Focal Bathys

Focal's first active noise cancelling headphones target mobile audiophiles with versatile connectivity options. The Bathys deliver impressive audio accuracy with well-matched drivers and low harmonic distortion, though higher frequencies can sound uncontrolled. USB-DAC mode supports high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192 kHz, while aptX Adaptive enables quality wireless streaming. Comfort stands out for extended wear, making them suitable for travel and office environments. However, the bulky, heavy design causes stability issues during movement, and several limitations frustrate: no wired listening while charging, no analog microphone support, and noticeable latency in both wired and wireless configurations. The companion app offers EQ customization, but audio leakage and a merely passable integrated mic detract from the premium experience.

The Focal Bathys delivers exceptional audio fidelity through 40mm aluminum/magnesium dome drivers with neodymium magnets, featuring an onboard 24-bit/192kHz DAC for high-resolution USB-C audio up to 192kHz sampling rate. Bluetooth 5.1 multipoint supports SBC, AAC, aptX, and aptX Adaptive codecs, though LDAC remains absent. Build quality utilizes first-class materials with manufacturing in Saint-Étienne, France. Active noise cancellation performs well but prioritizes audio quality over isolation performance. The design incorporates distinctive LED-backlit flame icons on the outer earcups. At $799, these headphones cannot operate passively—the onboard amplifier remains active even with 3.5mm analog input.

Focal's first wireless ANC headphone delivers exceptional sound quality through its 40mm Aluminium-Magnesium 'M'-shaped dome driver, with clear and insightful audio performance. Battery life reaches 30 hours, and call quality is excellent. The design features real leather, magnesium yokes, and an aluminium frame with a distinctive backlit 'flame' logo. Comfort is decent despite the 350g weight, with replaceable earpads and sufficient earcup space. Noise-cancellation offers Silent and Soft modes but struggles with voice suppression and isn't class-leading. Physical controls feel rudimentary with occasional unresponsiveness. USB-C supports wired listening up to 24-bit/192kHz.

Handcrafted wireless over-ears with active noise cancelling, featuring distinctive submarine-inspired design with illuminated ear cup grilles. Premium materials include magnesium yokes, aluminium headband, and real leather. Weighs 350g with effective weight distribution for extended comfort. Offers 24bit/192kHz USB-C wired playback alongside Bluetooth with aptX Adaptive. Physical controls are mostly unlabelled and non-customisable. Battery delivers 26-28 hours with quick charge support. Companion app provides EQ, noise cancelling modes, and LED control. Carry case accommodates flat-folding ear cups and bundled cables.

The Focal Bathys represents the company's first foray into active noise canceling headphones, targeting deep-pocketed audiophiles at nearly $700. Build quality impresses with black resin, magnesium yokes, and an aluminum band, though the 350-gram weight demands proper fit adjustment to avoid neck strain. Deep, soft ear pads create excellent seal and comfort. A standout feature is digital USB-C connectivity, eliminating need for external DAC or amp while avoiding Bluetooth compression—though USB output runs quieter than other modes. Bluetooth 5.1 supports SBC, AAC, aptX, and aptX Adaptive codecs with measured latency around 295ms. Illuminated Focal logos on ear cups draw attention, for better or worse. A significant limitation: the headphones require battery power even for wired 3.5mm listening, becoming unusable when depleted.

The Focal Bathys marks the company's first wireless ANC headphone at $799, targeting travel audiophiles with a closed-back design featuring a 40mm Aluminum-Magnesium M'-shaped dome driver. It offers Bluetooth 5.1 with multipoint connectivity, active noise canceling in two strengths plus transparency mode, and versatile wired options including USB-DAC up to 24BIT/192kHz. The design maintains Focal's distinctive aesthetic with a spiral ovoid grill pattern and illuminated emblem. However, it lacks LDAC and aptX HD codec support, and the 3.5mm wired mode cannot operate passively with the power off.

The Focal Bathys deliver exceptional wireless sound quality that rivals Focal's wired audiophile headphones, featuring the same 40mm driver design found in their high-end models. The expansive, full-bodied audio presentation maintains tremendous spatial depth and articulation. Build quality impresses with aluminum frames, magnesium yokes, and premium materials including real leather and microfiber padding that enable comfortable extended wear. Bluetooth 5.1 supports hi-fi codecs like aptX Adaptive and HD, with reliable multi-point connectivity and 30-hour battery life with ANC active. Wired listening requires power since no passive mode exists, though USB-C connection enables high-res playback via the internal DAC. Noise cancellation performs well above average for travel environments but doesn't reach class-leading levels. The backlit logo and companion app add customizable visual flair.

