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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 89. 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
83
89
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
83
89
Released
2024
2025
Availability
Still sold new
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 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

Sony WH-1000XM6

The Sony WH-1000XM6 is a premium over-ear wireless headphone that combines adaptive active noise cancellation with a long-lasting battery and support for high-quality audio codecs. It features multipoint Bluetooth connectivity and a transparent mode, making it a versatile choice for both focused listening and everyday commutes. With a lightweight build and tactile controls, it balances comfort and functionality for extended use.

  • Pro:Adaptive active noise cancellation for personalized silencing
  • Pro:Multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless device switching
  • Pro:Transparency mode for ambient awareness when needed
  • Con:No water resistance rating for wet conditions
  • Con:No wireless charging option
  • Con:Relies on physical buttons rather than touch controls

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

Compare something else

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New comparisonFocal Bathys MGSony WH-1000XM6