Focal Bathys vs Sony WH-1000XM6: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Sony WH-1000XM6 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 89. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Sony WH-1000XM6 - Outstanding overall at around $398.

Over-Ear

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Sony WH-1000XM6 leads on 6 of 7 measures.

Focal Bathys
Sony WH-1000XM6

HearWiki score

Sound

9.2

9.0

Noise cancelling

6.8

9.6

Battery

7.6

8.1

Calls

8.1

9.6

Value

7.4

8.2

Price (USD)

$800

$400

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

New platform

Sony WH-1000XM6 (2025) against Focal Bathys (2022). The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.1, Top codec LC3 against aptX Adaptive and LE Audio (LC3).

Bathys2022
WH-1000XM620253 yr newer

What differsBathysWH-1000XM6

Bluetooth: 5.1; 5.3
Top codec: aptX Adaptive; LC3
LE Audio (LC3): No; Yes

Level on: Multipoint pairing, USB-C, Transparency mode, Custom EQ, Companion app.

Specifications

BathysWH-1000XM6

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $800; $400
HearWiki score: 78; 89
Released: 2022; 2025
Availability: Still sold new; Sold new
Driver: 40 mm dynamic; 30 mm dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver size: 40 mm; 30 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 15 Hz - 22 kHz; 4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance: -; 48 Ω
Sensitivity: -; 103 dB/mW
Bluetooth: 5.1; 5.3
Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive; SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing: Yes; Yes
Wireless range: 15 m; 10 m
Battery life: 30 h; 40 h
Battery life (ANC on): -; 30 h
Full charge time: 90 min; 210 min
Quick charge: -; 3 min → 3 h
Wireless charging: No; No
Active noise cancelling: Yes; Yes
ANC type: -; adaptive
Transparency mode: Yes; Yes
Companion app: Yes; Yes
Custom EQ: Yes; Yes
Wear detection: -; Yes
Controls: -; buttons
Voice assistant: Alexa, Google Assistant; Yes
Weight: 350 g; 254 g
Water resistance: none; none
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
USB-C: Yes; Yes
Connector: 3.5 mm; 3.5 mm
Microphones: 8; 12
Microphone type: -; MEMS

Specification comparison of Focal Bathys vs Sony WH-1000XM6
Spec	Focal Bathys	Sony WH-1000XM6
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$800	$400
HearWiki score	78 / 100 Great	89 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2022	2025
Audio
Driver	40 mm dynamic	30 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver size	40 mm	30 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	15 Hz - 22 kHz	4 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance	-	48 Ω
Sensitivity	-	103 dB/mW
Wireless
Bluetooth	5.1	5.3
Codecs	SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive	SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC
Multipoint pairing	Yes	Yes
Wireless range	15 m	10 m
Battery
Battery life	30 h	40 h
Battery life (ANC on)	-	30 h
Full charge time	90 min	210 min
Quick charge	-	3 min → 3 h
Wireless charging	No	No
Features
Active noise cancelling	Yes	Yes
ANC type	-	adaptive
Transparency mode	Yes	Yes
Companion app	Yes	Yes
Custom EQ	Yes	Yes
Wear detection	-	Yes
Controls	-	buttons
Voice assistant	Alexa, Google Assistant	Yes
Design
Weight	350 g	254 g
Water resistance	none	none
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
USB-C	Yes	Yes
Connector	3.5 mm	3.5 mm
Calls
Microphones	8	12
Microphone type	-	MEMS

What reviewers said

Focal Bathys

The Focal Bathys are premium over-ear wireless headphones that combine high-fidelity sound with active noise cancellation and versatile connectivity, including a USB-C DAC mode for high-resolution wired listening. They offer strong battery life, multipoint Bluetooth, and a robust feature set, making them a top choice for audiophiles seeking wireless convenience without compromising on audio quality. While ANC is effective rather than best-in-class, the overall performance and build justify their premium price point.

Pro:Excellent sound quality with detailed, dynamic drivers
Pro:Versatile USB-C DAC mode for high-resolution wired audio
Pro:Solid battery life, often exceeding rated figures in real-world use

Con:ANC is competent but not class-leading
Con:Premium price point may be prohibitive for some
Con:No water resistance rating

Sony WH-1000XM6

The Sony WH-1000XM6 is a premium over-ear wireless headphone that combines adaptive active noise cancellation with a long-lasting battery and support for high-quality audio codecs. It features multipoint Bluetooth connectivity and a transparent mode, making it a versatile choice for both focused listening and everyday commutes. With a lightweight build and tactile controls, it balances comfort and functionality for extended use.

Pro:Adaptive active noise cancellation for personalized silencing
Pro:Multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless device switching
Pro:Transparency mode for ambient awareness when needed

Con:No water resistance rating for wet conditions
Con:No wireless charging option
Con:Relies on physical buttons rather than touch controls

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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