Over-Ear
Focal Bathys
78Great
$800
Full review dataFocal Bathys vs Focal Bathys 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 dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Focal Bathys MG leads on 4 of 7 measures.
- Focal Bathys
- Focal Bathys MG
HearWiki score
78
83
Sound
9.2
9.6
Noise cancelling
6.8
8.4
Battery
7.6
7.7
Calls
8.1
7.8
Value
7.4
6.2
Price (USD)
$800
$1,500
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
Focal Bathys MG (2024) against Focal Bathys (2022). The Focal Bathys MG edges ahead on platform, but only just: Bluetooth 5.2 against 5.1.
- Bathys2022
- Bathys MG20242 yr newer
What differsBathysBathys MG
- Bluetooth
- 5.1
- 5.2
Platform
Level on: Top codec, Multipoint pairing, USB-C, Transparency mode, Custom EQ, Companion app.
Specifications
BathysBathys MG
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $800
- $1,500
- HearWiki score
- 78
- 83
- Released
- 2022
- 2024
- 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
- 15 Hz - 22 kHz
- 10 Hz - 22 kHz
- Bluetooth
- 5.1
- 5.2
- Codecs
- SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive
- SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive
- Multipoint pairing
- Yes
- Yes
- Wireless range
- 15 m
- 15 m
- Battery life
- 30 h
- 30 h
- Battery life (ANC on)
- -
- 30 h
- Full charge time
- 90 min
- 90 min
- Wireless charging
- No
- No
- Active noise cancelling
- Yes
- Yes
- Transparency mode
- Yes
- Yes
- Companion app
- Yes
- Yes
- Custom EQ
- Yes
- Yes
- Wear detection
- -
- No
- Controls
- -
- buttons
- Voice assistant
- Alexa, Google Assistant
- -
- Weight
- 350 g
- 350 g
- Water resistance
- none
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- Yes
- Yes
- Connector
- 3.5 mm
- USB-C
- Microphones
- 8
- 8
What reviewers said
Focal Bathys
The Focal Bathys are premium over-ear wireless headphones that combine high-fidelity sound with active noise cancellation and versatile connectivity, including a USB-C DAC mode for high-resolution wired listening. They offer strong battery life, multipoint Bluetooth, and a robust feature set, making them a top choice for audiophiles seeking wireless convenience without compromising on audio quality. While ANC is effective rather than best-in-class, the overall performance and build justify their premium price point.
- Pro:Excellent sound quality with detailed, dynamic drivers
- Pro:Versatile USB-C DAC mode for high-resolution wired audio
- Pro:Solid battery life, often exceeding rated figures in real-world use
- Con:ANC is competent but not class-leading
- Con:Premium price point may be prohibitive for some
- Con:No water resistance rating
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
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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