Over-Ear
Focal Clear
88Outstanding
$1499
Full review dataFocal Clear vs HiFiMAN HE 600: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Focal Clear comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Focal Clear - Outstanding overall at around $1499.
Over-Ear
HiFiMAN HE 600
78Great
$799
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Focal Clear
Sound9.0
Value7.0
HiFiMAN HE 600
Sound8.0
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Clear | HiFiMAN HE 600 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1499 | $799 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 78 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2017 | 2025 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | planar |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 100 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz - 28kHz | 8Hz-65kHz |
| Sound signature | Warm neutral | - |
| Impedance | 55 Ω | 28 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB/mW | 94 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 450 g | 389 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | - | No |
| Balanced connection | Yes | Yes |
What reviewers said
Focal Clear
The Focal Clear is a wired, open-back-style over-ear headphone with a warm-neutral tuning that balances musicality and accuracy. Its dynamic driver delivers rich, natural timbre and strong technical performance, making it a versatile choice for critical listening across genres. The build is solid yet comfortable, with a detachable cable and balanced connection support for audiophile setups.
- Pro:Natural, engaging warm-neutral sound
- Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and imaging
- Pro:Comfortable fit for long sessions
- Con:Heavier than some competitors at 450g
- Con:Pricey despite discounts
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound
HiFiMAN HE 600
The HiFiMAN HE600 is an open-back planar headphone that modernizes the classic HE6 concept with a lighter build and easier amplification needs, while retaining a clean, detailed, and balanced sonic character. It offers strong technical performance for its price, though its tight clamping force and slight shortfall in sheer tactility compared to its predecessor are notable trade-offs.
- Pro:Clean, well-extended bass with good detail
- Pro:Natural and articulate mids with smooth treble
- Pro:More practical to drive than the original HE6
- Con:Strong clamping force reduces comfort
- Con:Not a full upgrade over the HE6 in depth and tactility
- Con:Still requires decent amplification to shine
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.