Focal could also be higher identified in some circles as a producer of extremely high-quality studio screens, however the firm additionally makes headphones — and we’ve fairly loved headphones just like the Focal Elear, Focal Spark, and Focal Hear headphones. Now, the corporate is again — with the Focal Sphear Wi-fi headphones.
The headphones characteristic an in-ear, wi-fi design, and clearly have rather a lot to supply. However are the headphones definitely worth the $130 price ticket? We put the headphones to the check to search out out.
Design
The Focal Sphear Wi-fi headphones appear like different Focal in-ear headphones in some ways. The earbuds characteristic a silver cap on every, with the Focal brand and a comparatively small construct. Half manner down the suitable aspect of the cable, you’ll discover a three-button distant with a MicroUSB charging port. In the back of the cable, there’s one other module that we assume homes a battery.
Usually talking, the headphones look fairly good. They’re not extremely flashy and will even be thought-about barely boring in design — however for people who don’t like to attract an excessive amount of consideration to themselves, the headphones ought to just do positive.
Within the field, aside from the headphones themselves, there’s a wide selection of equipment. You’ll get a small carry pouch, together with a complete of three pairs of gel ideas, and three pairs of reminiscence foam ideas. We actually respect the inclusion of reminiscence foam ideas — they’re extra comfy to make use of, and be sure that the headphones keep in your ears. There’s additionally a MicroUSB charging cable — although we want Focal went for USB-C, because it’s the usual that everybody must be utilizing in 2019. Final however not least, there’s a small magnetic cable clip, which is a pleasant inclusion.
Consolation
The Focal Sphear Wi-fi headphones embrace loads of ear ideas, and we actually respect that. It’s undoubtedly value experimenting with the completely different ear ideas, however we predict nearly all of folks will discover one thing that works for his or her wants. On high of that, contemplating the truth that the ear ideas are comparatively small, the headphones sit properly within the ears, which is at all times good.
Usually, we discovered that the Focal Sphear Wi-fi headphones are greater than comfy sufficient for lengthy listening durations, and good at staying within the ears, even regardless of some motion. When you would possibly get blended outcomes with full-blown sports activities use, for normal use the headphones work very properly.
Sound
Maybe the most effective factor about Focal’s experience within the audio area is the truth that it interprets fairly properly to the corporate’s headphones. We discovered that the Focal Sphear Wi-fi headphones sound fairly good — which is certainly at all times good to see.
The bass response, for starters, is punchy and well-tuned. The low frequencies aren’t overly distinguished right here — and a few would possibly like somewhat further within the bass division — however people who like a clear and pure sound will respect what the headphones have to supply within the low finish.
The mid-range could be very well-tuned. Low mids are comparatively heat, once more, with out being overbearing, whereas excessive mids provide sufficient presence for vocals and guitars, which can be good.
Excessive finish is maybe the place the headphones shine probably the most. Typically, in-ear headphones can sacrifice highs, however Focal has managed to steer clear, giving the Sphear Wi-fi headphones a transparent and detailed excessive finish. The highs assist make the headphones enjoyable to hearken to.
Efficiency
The Focal Sphear Wi-fi headphones look good, are comfy, and sound nice — however how do they carry out? Nicely, they’re positive, however not nice. These headphones provide an eight hour battery life, and we’d have preferred to see somewhat extra from them.
The headphones connect with your listening system via Bluetooth 4.1, which implies they’ll get a listening vary of as much as 10 meters, or 33 ft. We discovered that they typically retained a connection properly, and by no means actually skipped or jumped.
Conclusion
The Focal Sphear Wi-fi headphones are yet one more residence run from Focal. They give the impression of being nice, are fairly comfy, and sound nice too. Positive, the battery isn’t the most effective we’ve ever seen, however in the event you’re usually good at conserving issues charged up, then we don’t suppose that may matter to most individuals.
However is there a greater choice for the value? Nicely, that relies upon. In case you’re on the lookout for sports activities headphones, then we advocate the Jaybird Tarah Professional headphones. For regular listening, nevertheless, we completely advocate the Focal Sphear Wi-fi headphones to anybody who appreciates a pure sound and a cushty match.
Due to their nice audio high quality and comfy really feel, we’re awarding the Focal Sphear Wi-fi headphones the Headphone Assessment Silver Medal.