Over-Ear
Focal Bathys
86Outstanding
$799
Full review dataFocal Bathys vs Grado PS500x: 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 PS500x
76Great
$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 PS500x
Sound8.0
Value6.0
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Bathys | Grado PS500x |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $799 | $600 |
| HearWiki score | 86 / 100 · Outstanding | 76 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2022 | 2024 |
| 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 | - | 98 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 | 215 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 PS500x
The Grado PS500x is a wired, open-back over-ear headphone that delivers a lively and engaging sound, with punchy bass and clear detail. Built for home or studio use, its open design leaks sound heavily and is easy to drive from portable devices thanks to its low impedance. While technically capable, its build quality feels less premium than its price suggests.
- Pro:Energetic, entertaining sound with strong bass and good timing
- Pro:Open, informative presentation with competitive detail
- Pro:Easy to drive from portable players due to 32-ohm impedance
- Con:Open-back design leaks a lot of sound, not suited for public use
- Con:Build quality is not especially luxurious for the price
- Con:Refinement could be better, with a raw or edgy character
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.