OneOdio Focus A5 Review

OneOdio continues to go from strength to strength with each new release in its headphone lineup. The brand-new Focus A5 steps things up further with an impressive array of features.

The OneOdio Focus A5 combines high-quality sound with cutting-edge Bluetooth streaming technology. Focus is an apt title since it offers Active Noise Cancelling and a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions. Add to this long battery life with fast charging capacity and it becomes an enticing choice in a competitive market.

With over 15 years in the industry, we’ve reviewed many headphones that meet a wide range of needs. From DJing to studio work and beyond, we’ve put some of the leading choices to the test with our detailed review process.

We also engage with our social network of industry professionals and enthusiasts to get extra testing data and feedback on all products we review. This results in detailed insight into the products we review. So, let’s dive in and see how the OneOdio Focus A5 stacked up against our stringent criteria.

Features

The OneOdio Focus A5 sports a long and impressive list of features. Perfectly tailored to long sessions, it also includes some of the latest technology. Impressively, OneOdio has also managed to deliver all of these features at a highly competitive price point.

Sound Quality 

A pair of headphones can offer all the bells and whistles you can imagine, but if it doesn’t sound great, it’s never going to be a pair we can recommend. I’ve spent over a week using the OneOdio Focus A5 headphones, and the most striking aspect is the exceptional sound quality, which instantly lifts them into my recommended list.

The low-end was especially impressive, especially considering the aggressive price point and the fact that the OneOdio Focus A5 features a 40mm driver. The bass response is rich and deep, with ample body and punch.

An affordable and feature packed addition to the OneOdio headphone range.

I’ll admit that when streaming lower-quality audio from sites like YouTube, there was some muddiness present, but this was not due to the headphones but rather the quality of the source material. Once I ran some higher-quality audio through these, they shone in the low-end, something I always look for, considering the bass-heavy genres that dominate my favorites list.

Not to be outdone, the mid-range was equally impressive. This became especially apparent when handling calls. Vocal clarity is essential; the OneOdio Focus A5 has this in spades. Beyond the practical usefulness of a clear midrange, the Focus A5 was also fantastic for handling vocal performances and detailed instrumental compositions.

Outstanding sound quality for this price bracket.

The top end of the frequency range was also good. It was ultra clear and precise, with just enough sparkle. It’s a difficult balance to strike so as not to cause ear fatigue over longer listening sessions. The inclusion of LDAC audio technology is on full display, and these are easily the best-sounding OneOdio headphones I’ve had the chance to review to date.

I’ve seen OneOdio continue to pursue its goal of high-quality sound over the years, and the rate of improvement with each release is very impressive. The Focus A5 offers an outstanding listening experience without the huge price tag many competitors demand.

Comfort 

The OneOdio Focus A5 also scores highly in our comfort tests. The fit strikes an excellent balance between firm and comfortable.

I was instantly impressed with the plush memory foam earpads. They offer the right amount of resistance to adapt to your head while offering a firm and dependable fit that adds to stability and delivers high passive noise isolation.

Thick padding for a secure and comfortable fit.

The headband padding is not as firm as the earpads, and in my eyes, that is the right choice. The spongier feel is perfect for the top of your head, where the weight of the headphones could cause discomfort. I was wearing these all day long in the studio, and at no point did I experience discomfort.

The headband’s flex was another highlight, ensuring the clamping force was just right for a secure fit without making me feel like my head was stuck in a vice-like grip.

Like all closed-back headphones, there is some heat build-up, but that is the trade-off when using closed-back cans. 

The final test was to see how the OneOdio Focus A5 handled movement, and once again, the results are impressive. I could comfortably complete a jog and a light workout without the fear of these headphones falling off. Aggressive movements can still move them about somewhat, but they performed exceptionally well and exceeded my expectations.

Design 

I’ll divide this section into two major parts. First, I’ll cover the OneOdio Focus A5’s aesthetic design, and then I’ll discuss the long list of features and design decisions OneOdio has made with this set of headphones.

The OneOdio Focus A5 offers a refined and modern appearance that blends comfortably into various settings. Whether you are in the office, relaxing at home, or out and about, they look sophisticated and professional.

I also appreciate the minimalist approach. I usually dislike headphones with excessive branding, so I was happy to see that OneOdio opted to keep things restrained in this area. Even the OneOdio logo is unobtrusive on the ear cups.

Stylish and modern design.

The choice of three colors adds to the appeal. I’m partial to the sleek all-black model, but the light blue also caught my eye. A white option is also available in an attractive two-tone combination.

As for the technical design choices, OneOdio has delivered the goods to ensure it lives up to its Focus name. First is the inclusion of LDAC Audio technology to deliver ultra-fast transmission speed over Bluetooth. Bluetooth version 5.4 delivers simple and effective pairing over long distances.

The adaptive AI-based noise canceling system also does an excellent job adapting to different environments. Still, I was more than happy with the base ANC. It offers ample noise reduction for most situations, though it might still struggle with an ultra-loud environment. Having said that, I’ve yet to find a pair of headphones that can effectively deal with these situations without a significant drop in audio quality.

Easy to access and simple to use controls.

