If Google is showing you this page directly, click here to go to the start of the article.
Connection Stability
The Noble FoKus Rex5 is powered by Qualcomm’s QCC3091 Bluetooth 5.4 chipset, a compact premium-tier chip that supports LDAC and Snapdragon Sound. Connection stability is excellent. I even tested it with FiiO’s BT11 LDAC-enabler adapter connected to my iPhone 16 PMX using LDAC, and it surprisingly worked well! On Android 15, I was able to control the bitrate via developer options, and the Rex5 maintained a stable 909-990kbps LDAC stream with no dropouts or instability. All in all, the FoKus Rex5 is able to reap the full benefits of the LDAC codec.
As for signal latency, my usual tests with Netflix, VLC, Amazon Prime, and YouTube on my Android 15 phone all yielded good results. Netflix and VLC had near-perfect lip sync, and I never felt like it took away from the viewing experience. Gaming latency is still noticeable, however, which isn’t surprising. Bluetooth TWS IEMs aren’t ideal for competitive gaming. This is more of a technology limitation than a problem with the Rex5 itself, so we’ll see if Bluetooth LE audio makes a difference in the future.
Active Noise Canceling
The FoKus Rex5’s ANC performance surprised me in a good way. Considering this is a 5-driver, audiophile-oriented Tribrid TWS, I wasn’t expecting much in the way of noise cancellation, but Noble really delivered here. It effectively blocks my 40dB computer fans and does a solid job of handling hum, wind noise, and low frequency sounds. It even manages to reduce some mid-range noise, though not as effectively as the bass.
It’s not quite at the level of Sony or Bose, but it’s not far off, either. I’d say it’s about 90% there, especially when music is playing at the same time. Even better, the ANC doesn’t introduce any noticeable frequency manipulation when streaming high-res audio via LDAC on Qobuz
The transparency mode is also useful for quickly catching up on a conversation without having to take the IEMs out. There’s a slight background hiss when it’s on, so it doesn’t feel quite as natural as the AirPods Pro 2, but it still gets the job done.
Call Quality
After testing it with my buddy, with whom I usually test call quality, he found it quite good. It appears that the FoKus Rex5 captures my voice and transmits it cleanly to the receiving party. When in a busy place like a coffee shop, the clarity of my voice drops a little due to the sheer volume of background chatter, but the background noise never takes over or becomes overwhelming, so the person on the other end can still hear me well above the chatter. The Rex5 handles the background noise well for a high-end audiophile TWS IEM. If you’re looking for a TWS for conversations, the Rex5 will handle casual conversations with ease. It’s not on Jabra-flagship-level, but it’s better than 90 percent of the audiophile TWS out there in my opinion.
Sound Quality
Let me start by saying that these are the best TWS IEMs I’ve heard—ever. If it sounds like I’ve said this before with every Noble TWS release, it’s because I have. But that’s not on me. That’s on the rest of the industry doing nothing while Noble continues to dominate. If that bothers you, go e-mail your favorite audio company and tell them to step it up.
Labeling the FoKus Rex5 is easy. It is a warm-neutral IEM with a natural, engaging, fun, and technical signature. I really liked the previous flagship, the FoKus Triumph, but the Rex5 takes everything further. It’s more refined, more detailed, and more balanced. What really stands out is how seamlessly everything blends together. Despite being a tribrid, the Rex5 does not feel like one. The tuning coherency is outstanding.
The bass is elevated, the upper register has energy, and the midrange stays linear and natural. It’s a tuning that works across multiple genres and feels effortless while doing so. On top of that, the technical performance has taken a massive leap forward. The detail retrieval is exceptional, especially with LDAC, and the overall presentation is transparent and airy, with a sense of space that most TWS can only dream of achieving. Let’s look closer.
Bass
The sub-bass reaches deep, delivering a strong, bodied punch, while the mid-bass carries a warm, full-bodied tonality. This injects musicality into the mix and makes the presentation feel more natural and immersive. It’s exceptional for electronic music, but because of how well-controlled the bass is, Rex5 also delivers a solid metal genre performance. Kicks and drums feel fast, snappy, and authoritative, never sluggish or bloated.
Despite its powerful bass, the Rex5 never bleeds into the mids or muddies the overall presentation. It strikes a nice balance between texture, control, and impact.
Midrange
The midrange has a bit more weight and body compared to previous Noble TWS models, which adds to its musicality and makes string instrument reproduction feel more realistic. For a wireless product, the midrange clarity is excellent, with vocals and instruments sounding natural and well-separated. There’s no congestion, nor does it feel overly dry or clinical.
Male vocals carry authority, while female vocals show clarity and energy. What’s most impressive is the articulate and realistic tonality of the mids. It feels more like a wired IEM than a typical TWS.
Treble
The upper register has more energy and extension compared to previous models but never becomes harsh or fatiguing. The ear gain region is well-tuned, providing plenty of detail and air without thinning out the sound. The upper mids and lower treble feel airy and vivid, and the upper treble dispersion is excellent, making it one of the standout features of this tuning.
Unlike many TWS IEMs, there are no sharp or piercing highs, just a well-extended treble that remains breathy and natural. It’s bright enough to bring sparkle and excitement, but never to the point of being overwhelming. A well-done balance.
Technical Performance
This is where the Rex5 truly separates itself from other TWS models. The soundstage is wide and relatively deep, creating an immersive, airy presentation that’s rare in wireless audio. Imaging is fantastic, with precise positioning of instruments and vocals that feel effortless.
Layering and separation are shockingly good, on par with mid-tier wired IEMs like the Canon II, which is mind-boggling for a TWS. You can easily pick apart different instruments, and even in complex passages, the Rex5 retains clarity and coherency.
Last Words
The Noble FoKus Rex5 is, without question, one of the most technically impressive TWS IEMs I’ve heard. It’s airy, detailed, and fun, combining technical prowess with musicality in a way that feels natural and effortless. The bass is snappy and impactful, the mids are clean and articulate, and the treble is extended and transparent without unwanted sharpness.
I honestly believe that Noble wasn’t just trying to make another high-end TWS with the Rex5. They were pushing past the limitations of wireless audio and succeeded in many ways. It’s my new daily driver, period.
The Nobel Audio FoKus Rex5 is now featured on our Recommended Buy list.
Summary
Pros
+ Fantastic SQ
+ Excellent Technical Capability
+ Great ANC
+ Good Mic Quality
+ Excellent EQ Capabilities
Cons
– None other than the price
Page 1: Noble, FoKus Rex5, Packaging & Accessories, Design, Build Quality & Fit, Controls, EQ Options and Noble FoKus App
Page 2: Connection Stability, Active Noise Canceling, Call Quality, Controls & FoKus App, Sound Quality & Performance, Last Words