The Focal Bathys headphones deliver exceptional sound quality with a natural, unsculpted profile across all frequencies. The distinctive design features a textured concentric circle pattern on the earcups that attracts attention. Physical controls are responsive and intuitive, with an in-app adjustable EQ and helpful audio announcements for modes. At 359 grams, these are notably heavy compared to competitors, causing discomfort during extended wear despite comfortable ear cups and reasonable clamping force. Multipoint pairing works smoothly between same-OS devices but struggles with cross-platform connections. The headphones include a carry case and necessary cables for wired and wireless use.

The Focal Bathys represents the French brand's successful entry into high-end wireless noise-cancelling headphones. Drawing design inspiration from deep-sea submersibles, these headphones deliver exceptionally spacious and clear sound with a full-bodied balance rare in the Bluetooth market. The aluminium construction with distinctive holey detailing achieves a premium aesthetic that stands apart from typical wireless offerings. USB-C wired listening with 24-bit/192kHz DAC capability adds versatility, while 30-hour battery life provides practical endurance. However, the 350g weight and non-collapsing earcups impact portability, and the plastic control buttons feel incongruous with the otherwise luxurious build.

The Focal Bathys represents the French manufacturer's first wireless ANC headphone entry, priced at $799. Industrial design follows Focal's minimalist aesthetic with magnesium gimbals, spring steel headband, and leather/leatherette materials. The LED-backlit logo offers adjustable brightness via app. Packaging includes a semi-teardrop hard case with USB-C to USB-C and 3.5mm cables. Ear pads use memory foam with substantial .65-inch depth for sealing. Build quality and material selection reflect Focal's R&D investment and vertical integration as both a consumer brand and OEM supplier.

Premium wireless ANC headphones with exceptional build quality featuring real leather earpads and solid construction. The reviewer found the weight manageable during a 3.5-hour flight, with a case design that fit well in seat pockets. ANC takes a more natural approach than competitors, reducing rather than eliminating external sound, which some may prefer despite requiring higher volume levels. The Focal Naim app includes a unique Mimi hearing test for personalized sound. However, the app has device memory issues on iOS, ANC mode selection lacks voice announcements, and there's noticeable audio lag for video content despite claimed low-latency codec support.

The Focal Bathys delivers a well-built, portable full-sized headphone with above-average comfort despite slightly tight clamping force. Its standout feature is the built-in Amp/DAC, eliminating need for separate amplification. However, the mandatory app-based Bluetooth setup proves frustratingly clunky with frequent loading issues. The 5-band EQ disappoints with limited practical utility. A significant limitation is that all three listening modes—wired analog, USB digital, and Bluetooth—require battery power, preventing passive use when depleted. Sound quality and final verdict are cut off in the source material.

The Focal Bathys represents Focal's ambitious attempt to deliver uncompromised hi-fi sound in wireless format. Released in October 2022 at $699, it features 40mm aluminum-magnesium 'M'-shape dome drivers made in France, with USB-DAC mode supporting up to 24bit/192kHz. Market reception polarizes sharply: audiophile publications praise its exceptional sound quality, dynamics, and detail, particularly in wired USB mode, while consumer-oriented reviewers note weaker ANC than Sony or Bose competitors and missing LDAC support. User forums raise concerns about audible noise floor in quiet environments. The 350g headphone offers 30-hour battery life with Bluetooth and ANC active, extending to 42 hours in USB-DAC mode.

The Focal Bathys represents the brand's ambitious entry into noise-cancelling headphones, delivering reference-grade audio through 40mm French-made aluminium magnesium drivers and a built-in 24-bit/192kHz USB DAC. Construction impresses with lightweight magnesium and aluminium materials, real leather headband, and memory foam earcups ensuring extended comfort. The active noise cancellation proves excellent for travel scenarios, while multiple connectivity options—Bluetooth with aptX support, USB-C, and 3.5mm—provide versatility. A companion app offers five-band EQ customization and voice assistant integration. The only notable compromise appears in the plastic control buttons, which slightly undercut the otherwise premium build.

The Focal Bathys delivers audiophile-grade sound quality in an ANC Bluetooth headphone format, successfully avoiding the typical compromises associated with this category. Its tuning emphasizes dynamic punch, forward midrange, and detailed yet gentle treble that resists fatigue during extended listening. The bass is punchy and articulate rather than bloated, with fast transient response that preserves melodic detail. Build quality is premium, and the headphones are comfortable for long sessions. While not suitable for critical listening due to its non-neutral frequency response, it excels for daily commuting and general high-quality wireless listening. The companion app enables easy EQ adjustments, though most users will find the stock tuning satisfactory.

