Over-Ear
Focal Bathys
86Outstanding
$799
Full review dataFocal Bathys vs Meze 105 Silva: 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
Meze 105 Silva
82Great
$499
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
Meze 105 Silva
Sound8.5
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Bathys | Meze 105 Silva |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $799 | $499 |
| HearWiki score | 86 / 100 · Outstanding | 82 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2022 | 2025 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 40mm Aluminium/Magnesium ‘M’-shaped dome | 50mm dynamic driver |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 50 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 15Hz-22kHz | 5Hz-30kHz |
| Impedance | - | 42 Ω |
| Sensitivity | - | 112 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 | 354 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| USB-C | Yes | 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
Meze 105 Silva
The Meze 105 Silva is a wired, open-back over-ear headphone with a 50mm dynamic driver that delivers a balanced, lively sound with strong clarity and a warm, engaging character. It’s easy to drive thanks to its 42-ohm impedance and 112dB sensitivity, making it compatible with both portable and desktop sources, while its solid build and included accessories add to its overall value. It offers a spacious soundstage and controlled bass, though it may not be the most resolving option at its price and lacks a 4.4mm balanced cable in the box.
- Pro:Easy to drive with modest sources
- Pro:Balanced, engaging sound with good clarity
- Pro:Sturdy build and quality accessories
- Con:Not the most resolving at its price point
- Con:Lower treble can be fatiguing on some tracks
- Con:No 4.4mm balanced cable included
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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