Add to your order
- Coverage for accidental damage including drops, spills, and broken parts, as well as breakdowns (plans vary)
- 24/7 support when you need it.
- Quick, easy, and frustration-free claims.
- No Additional Cost: You pay nothing for repairs – parts, labor, and shipping included.
- Coverage: Plan starts on the date of purchase. Drops, spills and cracked screens due to normal use are covered from day one. Malfunctions are covered after the manufacturer's warranty. Real experts are available 24/7 to help with set-up, connectivity issues, troubleshooting and much more.
- Easy Claims Process: File a claim anytime online or by phone. Most claims approved within minutes. If we can’t repair it, we’ll send you an Amazon e-gift card for the purchase price of your covered product or replace it.
- Product Eligibility: Plan must be purchased with a product or within 30 days of the product purchase. Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
- Terms & Details: More information about this protection plan is available within the “Product guides and documents” section. Simply click “User Guide” for more info. Terms & Conditions will be available in Your Orders on Amazon. Asurion will also email your plan confirmation with Terms & Conditions to the address associated with your Amazon account within 24 hours of purchase.
- No Additional Cost: You pay nothing for repairs – parts, labor, and shipping included.
- Coverage: Plan starts on the date of purchase. Drops, spills and cracked screens due to normal use are covered from day one. Malfunctions are covered after the manufacturer's warranty. Real experts are available 24/7 to help with set-up, connectivity issues, troubleshooting and much more.
- Easy Claims Process: File a claim anytime online or by phone. Most claims approved within minutes. If we can’t repair it, we’ll send you an Amazon e-gift card for the purchase price of your covered product or replace it.
- Product Eligibility: Plan must be purchased with a product or within 30 days of the product purchase. Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
- Terms & Details: More information about this protection plan is available within the “Product guides and documents” section. Simply click “User Guide” for more info. Terms & Conditions will be available in Your Orders on Amazon. Asurion will also email your plan confirmation with Terms & Conditions to the address associated with your Amazon account within 24 hours of purchase.
- Buy a lot of stuff on Amazon? Tons of items eligible for coverage, from the latest tech like Laptops, Game Consoles, TVs, Phones, and Cameras to major appliances, sporting goods, tools, toys, personal care, furniture, and more (not eligible for commercial or business use items).
- Accidents Happen. That’s why for your portable products we cover accidental damage from handling such as drops, spills and cracked screens. We also cover electrical and mechanical malfunctions, power surges, and wear and tear.
- Past and Future Purchases covered. 30 days after you are enrolled, all eligible past purchases (up to 1 year prior to enrollment) and future eligible purchases made on Amazon will be covered by your plan as long as you are enrolled.
- Fast, easy claims. Frustration-Free claims, with most filed in minutes. We will fix it, replace it, or reimburse you with an Amazon e-gift card for the purchase price of your product (excluding tax). File at Asurion.com/amazon.
- No Hidden Fees. For just $16.99 a month + tax you’re covered for up to 5,000 in claims per 12-month period. *THIS PROGRAM IS MONTH-TO-MONTH AND WILL CONTINUE UNTIL CANCELED* Coverage for all products ends 30 days after the plan is canceled. Cancel any time.
Add to your order
- Coverage for accidental damage including drops, spills, and broken parts, as well as breakdowns (plans vary)
- 24/7 support when you need it.
- Quick, easy, and frustration-free claims.

Amazon Prime Free Trial
FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button and confirm your Prime free trial.
Amazon Prime members enjoy:- Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
- Unlimited FREE Prime delivery
- Streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with limited ads on Prime Video.
- A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
- Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
Important: Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.
Buy new:
$699.00$699.00
Ships from: Amazon Sold by: ProGroupAV
Save with Used - Like New
$500.00$500.00
Ships from: Amazon Sold by: STOCKYFY
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
8 VIDEOS
-

Image Unavailable
Color:
-
-
-
- To view this video download Flash Player
Focal Bathys High-Fidelity Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones
Return this item for free
We offer easy, convenient returns with at least one free return option: no shipping charges. All returns must comply with our returns policy.
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select your preferred free shipping option
- Drop off and leave!
Learn more
Return this item for free
We offer easy, convenient returns with at least one free return option: no shipping charges. All returns must comply with our returns policy.
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select your preferred free shipping option
- Drop off and leave!