The reviewer received the Focal Bathys after strong recommendations from Focal representatives. Having owned the earlier Listen Wireless since 2018, they found the Bathys a significant advancement in comfort, clarity, noise cancellation, and style. The name derives from 'bathyscaphe,' a deep-sea vessel, reflecting the headphones' noise-canceling capabilities. The aluminum and magnesium construction achieved a 350g target weight with replaceable earcups and an illuminated Focal logo. Sound reproduction delivers dynamic, full-range audio with present but controlled bass. A notable technical feature is cross-feed audio processing that blends channels for a more natural, speaker-like presentation, creating a measurable dip around 900Hz.

The Focal Bathys represents the company's first wireless headphone release since 2018, developed in collaboration with VerVent Audio. Its closed-back design features an asymmetrical cellular pattern with black and gray coloring, 90-degree backward and 45-degree forward swivel for neck comfort, and a thin headband that aids portability despite lacking foldability. The 30-hour battery life exceeds its predecessor, with USB DAC capability supporting up to 192 kHz/24-bit transmission. Sound signature emphasizes warmth with boosted lows, scooped center mids, and tapered highs above 12 kHz. Left-right imaging proves dramatic though depth remains somewhat constrained to the sides rather than creating a cohesive dome-like presentation.

The Focal Bathys delivers exceptional sound quality as both wireless and wired headphones, featuring 40mm M-shaped dome drivers shared with Focal's higher-end models. The built-in DAC mode enables lossless audio playback up to 24-bit/192kHz via USB-C, appealing to hi-fi enthusiasts. Despite premium magnesium, aluminum and leather construction, they remain surprisingly lightweight and comfortable for extended wear. However, the $699 price positions them among the most expensive wireless noise-canceling options, and their ANC performance lags behind cheaper competitors. The distinctive honeycomb design may polarize buyers. For those prioritizing audio fidelity over noise cancellation, the Bathys justifies its premium through versatile wired/wireless performance.

Focal's debut wireless headphones deliver exceptional sound quality, particularly in wired USB-C DAC mode supporting 24bit/192kHz hi-res audio. The design is striking with backlit flame emblems on each earcup, and comfort levels are high during extended wear. Battery life reaches 30 hours, matching some competitors though falling short of others. The companion app proves intuitive with useful EQ controls. However, the active noise cancellation lacks potency and cannot be tweaked, while the physical on-ear buttons feel flimsy and prove unreliable in daily use. Occasional clicking from the headband during wear also detracts from the experience. Despite these build quality niggles, the sonic performance remains the standout feature that justifies consideration at this premium price point.

The Bathys MG delivers exceptional sound quality that surpasses other high-end ANC headphones, featuring two well-executed sound profiles and revealing detail retrieval. Build quality remains similar to the original Bathy at $699, creating perceived value challenges at its $1299 price point. Comfort improvements include better pad design suitable for extended wear. Battery life reaches 30 hours with Bluetooth and ANC active, extending to 42 hours in USB-DAC mode. The magnesium 40mm drivers with M-shaped domes contribute to technical performance. ANC and Bluetooth 5.2 performance show meaningful improvements over the predecessor. However, default tuning presents slightly boomy lower frequencies, and the companion app offers limited EQ filter options.

At $799, the Focal Bathys targets audio purists seeking premium wireless sound with versatile connectivity options. The headphones deliver spacious, high-quality audio through Focal's signature 40mm aluminum-magnesium drivers and include a built-in 24-bit/192kHz-capable DAC for wired hi-fi listening. Design-wise, they maintain Focal's luxury aesthetic in a 25% smaller, more portable form factor than flagship models, complete with an attractive rigid carrying case. However, the 12.3-ounce weight and tight clamping force cause discomfort during extended wear, with leather earcups trapping heat. Battery life impresses at 30 hours wireless, extending to 42 hours in DAC mode. Physical controls prove responsive and tactile, though promised wear detection remains disabled, and digital assistant integration suffers from buggy software support. Noise cancellation performance disappoints relative to the premium price point.

