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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
Given that the Focal Elex is significantly more expensive than the HifiMan Edition XS, consider the HifiMan for its superior overall sound quality and soundstage, which is excellent for an immersive music and TV/video experience. HifiMan's planar magnetic drivers are highly regarded for their audio reproduction. However, if comfort is a priority, the Focal Elex might be preferable as they score better in this aspect. Neither model has wireless capability, so they are best suited for stationary use where you don't mind being tethered by a cable. Both are open-back headphones, meaning they won't isolate noise well, making them less ideal for noisy environments or air travel. 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 Focal Elex
- The Focal Elex has no clear advantages over the HifiMan Edition XS.
Advantages of the HifiMan Edition XS
- Very good for music
- Good for gaming
- Best in class for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.7
8.8
The HifiMan Edition XS is very good for music, while the Focal Elex is good.
Gaming
6.9
7.4
The HifiMan Edition XS is good for gaming, while the Focal Elex is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.3
5.0
The HifiMan Edition XS and Focal Elex are both poor for phone calls, though the HifiMan Edition XS is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.1
7.9
The HifiMan Edition XS and Focal Elex are both good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the HifiMan Edition XS is somewhat better.
TV and Video
8.3
9.5
The HifiMan Edition XS is best in class for TV and video, while the Focal Elex is very good.
Cost
$749
$269
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Focal Elex has a price of $749 and the HifiMan Edition XS costs $269.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Focal Elex has excellent build quality, while the HifiMan Edition XS has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Noise Reduction
2.5
2.5
The Focal Elex and HifiMan Edition XS are both poor for noise reduction.
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How the Focal Elex and the HifiMan Edition XS compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Focal Elex | HifiMan Edition XS |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$749 | $269 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Focal | HifiMan | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2017 | December 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.8/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.9/10 | 7.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.4/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 4.4/10 | |
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 | No | No | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 450 Grams | 421 Grams | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Dustproof Rating | |||
Dustproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
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."
HifiMan Edition XS
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Headphonesty
Eric D Hieger | January 2023
"The Edition XS easily compete with headphones in their price range with a very high price-to-performance ratio. The XS are an amazing value and offer performance not far off from headphones more than twice their cost. These will be a mind-blowing revelation for enthusiasts and music lovers who have only heard standard big-brand mainstream headphones."
Get a great deal on the Focal Elex or the HifiMan Edition XS
About HifiMan
HiFiMAN is a Chinese, high-end, audio product manufacturer, with 20 years of experience, that specializes in amplifiers, digital audio players and planar magnetic headphones, some of which have become a staple in the audiophile community such as the entry-level Sundara, the midrange Edition X, and the very well-regarded, high-end, Arya.
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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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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