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Focal |
Color | Black/Gray |
Ear Placement | Over Ear |
Form Factor | Over Ear |
Impedance | 80 Ohm |
About this item
- Refined real leather and microfiber headband Incomparably soft, comfortable and refined. Earpads provide insulation and comfort for any head shape Easily replaceable
- 1 5/8" (40mm) Aluminum-Magnesium speaker drivers, made in France A naturally detailed, pure sound with impact - 1/8" (3.5mm) Jack and USB-C outlets Limitless connectivity
- Battery life of over 30 hours in Bluetooth and active noise cancelling mode - Aluminum mechanical construction Reliability and resistance on the move - Magnesium yoke for increased lightness
- Backlit logo The flame lights up - Fast charging-compatible: 5 extra listening hours in 15 minutes - Two optimized noise-cancelling modes and a transparency mode, ideal for any journey
- Active noise cancelling technology and transparency mode Immerse yourself in your music or interact with your environment, as required.
Frequently bought together

Frequently purchased items with fast delivery
Important information
Visible screen diagonal
0" / 0 cm
Top Brand: Focal
Compare with similar items
This Item ![]() Focal Bathys High-Fidelity Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones | Recommendations | |||||
Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | |
Price | $699.00$699.00 | -13% $699.00$699.00 List: $799.00 | $749.00$749.00 | $1,499.00$1,499.00 | $2,999.00$2,999.00 | $69.99$69.99 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Friday, Mar 28 | Get it as soon as Friday, Mar 28 | Get it Mar 26 - 27 | Get it as soon as Friday, Mar 28 | Get it as soon as Friday, Mar 28 | Get it as soon as Friday, Mar 28 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Sold By | ProGroupAV | GRAMOPHONE | Creative Audio | STOCKYFY | Zorro Sounds | Amazon.com |
connectivity tech | Wireless | Wireless | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wireless |
headphones form factor | Over Ear | Bi-fold | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear |
connector type | USB Type C, 3.5mm Jack | USB Type C, 3.5mm Jack | 3.5mm Jack | 3.5mm Jack | 3.5mm Jack | 3.5mm Jack |
noise control | active noise cancellation | active noise cancellation | sound isolation | — | sound isolation | active noise cancellation |
headphones jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | — | XLR | — |
cable feature | Detachable | Detachable | Retractable | Retractable | Detachable | Without Cable |
control type | Volume Control | Volume Control | Noise Control | — | Volume Control, Media Control | siri,voice assistants |
water resistance | not water resistant | not water resistant | not water resistant | not water resistant | — | not water resistant |
material | Aluminum, Leather, Metal | Aluminum, Leather, Metal | Aluminum, Leather | Leather, Aluminum | Leather | titanium |
model name | FBATHYS | Focal BATHYS | FHADENYS | Focal Clear Mg Open-Back High-End Headphones | Focal Stellia | 143239 |
frequency range | 15Hz to 22kHz | — | 5 Hz-23 kHz | 5 Hz - 28,000 Hz | 5Hz–40kHz | 20Hz - 20kHz |
From the manufacturer

SPEAKER DRIVERS MADE IN FRANCE
Bathys is fitted with patented aluminium/magnesium “M”-dome speaker drivers, made in France using technologies from the finest Focal headphones.
ELEGANCE & REFINEMENT
The Bathys design is inherited from Focal's open- and closed-back headphones. It combines high-grade materials – magnesium, real leather, aluminium, etc
ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION TECHNOLOGY
Active noise cancelling (Silent/Soft) for the immersion and transparency mode to interact with your environment

CONNECTIVITY
Compatible with SBC, AAC, Apt-X and Apt-X Adaptive codecs, Bathys offers a wide range of connectivity options: Bluetooth 5.1, Jack, USB. Application available.
FOCAL & NAIM APP
Download the “Focal & Naim” app on the App and Play stores.
Enjoy an enhanced user experience with an equaliser that will adapt the sound to your musical preferences and other settings.
FAST-CHARGING BATTERY
It offers over 30 hours of use in Bluetooth and active noise cancellation mode. while just 15 minutes will give you 5 extra listening hours.

What's in the box
Videos
Videos for this product
1:24
Click to play video
Unboxing and review of the Focal Bathys
Tech in 100 seconds
Videos for this product
12:10
Click to play video
Focal Bathys Wireless Review: Dive into the Deep End
RTINGS.com
Videos for this product
0:51
Click to play video
Focal Bathys Premium Sound Meets Wireless Convenience
MR.FREEMAN
Videos for this product
0:20
Click to play video
I love these headphones! Must watch!
Veronica's deal
Videos for this product
0:32
Click to play video
Focal Bathys Bluetooth Wireless HiFi Headphones Promo Reel
GRAMOPHONE
Videos for this product
0:37
Click to play video
Unboxing the Focal Bathys Bluetooth ANC headphones
Jacobson
Looking for specific info?
