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The Noble FoKus Apollo is best suited to listeners who put sound quality and long battery life ahead of low cost or class-leading noise cancellation. Noble’s unusual hybrid drivers set it apart, and its detachable boom mic gives callers another option, but independent reviewers report mixed call and ANC experiences. It is a premium purchase worth considering if those trade-offs match how you listen.
What makes the Noble FoKus Apollo distinctive?
Noble specifies one 40 mm dynamic driver and one 14.5 mm planar magnetic driver in each earcup. That hybrid configuration is the Apollo’s main design distinction; it is a manufacturer specification, not proof of a broader “world’s first” claim.
TechRadar praised the Apollo’s detailed soundstage, balanced tuning, and overall audio performance. Engadget likewise rated its sound highly. Those are reviewers’ listening impressions, not a guarantee that every listener will prefer its sound.
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Reviews point to a more nuanced result than a blanket claim of top-tier ANC. Engadget found the noise reduction useful against steady background sounds but less effective with voices, and characterized ANC overall as average. RTINGS, using its own testing and category comparisons, reports strong isolation in the category it tested. These observations can differ because voices and steady noise are distinct challenges and reviewers use different methods.
#1 Best Overall
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling: 2 internal and 2 external mics work in tandem to detect external noise and effectively reduce up to 90% of it, no matter in trains or offices.
- Immerse Yourself in Detailed Audio: The noise cancelling headphones have oversized 40mm dynamic drivers that produce detailed sound and thumping beats with BassUp technology for your every travel, commuting and gaming. Compatible with Hi-Res certified audio via the AUX cable for more detail.
- 40-Hour Long Battery Life and Fast Charging: With 40 hours of battery life with ANC on and 60 hours in normal mode, you can commute in peace with your Bluetooth headphones without thinking about recharging. Fast charge for 5 mins to get an extra 4 hours of music listening for daily users.
- Dual-Connections: Connect to two devices simultaneously with Bluetooth 5.0 and instantly switch between them. Whether you're working on your laptop, or need to take a phone call, audio from your Bluetooth headphones will automatically play from the device you need to hear from.
- App for EQ Customization: Download the soundcore app to tailor your sound using the customizable EQ, with 22 presets, or adjust it yourself. You can also switch between 3 modes: ANC, Normal, and Transparency, and relax with white noise.
The Apollo also offers transparency mode. Its manual says the ANC button cycles through ANC on, ANC off, and transparency. RTINGS reports that changing ANC modes can produce a left-right image skew under some configurations. That is a configuration-dependent observation, not evidence that every unit or listener will encounter the issue.
Can you use the Apollo for calls?
The package includes a detachable boom microphone, and the headphones also have onboard microphones and a mic-mute slider. Call experiences in reviews were mixed: TechRadar found calls worked reliably only with the boom attached, while Engadget also reported limitations with the onboard mics. If calls are important, plan to use the boom mic rather than assuming the built-in microphones will suit every environment.
Rank #2
- Block the World, Keep the Music: Four built-in mics work together to filter out background noise — whether you're in a packed office, on a crowded commute, or moving through a busy street — so every beat comes through clean and clear. (Not available in AUX-in mode.)
- Two Ways to Hear More: BassUp technology delivers deep, punchy bass and crisp highs in wireless mode — then step it up further by plugging in the included AUX cable to unlock Hi‑Res certified audio for studio-level clarity.
- 40 Hours. 5-Minute Top-Up: With ANC on, a single charge keeps you listening through days of commutes and long-haul flights. Running low? Just 5 minutes plugged in gives you 4 more hours — so you're never stuck waiting.
- Two Devices, Zero Hassle: Stay connected to your laptop and phone at the same time. Audio switches automatically to whichever device needs you — so a call never interrupts your flow, and getting back to your playlist is just as easy. Designed for commuters and remote workers who move smoothly between work and personal listening throughout the day.
