A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you value a high-quality microphone for calls or gaming, the EPOS PC38X has a superb microphone and is tailored for those activities with excellent scores in gaming and meetings; however, it offers less noise isolation due to its open design. On the other hand, the Focal Elex is generally more expensive but provides a more nuanced sound quality for music listening. Both are open-back for a more natural sound and expansive soundstage, neither have wireless capability, active noise cancelling or workout suitability, but the EPOS is lighter and may be more comfortable for longer sessions. 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 EPOS PC38X
- Best in class for music
- Best in class for phone calls
- Best in class for gaming
- Excellent for TV and video
Advantages of the Focal Elex
- The Focal Elex has no clear advantages over the EPOS PC38X.
Key differences
Music
9.5
7.7
The EPOS PC38X is best in class for music, while the Focal Elex is good.
Gaming
10.0
6.9
The EPOS PC38X is best in class for gaming, while the Focal Elex is only fair.
Phone Calls
10.0
4.3
The EPOS PC38X is best in class for phone calls, while the Focal Elex is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.9
7.1
The EPOS PC38X and Focal Elex are both good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the EPOS PC38X is somewhat better.
TV and Video
9.0
8.3
The EPOS PC38X is excellent for TV and video, while the Focal Elex is very good.
Cost
$139
$749
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The EPOS PC38X has a price of $139 and the Focal Elex costs $749.
Build Quality
8.5
9.0
The Focal Elex has excellent build quality, while the EPOS PC38X has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The EPOS PC38X and Focal Elex are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the EPOS PC38X and the Focal Elex compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| EPOS PC38X | Focal Elex |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$139 | $749 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | EPOS | Focal | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2020 | December 1, 2017 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 9.6/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 10/10 | 4.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 10/10 | 6.9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.5/10 | 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 | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 10/10 | N/A | |
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) | 249.4 Grams | 450 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Boom | N/A | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
EPOS PC38X
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Dig into reviews and images
Everyday Listening
Ryan Soo | November 2021
"Lightweight and comfortable design, Mic arm with mute, Excellent tuning, Highly natural midrange voicing, Clean and separated bass, Solid soundstage dimensions. Combining all day comfort and integrated coms with a balanced and spacious sound from essentially any source, it is hard to deny the versatility and value provided by the PC38X."
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."
Get a great deal on the EPOS PC38X or the Focal Elex
About EPOS
EPOS is a relatively new company with a very long heritage. Previously known as Sennheiser Communications, EPOS is the result of the joint venture between the German headphone manufacturer Sennheiser and the Danish Demant that sought to develop premium audio communication solutions. They specialize in two main product groups, enterprise communications and gaming communication headsets and processing devices.
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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
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.
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