Over-Ear
Focal Bathys
86Outstanding
$799
Full review dataFocal Bathys vs Grado PS500e: 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
Grado PS500e
78Great
$600
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
Grado PS500e
Sound8.5
Value7.5
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Bathys | Grado PS500e |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $799 | $600 |
| HearWiki score | 86 / 100 · Outstanding | 78 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2022 | 2020 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 40mm Aluminium/Magnesium ‘M’-shaped dome | Dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 44 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 15Hz-22kHz | 14Hz-29kHz |
| Impedance | - | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | - | 99.8 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 | - |
| Controls | - | none |
| Voice assistant | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 350 g | 230 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| 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
Grado PS500e
The Grado PS500e is an open-back, wired dynamic headphone that delivers a clear, lively, and well-balanced sound with strong technical detail. It leans toward a studio-oriented character, offering realism and engagement, though it sacrifices comfort and isolation for its open-air design. Overall, it's a compelling choice for audiophiles seeking a refined, old-school sound with modern finesse at a mid-to-high price point.
- Pro:Detailed and balanced sound with strong clarity
- Pro:Engaging, studio-leaning character for realistic playback
- Pro:Lightweight build at 230g
- Con:No active noise cancellation or sound isolation due to open-back design
- Con:Comfort and ergonomics are weaker than sonic performance
- Con:No onboard controls or multipoint connectivity
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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