Over-Ear
Focal Bathys MG
84Great
$1,500
Full review dataFocal Bathys MG vs ZMF Tessidera: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the ZMF Tessidera comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: ZMF Tessidera - Outstanding overall at around $2500.
Over-Ear
ZMF Tessidera
88Outstanding
$2,500
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Focal Bathys MG
Sound9.0
Noise cancelling7.5
Battery8.0
Calls7.0
Value6.5
ZMF Tessidera
Sound9.2
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Bathys MG | ZMF Tessidera |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $1,500 | $2,500 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2024 | 2026 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 40mm Magnesium ‘M’ profile dome | Planar magnetic with 1-micron diaphragm |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 80 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 10Hz-22kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | - | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | - | 92 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | - |
| Bluetooth version | 5.2 | - |
| Codecs | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, SBC | - |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | - |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 30 h | - |
| Wireless charging | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | - |
| ANC type | hybrid | - |
| Transparency mode | Yes | - |
| Companion app | Yes | - |
| Custom EQ | Yes | - |
| Wear detection | No | - |
| Controls | buttons | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 350 g | 570 g |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 8 | - |
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
ZMF Tessidera
The Tessidera is a premium open-back planar headphone that channels ZMF's signature warm, musical tuning into a planar driver format. It delivers a smooth, full-bodied sound with particularly rich vocals and natural timbre, all while being relatively easy to drive for a high-end model. The build is solid overall, though the stock grill finish shows minor cosmetic imperfections.
- Pro:Smooth, full-bodied tuning with rich vocals
- Pro:Excellent timbre and natural instrument reproduction
- Pro:Relatively easy to drive despite large 80mm drivers
- Con:Mid-forward balance can vary with amplifier pairing
- Con:Minor cosmetic roughness on the stock grill
- Con:Heavy at 570g, requiring a sturdy headphone stand
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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