As a musician and audiophile who has tested countless headphones and earbuds over the past 15 years, I‘m always on the hunt for audio brands that can deliver next-level sound. Recently, a UK-based company called Flare Audio caught my attention with their unique take on audio technology.
In this in-depth Flare Audio review, I‘ll share my hands-on experience evaluating a wide range of their latest products. You‘ll get an inside look at the key features, real-world performance, and overall value of Flare Audio‘s headphone and earbud lineup.
Overview of Flare Audio
Flare Audio is the brainchild of Davies Roberts, who started the company in 2015 to commercialize the custom loudspeaker technology he initially developed for concerts and festivals. They launched to the public via a crowdfunding campaign that featured their flagship product: the Calmer noise attenuation earbuds.
Since then, Flare Audio has expanded their product portfolio while staying focused on using innovative audio engineering to enhance and customize the listening experience. Their patented acoustic lens technology is designed to manipulate sound waves and reflect audio in ways that create more spatial and layered audio.
Beyond great sound, Flare Audio aims to create earbuds and headphones tailored to conditions like tinnitus, hyperacusis, and misophonia. Their products are engineered to smooth out harsh treble and mid tones that can be uncomfortable for those with sound sensitivities.
Over 300,000 customers use Flare Audio earphones and their products have earned praise from music legends like Jimmy Page and Jarvis Cocker. Now let‘s get into the details on some of their latest releases!
Key Flare Audio Product Reviews
As an early adopter of the brand, I‘ve had the chance to thoroughly test a number of products in Flare Audio‘s ever-expanding catalog. Here are in-depth reviews of my top picks:
Flare Audio Calmer
★★★★☆
The Flare Audio Calmer earbuds are what first put the brand on the map as an innovative noise reduction option. These tiny earbuds are specially engineered to lower stress triggers related to sound sensitivities. Rather than completely muffling audio like foam earplugs, the Calmer uses technology that smooths out harsh mid-high frequencies.
You still maintain awareness of ambient sounds around you, but with less painful distortion. I found this makes them perfect for loud offices, commutes, noisy kids — really any overstimulating environment.
Key Features:
- Proprietary design lessens sound sensitivities without fully blocking noise
- Comfortable and discreet soft silicone and foam eartips
- Available in mini and standard sizes to fit most ears
- Great for misophonia, ADHD, autism, migraines, tinnitus
In my testing across the course of a month, I loved how lightweight and comfortable the Calmer buds were even during longer listening sessions. They provided just the right amount of sound filtering to take the edge off metal utensils scraping plates or noisy construction sites.
The only downside is that some extremely high-pitched noises still seeped through in very loud environments. But for the affordable $29 price tag, Calmer earbuds are a game-changer for managing sound sensitivities.
Flare Audio Isolate
★★★★★
If you‘re searching for a great pair of earplugs specifically designed for live concerts and music events, look no further than Flare Audio‘s Isolate. These discreet earplugs are engineered to lower harmful decibel levels while maintaining sound accuracy.
Key Features:
- Lowers loud music by 16dB to protect hearing
- Preserves clarity and detail across all frequencies
- Comfortable memory foam tips on flexible cords
- Cuts noise while enhancing bass tone
As a regular concertgoer, my ears have suffered over the years from constant exposure to extremely loud music. So I was eager to put the Isolates to the test during a packed rock concert in a small venue.
I was blown away by the crisp, smooth audio quality even as the earplugs brought the painfully loud levels down to more reasonable volumes. I could actually pick out individual instruments clearly without losing that feeling of immersion thanks to the punchy enhanced bass.
My ears felt fresh even after a 3-hour show right in front of the massive speakers. For anyone who loves live shows, the Flare Audio Isolates are an absolute essential purchase. They make it possible to fully enjoy the music you love without destroying your hearing in the process.
Flare Audio Sleeep
★★★★☆
As someone who travels frequently and struggles with falling asleep in unfamiliar or noisy environments, I rely heavily on sleep earbuds. There is no shortage of options out there, but most disappoint when it comes to actually blocking disruptive noises.
Enter the Flare Audio Sleeep: small tapered memory foam earplugs specifically engineered for comfortable sleeping. These tiny sound-blockers insert deeper than most regular earbuds thanks to the angled nozzle. And the pliable foam provides a tight seal without putting uncomfortable pressure on your ear canal.
Key Features:
- Angled tapered design for noise isolation
- Soft memory foam for secure and comfy fit
- 32db of ambient noise reduction
- Allows for side sleeping
I tested these over two weeks of travel that had multiple overnight flights, airport layovers, and unfamiliar hotel rooms. The noise isolation and comfort level were impressive — they blocked everything from luggage wheels to loud hotel plumbing. I barely felt them while side sleeping.
For less than $10 per pair, Flare Audio Sleeep are my new go-to sleep earbuds. My only complaint is that they may isolate ambient sound a little TOO well. I‘d recommend pairing them with a vibrating alarm clock if you‘re a heavy sleeper!
