Over-Ear
AKG N90Q
78Great
$558
Full review dataAKG N90Q vs Focal Bathys: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Focal Bathys comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Focal Bathys - Outstanding overall at around $799.
Over-Ear
Focal Bathys
86Outstanding
$799
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
AKG N90Q
Sound8.5
Noise cancelling8.0
Battery6.0
Value5.5
Focal Bathys
Sound9.5
Noise cancelling7.5
Battery8.5
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | AKG N90Q | Focal Bathys |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $558 | $799 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 86 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2018 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 52mm Japanese paper cone dynamic driver | 40mm Aluminium/Magnesium ‘M’-shaped dome |
| Driver size | 52 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 10Hz-25kHz | 15Hz-22kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 110 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | none | 5.1 |
| Bluetooth version | - | 5.1 |
| Codecs | - | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, SBC |
| Multipoint pairing | No | Yes |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 12 h | 30 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | - | 30 h |
| Full charge time | 240 min | - |
| Quick charge | - | 5 hours in 15 minutes |
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| ANC type | hybrid | hybrid |
| Transparency mode | No | Yes |
| Companion app | No | - |
| Custom EQ | No | - |
| Wear detection | No | - |
| Controls | buttons | - |
| Voice assistant | none | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 460 g | 350 g |
| Water resistance | - | none |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 1 | 8 |
What reviewers said
AKG N90Q
The AKG N90Q is a premium, feature-packed closed-back headphone that focuses on high-end sound with a built-in calibration system and hybrid active noise cancellation. It delivers a clean, detailed, and spacious audio presentation, but its heavy build and mandatory battery-powered operation make it better suited for stationary listening than portable use. While technically impressive, its analytical tuning and steep price may not appeal to everyone seeking a more fun, relaxed sound.
- Pro:Excellent noise isolation and hybrid ANC performance
- Pro:Very large, immersive soundstage for a closed-back design
- Pro:Innovative TruNote calibration tailors sound to your ears
- Con:Heavy and bulky, making it impractical for outdoor use
- Con:Requires charging to function at all, limiting convenience
- Con:Sound signature leans analytical rather than musical or fun
Focal Bathys
The Focal Bathys are premium wireless over-ears that blend high-fidelity audio with everyday convenience. They feature adaptive ANC, a USB-C DAC mode for hi-res wired listening, and support for aptX Adaptive, making them a top pick for sound-focused users who also want wireless flexibility. While their noise cancellation is solid but not the absolute best in class, their impressive battery life and versatile connectivity options stand out in the premium segment.
- Pro:Excellent sound quality with detailed, dynamic drivers
- Pro:USB-C DAC mode enables high-resolution wired audio
- Pro:Strong battery life, often exceeding rated figures in tests
- Con:ANC is competent but not class-leading
- Con:High price point limits accessibility
- Con:Real-world wireless endurance may fall short of claims in some scenarios
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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