Over-Ear
Focal Bathys
86Outstanding
$799
Full review dataFocal Bathys vs Fosi I5: 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
Fosi I5
76Great
$550
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
Fosi I5
Sound7.5
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Bathys | Fosi I5 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $799 | $550 |
| HearWiki score | 86 / 100 · Outstanding | 76 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2022 | 2025 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 40mm Aluminium/Magnesium ‘M’-shaped dome | planar |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 97 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 15Hz-22kHz | 10Hz-50kHz |
| Impedance | - | 28 Ω |
| Sensitivity | - | 98 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | - |
| Bluetooth version | 5.1 | - |
| Codecs | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, SBC | - |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | - |
| 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 | - |
| ANC type | hybrid | - |
| Transparency mode | Yes | - |
| Voice assistant | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 350 g | 550 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| USB-C | Yes | - |
| 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
Fosi I5
The Fosi I5 is an open-back planar headphone that offers solid technical performance and a warm, engaging sound signature at a competitive price. It is relatively easy to drive, though it performs best with adequate amplification, and its build quality and comfort are generally praised despite its substantial weight. The tuning may not suit everyone due to some emphasis in the upper frequencies, but it remains a strong value for those seeking a capable planar option.
- Pro:Solid technical performance for the price
- Pro:Comfortable and well-built despite being heavy
- Pro:Easy to drive with modest sources
- Con:Heavy weight may be tiring over long sessions
- Con:Treble can sound brittle or emphasized
- Con:Benefits from a good amplifier to reach full potential
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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