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Focal Bathys MG vs HiFiMAN HE1000 WiFi: 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.

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.

  • Focal Bathys MG
  • HiFiMAN HE1000 WiFi
HearWiki score
83
77
Sound
9.6
9.2
Noise cancelling
8.4
-
Battery
7.7
4.5
Calls
7.8
-
Value
6.2
5.8
Price (USD)
$1,500
$2,700

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?

Half a step newer

HiFiMAN HE1000 WiFi (2025) against Focal Bathys MG (2024). The HiFiMAN HE1000 WiFi edges ahead on platform, but only just: Top codec LDAC against aptX Adaptive. The Focal Bathys MG answers on convenience features: it adds Multipoint pairing, Transparency mode, Custom EQ and Companion app.

  • Bathys MG2024
  • HE1000 WiFi20251 yr newer
What differsBathys MGHE1000 WiFi

Platform

Top codec
aptX Adaptive
LDAC

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Transparency mode
Yes
No
Custom EQ
Yes
No
Companion app
Yes
No

Level on: USB-C.

Specifications

Bathys MGHE1000 WiFi
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$1,500
$2,700
HearWiki score
83
77
Released
2024
2025
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
40 mm dynamic
planar magnetic
Driver type
dynamic
planar
Driver size
40 mm
-
Drivers per side
1
-
Frequency response
10 Hz - 22 kHz
8 Hz - 65 kHz
Impedance
-
32 Ω
Bluetooth
5.2
-
Codecs
SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive
SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Wireless range
15 m
-
Battery life
30 h
23 h
Battery life (ANC on)
30 h
-
Full charge time
90 min
180 min
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
ANC type
-
none
Transparency mode
Yes
No
Companion app
Yes
No
Custom EQ
Yes
No
Wear detection
No
No
Controls
buttons
-
Weight
350 g
452 g
Water resistance
-
none
Detachable cable
Yes
-
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Connector
USB-C
-
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

HiFiMAN HE1000 WiFi

The HiFiMAN HE1000 WiFi is a premium open-back planar magnetic headphone that merges high-resolution wireless streaming with integrated DAC/amp hardware. It supports WiFi, Bluetooth, and USB audio with codecs like LDAC and aptX HD, delivering a flagship-level listening experience in a comfortable, 452-gram frame. Its 23-hour battery life and lack of ANC make it a niche choice for audiophiles seeking untethered, high-fidelity sound.

  • Pro:Excellent planar magnetic sound quality with wide frequency response
  • Pro:Versatile connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, and USB-C audio
  • Pro:Supports high-res codecs including LDAC and aptX HD
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or transparency mode
  • Con:Heavy at 452 grams for extended wear
  • Con:No app support or custom EQ for tuning

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

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