Over-Ear
Austrian Audio Hi-X55
78Great
$423
Full review dataAustrian Audio Hi-X55 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.
Austrian Audio Hi-X55
Sound7.5
Value6.5
Focal Bathys
Sound9.5
Noise cancelling7.5
Battery8.5
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Austrian Audio Hi-X55 | Focal Bathys |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $423 | $799 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 86 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2020 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | 40mm Aluminium/Magnesium ‘M’-shaped dome |
| Driver size | 44 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | - | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-28kHz | 15Hz-22kHz |
| Impedance | 25 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB/mW | - |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | 118 | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | 5.1 |
| Bluetooth version | - | 5.1 |
| Codecs | - | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, SBC |
| Multipoint pairing | No | 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 | No | Yes |
| ANC type | - | hybrid |
| Transparency mode | - | Yes |
| Voice assistant | - | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 305 g | 350 g |
| Water resistance | - | none |
| Foldable | Yes | - |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | - | 8 |
What reviewers said
Austrian Audio Hi-X55
The Austrian Hi-X55 is a closed-back, wired over-ear headphone aimed at studio monitoring and analytical listening. It offers a clear, detailed, and mid-forward sound with robust build quality and comfortable long-wear fit, though its treble can be sharp and its overall sonic performance may not fully justify the price for some. Its foldable design and detachable cable add practical portability for professionals.
- Pro:Excellent build quality
- Pro:Comfortable for long sessions
- Pro:Clear, detailed, mid-forward sound
- Con:Treble can be sharp at times
- Con:Sound quality may not match price for some
- Con:Warmth can build during extended listening
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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