Product information
Noise Control | Active Noise Cancellation |
---|---|
Headphones Jack | 3.5 mm Jack |
Model Name | FBATHYS |
Connectivity Technology | Wireless |
Wireless Communication Technology | Bluetooth |
Included Components | Cable, Protective Case |
Age Range (Description) | Adult,Kid |
Material | Aluminum, Leather, Metal |
Charging Time | 30 Hours |
Recommended Uses For Product | Running, Exercising |
Compatible Devices | Tablets, Personal Computer, Laptops, Smartphone |
Control Type | Volume Control |
Cable Feature | Detachable |
Item Weight | 12.32 ounces |
Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
Frequency Range | 15Hz to 22kHz |
Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
Control Method | App |
Number of Items | 1 |
Battery Life | 30 Hours |
Audio Driver Type | Dynamic Driver |
Bluetooth Range | 15 Meters |
Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
Earpiece Shape | Over Ear |
Is Autographed | No |
Global Trade Identification Number | 03544056727162 |
Manufacturer | Focal |
Product Dimensions | 9.45 x 8.46 x 3.35 inches |
Item Weight | 12.3 ounces |
ASIN | B0B93YKQT3 |
Item model number | FOAHALNOMB0B000 |
Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
Customer Reviews |
4.3 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #31,383 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #1,207 in Over-Ear Headphones |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | October 4, 2022 |
Warranty & Support
Feedback

Focal Bathys High-Fidelity Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones
Share:
Found a lower price? Let us know. Although we can't match every price reported, we'll use your feedback to ensure that our prices remain competitive.
Where did you see a lower price?
Fields with an asterisk * are required
Product Description
Bathys is the first set of wireless headphones with active noise cancelling and high-fidelity sound! Created with the technology from the best Focal headphones, its speaker drivers with Aluminium-Magnesium ‘M’-shaped dome, made in France, deliver detailed, precise and dynamic sound reproduction. Thanks to its battery life of over 30 hours and its active noise cancelling, Bathys plunges listeners into deep silence to optimise their listening experiences. Its design follows in the footsteps of Focal’s high-end headphones.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers appreciate the Bluetooth compatibility of these headphones. They find the ANC flawless and the design and functionality excellent. However, some have mixed opinions on sound quality, comfort, build quality, value for money, and fit.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers appreciate the Bluetooth compatibility of these headphones. They find the headphones comfortable, with good ANC and battery life. Some describe them as the best Bluetooth headphones they've used. The sound quality is comparable to high-quality audiophile-worthy headphones. However, some customers feel the headset is overpriced for its quality.
"This is an excellent headphone! It is comfortable and the ANC is flawless...." Read more
"...As a matter of fact, these are what I wanted the Elegia to be - wireless, far-better than the rest sound quality and EQ to customize...." Read more
"...in DAC mode makes for another significant quality jump with high quality recordings...." Read more
"...between portable bluetooth ANC headphones and high-quality audiophile-worthy headphones...." Read more
Customers like the design of these headphones. They mention that the materials are striking, the build quality is good, and the treble is done tastefully. The earcups are nice, soft, and the app is well-designed. The headphones offer a warm, spacious, nicely staged alternative for $150 less when on sale. They have a unique metal mesh design that the user can choose to.
"...This after listening to the others. And they are pretty non from a fashion perspective which I viewed personally as a plus...." Read more
"...In this case expect • Improved Style, Materials, Build Quality (50%) • Improved sound quality (+20%) • Compromises with ANC..." Read more
"...colored, minimalist-esque headphones, these headphones have a unique metal mesh design that the user can choose to light up with LEDs...." Read more
"...The Treble is just done so tastefully and perfectly, that everything sounds proper giving everything enough air and sparkle for my liking without..." Read more
Customers like the functionality of these headphones. They say the ANC works well, the equalizer works well, and the app works great. The headphones work great for indoor or home use only, with calls and music. The physical power off/DAC/Bluetooth switch works great, and the long-lasting battery is appreciated.
"This is an excellent headphone! It is comfortable and the ANC is flawless...." Read more
"...The Momentum 4's functionality is great but they just sound a bit thick, and less refined. This after listening to the others...." Read more
"...I have Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds with very good noise canceling and good performance...." Read more
"...The ANC works wonderfully, I prefer it on soft...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the sound quality of the headphones. Some find the sound good, with a wide soundstage and adequate noise cancellation for home use. They appreciate the wonderful vocals and the Sound Personalization feature. However, others mention issues like too loud minimum volume levels, unusual sounds during power on, and basic noise cancellation.
