749.
Build Quality
8.5
9.0
The Focal Elex has excellent build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH-TWX7 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.3
7.7
The Focal Elex and Audio Technica ATH-TWX7 are both good for music.
TV and Video
8.2
8.3
The Focal Elex and Audio Technica ATH-TWX7 are both very good for TV and video.
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How the Audio Technica ATH-TWX7 and the Focal Elex compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH-TWX7 | Focal Elex |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$199 | $749 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Focal | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2024 | December 1, 2017 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 9.1/10 | 4.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.7/10 | 6.9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.6/10 | 4.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6.5 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.1 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 20 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.5/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 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) | 4.7 Grams | 450 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH-TWX7
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Dig into reviews and images
Engadget
Billy Steele | January 2024
"There’s plenty to like about the ATH-TWX7. A robust set of features brings a lot of convenience to your day. But a few of those tools could still use some fine-tuning and the lack of automatic pausing in 2024 is a head scratcher. Still, the audio is mostly good, and transparency mode is better than most. Add in the solid call quality and the in-app voice test and the ATH-TWX7 are a worthy consideration, especially at this price. Too bad it falls short of being a more complete package some of the competition offers for a slightly larger investment."
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 Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
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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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