Over-Ear
Focal Bathys
86Outstanding
$799
Full review dataFocal Bathys vs Sennheiser HD 480 PRO: 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
Sennheiser HD 480 PRO
78Great
$407
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
Sennheiser HD 480 PRO
Sound8.0
Value6.5
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Bathys | Sennheiser HD 480 PRO |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $799 | $407 |
| HearWiki score | 86 / 100 · Outstanding | 78 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2022 | 2026 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 40mm Aluminium/Magnesium ‘M’-shaped dome | Dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 38 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 15Hz-22kHz | 3Hz-28.7kHz |
| Impedance | - | 130 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 | 272 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
Sennheiser HD 480 PRO
The Sennheiser HD 480 PRO is a wired, over-ear headphone built for professional studio work, offering a clear and detailed sound signature tuned for critical listening. Its lightweight design and comfortable fit make it suitable for long sessions, while the sturdy build ensures reliability in demanding environments. However, its premium price and minimal accessory package may give some buyers pause, and it lacks modern conveniences like wireless connectivity or noise cancellation.
- Pro:Accurate and detailed sound reproduction
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended use
- Pro:Solid, durable construction for studio settings
- Con:Premium price point for the included features
- Con:No active noise cancellation or wireless options
- Con:Limited accessories in the box
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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