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Focal Utopia vs Meze Elite: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Focal Utopia comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 81. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Focal Utopia - Outstanding overall at around $4999.

Score breakdown

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

Focal Utopia leads on 3 of 4 measures.

  • Focal Utopia
  • Meze Elite
HearWiki score
81
76
Sound
9.7
8.9
Value
5.8
5.4
Price (USD)
$5,000
$3,400

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

Focal Utopia (2022) against Meze Elite (2021). These are 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.

  • Utopia20221 yr newer
  • Elite2021

Specifications

UtopiaElite
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$5,000
$3,400
HearWiki score
81
76
Released
2022
2021
Availability
Still sold new
Still sold new
Driver
40 mm dynamic
hybrid
Driver type
dynamic
hybrid
Driver size
40 mm
-
Drivers per side
1
-
Frequency response
5 Hz - 23 kHz
3 Hz - 112 kHz
Sound signature
neutral
-
Impedance
80 Ω
32 Ω
Sensitivity
104 dB/mW
101 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Weight
490 g
433 g
Water resistance
none
-
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
No
Connector
-
XLR
Balanced connection
-
Yes

What reviewers said

Focal Utopia

The Focal Utopia is a premium open-back wired headphone engineered for audiophiles seeking reference-grade neutrality. Its 40mm beryllium driver delivers exceptional detail, low distortion, and a finely tuned high-frequency response, making it a top-tier choice for critical listening. While its performance is class-leading, the steep price positions it as a luxury investment rather than a practical everyday option.

  • Pro:Outstanding resolution and micro-detail retrieval
  • Pro:Very low distortion with a neutral, accurate sound signature
  • Pro:Premium build quality and detachable cable design
  • Con:Extremely high price point
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or wireless connectivity
  • Con:Heavy weight (490g) may be tiring during long sessions

Meze Elite

The Meze Elite is a premium open-back planar headphone that builds on the brand's flagship heritage with a refined, spacious, and highly musical sound. Its aluminum construction and updated driver array deliver strong technical performance, excellent detail retrieval, and a comfortable fit, making it a top-tier choice for audiophiles seeking a luxurious listening experience. While its price point is steep, the combination of craftsmanship, ergonomics, and sonic maturity positions it as a standout in the high-end segment.

  • Pro:Exceptional build quality with premium aluminum materials
  • Pro:Spacious and immersive soundstage with excellent separation
  • Pro:Smooth, musical tuning that remains detailed and dynamic
  • Con:Very high price tag limits accessibility
  • Con:No ANC or wireless features for a wired-only design
  • Con:Potential bass roll-off may not suit bass-heavy listeners

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.

New comparisonFocal UtopiaMeze Elite