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Focal Bathys MG vs Sony WH-1000XM6: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Sony WH-1000XM6 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Sony WH-1000XM6 - Outstanding overall at around $398.

Score breakdown

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

Sony WH-1000XM6 leads on 6 of 7 measures.

  • Focal Bathys MG
  • Sony WH-1000XM6
HearWiki score
80
88
Sound
9.6
9.0
Noise cancelling
8.4
9.6
Battery
7.7
8.1
Calls
7.8
9.6
Value
6.2
8.2
Price (USD)
$1,500
$400

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?

New platform

Sony WH-1000XM6 (2025) against Focal Bathys MG (2024). The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.2, Top codec LC3 against aptX Adaptive and LE Audio (LC3). It also adds Wear detection.

  • Bathys MG2024
  • WH-1000XM620251 yr newer
What differsBathys MGWH-1000XM6

Platform

Bluetooth
5.2
5.3
Top codec
aptX Adaptive
LC3
LE Audio (LC3)
No
Yes

Everyday features

Wear detection
No
Yes

Level on: Multipoint pairing, USB-C, Transparency mode, Custom EQ, Companion app.

Specifications

Bathys MGWH-1000XM6
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$1,500
$400
HearWiki score
80
88
Released
2024
2025
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
40 mm dynamic
30 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
30 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
10 Hz - 22 kHz
4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance
-
48 Ω
Sensitivity
-
103 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.2
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive
SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Wireless range
15 m
10 m
Battery life
30 h
40 h
Battery life (ANC on)
30 h
30 h
Full charge time
90 min
210 min
Quick charge
-
3 min → 3 h
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
-
adaptive
Transparency mode
Yes
Yes
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
No
Yes
Controls
buttons
buttons
Voice assistant
-
Yes
Weight
350 g
254 g
Water resistance
-
none
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Connector
USB-C
3.5 mm
Microphones
8
12
Microphone type
-
MEMS

What reviewers said

Focal Bathys MG

The Focal Bathys MG is a premium wireless over-ear headphone that pairs hybrid active noise cancellation with a magnesium driver design for a natural, balanced sound signature. It offers extensive Bluetooth codec support, multipoint connectivity, and a robust feature set, though its standout audio quality comes at a very high price. With around 30 hours of battery life and a comfortable 350-gram build, it targets audiophiles seeking a top-tier wireless experience.

  • Pro:Excellent natural and balanced sound quality
  • Pro:Comfortable fit for long listening sessions
  • Pro:Effective hybrid noise cancellation
  • Con:Very high asking price
  • Con:No wireless charging support
  • Con:Lacks wear detection sensor

Sony WH-1000XM6

This premium over-ear headphone delivers class-leading adaptive noise cancellation and a well-balanced sound profile, with support for high-resolution LDAC streaming. Its 30-hour battery life, multipoint Bluetooth 5.3, and intuitive button controls make it a versatile choice for both travel and daily listening. The lightweight build and 12-microphone array also ensure clear calls and effective transparency mode.

  • Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
  • Pro:Supports LDAC for high-quality wireless audio
  • Pro:Comfortable and light at 254g
  • Con:No water resistance rating
  • Con:Battery drops to 24 hours with ANC on
  • Con:No touch controls—buttons only

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

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New comparisonFocal Bathys MGSony WH-1000XM6