In this article, I review the Noble FoKus Rex5 TWS in-ear monitors. The Rex5 combines a 10mm dynamic driver, a 6mm planar driver, and three balanced armature drivers. It’s priced at 449 USD.
Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Jackrabbit Media for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.
Noble FoKus Rex5
Table of Contents
Specifications
- Drivers: 5 (1 x 10mm dynamic, 3 Balanced Armature, 1 x Planar)
- Housing construction: aluminium and acrylic
- Charging case: aluminium with wireless charging
- Multipoint connection
- Bluetooth 5.4
- Audiodo integration
Design
I hope you’re a fan of green because that’s the only colour option available for the FoKus Rex5. The black and green marbled faceplates add a touch of elegance, while the main body of the shells shines in emerald green. Gold accents along the shell’s seam and the Noble logo on the faceplates further enhance the design. Love it or hate it, there’s no denying the Rex5’s premium look and feel.
The FoKus Rex5 earbuds are shaped like traditional IEMs, closely resembling many of Noble Audio’s wired in-ear monitors. They offer excellent balance and feel incredibly stable in my ears. On top of that, the Rex5 is remarkably comfortable—I can wear them for hours without any discomfort. Noble also includes an impressive variety of eartips with the Rex5, ensuring you’ll find the perfect fit and seal for your ears. It’s clear that comfort and usability were top priorities in the design of these earbuds.
The charging case for the FoKus Rex5 mirrors the earbuds’ design, featuring the same striking green colour and brushed aluminium finish. While it has a boxy shape, the case is compact and lightweight, making it easy to slip into your pocket without any hassle. It’s a perfect blend of style and practicality, ensuring your earbuds stay protected and ready to go wherever you are. And in case you’re wondering – yes, this case supports wireless charging.
Noble FoKus Rex5: Key Features
The Noble FoKus Rex5 earbuds feature a hybrid five-driver configuration, combining a 10mm dynamic driver, a 6mm planar driver, and three balanced armature drivers. This setup delivers a wide frequency range of 20Hz to 40kHz, ensuring detailed bass, mid-tones, and highs. The earbuds support high-resolution audio codecs, including aptX Adaptive and LDAC, for seamless compatibility with various devices and sources.
A standout feature is the integration of Audiodo’s sound personalisation software, which tailors audio output to the user’s hearing profile. The calibration process adjusts the sound based on individual ear sensitivity, and the personalised profile is stored directly on the earbuds via the QCC3091 chip, eliminating the need for an app after initial setup.
The FoKus Rex5 offers up to 7 hours of playback without ANC and 5 hours with ANC enabled, with the charging case providing an additional 18-25 hours of battery life. Fast charging delivers approximately 2 hours of playtime from just 15 minutes of charging. The earbuds also feature advanced ANC for noise reduction, Transparency mode for ambient awareness, and native noise cancellation for clear call quality.
Additional features include Bluetooth 5.4, multipoint connectivity, and onboard memory for storing personalised sound profiles, ensuring consistent audio settings across devices.
Noble FoKus Rex5: Mic and Call Quality
The mic and call quality are good. Voices aren’t too compressed or thin and the level of articulation is great. These are perfect for calls and video conferencing. Here’s an example:
Noble FoKus App
The phone app is basic but it works well and is responsive. Within the app you can check the battery levels, choose preset or custom EQ modes and set the active noise cancellation mode (On / Off / Ambient).
Sound
If there’s one area where the Noble FoKus Rex5 truly shines, it’s in its sound quality. This is a pair of earbuds that delivers an exceptional listening experience, combining technical prowess with a tuning that’s both engaging and refined. Let’s break it down.
Starting with the bass, the Rex5 offers great sub-bass extension, delivering a satisfying rumble that adds depth and weight to the low end. The bass is textured and punchy, yet it remains controlled and never overpowers the rest of the frequency range. It’s authoritative without being overwhelming, though if you prefer a more bass-heavy sound, the Noble FoKus phone app allows you to tweak the EQ to your liking. Speaking of EQ, the Rex5 responds exceptionally well to adjustments, making it a versatile choice for those who like to fine-tune their sound.
Moving to the midrange, the Rex5 impresses with its richness and nuance. Instruments are clear and articulate, with excellent separation that allows each element to shine without congestion. Vocals are forward and engaging, carrying a sense of emotion and presence that draws you into the music. Whether it’s the warmth of male vocals or the power and clarity of female vocals, the Rex5 handles them with finesse.
The treble is another area where the Rex5 stands out. It’s light and airy, yet extremely detailed and precise. There’s no sharpness or sibilance here—just a smooth, crystalline quality that adds sparkle and air to the sound without ever becoming fatiguing. It’s the kind of treble that audiophiles will appreciate for its balance of delicacy and resolution.
Finally, the soundstage is a highlight, offering both great width and depth. Positional cues are well-defined, creating a sense of space and immersion that’s rare in true wireless earbuds. Whether you’re listening to a live recording or a studio track, the Rex5 brings a sense of dimensionality to the music that enhances the overall experience.
In short, the Noble FoKus Rex5 delivers a sound that’s as technically impressive as it is enjoyable to listen to. It’s a masterclass in tuning, offering a balanced yet dynamic presentation that will satisfy even the most demanding listeners.
Verdict
The Noble FoKus Rex5 may have some limitations, like average battery life and a premium price tag, but they truly excel where it counts. With their luxurious design, top-notch build quality, and outstanding audio performance, they stand out as the best-sounding TWS earbuds I’ve tested to date. If you’re after exceptional sound and refined aesthetics, the Rex5 will not disappoint. Highly recommended.
