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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for high-fidelity audio and don't mind a larger investment, the Focal Elex would provide superior sound quality and build, making it ideal for audiophiles and home listening environments. On the other hand, the JLab Go Work Wireless is a more affordable choice and offers the convenience of wireless connectivity and features like a built-in microphone, making it practical for office work and commuting. Keep in mind, though, its audio performance won't match the clarity and detail of the Elex, so it's better suited for general media consumption and calls rather than critical listening. 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
- Good for music
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the JLab Go Work Wireless
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.7
5.8
The Focal Elex is good for music, while the JLab Go Work Wireless is poor.
Gaming
6.9
5.3
The Focal Elex is only fair for gaming, while the JLab Go Work Wireless is poor.
Phone Calls
4.3
6.3
The JLab Go Work Wireless is only fair for phone calls, while the Focal Elex is poor.
TV and Video
8.3
5.5
The Focal Elex is very good for TV and video, while the JLab Go Work Wireless is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
4.6
The JLab Go Work Wireless and Focal Elex are both poor for noise reduction, though the JLab Go Work Wireless is somewhat better.
Battery
N/A
47.0 Hours
The Focal Elex does not have a battery. The JLab Go Work Wireless has 47 hours of battery life.
Cost
$749
$50
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Focal Elex has a price of $749 and the JLab Go Work Wireless costs $50.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.1
6.6
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Focal Elex to be good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the JLab Go Work Wireless is only fair.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Focal Elex and JLab Go Work Wireless both have excellent build quality.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Focal Elex and the JLab Go Work Wireless compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Focal Elex | JLab Go Work Wireless |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$749 | $50 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Focal | JLab | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2017 | May 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.8/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 6.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.9/10 | 5.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.4/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 47 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 4.6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 9/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 450 Grams | 170 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Boom | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof 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."
JLab Go Work Wireless
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphone Check
Maike Paeßens | 2021
"If you are going to criticise the JLab Go Work, it would be for the cables, which are to some extent too short for their intended use, and for its rather harsh treble reproduction above moderate volume levels in music mode. However, the call quality during telephone calls and video conferences in voice mode via wireless and via cable is impeccable. This handy Bluetooth headset also scores points with its excellent battery life and support for multipoint connections."
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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.
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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