Over-Ear
APOS Caspian
72Good
$499
Full review dataAPOS Caspian 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.
APOS Caspian
Sound7.5
Value6.5
Focal Bathys
Sound9.5
Noise cancelling7.5
Battery8.5
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | APOS Caspian | Focal Bathys |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $499 | $799 |
| HearWiki score | 72 / 100 · Good | 86 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2021 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | 40mm Aluminium/Magnesium ‘M’-shaped dome |
| Driver size | 50 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-45kHz | 15Hz-22kHz |
| Impedance | 33 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 115 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | 5.1 |
| Bluetooth version | - | 5.1 |
| Codecs | - | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, SBC |
| Multipoint pairing | - | Yes |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | - | 30 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | - | 30 h |
| Quick charge | - | 5 hours in 15 minutes |
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | - | Yes |
| ANC type | - | hybrid |
| Transparency mode | - | Yes |
| Voice assistant | - | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 378 g | 350 g |
| Water resistance | - | none |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | - | 8 |
What reviewers said
APOS Caspian
The APOS Caspian is a premium open-back over-ear headphone that prioritizes an engaging, bass-forward sound over strict neutrality. Its low-impedance, high-sensitivity design makes it easy to drive from most sources, while the robust build and replaceable cable add to its user-friendly appeal. The tuning delivers punchy lows and a non-fatiguing character, though it sacrifices some vocal presence and top-end airiness. Comfort and long-session listenability are clear strengths, making it a solid pick for those who value fun over flatness.
- Pro:Powerful, tight bass with good impact
- Pro:Very easy to drive from phones or laptops
- Pro:Solid build with a detachable mini-XLR cable
- Con:Vocals can sound recessed or distant
- Con:Treble extension is limited, reducing sparkle
- Con:Tuning leans colored rather than neutral
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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