Focal Celestee vs Verum 2: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Verum 2 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Verum 2 - Outstanding overall at around $499.

Over-Ear

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Verum 2 leads on 4 of 4 measures.

Focal Celestee
Verum 2

HearWiki score

Sound

7.7

8.9

Value

9.0

Price (USD)

$990

$500

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The Verum 2 is 4 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

Celestee2021
220254 yr newer

Specifications

Celestee2

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $990; $500
HearWiki score: 65; 85
Released: 2021; 2025
Availability: Still sold new; Sold new
Driver: 40 mm dynamic; 105 mm planar magnetic
Driver type: dynamic; planar
Driver size: 40 mm; 105 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 5 Hz - 23 kHz; -
Impedance: 35 Ω; 8 Ω
Sensitivity: -; 96 dB/mW
Codecs: SBC; -
Multipoint pairing: No; -
Wireless charging: No; -
Active noise cancelling: No; No
ANC type: -; none
Transparency mode: -; No
Companion app: -; No
Custom EQ: -; No
Wear detection: -; No
Voice assistant: -; No
Weight: 430 g; 450 g
Water resistance: none; -
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
USB-C: -; No
Pad material: -; fabric
Connector: 3.5 mm; 3.5 mm
Balanced connection: Yes; Yes
Call noise reduction: -; No

Specification comparison of Focal Celestee vs Verum 2
Spec	Focal Celestee	Verum 2
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$990	$500
HearWiki score	65 / 100 Good	85 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2021	2025
Audio
Driver	40 mm dynamic	105 mm planar magnetic
Driver type	dynamic	planar
Driver size	40 mm	105 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	5 Hz - 23 kHz	-
Impedance	35 Ω	8 Ω
Sensitivity	-	96 dB/mW
Wireless
Codecs	SBC	-
Multipoint pairing	No	-
Battery
Wireless charging	No	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
ANC type	-	none
Transparency mode	-	No
Companion app	-	No
Custom EQ	-	No
Wear detection	-	No
Voice assistant	-	No
Design
Weight	430 g	450 g
Water resistance	none	-
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
USB-C	-	No
Pad material	-	fabric
Connector	3.5 mm	3.5 mm
Balanced connection	Yes	Yes
Calls
Call noise reduction	-	No

What reviewers said

Focal Celestee

The Focal Celestee is a premium closed-back wired headphone that delivers a smooth, warm, and highly detailed sound signature, making it a strong contender in the luxury segment. Its sturdy, elegant build and comfortable fit are complemented by easy driveability, though its intimate soundstage and lack of wireless features position it as a purist's choice for focused listening at home or in quiet environments. The included accessories are minimal, which may be a consideration given the high price point.

Pro:Excellent detail and resolution with a smooth, warm tuning
Pro:Premium, well-crafted build and comfortable design
Pro:Easy to drive without requiring a powerful amplifier

Con:Soundstage is narrow, resulting in an intimate presentation
Con:No wireless or ANC capabilities for portable use
Con:Short included cable limits placement options

Verum 2

No summary yet - we haven't aggregated enough reviews.

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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