The Focus Voice is Ortovox’s simple, powerful transceiver for beginners and experienced backcountry riders alike. Clear voice prompts guide you through every phase of a search, so you can keep your eyes on the debris instead of the screen. It has an 80 m search strip width, one of the widest on the market, and Smart Antenna Technology switches to the best transmitting antenna if you’re buried, for up to twice the reach. It also has the largest memory-in-pixel display of its type, which is easy to read in bright sun. It won an ISPO Award in 2025.
SPECS
- 3 antennas, circular reception pattern
- Search strip width: 80 m (ICAR)
- Patented voice navigation in 10 languages (DE, EN, FR, IT, ES, NOR, SV, CZ, NL, JP)
- Smart Antenna Technology in transmit mode
- Interference protection in search and transmit modes
- Stable display from first reception
- Shows up to 4 victims, with flagging to mark each one
- Visual and acoustic support in fine search
- 180 degree correction
- Search mode and standby mode with secondary avalanche switchover
- Group check and permanent self-test
- Full-graphic MIP display, 2.7 in (400 x 240 pixels)
- Bluetooth and the free Ortovox app (iOS and Android)
- Waterproof (EN 300718)
- Carrying system with quick access
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery (1,100 mAh), USB-C, works down to -20°C
- Battery life: typically 350 hours send (200 hour minimum), typically 16 hours search
- Dimensions: 12 x 7 x 2.3 cm
- Weight: 185 g
- Made in Europe
- Tested and recommended by the German Mountain and Ski Guides Association and the French Mountain Guide Association
- Ideal usage: ski touring 5/5, freeride 5/5
- 2-year warranty, extended to 5 years with registration in the app
BUYERS’ GUIDE
This is the one to look at if you want a beacon that talks you through a search, and for most recreational riders it’s the right amount of beacon. The voice prompts are the big draw. They keep you calm when your heart is pounding, and a 2025 study cited by Ortovox found they can reduce stress and search times. Two things to know before you buy. English and German voice are pre-installed, but any other language has to be installed through the Ortovox app. Standby mode is also switched off by default, so if you want it, turn it on in the app. If you’ve been looking at the Diract Voice, guides who’ve tested the Focus Voice say the biggest improvement is range. The Focus Pro is the step up if you’re a guide or train for complex multiple burials. It adds analog audio, manual reach reduction, and distance readouts for every victim. For most of us, those features are more than we’ll use. Charge it when it drops below about 80% and check the level every time you switch it on. Register it in the app for the five-year warranty, and practise with your group before the season starts.
