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Focal Clear MG · Arctic White — Open-back
Focal

Focal Clear MG · Arctic White

Open-back

92
/ 100
From $1,499
VS
Sony WH-1000XM5 wins by 1
Sony WH-1000XM5 — Over-ear · 2022
Sony

Sony WH-1000XM5

Over-ear · 2022

93
/ 100
From $399
Specdex verdict

Sony WH-1000XM5 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Focal Clear MG · Arctic White lands at 92 and Sony WH-1000XM5 at 93. That puts Sony WH-1000XM5 ahead by 1 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Focal Clear MG · Arctic White if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal

Pick Sony WH-1000XM5 if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Tie

Tuning, detail, and staging

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Noise cancelling

Sony WH-1000XM5

ANC strength for commute and travel

Sony WH-1000XM5 leads on anc (91 vs 0).

Comfort

Sony WH-1000XM5

Long-session wearability

Sony WH-1000XM5 leads on comfort (92 vs 88).

Value for money

Sony WH-1000XM5

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Sony WH-1000XM5 more score per dollar ($399 vs $1,499).

Focal Clear MG · Arctic White 92
vs
93 Sony WH-1000XM5

Score breakdown

Focal Clear MG · Arctic White
92
anc 0
sound 92
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Sony WH-1000XM5
93
anc 91
sound 93
comfort 92
battery 82
features 89

Specs side-by-side

Focal Clear MG · Arctic White versus Sony WH-1000XM5 — full spec comparison
Spec Focal Clear MG · Arctic White Sony WH-1000XM5
Type
Open-back
Over-ear
Release year
—
2022

Focal Clear MG · Arctic White

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

Sony WH-1000XM5

Pros
  • +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • +Premium build
  • +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
  • −Battery varies by codec
  • −Some are Bluetooth-only
  • −Price creep vs previous gen

FAQ: Focal Clear MG · Arctic White vs Sony WH-1000XM5

Which is better, Focal Clear MG · Arctic White or Sony WH-1000XM5? +

Sony WH-1000XM5 scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Focal Clear MG · Arctic White worth the price? +

At $1,499, Focal Clear MG · Arctic White delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in battery.

Is Sony WH-1000XM5 worth the price? +

At $399, Sony WH-1000XM5 delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in sound.

Does Focal Clear MG · Arctic White or Sony WH-1000XM5 last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Focal Clear MG · Arctic White or Sony WH-1000XM5? +

Sony WH-1000XM5 — leads on anc (91 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.

Which is better for comfort, Focal Clear MG · Arctic White or Sony WH-1000XM5? +

Sony WH-1000XM5 — leads on comfort (92 vs 88). Long-session wearability.