Focal
Focal Clear MG
Open-back
92
/ 100
From $1,499
VS
Sennheiser HD 800S · Midnight Black wins by 3
Sennheiser
Sennheiser HD 800S · Midnight Black
Over-ear · 2016
95
/ 100
From $1,699
Specdex verdict
Sennheiser HD 800S · Midnight Black takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Focal Clear MG lands at 92 and Sennheiser HD 800S · Midnight Black at 95. That puts Sennheiser HD 800S · Midnight Black 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 · Midnight Black if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Focal Clear MG 92
vs 95 Sennheiser HD 800S · Midnight Black
Score breakdown
Focal Clear MG
92 anc 0
sound 92
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Sennheiser HD 800S · Midnight Black
95 anc 93
sound 95
comfort 94
battery 82
features 91
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Focal Clear MG | Sennheiser HD 800S · Midnight Black |
|---|---|---|
| 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 · Midnight Black
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 · Midnight Black
Which is better, Focal Clear MG or Sennheiser HD 800S · Midnight Black? +
Sennheiser HD 800S · Midnight Black 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 · Midnight Black worth the price? +
At $1,699, Sennheiser HD 800S · Midnight Black delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in sound.
Does Focal Clear MG or Sennheiser HD 800S · Midnight Black 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.