Over-Ear
Focal Bathys
86Outstanding
$799
Full review dataFocal Bathys vs SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite: 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
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
68Good
$600
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
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
Sound7.0
Noise cancelling7.0
Battery7.5
Calls6.5
Value6.0
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Bathys | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $799 | $600 |
| HearWiki score | 86 / 100 · Outstanding | 68 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2022 | 2025 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 40mm Aluminium/Magnesium ‘M’-shaped dome | dynamic |
| Driver type | - | Carbon fiber speaker drivers |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 15Hz-22kHz | 10-40000 Hz |
| Impedance | - | 38 Ω |
| Sensitivity | - | 101 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth version | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Codecs | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, SBC | AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless range | - | 10 m |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 30 h | 30 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 30 h | - |
| Battery incl. case | - | 60 h |
| Full charge time | - | 180 min |
| Quick charge | 5 hours in 15 minutes | 15 min = 4 h |
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | - |
| ANC type | hybrid | adaptive |
| Transparency mode | Yes | Yes |
| Companion app | - | Yes |
| Custom EQ | - | Yes |
| Wear detection | - | No |
| Controls | - | both |
| Voice assistant | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 350 g | 380 g |
| Case weight | - | 143 g |
| Water resistance | none | none |
| USB-C | Yes | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 8 | 2 |
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
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite is a high-end wireless gaming headset that pairs active noise cancellation with a 40mm dynamic driver for immersive sound. It offers a long 30-hour battery life, Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint, and an extended frequency response up to 40kHz, making it a versatile choice for both gaming and music. The included carrying case adds extra charge, bringing total playtime to 60 hours.
- Pro:Hybrid ANC with transparency mode
- Pro:Long battery life with charging case
- Pro:Supports high-res codecs like LDAC and LC3
- Con:Premium price point may be steep
- Con:Heavier than some competitors at 380g
- Con:No wired connection option mentioned
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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