Focal Listen ProfessionalFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 29 mentions across 11 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment44%
PROS 44%
CONS 56%

Rank based on 29 mentions across 11 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want closed-back headphones with detailed, punchy bass for mixing or general listening
  • You're comparing against HD280 Pro or MDR-7506 and want a clear upgrade in clarity
  • You can find them at a discounted price and don't mind eventually sourcing third-party ear pads

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need long-term reliability without hunting for hard-to-find replacement parts
  • You mix professionally and need bass response that translates accurately to other systems without EQ correction
  • You're sensitive to tight clamping pressure or thin headband padding during long sessions

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Mid
Apple AirPods Pro 2~$249 · 1.2× cheaper
Transparency ModeNoise CancellationSound QualityiOS/Apple Ecosystem Lock-inDurability/Crackling ConcernsHigh Price
Apple AirPods Pro 2~$249 · 1.2× cheaper
Transparency Mode
Noise Cancellation
Sound Quality
iOS/Apple Ecosystem Lock-in
Durability/Crackling Concerns
High Price
2Mid
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700~$399 · 1.3× pricier
Excellent Call and Mic QualityAll-Day ComfortIndustry-Leading Noise CancellationHigh Price PointInconsistent Call Clarity in Certain EnvironmentsBluetooth Pairing Problems
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700~$399 · 1.3× pricier
Excellent Call and Mic Quality
All-Day Comfort
Industry-Leading Noise Cancellation
High Price Point
Inconsistent Call Clarity in Certain Environments
Bluetooth Pairing Problems
3Value
Sennheiser HD 25~$150 · 2× cheaper
Exceptional durabilityBalanced, quality soundFully repairable/modularCable-to-driver cutout issuesStrong clamping forceUnconventional cable entry side
Sennheiser HD 25~$150 · 2× cheaper
Exceptional durability
Balanced, quality sound
Fully repairable/modular
Cable-to-driver cutout issues
Strong clamping force
Unconventional cable entry side
Best value
4Upper
Shure SRH1540~$499 · 1.7× pricier
Neutral, accurate soundExceptional comfortGreat detail and resolutionPerceived as 'boring' by some listenersElevated mid-bass/sub-bass not fully neutralSound highly dependent on seal and source
Shure SRH1540~$499 · 1.7× pricier
Neutral, accurate sound
Exceptional comfort
Great detail and resolution
Perceived as 'boring' by some listeners
Elevated mid-bass/sub-bass not fully neutral
Sound highly dependent on seal and source
5Value
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2~$180 · 1.7× cheaper
All-day comfortSituational awareness and safetyAccessibility for hearing-impaired usersUSB-C flap durability concernsReduced pure bone conduction feelPrice and upgrade value concerns
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2~$180 · 1.7× cheaper
All-day comfort
Situational awareness and safety
Accessibility for hearing-impaired users
USB-C flap durability concerns
Reduced pure bone conduction feel
Price and upgrade value concerns
6Mid
Sennheiser HD 598~$250 · 1.2× cheaper
Exceptional comfort for long sessionsGreat value for moneyWide, natural soundstageEarpad and headband material wears outLight bass responseCable and connector fragility
Sennheiser HD 598~$250 · 1.2× cheaper
Exceptional comfort for long sessions
Great value for money
Wide, natural soundstage
Earpad and headband material wears out
Light bass response
Cable and connector fragility
7Value
Audio-Technica ATH-R50x~$169 · 1.8× cheaper
Detailed, Accurate SoundExcellent ValueLightweight & ComfortableSmall, Shallow EarcupsBrand Reliability Concerns from Past ModelsSub-Bass Roll-Off
Audio-Technica ATH-R50x~$169 · 1.8× cheaper
Detailed, Accurate Sound
Excellent Value
Lightweight & Comfortable
Small, Shallow Earcups
Brand Reliability Concerns from Past Models
Sub-Bass Roll-Off
8Value
Skullcandy Crusher Evo~$200 · 1.5× cheaper
Massive Haptic BassExcellent Battery LifeRugged DurabilityComfort Problems Over TimeNot Audiophile-Grade SoundEarpad Longevity Issues
Skullcandy Crusher Evo~$200 · 1.5× cheaper
Massive Haptic Bass
Excellent Battery Life
Rugged Durability
Comfort Problems Over Time
Not Audiophile-Grade Sound
Earpad Longevity Issues
9Mid
Bose QuietComfort 35 II~$349 · 1.2× pricier
Strong Sound QualityBetter Than Newer Bose ModelsOutstanding DurabilityCushions Wear Out QuicklyConnectivity and Codec LimitationsPoor Mic Performance on Calls
Bose QuietComfort 35 II~$349 · 1.2× pricier
Strong Sound Quality
Better Than Newer Bose Models
Outstanding Durability
Cushions Wear Out Quickly
Connectivity and Codec Limitations
Poor Mic Performance on Calls
10Mid
Audio-Technica ATH-R70x~$349 · 1.2× pricier
Exceptional lightweight comfortFavorable vs. HD600 and other rivalsNatural, warm tonalitySmall stock earpads uncomfortable for larger ears/headsLimited fine detail and occasional grainCan sound flat or uninvolving to some
Audio-Technica ATH-R70x~$349 · 1.2× pricier
Exceptional lightweight comfort
Favorable vs. HD600 and other rivals
Natural, warm tonality
Small stock earpads uncomfortable for larger ears/heads
Limited fine detail and occasional grain
Can sound flat or uninvolving to some
You are here
21Mid
Focal Listen Professional~$299
Detailed, clear soundDeep, impactful bassBig upgrade from entry-level studio cansEar pads wear out quicklyInconsistent tonal impressions out of the boxReplacement parts hard to find
Focal Listen Professional~$299
Detailed, clear sound
Deep, impactful bass
Big upgrade from entry-level studio cans
Ear pads wear out quickly
Inconsistent tonal impressions out of the box
Replacement parts hard to find

Who wins on what (similar price)

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Sound quality impresses many users, especially compared to cheaper studio staples. Multiple commenters say the Listen Pro clearly outperforms headphones like the Sennheiser HD280 Pro and MDR-7506, citing clarity, imaging, and deep bass extension even against high-end IEMs. One user does most of their mixes on them. However, a few others describe the out-of-box sound as thin, hollow, or muddy, with one only satisfied after applying Sonarworks correction, suggesting inconsistent impressions or unit-dependent tonality.

Bass response is a recurring double-edged talking point. Several users note the bass is heavy or overblown, useful as a gut-check for electronic bass mixes but risky since a mix that sounds right here can translate as bass-light everywhere else. One commenter explicitly warns to adjust EQ before trusting these for mixing, while another says they avoid mixing on them altogether despite liking the matching Focal monitors.

Ear pad durability and parts availability are the headphones' biggest weakness. Owners report pads deteriorating, peeling, or tearing anywhere from six months to four years in, with the glued-on leatherette design lacking a replacement notch system. Focal reportedly offers no official replacement pads, pushing buyers to inconsistent third-party options from overseas sellers, or to simply buy a second pair, effectively making the headphones disposable once pads fail even though the internals still sound fine.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?