
Focal Bathys vs Sennheiser HD 600: 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.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Bathys | Sennheiser HD 600 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $799 | $437 |
| HearWiki score | 86 / 100 · Outstanding | 82 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2022 | 1997 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 40mm Aluminium/Magnesium ‘M’-shaped dome | dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 42 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 15Hz-22kHz | 12Hz-40.5kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Neutral |
| Impedance | - | 300 Ω |
| Sensitivity | - | 97 dB/mW |
| Sensitivity (dB/Vrms) | - | 97 |
| 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 | - | buttons |
| Voice assistant | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 350 g | 260 g |
| Water resistance | none | none |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | Yes | No |
| Balanced connection | - | 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 600
The Sennheiser HD 600 is a wired, open-back over-ear headphone celebrated for its neutral, accurate sound signature and natural midrange. It offers a comfortable fit, replaceable cable, and balanced output, but its design prioritizes home listening over portability or isolation, with a notable lack of sub-bass. Despite its higher price, it remains a benchmark for purists seeking a truthful, uncolored presentation.
- Pro:Accurate, neutral tuning with excellent midrange clarity
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
- Pro:Detachable cable and replaceable parts for longevity
- Con:Limited sub-bass extension
- Con:Open-back design offers no isolation and leaks sound
- Con:Not portable or travel-friendly due to size and wired-only connection
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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