Focal Bathys Evaluate: Unapologetically Luxurious Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Audiophiles on the Go

The Bathys wi-fi headphones are a milestone Focal product providing for 2 main causes: their onboard noise cancellation and their price ticket. The previous is obtainable for the primary time in a set of Focal headphones, bringing the French maker of high-end audio gear into an entire new product class.

Then again, whereas undeniably hefty for wi-fi headphones, the $799 sticker of the Bathys makes them essentially the most moderately priced Focal providing. For comparability, wired headphones by Focal begin at $999, whereas the range-topping Utopia rocks a stratospheric $4,999 tag.

I started testing the Focal Bathys with sky-high expectations due to their value — $800 can purchase you a pair of noise-canceling headphones along with earbuds such because the Sony WF-1000XM5 and the Bose QuietComfort II, to call a few deservedly in style choices, and nonetheless depart (no less than) a Benjamin in your pocket. After weeks as my go-to headphones, the Bathys made a compelling case for spending massive on a pair, ticking all of the bins in sound high quality, design, and luxury. Right here’s a breakdown:

SCORES

Sound: 10/10
Consolation: 8/10
Design: 9/10
Battery Efficiency: 8/10
General Rating: 9/10

FOCAL BATHYS AT A GLANCE

• Distinctive-looking and cozy
• Elegant storage case
• As much as 40 hours of battery life

SOUND: 10/10

The Focal Bathys’ sound is heavenly, and given the product’s value, I anticipated nothing much less. Meticulously crafted in France alongside the models that energy the pricier Focal wired headphones, the aluminum-magnesium audio drivers of the wi-fi cans produce a lush, true-to-life, completely charming sonic expertise that can enchantment to even the pickiest audiophiles.

Whereas I examined the Bathys, I couldn’t assist however marvel at how exactly the bass, the treble, the midrange, and the vocals — the pillars of high quality sound — had been reproduced. Each observe I performed — from “The 4 Seasons” by Vivaldi to bass-heavy Large Assault trip-hop anthems — was freed from the acoustic gildings I’ve sometimes encountered in lower cost tiers.

The Bathys introduced extra intricate element from acquainted songs I’ve spent a decade listening to whereas testing audio gear. Whatever the style you play, the product will deal with you to a listening expertise simply because the artists and the sound engineers supposed.

Switching to the Focal Bathys from a less expensive pair of headphones is an eye-opening expertise that, metaphorically talking, compares to swapping an expensive household SUV for a Ferrari or Porsche, to call a few iconic manufacturers. The 2-seat supercar will enable you join with roads you recognize in an entire new method. The headphones will current your go-to music in a brand new, inevitably higher method.

The cans’ wired audio capabilities are another excuse to spend massive on a set. Not like any rival, the Bathys has an onboard USB DAC (digital-to-analog converter), permitting it to course of high-resolution and lossless audio codecs domestically while not having extra {hardware}. Organising the mode is straightforward — all you must do is join the cans to a USB-C-equipped pc, telephone, or pill, then allow DAC mode through a button on the precise ear cup.

Listening to music in USB DAC mode with the Bathys delivers a really feel and sonic expertise equivalent to a high-end wired headset paired with a headphone amp. I spent complete days utilizing the performance, revisiting favourite albums to listen to them in additional element. One other helpful bit I favored in regards to the function is that it allowed me to manage the playback and quantity through the cans’ onboard buttons.

A high-quality DAC can price a fairly penny, making the Focal headphones a surprisingly value-packed choice for audio fanatics. When you’ve got spent massive to personal such a gadget, fret not — the Bathys additionally has a typical audio jack for correct old-school listening.

Focal’s companion app presents a number of sound customization instruments worthy of the headphones’ value class. You may select between presets created by audio gurus or create your personal through a graphical equalizer.

The noise cancellation of the Bathys is stellar, if not the product class’s greatest. The headphones lowered the roadwork beneath my front room window to a extra bearable distant clatter earlier than I started enjoying music.

Nonetheless, the Bathys headphones couldn’t drape in full silence just like the extra inexpensive Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort 45, and AirPods Max. Nonetheless, noise cancellation isn’t why you must think about the Focal cans — it’s the unbelievable sonic expertise I described above.

