Over-Ear
Focal Bathys
86Outstanding
$799
Full review dataFocal Bathys vs Focal Elex: 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 Elex
84Great
$439
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 Elex
Sound9.0
Value8.5
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Bathys | Focal Elex |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $799 | $439 |
| HearWiki score | 86 / 100 · Outstanding | 84 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2022 | 2020 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 40mm Aluminium/Magnesium ‘M’-shaped dome | 40mm aluminum-magnesium M-shaped dynamic driver |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 15Hz-22kHz | 5Hz-23kHz |
| Impedance | - | 80 Ω |
| Sensitivity | - | 104 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | - |
| 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 | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | No |
| ANC type | hybrid | - |
| Transparency mode | Yes | - |
| Voice assistant | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 350 g | 450 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | 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 Elex
The Focal Elex is a wired, open-back over-ear headphone that delivers a wide, detailed soundstage with strong imaging and dynamic punch, making it a standout value near its price point. Its 40mm aluminum-magnesium driver and efficient 80-ohm/104dB design mean it pairs well with modest amplifiers, while the comfortable fit and attractive build add to its appeal. However, its substantial weight and occasional quality-control issues are worth noting before purchase.
- Pro:Excellent detail and imaging for the price
- Pro:Easy to drive with most sources
- Pro:Comfortable and well-built design
- Con:Heavy at 450 grams
- Con:No carrying case included
- Con:Potential quality-control concerns
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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