HiFiMan
HiFiMan Sundara
Planar magnetic
85
/ 100
From $299
VS
Focal Utopia 2022 wins by 11
Focal
Focal Utopia 2022
Open-back
96
/ 100
From $4,999
Specdex verdict
Focal Utopia 2022 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, HiFiMan Sundara lands at 85 and Focal Utopia 2022 at 96. That puts Focal Utopia 2022 ahead by 11 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick HiFiMan Sundara if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Pick Focal Utopia 2022 if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
HiFiMan Sundara 85
vs 96 Focal Utopia 2022
Score breakdown
HiFiMan Sundara
85 anc 0
sound 85
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Focal Utopia 2022
96 anc 0
sound 96
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | HiFiMan Sundara | Focal Utopia 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Planar magnetic | Open-back |
HiFiMan Sundara
Pros
- +Reference-level detail
- +Well-regarded in audiophile community
- +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
- −Requires amplifier (most)
- −No active noise cancellation
- −Impractical for commuting
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
FAQ: HiFiMan Sundara vs Focal Utopia 2022
Which is better, HiFiMan Sundara or Focal Utopia 2022? +
Focal Utopia 2022 scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 11. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is HiFiMan Sundara worth the price? +
At $299, HiFiMan Sundara delivers a Specdex score of 85 — strongest in battery.
Is Focal Utopia 2022 worth the price? +
At $4,999, Focal Utopia 2022 delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in battery.
Does HiFiMan Sundara or Focal Utopia 2022 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.