Over-Ear
HiFiMAN Jade II
85Outstanding
$690
Full review dataHiFiMAN Jade II vs Noble Audio Fokus Apollo: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN Jade II comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: HiFiMAN Jade II - Outstanding overall at around $690.
Over-Ear
Noble Audio Fokus Apollo
68Good
$649
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
HiFiMAN Jade II
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Noble Audio Fokus Apollo
Sound7.5
Noise cancelling6.5
Battery9.0
Value6.0
Specifications
| Spec | HiFiMAN Jade II | Noble Audio Fokus Apollo |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $690 | $649 |
| HearWiki score | 85 / 100 · Outstanding | 68 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2019 | 2024 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Electrostatic | hybrid |
| Driver size | - | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 7Hz-90kHz | 10 Hz - 40,000 Hz |
| Sound signature | Bass-rolled neutral | - |
| Impedance | - | 32 Ω |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth version | - | 5.3 |
| Codecs | - | SBC, AAC, LDAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Multipoint pairing | - | Yes |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | - | 80 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | - | 60 h |
| Full charge time | - | 150 min |
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | Yes |
| ANC type | - | hybrid |
| Transparency mode | - | Yes |
| Companion app | - | Yes |
| Wear detection | - | No |
| Controls | - | buttons |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 365 g | 338 g |
| Water resistance | - | None |
| USB-C | - | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | - | 6 |
What reviewers said
HiFiMAN Jade II
The HiFiMAN Jade II is an over-ear electrostatic headphone that delivers a precise, airy sound with a lean bass response and excellent technical performance. Its ultra-wide frequency range and lightweight build make it a compelling option for listeners who prioritize clarity and detail over bass weight, though it requires a dedicated amplifier setup.
- Pro:Exceptional clarity and detail retrieval
- Pro:Very lightweight for an electrostatic model
- Pro:Wide, airy soundstage with fast transients
- Con:Bass is noticeably rolled off, lacking impact
- Con:Requires a specialized electrostatic amp, adding cost
- Con:Fit and comfort may vary due to thin earpads
Noble Audio Fokus Apollo
The Noble FoKus Apollo is a premium wireless over-ear headphone that pairs hybrid dual drivers with active noise cancellation for a technically ambitious listening experience. It offers exceptional battery life, strong codec support, and solid build quality, making it a practical choice for travel and daily commutes. While its sound is generally coherent and detailed, some users may need to adjust EQ for extra brightness and be mindful of slightly boomy bass when ANC is active.
- Pro:Outstanding battery life of up to 80 hours
- Pro:Supports LDAC and LDHC for high-resolution wireless audio
- Pro:Hybrid dual-driver design delivers detailed sound
- Con:Controls have a learning curve
- Con:Bass can become boomy with ANC enabled
- Con:May require EQ to achieve extra treble sparkle
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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