There are two noise cancellation settings you may toggle between by long-pressing a button (single presses activate transparency mode) on the left earcup — silent and tender. The previous is stronger, whereas the tender one is extra appropriate for staying targeted with out dropping full observe of your environment.

The Bathys carried out properly throughout phone, FaceTime, Microsoft Groups, and Zoom calls on a MacBook Professional, an iPhone 14 Professional Max, and a Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely. Because of Bluetooth 5.1, the headphones linked concurrently to a laptop computer and a telephone whereas I put them via their paces.

COMFORT: 8/10

In terms of consolation and ergonomics, the Bathys headphones are glorious, courtesy of swiveling earcups with tremendous tender genuine-leather cushions and a padded headband with a microfiber cowl. Their tactile button controls are conveniently situated and simple to entry.

The product’s weight can be cheap, contemplating the supplies utilized in its making. The Bathys is a tad heavier than the all-plastic Sony WH-1000XM5 however lighter than the AirPods Max. Mixed with the well-appointed earcups and headband — the first contact factors with my head — the load of the headphones allowed me to spend hours with out feeling discomfort and fatigue.

Put on sensors that routinely pause the playback upon eradicating the headphones are notably lacking on the Focal Bathys. Contemplating the hi-fi {hardware} bits the headphones pack, it is a tradeoff I’d make in a heartbeat.

DESIGN: 9/10

Equally to the corporate’s wired headphones, the earcup covers of the Focal Bathys have a dotted gap sample, giving the wi-fi cans a definite look that makes mainstream rivals seem generic. So does the backlit Focal brand embedded into every earcup. (You may disable the sunshine through the app for a extra low-key look.)

The construct high quality of the Bathys is unsurprisingly glorious. The headphones’ building consists of premium supplies similar to aluminum, magnesium, leather-based, and material. The dotted earcup covers are produced from high-quality plastic, most likely to make sure robust wi-fi connectivity.

Design- and quality-wise, the storage case of the headphones is among the greatest within the enterprise. The bundled accent has an attention grabbing material end, a high-quality zipper closure, and a carrying strap. Its inside has two compartments for storing cables alongside the Bathys.

BATTERY PERFORMANCE: 8/10

You may anticipate as much as 30 hours of battery life in wi-fi mode with noise cancellation from the Bathys — a strong achievement given the headphones’ {hardware} and acoustic prowess. Choosing wired listening with the usual audio cable or USB DAC mode will get you 35 and 42 hours of listening between prices, respectively. General, such endurance is on par with different high-end wi-fi headphones.

The USB-C connector of the headphones is able to quick charging speeds. You will get 5 hours’ value of playback after quarter-hour, whereas a full cost takes round an hour and a half. I discovered the options helpful as a result of you must change the headphones off to replenish their battery.

OVERALL: 9/10

The Focal Bathys is a uncommon providing that might be equally glorious as your go-to wi-fi and wired headphones. The product’s uncompromising efficiency in each modes is why audio aficionados ought to spend massive to get their palms on a set if their finances permits it.

Excessive-quality audio gear is dear, and so are Focal’s headphones. Although it’s not straightforward to make a rational case for dropping a lot on a set of wi-fi headphones, I’m assured those that can will love the Bathys. Their next-level audio constancy is definitely worth the funding.

Take into account the Sony WH-1000XM5 or the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 if you would like nice wi-fi sound and noise cancellation for much less. The Grasp & Dynamic MW75 and the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 are barely cheaper Focal Bathys alternate options with luxurious design, craftsmanship, and sound, as are the over-ear AirPods Max headphones. That mentioned, not one of the rivals have a built-in DAC for audiophile-grade wired listening, leaving the Bathys in a league of its personal.

Store Focal Bathys

Senior Expertise Editor

Stefan is the senior expertise editor for , the place he’s been masking the tech business and testing the most recent devices since 2015. He has greater than a decade of expertise masking client tech merchandise, particularly smartphones, tablets, laptops, and audio gear. He was beforehand the US editor for ; his work may also be discovered on Widespread Mechanics and different Hearst publications.Within the uncommon moments when he’s not enjoying with a brand new gadget, Stefan likes to look at stay Premier League video games or hang around along with his cat and rabbit. He’s additionally an espresso snob.