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Focal Clear MG — Open-back
Focal

Focal Clear MG

Open-back

92
/ 100
From $1,499
VS
Sennheiser HD 800S wins by 3
Sennheiser HD 800S — Over-ear · 2016
Sennheiser

Sennheiser HD 800S

Over-ear · 2016

95
/ 100
From $1,699
Specdex verdict

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

In our weighted Specdex score, Focal Clear MG lands at 92 and Sennheiser HD 800S at 95. That puts Sennheiser HD 800S 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 800S 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

Sennheiser HD 800S

Tuning, detail, and staging

Sennheiser HD 800S leads on sound (95 vs 92).

Noise cancelling

Sennheiser HD 800S

ANC strength for commute and travel

Sennheiser HD 800S leads on anc (93 vs 0).

Comfort

Sennheiser HD 800S

Long-session wearability

Sennheiser HD 800S leads on comfort (94 vs 88).

Value for money

Tie

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.

Focal Clear MG 92
vs
95 Sennheiser HD 800S

Score breakdown

Focal Clear MG
92
anc 0
sound 92
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Sennheiser HD 800S
95
anc 93
sound 95
comfort 94
battery 82
features 91

Specs side-by-side

Focal Clear MG versus Sennheiser HD 800S — full spec comparison
Spec Focal Clear MG Sennheiser HD 800S
Type
Open-back
Over-ear
Release year
—
2016

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 800S

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 vs Sennheiser HD 800S

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

Sennheiser HD 800S 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 800S worth the price? +

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

Does Focal Clear MG or Sennheiser HD 800S 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 sound quality, Focal Clear MG or Sennheiser HD 800S? +

Sennheiser HD 800S — leads on sound (95 vs 92). Tuning, detail, and staging.

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

Sennheiser HD 800S — leads on anc (93 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.