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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If exceptional sound quality and a wide soundstage are your top priorities, and you mostly listen in a quiet environment, the Focal Elex open-back headphones are an excellent choice despite their higher price and lack of wireless connectivity. Keep in mind that the Focal Elex lacks features like a built-in mic and active noise canceling, which are present in the Sony WF1000XM5. 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
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM5
- Very good for music
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
6.9
5.1
The Focal Elex is only fair for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Phone Calls
4.3
5.0
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Focal Elex are both poor for phone calls, though the Sony WF1000XM5 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.1
4.9
The Focal Elex is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
TV and Video
8.3
5.4
The Focal Elex is very good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for noise reduction, while the Focal Elex is poor.
Battery
N/A
9.0 Hours
The Focal Elex does not have a battery. The Sony WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$749
$298
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Focal Elex has a price of $749 and the Sony WF1000XM5 costs $298.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Focal Elex has excellent build quality, while the Sony WF1000XM5 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.7
8.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Sony WF1000XM5 to be very good for music, while the Focal Elex is good.
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How the Focal Elex and the Sony WF1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Focal Elex | Sony WF1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$749 | $298 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Focal | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2017 | July 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.9/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.4/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 450 Grams | 6 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."
Sony WF1000XM5
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Sound Guys
Harley Maranan | July 2023
"The Sony WF-1000XM5 is among the best noise canceling earbuds currently on the market, and they aren’t cheap. These earbuds aren’t the best choice for budget-conscious listeners. But if you prioritize active noise cancelation, sound quality, and extensive software support, the WF-1000XM5 is worth its premium price tag."
Get a great deal on the Focal Elex or the Sony WF1000XM5
About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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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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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
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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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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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