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The cold breath of winter is upon us, and with it comes the longing for cozy nights, warm drinks and immersive soundscapes that transport us to another world. But let’s face it: in our modern world, finding a moment of peace amid the cacophony of everyday life can be a challenge. That’s where a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones comes in, and today we’re diving deep into the OneOdio Focus A5 ANC wireless headset. This budget-friendly competitor promises to deliver a premium audio experience without emptying your wallet. Let’s turn up the volume and see if it lives up to the hype!

Unwrapping a new gadget is like unwrapping a present, and the OneOdio Focus A5 does not disappoint. The packaging is sleek and minimalist, with a sleek design that hints at the cutting-edge technology inside. As you lift the lid you’re greeted by the headphones themselves, safely stored in a form-fitting carrying case. It’s a nice touch, especially for those who like to take their tunes with them on the go. In addition to the headphones, you’ll find the usual features: a USB-C charging cable to charge the battery, a 3.5mm audio cable for those who prefer a wired connection, and a user manual to guide you through the setup process .

But let’s get to the main attraction: the headphones. At first glance, the OneOdio Focus A5 strikes a balance between style and substance. The design is modern and understated, with a predominantly black finish accented by subtle silver accents. The build quality feels surprisingly robust for a headset in this price range, with a combination of matte and glossy plastics giving it a premium look. And the best part? They are incredibly lightweight, making them ideal for longer listening sessions. The generously padded earcups further increase the comfort factor and promise hours of listening pleasure without fatigue.

Now let’s delve deeper into the design and build quality of the OneOdio Focus A5. As I mentioned earlier, the aesthetic is sleek and contemporary, inspired by industry giants like Sony. But the Focus A5 isn’t just a pretty face; it’s built to last. The combination of matte and glossy plastic surfaces not only looks good, but also adds to the overall durability of the headphones.

One of the standout design elements that makes the Focus A5 stand out from the crowd is its reliance on physical buttons for control. In a world dominated by touch-sensitive controls, these tactile buttons are a breath of fresh air. They provide satisfying feedback, making it easy to adjust volume, skip songs or answer calls without taking your eyes off the screen or fumbling around blindly. However, there is a small caveat here. The buttons are grouped quite close together and their proximity to the USB-C charging port can lead to accidental pressing, especially when using the headphones in wired mode. It’s a minor inconvenience, but worth mentioning.

In today’s world of wireless audio, versatility is essential. The OneOdio Focus A5 rises to the occasion and offers a range of connectivity options to satisfy both wired and wireless audio enthusiasts. For those who prefer to cut the cord, the headphones use Bluetooth 5.0, the latest version of the wireless technology. This ensures a stable and reliable connection with minimal latency, allowing you to move around freely without fear of dropouts or audio disruptions.

But the real magic lies in the codec support. The Focus A5 not only supports the standard SBC and AAC codecs, but also the high-resolution LDAC codec. This is a game-changer for budget-conscious audiophiles, as LDAC enables the transfer of high-quality audio files with minimal loss of detail. Imagine listening to your favorite songs in all their glory, retaining all the nuances and subtleties. It is truly an immersive experience. However, there is a catch. LDAC compatibility is limited to devices with Qualcomm or MediaTek chips, so iPhone and PC users will have to make do with the AAC codec.

But don’t despair, wired listeners! The OneOdio Focus A5 has not forgotten you. Instead of the traditional 3.5 mm headphone jack, the Focus A5 has a USB-C connection. This allows the headphones to function as a USB sound card, bypassing the limitations of Bluetooth and enabling high-resolution audio playback even on devices that don’t support LDAC. It’s a clever solution that adds an extra layer of versatility to these already impressive headphones.

Let’s face it: the world can be a noisy place. Whether you are on a crowded train, working in a busy office or just trying to relax at home, unwanted noise ¹ can be a major distraction. That’s where active noise cancellation (ANC) comes in, and the OneOdio Focus A5 doesn’t disappoint.

While ANC performance on budget headphones can be hit or miss, the Focus A5 pleasantly surprised us. These headphones effectively filter out a wide range of ambient noise, from the rumble of traffic to the hum of an airplane cabin. While it may not reach the level of noise cancellation achieved by top models from Bose or Sony, the Focus A5’s ANC is more than adequate for most everyday scenarios. It’s a welcome feature that allows you to focus on your music, your work or just enjoy a moment of peace and quiet.

Gamers, rejoice! The OneOdio Focus A5 has a special treat for you: a special gaming mode. This mode prioritizes low-latency audio transmission, reducing the delay between your gaming console or PC and the headphones. Why is this important? Because even a small audio delay can be the difference between victory and defeat in the fast-paced world of online gaming.

While enabling Game Mode comes at the cost of slightly reduced audio quality, it’s a trade-off that many gamers will be willing to make. After all, what good is pristine audio if your character is already dead by the time you hear your enemy’s footsteps?

We all know the frustration when our wireless headphones break during a long trip or an intense gaming session. Luckily, the OneOdio Focus A5 has a respectable 600mAh battery, which translates to an impressive battery life of up to 75 hours with ANC turned off. Even with ANC turned on, the headphones can last a full day of use comfortably.

During our testing we found battery life to be even better than advertised, with the headphones exceeding their claimed endurance several times over. This is a testament to OneOdio’s commitment to providing a reliable and long-lasting audio experience.

Now let’s get to the heart of the matter: sound quality. After all, what good are all those bells and whistles if the headphones don’t sound good? Well, I’m happy to report that the OneOdio Focus A5 delivers a surprisingly balanced and engaging audio experience, especially for a headset in this price range.

The headphones have a wide sound image, with a clear separation between instruments and vocals. This allows you to pick out individual elements in your favorite songs, creating an immersive and nuanced listening experience. The bass response is powerful and impressive, without overpowering the mids or highs. This means you can enjoy your bass-heavy songs without sacrificing clarity or detail. The midrange is warm and detailed, bringing vocals and instruments to life with a natural and captivating tone. And the treble is crisp and clear, without any hint of harshness, adding sparkle and definition to the overall sound.

While the out-of-the-box sound signature is generally pleasant, the Focus A5 really shines when paired with an equalizer. By fine-tuning the EQ settings, you can tailor the sound to your personal preferences and unleash the full potential of these headphones. With a little tweaking, the Focus A5 can deliver a truly immersive and enjoyable listening experience that rivals headphones costing twice as much.

The OneOdio Focus A5 ANC wireless headset is a remarkable value proposition, offering an attractive combination of features, performance and affordability. With its comfortable design, versatile connectivity options, effective noise cancellation and surprisingly good sound quality, the Focus A5 is an excellent choice for budget-conscious audiophiles and casual listeners alike.