Abyss Joal vs Focal Bathys MG: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Focal Bathys MG comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 83. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Focal Bathys MG - Outstanding overall at around $1499.

Over-Ear

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Focal Bathys MG leads on 7 of 7 measures.

Abyss Joal
Focal Bathys MG

HearWiki score

Sound

9.6

Noise cancelling

8.4

Battery

7.7

Calls

7.8

Value

6.0

6.2

Price (USD)

$1,970

$1,500

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

Both shipped in 2024. These are the same generation of hardware - nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Focal Bathys MG adds USB-C.

Joal2024
Bathys MG2024

What differsJoalBathys MG

USB-C: No; Yes

Specifications

JoalBathys MG

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $1,970; $1,500
HearWiki score: 71; 83
Released: 2024; 2024
Availability: Discontinued; Still sold new
Driver: 63 mm planar magnetic; 40 mm dynamic
Driver type: planar; dynamic
Driver size: 63 mm; 40 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 5 Hz - 55 kHz; 10 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance: 30 Ω; -
Sensitivity: 93 dB/mW; -
Bluetooth: -; 5.2
Codecs: -; SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive
Multipoint pairing: -; Yes
Wireless range: -; 15 m
Battery life: -; 30 h
Battery life (ANC on): -; 30 h
Full charge time: -; 90 min
Wireless charging: -; No
Active noise cancelling: -; Yes
Transparency mode: -; Yes
Companion app: -; Yes
Custom EQ: -; Yes
Wear detection: -; No
Controls: -; buttons
Weight: 390 g; 350 g
Detachable cable: -; Yes
USB-C: No; Yes
Connector: 4.4 mm balanced; USB-C
Balanced connection: Yes; -
Microphones: -; 8

Specification comparison of Abyss Joal vs Focal Bathys MG
Spec	Abyss Joal	Focal Bathys MG
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$1,970	$1,500
HearWiki score	71 / 100 Good	83 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2024	2024
Audio
Driver	63 mm planar magnetic	40 mm dynamic
Driver type	planar	dynamic
Driver size	63 mm	40 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	5 Hz - 55 kHz	10 Hz - 22 kHz
Impedance	30 Ω	-
Sensitivity	93 dB/mW	-
Wireless
Bluetooth	-	5.2
Codecs	-	SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive
Multipoint pairing	-	Yes
Wireless range	-	15 m
Battery
Battery life	-	30 h
Battery life (ANC on)	-	30 h
Full charge time	-	90 min
Wireless charging	-	No
Features
Active noise cancelling	-	Yes
Transparency mode	-	Yes
Companion app	-	Yes
Custom EQ	-	Yes
Wear detection	-	No
Controls	-	buttons
Design
Weight	390 g	350 g
Detachable cable	-	Yes
USB-C	No	Yes
Connector	4.4 mm balanced	USB-C
Balanced connection	Yes	-
Calls
Microphones	-	8

What reviewers said

Abyss Joal

No summary yet - we haven't aggregated enough reviews.

Focal Bathys MG

The Focal Bathys MG is a premium wireless over-ear headphone that pairs active noise cancellation with a natural, balanced sound signature. It offers robust connectivity options including aptX Adaptive and multipoint, along with a USB-C DAC mode, all wrapped in a comfortable, high-end build. While its sonic performance is top-tier, the steep price tag is its most significant hurdle for many buyers.

Pro:Excellent natural and balanced sound quality
Pro:Comfortable fit for extended listening sessions
Pro:Effective active noise cancellation

Con:Very high price point
Con:Limited high-resolution wireless codec support
Con:No wireless charging option

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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