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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Focal Elex offers an open-back design providing a more immersive experience with a larger soundstage, suitable for critical listening and enjoying music in a quiet environment. However, it lacks a built-in microphone and built-in controls, making it less versatile for calls and everyday use. In contrast, "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) provides convenience with wireless connectivity, active noise cancelling for noisy environments, and a built-in microphone for calls. They are also more portable and suitable for exercise. If you prioritize audio quality and are using them in a quiet space, go for the Focal Elex; for versatility and active use, "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is preferable. 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 "Nothing" Brand Ear (2).
Advantages of the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.7
7.0
The Focal Elex and "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) are both good for music, though the Focal Elex is somewhat better.
Gaming
6.9
8.5
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for gaming, while the Focal Elex is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.3
7.9
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is good for phone calls, while the Focal Elex is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.1
9.1
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Focal Elex is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) is very good for noise reduction, while the Focal Elex is poor.
Battery
N/A
6.7 Hours
The Focal Elex does not have a battery. The "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) has 6.7 hours of battery life.
Cost
$749
$149
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Focal Elex has a price of $749 and the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) costs $149.
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Key similarities
TV and Video
8.3
8.0
The Focal Elex and "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) are both very good for TV and video.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Focal Elex and "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) both have excellent build quality.
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How the Focal Elex and the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Focal Elex | "Nothing" Brand Ear (2) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$749 | $149 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Focal | "Nothing" Brand | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2017 | March 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.8/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.9/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.4/10 | 8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 7.9/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 6.7 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.3. | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 30 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 7/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 450 Grams | 4.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
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."
"Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
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Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | March 2023
"For the price the Nothing Ear (2) is pretty good. It fits well, and the IP54 rating (and IP55 with case) is durable enough for daily life. Most of its unique features are found in the Nothing X app, such as personalized frequency responses, and personalized, adjustable ANC."
Get a great deal on the Focal Elex or the "Nothing" Brand Ear (2)
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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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