Adding to the appeal is the superb battery length. Up to 75 hours with the ANC off is excellent, and even with ANC, the 45 hr length will get you through multiple days with ease. Quick charging is another superb addition when you forget to charge them in time. Within just 5 minutes you’ll be back to 5 hours of battery life and with 10 minutes of charge time you’ll have 10 hours up your sleeve.

The foldable design and 90-degree rotation also add to the travel-friendly nature of these headphones. Button placement is convenient, and it didn’t take me long to familiarize myself with the various settings. The only thing I could nit-pick is the lack of a 3.5mm jack, but to be honest, for a Bluetooth pair of headphones, it isn’t something I expect and is more of a nice to have.

The OneOdio Focus A5 ticks all the boxes I look for in a pair of Bluetooth headphones. Its stylish and modern design is complemented by all the latest technology.

Durability 

When I see aggressively priced headphones, my first thought is that they must be lacking in build quality, as that is often the quickest and easiest way to reduce costs. Thankfully, OneOdio has avoided this trap and perfectly balanced build quality with price.

The headphones are not very heavy, yet they still feel dependable and durable despite their relatively modest weight. The quality of the padding is superb, both on the earcups and the headband.

Durable construction and cutting edge features.

The plastic is equally excellent, with a good amount of flex and no creaking when stretched. The matte finish is also easy to maintain and doesn’t attract fingerprints. Likewise, I’m glad OneOdio opted for a textured circular pattern on the shiny plastic on the earcups to avoid marks and fingerprints.

The buttons offer a satisfying click, and the metal hinge connecting the earcups to the headband is ultra-robust. This is often a primary point of failure for many headphones, so I’m happy to see a connection point here that can withstand the rigors of frequent use. The headphones also come with a long 24-month warranty.

Value 

The OneOdio Focus A5 offers exceptional value for money. Headphones in this price bracket are often hit or miss, but the Focus A5 is well and truly a hit. It offers fantastic sound quality and dependable built quality at a price that is more than reasonable, especially if you can catch these on sale.

I’ll admit the inclusions are light—not overly surprising, considering the amount of effort that went into the headphones themselves. However, if you do need a case or bag, you’ll need to buy it separately.

Impressive specifications for headphones in this price bracket.

The included charging cable is also a little short. It is more than enough when connecting to my laptop, but it is too short for a power brick or even for connected listening.A little more length would have been appreciated, but considering the long battery life, it’s also not a dealbreaker by any stretch.

I can easily overlook the lack of extras and the short cable. I’m always far more concerned with the quality of the headphones themselves, and at this price point, the Focus A5 is outstanding.

Customer Reviews

The OneOdio Focus A5 is a brand new release but the positive reviews are already accumulating. Most people highlight the exceptional sound quality and dependable fit as the leading highlights, but the long battery life is also a commonly stated benefit.

Work, Rest, & Play

Bluetooth headphones offer seamless wireless connectivity, giving you freedom of movement and eliminating cable clutter. The Focus A5 is an excellent example of how versatile these headphones can be.

For work, you can enjoy hands-free calling, and noise-cancellation features that minimize distractions. These features allow you to lock into the task and deliver the best results.

Bluetooth headphones are an excellent choice for various applications.

These headphones also excel for downtime. Whether you are listening to music or your favorite meditation podcast, you can’t look past the freedom of having no cables and strong noise isolation.

Finally, when you want to have fun, having high-quality audio for gaming or watching videos ensures you experience maximum immersion when doing the things you love.

Alternatives

I can already comfortably recommend the OneOdio Focus A5, but it’s always a good idea to compare and contrast with other options before committing your hard-earned money. Below, I take a quick look at some alternatives and see how they compare to the Focus A5.

PreSonus Eris HD10BT

The HD10BT from PreSonus is another pair of Bluetooth headphones with solid sound and high build quality. However, it is also noticeably more expensive than the OneOdio Focus A5.

• Engaging sound profile and solid construction.
• Comes with a hard shell case and an optional 1/8″ cable.
• Less powerful ANC and a much shorter battery life.

Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT

Another alternative with long battery life is the entry-level Bluetooth option in Audio-Technica’s popular ATH-M series. It also offers cabled connectivity but has a few issues that you’ll need to consider.

• A punchy and satisfying sound profile.
• Doesn’t offer Active Noise Cancelling.
• The exposed wiring can be a potential point of early failure.

Sennheiser Momentum 4

The final option I want to feature is the Momentum 4 from Sennheiser. These headphones offer a similar set of features to the Focus A5 but the massive jump in price highlights just how much value OneOdio has managed to pack into the Focus A5.

• Superb sound quality from a highly respected brand.
• High build quality and excellent included accessories.
• It has an ultra-high price point that is practically 7 times the cost of the Focus A5.

Should You Buy?

There is no denying that the OneOdio Focus A5 is among the best OneOdio headphones they have ever released in this price range. The superb balance between features and performance is impressive.

Sound quality and build quality are on par with far more expensive headphones. There is plenty to like when you factor in all the extras like adaptive noise canceling, LDAC audio technology, fast charging, and the approachable price point. If you need a pair of dependable Bluetooth headphones, the Focus A5 should be on your list of options.