Focal's first wireless ANC headphone represents a calculated compromise between audiophile heritage and consumer market demands. The Bathys delivers typically superb Focal design with magnesium yokes, aluminum cup grills, and real leather materials that feel luxurious. The new smaller aluminum-magnesium 'M'-shaped driver maintains some fidelity DNA despite wireless limitations. Bluetooth connection proves stable, with functional ANC and transparent modes controlled through easily manipulated buttons. However, the pursuit of travel-friendly weight introduces disappointing plastic elements on the band underside and cheap bundled cables that undermine the premium positioning. At $800, the Bathys sits well above established competitors, forcing buyers to decide whether the Focal name justifies the premium for a product category inherently constrained by ANC and Bluetooth bandwidth limitations.

The reviewer, a professional music producer with 10 years of experience, considers the Focal Bathys the best-sounding wireless noise-cancelling headphone under $1,000. Out of the box, it delivers balanced yet engaging tonality with a bigger soundstage and excellent spacing than typical consumer-tuned alternatives. The mid-bass is punchy and clear with retained detail in mids and treble. Stock tuning reveals slightly veiled vocals, which can be addressed through the native 5-band EQ in Focal's app. A built-in DAC enables wired USB-DAC mode for even better clarity and fidelity, though bass becomes lighter and EQ doesn't apply. Build quality is very good, though the design looks somewhat flashy. Comfort and noise cancelling performance are average to below average, representing the main trade-offs for the exceptional audio quality.

The reviewer finds the Bathys MG delivers exceptional sound quality that surpasses other high-end ANC headphones, calling it the best-sounding wireless option available. However, the $1299 price tag creates significant value concerns since the headphone shares the same platform and appearance as the original $699 Bathys. The reviewer suggests this pricing and naming strategy may undervalue the product in consumers' minds, believing it would be better received as a distinct premium offering rather than an incremental upgrade.

The Bathys represents Focal's ambitious entry into premium wireless noise-canceling headphones, priced at $799. Construction maintains the brand's recognizable aesthetic with sturdy materials, signature grille pattern, and an illuminated medallion centerpiece. Comfort is achieved through lightweight design and spacious ear pads. The headphones feature aluminum/magnesium M-shaped dome drivers, two ANC modes (silence and soft), and versatile wired connectivity including USB DAC mode. Bluetooth 5.1 supports multiple codecs with reliable multipoint connection. Battery life reaches 30 hours with ANC, extendable via wired modes. The standout characteristic is exceptional soundstage width and depth, with precise imaging and separation that distinguishes it from typical Bluetooth headphones. Bass response prioritizes clarity and depth over thickness.

The Focal Bathys MG delivers audiophile-grade wireless performance through upgraded magnesium drivers inherited from the Clear MG lineup. Its warm chestnut finish and refined comfort distinguish it from the original Bathys, with plush ear pads and improved weight distribution despite identical 0.77 lb weight. Battery life spans 30+ hours across Bluetooth, wired, and USB-DAC modes, with 5-hour fast charging in 15 minutes. Three ANC modes (silent, soft, transparency) and illuminated Focal icons add functional polish. The sound signature emphasizes precise, transparent playback with deep low-end extension—positioned as a convenience-focused option that refuses sonic compromise.

Bathys represents Focal's debut in wireless ANC headphones, incorporating high-end design elements from their closed-back predecessors into a travel-friendly package. The magnesium/aluminum construction keeps weight at 350 grams while maintaining durability, with swivel earcups enabling a slim 2-¾” carrying case. Physical button controls around the earcups provide reliable operation without touch sensors. A controversial LED-illuminated Focal logo on the earcups can be disabled via app. The 40mm aluminum/magnesium M-shaped driver has been optimized for reduced energy consumption alongside 8 microphones handling ANC, calls, and voice capture. Battery life reaches 30 hours despite powering DSP, amplification, and conversion electronics.

The original Focal Bathys debuted as a strong contender in wireless ANC audiophile headphones, offering high-end wireless audio with DAC support, powerful noise cancellation, and precision-tuned drivers at a more accessible price point than its successor. Available in matte Slate Grey or sandy Dune finishes, it features visible aluminum-magnesium drivers behind distinctive 'M'-shaped grills. Bluetooth 5.1 enables multipoint pairing to two devices simultaneously, while physical controls handle volume, playback, ANC modes, and pairing. Battery performance reaches approximately 30 hours with Bluetooth and ANC active, extending to 42 hours in USB-DAC mode and 35 hours via analog connection. The eight-microphone ANC system delivers three modes—Silent, Soft, and Transparency—with particular effectiveness in low-frequency and midrange attenuation.