Over-Ear
Focal Bathys
86Outstanding
$799
Full review dataFocal Bathys vs Focal Elegia: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Focal Bathys comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Focal Bathys - Outstanding overall at around $799.
Over-Ear
Focal Elegia
78Great
$490
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Focal Bathys
Sound9.5
Noise cancelling7.5
Battery8.5
Value7.0
Focal Elegia
Sound8.5
Value6.5
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Bathys | Focal Elegia |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $799 | $490 |
| HearWiki score | 86 / 100 · Outstanding | 78 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2022 | 2018 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 40mm Aluminium/Magnesium ‘M’-shaped dome | dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 15Hz-22kHz | 5Hz-23kHz |
| Impedance | - | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | - | 105 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | none |
| Bluetooth version | 5.1 | - |
| Codecs | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, SBC | - |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | No |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 30 h | - |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 30 h | - |
| Quick charge | 5 hours in 15 minutes | - |
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | No |
| ANC type | hybrid | - |
| Transparency mode | Yes | - |
| Voice assistant | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 350 g | 430 g |
| Water resistance | none | none |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | Yes | No |
| Balanced connection | - | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 8 | - |
What reviewers said
Focal Bathys
The Focal Bathys are premium wireless over-ears that blend high-fidelity audio with everyday convenience. They feature adaptive ANC, a USB-C DAC mode for hi-res wired listening, and support for aptX Adaptive, making them a top pick for sound-focused users who also want wireless flexibility. While their noise cancellation is solid but not the absolute best in class, their impressive battery life and versatile connectivity options stand out in the premium segment.
- Pro:Excellent sound quality with detailed, dynamic drivers
- Pro:USB-C DAC mode enables high-resolution wired audio
- Pro:Strong battery life, often exceeding rated figures in tests
- Con:ANC is competent but not class-leading
- Con:High price point limits accessibility
- Con:Real-world wireless endurance may fall short of claims in some scenarios
Focal Elegia
The Focal Elegia is a premium closed-back dynamic headphone that impresses with its refined build and easy-to-drive nature, making it a strong pick for portable use. Its sound is detailed and sophisticated, though it leans toward specialized critical listening rather than all-purpose versatility. While it excels in midrange clarity and overall tone, some listeners may find its clamping force and sparse feature set limiting.
- Pro:Easy to power from portable devices
- Pro:Premium build quality and elegant design
- Pro:Detailed, neutral-leaning sound with strong midrange
- Con:Comfort issues due to firm clamping force
- Con:Lacks modern features like wireless or ANC
- Con:Not ideal for mixed-use scenarios
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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