Focal Bathys MG vs Focal Clear 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

Focal Bathys MG

83Outstanding

$1,500

Full review data

Over-Ear

Score breakdown

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

Focal Bathys MG leads on 5 of 7 measures.

Focal Bathys MG
Focal Clear Mg

HearWiki score

Sound

9.6

8.9

Noise cancelling

8.4

Battery

7.7

Calls

7.8

Value

6.2

Price (USD)

$1,500

Specifications

Bathys MGClear Mg

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $1,500; $1,500
HearWiki score: 83; 77
Released: 2024; 2021
Availability: Still sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 40 mm dynamic; 40 mm dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver size: 40 mm; 40 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 10 Hz - 22 kHz; 5 Hz - 23 kHz
Impedance: -; 55 Ω
Sensitivity: -; 104 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; No
Transparency mode: Yes; -
Companion app: Yes; -
Custom EQ: Yes; -
Wear detection: No; -
Controls: buttons; -
Weight: 350 g; 450 g
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
USB-C: Yes; -
Connector: USB-C; XLR
Balanced connection: -; Yes
Microphones: 8; -

Specification comparison of Focal Bathys MG vs Focal Clear Mg
Spec	Focal Bathys MG	Focal Clear Mg
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$1,500	$1,500
HearWiki score	83 / 100 Outstanding	77 / 100 Great
Released	2024	2021
Audio
Driver	40 mm dynamic	40 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver size	40 mm	40 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	10 Hz - 22 kHz	5 Hz - 23 kHz
Impedance	-	55 Ω
Sensitivity	-	104 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	No
Transparency mode	Yes	-
Companion app	Yes	-
Custom EQ	Yes	-
Wear detection	No	-
Controls	buttons	-
Design
Weight	350 g	450 g
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
USB-C	Yes	-
Connector	USB-C	XLR
Balanced connection	-	Yes
Calls
Microphones	8	-

What reviewers said

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

Focal Clear Mg

The Focal Clear Mg is a premium open-back wired headphone that delivers detailed, dynamic sound with a warm, engaging character. Its robust build and comfortable fit make it suitable for long sessions, though it shines best with quality amplification. While it lacks noise cancellation and leaks sound, its performance justifies its high-end price for audiophiles.

Pro:Excellent resolution and instrument separation
Pro:Punchy, dynamic bass response
Pro:Comfortable for extended listening

Con:Very expensive
Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation
Con:Warm tuning may color some recordings

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

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