In the high-end true wireless earphones space, Noble Audio’s FoKus line packs serious ambition. The two models we’re comparing today are the FoKus Rex5 and the FoKus Prestige Encore. Though both share the “FoKus” branding and target discerning listeners, they diverge in feature-set, tuning philosophy, and materials. One may be more feature-rich and experimental; the other more luxurious and tuned for audiophiles. Let’s walk through their key specs, listening characteristics, and which profile suits different listeners.
What You Get
| Rex5 | Prestige Encore |
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Look & Feel
The FoKus Rex5 boasts a bold, modern design with a glossy emerald-green finish that immediately stands out. The shells feel durable and ergonomic, offering a comfortable fit for long sessions despite their slightly larger footprint. Meanwhile, the FoKus Prestige Encore places a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and luxury. Each earbud and charging case is CNC-milled from solid wood, resulting in natural grain patterns that make every pair visually unique. This handcrafted approach gives the Encore a level of physical artistry rarely seen in true wireless products. What I like more about the Encore is its size compared to the Rex5. The shape of the earbuds is more ergonomic, providing better comfort.
Design & Functionality
The FoKus Rex5 boasts a hybrid five-driver configuration: each earbud houses a 10 mm dynamic driver for the low end, a 6 mm planar driver for the highs, and three balanced armature drivers handling mids/upper mids. The FoKus Prestige Encore uses a three-way hybrid driver configuration: an 8 mm dynamic driver for bass, two Knowles balanced-armature drivers for mid clarity and texture, and a 6 mm planar magnetic driver to extend treble speed and micro-detail.
Both earphones offer active noise canceling, and switching between the two reveals which set gives you the most isolation. While the Encore does what it needs to do, the Rex5 goes a step further, with more attenuated noise and quiet environments.
In terms of extra features, the FoKus app provides both the Rex5 and Prestige Encore with a multitude of customization options. They both support Audiodo’s personalised sound test, which enables mapping of your hearing sensitivity and storing that profile onboard the earbuds. For customizable sound and app control, both models are strong. Rex5 perhaps offers a slightly richer calibration experience, while Encore adds convenience and polish with onboard storage of your hearing profile.
Bluetooth
When it comes to Bluetooth performance, both the Noble Audio FoKus Rex5 and Noble Audio FoKus Prestige Encore run on the same Qualcomm QCC3091 chipset and support Bluetooth 5.4, providing very stable wireless connections. They both support a multipoint connection as well, but the Encore has a particular leg up when it comes to CODECs. Both products offer LDAC, but the Encore supports aptX Lossless.
Battery Life
When it comes to battery performance, the Noble Audio FoKus Rex5 and Noble Audio FoKus Prestige Encore take different approaches. The Rex5 delivers about 7 hours of playback with ANC off, dropping to 5 hours with ANC enabled, while its charging case provides up to 40 hours of additional playtime. By contrast, the Prestige Encore offers 10 hours of playback when ANC is off, and 7 hours with ANC on. The Rex5’s case holds a larger capacity (offering more total hours), while the Encore gives longer single-session playtime per charge. If you prioritize total runtime across a day, the Rex5 is slightly more generous; if you want longer uninterrupted listening, the Encore may be more suitable.
Soundstage
The Rex5 offers an intimate but well-organized soundstage. Imaging is tight and accurate, making it easy to pick out individual instruments even if the overall spatial field remains moderate in size. The Encore builds a larger and more immersive sense of space, rare in the true-wireless category. It delivers better layering and scale, allowing sound to feel more open and spacious. For listeners who value wide presentation, the Encore provides a noticeable upgrade.
Low End
On the FoKus Rex5, the bass presentation is impressively adaptable. It stays clean and linear when the music calls for neutrality, yet it can deliver satisfying rumble and depth when tracks push into low-frequency territory. The FoKus Prestige Encore takes a slightly different approach, offering bass that feels both articulate and impactful. Flexibility helps the Rex5 maintain strong microdynamics and seamless transitions into the midrange, making it suitable for everything from electronic music to cinematic scores. The Encore has a stronger punch, with the low end maintaining detail and definition, giving each note clarity rather than warmth for warmth’s sake. For true-wireless earbuds, the Encore’s low-end precision stands out as particularly impressive.
Mids
The midrange is where the Rex5 earns some of its highest praise. Vocals, guitars, and acoustic instruments sound natural and open, giving the Rex5 an expressive character that works well across genres. The Encore’s midrange, however, ups the technical capability. It delivers clarity and transparency that highlight subtle textures and microdetails. The Encore’s midrange, however, ups the technical capability. It delivers clarity and transparency that highlight subtle textures and microdetails. Instruments feel distinct with excellent separation, and vocal lines benefit from a smoother, more accurate tone. If you value precision and articulation in the midrange, the Encore has the advantage.
Highs
Treble on the Rex5 is tuned to avoid fatigue, resulting in a slightly relaxed top end that still offers enough detail for most genres. This approach enhances its easygoing musical character, particularly for longer listening sessions or treble-sensitive listeners. In contrast, the Encore’s treble is more vivid and expressive. It maintains cleanliness and body without slipping into harshness, yielding crisp detail that complements its resolving midrange. This makes the Encore more appealing for listeners who prioritize high-frequency detail and clarity.
Summary
Both the Noble Audio FoKus Rex5 and FoKus Prestige Encore deliver exceptional audio performance, but they serve different listeners. The Rex5 is the better choice for those who prioritize features, customization, and a warm, musical tuning that excels with vocals and dynamic genre shifts. The Prestige Encore is the clear winner for purists who want superior resolution, luxurious materials, and a more expansive soundstage. In the end, choosing between them depends on whether you value technical refinement and craftsmanship (Encore) or a richer combination of sound quality and modern features (Rex5). Either way, both represent the best of what audiophile true-wireless earbuds can be in 2025.
The Noble FoKus Rex5 and Prestige Encore are available at Audio46.
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