Over-Ear
Focal Bathys
86Outstanding
$799
Full review dataFocal Bathys vs Grado RS1: 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 RS1
84Great
$750
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 RS1
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Bathys | Grado RS1 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $799 | $750 |
| HearWiki score | 86 / 100 · Outstanding | 84 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2022 | 2024 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 40mm Aluminium/Magnesium ‘M’-shaped dome | dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 50 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 15Hz-22kHz | 12Hz-30kHz |
| 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 | - |
| Voice assistant | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 350 g | 255 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 RS1
The Grado RS1 is a premium open-back headphone with handcrafted wooden earcups and a lively, engaging sound that prioritizes musical enjoyment over clinical detail. It's lightweight, easy to drive, and delivers punchy dynamics, though its open design offers minimal isolation and practical compromises. Overall, it's a strong pick for audiophiles who value an energetic, natural presentation.
- Pro:Lively and engaging sound signature
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended listening
- Pro:Easy to drive with most devices
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation
- Con:Practicality tradeoffs for portable or quiet environments
- Con:Price may be steep for some buyers
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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