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HiFiMan Sundara — Planar magnetic
HiFiMan

HiFiMan Sundara

Planar magnetic

85
/ 100
From $299
VS
Focal Utopia 2022 wins by 11
Focal Utopia 2022 — Open-back
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
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Focal Utopia 2022

Tuning, detail, and staging

Focal Utopia 2022 leads on sound (96 vs 85).

Noise cancelling

Tie

ANC strength for commute and travel

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Comfort

Tie

Long-session wearability

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

HiFiMan Sundara

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

HiFiMan Sundara more score per dollar ($299 vs $4,999).

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

HiFiMan Sundara versus Focal Utopia 2022 — full spec comparison
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.

Which is better for sound quality, HiFiMan Sundara or Focal Utopia 2022? +

Focal Utopia 2022 — leads on sound (96 vs 85). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is the better value, HiFiMan Sundara or Focal Utopia 2022? +

HiFiMan Sundara — more score per dollar ($299 vs $4,999). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.