Over-Ear
Focal Bathys
86Outstanding
$799
Full review dataFocal Bathys vs STAX SR-X21: 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
STAX SR-X21
74Good
$535
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
STAX SR-X21
Sound8.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Bathys | STAX SR-X21 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $799 | $535 |
| HearWiki score | 86 / 100 · Outstanding | 74 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2022 | 2020 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 40mm Aluminium/Magnesium ‘M’-shaped dome | round electrostatic driver |
| Driver size | 40 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | - |
| Frequency response | 15Hz-22kHz | - |
| Impedance | - | 145000 Ω |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | - |
| Bluetooth version | 5.1 | - |
| Codecs | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, SBC | - |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | - |
| 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 | - |
| ANC type | hybrid | - |
| Transparency mode | Yes | - |
| Voice assistant | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 350 g | 234 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| USB-C | Yes | - |
| Model code | - | SR-X1 |
| 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
STAX SR-X21
The STAX SR-X21 is a lightweight electrostatic over-ear that offers a fast, detailed, and transparent sound with a neutral balance, making it an accessible entry into Stax's signature technology. It requires a dedicated electrostatic energizer, delivers limited bass impact compared to dynamic drivers, and its build feels less premium than its audio performance suggests. Best suited for stationary home listening, it provides strong technical performance for its price but comes with typical electrostatic trade-offs.
- Pro:Fast, detailed, and transparent sound
- Pro:Neutral tonal balance with good punch
- Pro:Very light and comfortable for long sessions
- Con:Requires a separate electrostatic energizer or amp
- Con:Limited bass impact and extension
- Con:Build quality feels less rugged than premium
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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