Focal
Focal Utopia 2022
Open-back
96
/ 100
From $4,999
VS
Focal Utopia 2022 wins by 1
Sennheiser
Sennheiser HD 800 S
Open-back
95
/ 100
From $1,699
Specdex verdict
Focal Utopia 2022 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Focal Utopia 2022 lands at 96 and Sennheiser HD 800 S at 95. That puts Focal Utopia 2022 ahead by 1 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Focal Utopia 2022 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 Utopia 2022 96
vs 95 Sennheiser HD 800 S
Score breakdown
Focal Utopia 2022
96 anc 0
sound 96
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
| Spec | Focal Utopia 2022 | Sennheiser HD 800 S |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Open-back | Open-back |
Focal Utopia 2022
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 Utopia 2022 vs Sennheiser HD 800 S
Which is better, Focal Utopia 2022 or Sennheiser HD 800 S? +
Focal Utopia 2022 scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Focal Utopia 2022 worth the price? +
At $4,999, Focal Utopia 2022 delivers a Specdex score of 96 — 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 Utopia 2022 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.