Focal Listen

39 reviews

Apr, 2024

Positive
sound (36)
comfort (29)
durability (19)
design (17)
price (16)

Negative
bass quality (10)
portability (8)

General overview
Price comparison

alaTest has collected and analyzed 39 reviews of Focal Listen. The average rating for this product is 4.2/5, compared to an average rating of 4.0/5 for other Headphones for all reviews. Reviewers really like the design and durability. The price and comfort also get good feedback, but opinions are divided on the portability. Many are less positive about the bass quality.

sound, comfort, price, durability, design

bass quality

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Headphones the Focal Listen is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 88/100 = Very good quality.

Review analysis

(Based on 39 reviews)

Expert Reviews

User Reviews

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Showing 31 review(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 31 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (8)

Expert review by : Ted Kritsonis (digitaltrends.com)

Focal Listen Wireless review

Focal's Listen Wireless headphones cut the cord but kept the amazing performance.

Clear and balanced sound ; Very comfy to wear ; Good noise isolation ; Killer battery life

We could’ve used a little more bass ; No multipoint Bluetooth

Like its predecessor, the Focal Listen is aimed at listeners who want balance to accommodate their varied tastes in music. Those seeking to exclusively indulge in hip hop or electronica would be better off looking elsewhere. For that reason, these...

Aug, 2017

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Expert review by : Ted Kritsonis (digitaltrends.com)

Focal Listen review

The Focal Listen are audiophile cans made for everyone.

Excellent balanced audio ; Good bass, without pushing too far ; Great comfort around ears ; Easy to pack along

A little bulky and weighted ; Inline controls lack volume button

The lack of boosted bass in the Focal Listen is actually addition by subtraction. Some listeners will probably feel the lows don’t pulsate enough, whereas others, especially audiophiles, will feel the balance is more in tune with what the artists...

Aug, 2016

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Expert review by : Tim Gideon (pcmag.com)

Focal Listen Wireless

The Focal Listen Wireless headphones delivers a beautifully balanced frequency response in an easy-to-operate design.

Balanced, rich, crisp sound signature. Comfortable earpads. Includes cable for passive listening.

Cable lacks inline remote control. Not for those seeking huge bass response.

If you're looking for huge bass or completely flat response, the Focal Listen Wireless headphones satisfy neither criteria. Instead, they will appeal to listeners who want something closer to flat response, but are happy to receive some extra richness...

Jul, 2017

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Expert review by : David Carnoy (cnet.com)

Focal's Listen Wireless headphone is worth listening to

The highly regarded French audio company's first stab at premium Bluetooth headphone delivers excellent sound. But is it the right sound for you?

The Focal Listen Wireless has a sturdy design, fits comfortably and snugly, and sounds excellent for a Bluetooth headphone. It folds up to fit in an included neoprene case and comes with a cable for wired listening. It also works well for making calls.

The sound is a tad bright, which can make some music sound harsh. Heavier than some competing models. Lacks active noise cancellation.

Focal's Listen Wireless is well-built Bluetooth headphone with rich, refined sound imbued with a lot of presence -- perhaps too much for some people.

Jul, 2017

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Expert review by : David Carnoy (cnet.com)

Focal Listen review

You may not have heard of French company Focal, but it makes some very good-sounding headphones. The latest case in point is its new Listen closed-back over-ear headphone, which retails for $249. No word yet on an international launch, but that price...

The Focal Listen has a sturdy design and a comfortable and snug fit, and it sounds excellent for the price. Detachable cable includes an integrated one-button remote. The headphone folds up to fit in an included neoprene case.

Headphone is a tad heavy, may fit a little too snugly for some folks, and may not have enough bass for some listeners.

French company Focal's closed-back, over-ear headphone is designed for mobile use and delivers excellent sound for $250.

Aug, 2016

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Expert review by : Tim Gideon (pcmag.com)

Focal Listen

The Focal Listen is a no-frills pair of over-the-ear headphones with an accurate, balanced sound signature sure to delight audiophiles

Balanced, accurate audio performance with rich bass and clear highs. Removable cable with inline remote. Comfortable.

Remote can't control volume. Not for those seeking booming bass response.

Jun, 2016

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Expert review by : Tim Gideon (pcmag.com)

Focal Listen

The Focal Listen is a no-frills pair of over-the-ear headphones with an accurate, balanced sound signature sure to delight audiophiles

Balanced, accurate audio performance with rich bass and clear highs. Removable cable with inline remote. Comfortable.

Remote can't control volume. Not for those seeking booming bass response.

Once you're willing to spend more than $200, there are plenty of excellent headphone options. We are also big fans of the Blue Lola in this price range, and the more expensive Master & Dynamic MH40. If you are looking for a little more bass in your...

Jun, 2016

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Expert review by : Theo Nicolakis (techhive.com)

Focal Listen Wireless review

Focal's Listen Wireless offers outstanding Bluetooth wireless range and hands-free performance, but be sure to plug them in for the best sound.

Focal Listen Wireless ; Very good passive noise isolation ; Foldable, portable design

Buttons aren't optimally designed for no-look use ; Wireless audio performance isn't as refined as wired ; All-plastic design

I tested the Focal Listen Wireless with an iPhone 7 along with the Sony Walkman NWZ-A17 and high-res audio players. The latter two players are aptX-compatible and confirmed their aptX connection when paired. Source material included some AAC-encoded...

Sep, 2017

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Expert review by : Alex Hernandez (techaeris.com)

Focal Listen Wireless review: Focal brings wireless to their already excellent Listen headphones

Focal products have been featured here before and have won awards. Can the Focal Listen Wireless measure up to our scrutiny again?

Nice build quality ; Very comfortable ; Extraordinary sound ; Great battery life

Bass lovers may not enjoy these

The Focal Listen Wireless stand up to some of the best wireless headphones in this price point and arguably some priced higher. Focal continually impresses us with their sound and build quality and their comfort is pretty amazing as well. If you’re...

Sep, 2017

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Expert review by : Pete Hernandez (techaeris.com)

Focal Listen review: Sound that is well engineered

Focal is known for some really pricey high-end headphones, but now they have a pair which are much more attainable, the Focal Listen.

Amazing sound, superb comfort, beautiful design.

Could use just a little bit more bass.

The Focal Listen headphones offer excellent sound quality, amazing comfort and beautiful design, all in a portable package that is made for those on the move. But you’ll love them even if you’re sitting still!

Dec, 2016

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