- Your Sound, Your Rules: The soundcore app puts everything at your fingertips — dials your ideal EQ with presets or build your own, flip between ANC, Normal, and Transparency modes on the fly, or wind down with built-in white noise. One app, total control.
Battery life, wireless features, and wired use
Noble claims up to 80 hours of playback with ANC off and up to 60 hours with ANC on. Those are manufacturer figures, not independently guaranteed runtimes. Engadget reported battery performance slightly better than the stated figures in its own test, but results can vary with use and settings.
Noble lists Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint connectivity, and support for LDAC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, and SBC codecs. It also specifies a Qualcomm QCC3084 platform and hybrid ANC. Codec availability and practical performance depend on the connected device and playback source.
Rank #3
- WORLD’S BEST IN-EAR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2* so you can stay fully immersed in the moment.*
- BREAKTHROUGH AUDIO PERFORMANCE — Experience breathtaking, three-dimensional audio with AirPods Pro 3. A new acoustic architecture delivers transformed bass, detailed clarity so you can hear every instrument, and stunningly vivid vocals.
- HEART RATE SENSING — Built-in heart rate sensing lets you track your heart rate and calories burned for up to 50 different workout types.* With iPhone, you will have access to the Move ring, step count, and the new Workout Buddy,* powered by Apple Intelligence.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION — Communicate across language barriers using Live Translation,* enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 8 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge. Or up to 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid feature.*
The headphones can also be used with the included 3.5 mm auxiliary cable. The manual describes different control behavior depending on whether the Apollo is connected over Bluetooth, USB-C, or analog, and whether it is powered. Do not assume that all wireless functions remain available in every wired mode.
What comes in the box?
Noble’s official product page lists the following included items. Check the package listing for your region before purchase, since the retail contents are the relevant confirmation for a particular sale.
Rank #4
- INCREDIBLE SOUND: Custom acoustic platform delivers rich, balanced audio for music, calls and everyday listening.
- LOSSLESS AUDIO SUPPORT: USB-C lossless audio and sound profiles optimize music quality across devices and environments. Additional option to use the 3.5 mm cable for a standard analog experience.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLING (ANC): block distractions at work, on flights or during your daily commute. Or use Transparency mode to let the sounds of your environment mix in with your music.
- SEAMLESS WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY: One-touch pairing with Apple & Android for easy switching across devices.
- SPATIAL AUDIO IMMERSION: Personalized dynamic head tracking, 360-degree sound for movies, music and immersive everyday listening.
- Carrying case
- Detachable boom microphone
- 3.5 mm cable and USB-C cable
- Airline adapter and 1/4-inch adapter
- 3.5 mm-to-4.4 mm adapter
The manual identifies a slider for muting the microphone. Having the boom mic and connection accessories included makes the package more versatile, particularly for wired listening and calls.
Is the Noble FoKus Apollo worth the price?
TechRadar reported a launch price of $649, £589, or AU$999 when the Apollo was released in September 2024. These are historical launch figures, not current price quotes; check a current listing in your region before deciding. TechRadar criticized the high price, divisive styling, and middling feature set despite praising the sound. Engadget similarly highlighted sound and battery strengths while pointing to average ANC and call limitations.
For a premium comparison, RTINGS names the Focal Bathys, Bowers & Wilkins Px8, and Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 as competitors. A useful comparison should weigh sound character, noise reduction for voices as well as steady noise, call quality with and without a boom mic, comfort and weight, battery life, codecs, wired options, and current local pricing. For searches such as “Noble FoKus Apollo vs Focal Bathys,” “vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra,” or “vs Bowers & Wilkins Px8,” verify the exact model and regional price and compare those priorities rather than relying on a single feature or review score.
Quick Recap
Who should buy the FoKus Apollo?
- Consider it if sound quality and long claimed battery life are your priorities, you are comfortable paying a premium, and you can use the included boom mic or a wired connection for calls.
- Compare alternatives first if you want especially effective voice cancellation, a compact or understated design, consistently dependable calls without a boom mic, or a lower price.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