Flare Audio Technology & Engineering
What sets Flare Audio apart from other audio brands on the market are the proprietary technologies they develop in-house to enhance sound quality and customization. Here is an overview of some of their key innovations:
Mirror Image Technology
This patented process manipulates the structure of the inner ear to increase available bandwidth. The result is a more expansive, layered listening experience with heightened spaciousness and 20% less distortion.
Acoustic Lens
Flare Audio‘s acoustic lens technology uses small reflector chambers to alter sound waves as they enter your ear. This adds a wider, more immersive sound stage to audio while lowering listening fatigue.
Axial Lock
Many Flare Audio earphones feature an Axial Lock system which allows for quick replacement of cables. This ensures continued performance even after heavy wear and tear.
Dual Bore Design
This design showcased in their Pro earbuds uses separate ports for high and low audio frequencies. Keeping the sound isolated enhances clarity across treble and bass tones.
Additional Research and Expert Perspective
Now that we‘ve covered my in-depth testing and reviews of key products, let‘s take a look at some bigger picture perspective on Flare Audio and trends in the audio accessory market.
Market Growth & Tech Advances
Demand for headphones and earbuds has absolutely exploded over the past decade thanks to smartphones and mobile technology. According to market research firm FutureSource Consulting, sales of headphones hit 465 million units globally in 2021 — a 40% jump since 2019!
And the industry is still projected to grow steadily in the coming years. This increased demand has fueled intense research and development among audio brands. Flare Audio is just one example of the emphasis on customization and breakthrough designs that enhance sound quality and hearing health.
*Global headphone sales data from Statista*
We are also seeing incredible innovation when it comes to managing the unique needs of those with sound sensitivities or conditions like tinnitus and hyperacusis. Advanced noise filtering technology in products like Flare Audio‘s Calmer earbuds aims to smooth treble tones while maintaining wider ambient awareness.
This allows those with sound triggers or distractions to function more comfortably in noisy environments. Expect continued expansion of this hearing health technology category as more brands promote accessibility and inclusiveness.
Health Impacts & Safe Listening
With increasing headphone use, there is growing concern around long-term hearing health impacts, especially among younger users. Numerous studies point to potential hearing damage, loss of frequency range, and ear pain associated with excessive volume exposure over time.
For example, research published in JAMA Otolaryngology examined data from over 190 teenagers and found those listening to personal audio devices at unsafe volumes already displayed early signs of hearing loss and tinnitus.
Products like the Isolate PRO recreationally lower audio levels while preserving sound clarity. This makes these ideal for concertgoers looking to balance their love of live shows with hearing protection.
*The WHO offers these volume recommendations for safe headphone use*
There also may be benefits to minimal but targeted noise filtering for those working or studying in loud environments. For example, research in Environmental Health Perspectives points to possible cognitive improvements thanks to products that reduce distracting background noise pollution.
The key is moderation and safe listening habits. Responsible use of advanced audio products like those offered by Flare Audio have the potential to mitigate risky sound exposure while still allowing users to enjoy music and media.
Flare Audio Customer Reviews
In compiling research for this extensive review of Flare Audio‘s product lineup, I made sure to closely analyze customer reviews from both the company‘s website and third party rating sites.
Overall Flare Audio earbuds and headphones receive consistently positive feedback across the board. Looking specifically at their 1,958 total reviews of the popular Calmer earbuds, we see an impressive 4.5 out 5 stars.
Positive reviews praise the comfortable design and noticeable sound quality improvements:
"I find these incredibly comfortable to wear and they have decreased my sensitivity to noise.”
“These earphones are amazing with great sound quality that eliminates painful frequencies.”
Critical reviews seem to largely focus on issues getting the proper tight seal for maximum noise filtering effects:
“I have unusually small ear canals and even the smallest buds just fall out of my ears.”
“No matter what tips I tried could never get them to properly seat in my ear canal to block noise.”
Considering the significant percentage of 5-star reviews, Flare Audio products seem to excel when buyers find the right fit and customize the eartips effectively for their ear shape. Trying before you fully commit may be ideal if possible.
Final Verdict: Well Worth Exploring
In my years of obsessively testing audio equipment, few brands have impressed me as much as Flare Audio when it comes to innovative technology and focus on the customer experience.
Too many companies pump out cheaply made earbuds with lackluster sound and little regard for responsibility promoting hearing health. Flare Audio stands out not just for their commitment to smarter, customized design, but also raising awareness on the serious issue of sound sensitivities.
Of course premium materials and proprietary tech come at a price. The cost of Flare Audio headphones are 2-4X more than generic Amazon earbuds, for example.
So are they actually worth the investment?
In my experience, absolutely. For those struggling with sound triggers, overstimulation, or hearing damage, the benefits are immense and transformative. Others simply looking to take their music clarity to the next level will also appreciate the sheer audio fidelity Flare Audio consistently delivers.
Not every product in their line may be a home run or ideal fit for every buyer. But with generous return policies and a responsive support team, Flare Audio is absolutely worth exploring if you want to reclaim control over your listening experiences.
I hope this in-depth review and hands-on evaluation provides helpful guidance as you seek your perfect audio match! Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions.
