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Focal Clear MG — Open-back
Focal

Focal Clear MG

Open-back

92
/ 100
From $1,499
VS
Sennheiser HD 800 S wins by 3
Sennheiser HD 800 S — Open-back
Sennheiser

Sennheiser HD 800 S

Open-back

95
/ 100
From $1,699
Specdex verdict

Sennheiser HD 800 S takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Focal Clear MG lands at 92 and Sennheiser HD 800 S at 95. That puts Sennheiser HD 800 S ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Focal Clear MG if…

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

Pick Sennheiser HD 800 S if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Focal Clear MG 92
vs
95 Sennheiser HD 800 S

Score breakdown

Focal Clear MG
92
anc 0
sound 92
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Sennheiser HD 800 S
95
anc 0
sound 95
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

Focal Clear MG versus Sennheiser HD 800 S — full spec comparison
Spec Focal Clear MG Sennheiser HD 800 S
Type
Open-back
Open-back

Focal Clear MG

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

Sennheiser HD 800 S

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

FAQ: Focal Clear MG vs Sennheiser HD 800 S

Which is better, Focal Clear MG or Sennheiser HD 800 S? +

Sennheiser HD 800 S scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Focal Clear MG worth the price? +

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

Is Sennheiser HD 800 S worth the price? +

At $1,699, Sennheiser HD 800 S delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in battery.

Does Focal Clear MG or Sennheiser HD 800 S 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.