"...by was when I plugged it in to my PC with a USBC cable, the sound was awesome! I even plugged it into my mobile and again the audio quality jumped...." Read more
"...The sound stage is remarkable, really really. And at ($249) on Prime Day they were certainly the best electronics purchase that I had made in years...." Read more
"...I enjoyed the sound quality of the Max, but you get 90% of those headphones for $250 with better battery life and far more portability in the Pro 2...." Read more
"...This is adequate for reducing low frequency droning noises, and a credible first effort by Focal, but its nowhere near as effective as the best from..." Read more
Customers have different experiences with the headphones' comfort. Some find the soft earcups and clamping force comfortable for extended listening sessions of 2 hours. Others mention it becomes uncomfortable after a couple hours, with the top of their head hurting and the controls lacking a good look and feel.
"This is an excellent headphone! It is comfortable and the ANC is flawless...." Read more
"...However I was very surprised at how uncomfortable they were as soon as I put them on my head. I was like wow, really...." Read more
"...They're durable, sound good, and very comfortable. No point in paying the Apple tax if you're not going to use all the features...." Read more
"...Very comfortable. They look and feel their price point. Improved sound quality..." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the build quality of these headphones. Some find them well-made, reliable, and solid with a very solid feel to them. Others mention issues like poor comfort, low-quality physical buttons, connection issues in the app, and poor phone call quality.
"...Smaller than both the others and with a build quality and design that warrants the full price...." Read more
"...on board than you might want for $800, but let's be plain - the durability of the headphones are not in question. They are well made, case closed...." Read more
"...In this case expect • Improved Style, Materials, Build Quality (50%) • Improved sound quality (+20%) • Compromises with ANC..." Read more
"...the padding on the band is not good at all - seriously, it feels so cheap -..." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the value for money of the headphones. Some find them worth the price, with warm mids and nice high end. Others are disappointed with the price and quality, mentioning excessive high frequencies and a cheap feel.
"...I also think that they be worth it at full price. Smaller than both the others and with a build quality and design that warrants the full price...." Read more
"...Like a high end European sedan. I have set the EQ to dynamic as research shows it places the headphones closer to the Harmon curve...." Read more
"...These headphones are consumable - they are bluetooth and battery powered so I give them about 2 years before replacement...." Read more
"...I can't recommend these enough. They may seem pricy, but the difference in audio clarity between these and the Bose I sent back is night and day;..." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the fit. Some find the earcups large enough to fit around their ears, while others say they are tight or narrow on their large heads. The headband is described as good, but it's a little narrow, and could not fit an iPod in its case.
"...They are great if you have larger ears! Moving onto the others...." Read more
"...The second dealbreaker was that the fit and weight...." Read more
"...Sound stage became more three dimensional, wider, and bass was still punchy but not heavy, mids were clearer with much more detail and highs were..." Read more
"...The Bathys would be great if you have large ears, or a wide head… There is something about the padding though that makes it so that the Bathys do..." Read more
Reviews with images

Beyond expectations. Forget your Bose, Sony, Apple...these are the ones!
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2025Color: Black/GraySize: LargeVerified PurchaseThis is an excellent headphone! It is comfortable and the ANC is flawless. What I really enjoyed and was surprised by was when I plugged it in to my PC with a USBC cable, the sound was awesome! I even plugged it into my mobile and again the audio quality jumped. It's a shame that have become so accustomed to bad Blue Tooth audio quality. The wired option is the best!
- Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2024Color: Black/GraySize: LargeVerified PurchaseRead on and you'll understand why I reviewed it this way.... My goal was to find the best sounding wireless headphones that were fairly priced after watching 50 hours of video reviews. With a Prime Day price tag around $250 these Momentum 4's were well worth the purchase. I'm going to say that they just aren't gong to work for me because I also purchased a pair of Focal Bathy's ($699), and a pair of Bower's and Wilkin's Px7S2e in the awesome color Blue at ($249) to compare them with. The Momentum 4's functionality is great but they just sound a bit thick, and less refined. This after listening to the others. And they are pretty non from a fashion perspective which I viewed personally as a plus. They are great if you have larger ears! Moving onto the others. After purchasing the Focal Bathy's I quickly came to realize that they were not the headphones that I was going to walk around town wearing. They are on the larger side, and present with some flashiness. That aside though, they are absolutely awesome sounding and BLOW AWAY the Momentum 4's. So if that's the comparison you're looking for, then there is your answer. I am keeping them as my "reference" wireless headphones. And with the cabled DAC connectivity it's a no brainer! Not even a second thought. Well maybe. For just a moment that happened after I listened to the Px7S2e cans and thought about the price difference. They, the Px7S2e headphones are absolutely pleasurable to listen to. The sound stage is remarkable, really really. And at ($249) on Prime Day they were certainly the best electronics purchase that I had made in years. I also think that they be worth it at full price. Smaller than both the others and with a build quality and design that warrants the full price. Also worth noting is that I did listen to the Bose UC's and I am intrigued by the spacial audio feature and the overall, well almost weightlessness of the headphones. They just weren't priced well enough for me to justify purchasing them and aside from their dominance in the noise cancellation department they just review as "pretty good" on sound quality. I would say to me they sounded on par with the Momentum 4's. I don't get too caught up in the "app" features as they can drastically improve with one update. I will mention that none had me shaking my head in either direction. And lastly, this journey all started with a pair of refurbished AirPods Max headphones. It made sense since I am in the Apple ecosystem. However I was very surprised at how uncomfortable they were as soon as I put them on my head. I was like wow, really. I felt as though they were going to dent my big head. LOL. I did like the "crown control dial" quite a bit I have to say. If you're shopping for wireless headphones and you stayed with me here you should just keep in mind that deciding on speakers and headphones is so very subjective from a sound perspective. We all hear a bit differently. You'll know it when you put "THE" pair on, raise your eyebrows, and say WOW. Fashion statements are a whole other sub topic. AND if you're thinking what about the Sony XM5's, all I'm going to say is that I am turned off by the over functionality of the Sony apps. From their cameras to their headphones and beyond. The end.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2022Color: Black/GraySize: LargeVerified PurchaseQuick background - I've been looking for higher-end bluetooth headphones for a long time. I've been through Drop Pandas, Sony XM4, Sony XM5, Bose QC 35, Sony XM4 earbuds, Apple AirPods Pro 1 and 2, AirPods Max, Focal Elegia with dongle DAC, and a few more along the way. I've been happy with many, but they never seem to last.
I think there are 2 ways to look at the Bathys - top down (coming from high-end cans like Radiance and Celestee) or bottom up (consumer bluetooth headphones like Sony XM5, AirPods Max, etc). From the top, they aren't necessarily up to the wired standard (but they're not supposed to be). They're not far off, but wired cans with a nice DAC (an additional expense) WILL sound better. There are just realities with bluetooth headphones and they will always be hamstrung compared to their wired counterparts. They do have the advantage of ANC, wireless, and those cool flashy lights on the side, tho.
From the bottom up, I think they make a great case for their price. Yes, I can buy both the AirPods Max and AirPods Pro 2 for the price of these Bathys, but the sound quality is better than both combined. It's just that simple. Great sounding audio, comfortable, and DAC mode to get them into the ballpark of the wired cans. At the $800 asking price, they start making sense.
Focal state that they need around 50-100hrs of burn-in to sound their best. Wether you're a burn-in believer or not, I DO believe they're gotten better over the past 3 days of almost non-stop listening. I can't wait to see where we are in another couple of days. Also, there has been a definite improvement in comfort, as well.
I really enjoyed the Drop Pandas (after using the Sound ID app to customize the EQ) but, like so many others, the battery charge issues took them out of the running. Recently, I picked up a pair of AirPods Max. They sound very good (maybe a little mids-recessed) but I have issues with the comfort. To get a good seal, I have to push them forward on my head and that pushes them up against my ears. I can't wear them for more than an hour or so. I keep falling back to my AirPods Pro 2.
The Bathys definitely take it up a notch. They don't have the Apple amenities (spacial audio, fast switching between devices, killer ANC and pass-through), but they make up for all of that with their sound quality and EQ. In short, they sound spectacular, can handle some EQ customization, and are very comfortable.
Instead of trying to review these (as many others have already hit all the major points), I'll answer a could quick questions that I couldn't find answers to and then leave a recommendation -
1. Can you plug them into an iPhone using the DAC mode? Yes - you can connect them with a lightning to USB adapter (I used a cheap $10) and they'll play just fine - BUT - you loose your EQ and the app. So, you get a very clean yet uninspired neutral(ish) sound. If you're using an app with an EQ (like Spotify), then you're golden. If not (Apple Music), then I feel like it's a poor trade. I love how the bluetooth sounds (even with AAC) and the EQ is the icing on the cake. I'll stick with wireless or the Creative BT-W4 AptX dongle (see below).
2. If using an iPhone, you can assign the assistant button to Siri or Bixby. I've only seen this feature connected to Alexa or Google.
3. Soundstage is good, certainly on par with my Elegia connected to the Hidizs DAC. As a matter of fact, these are what I wanted the Elegia to be - wireless, far-better than the rest sound quality and EQ to customize. My Elegia and DAC are up for sale.
4. Yes, there is more plastic on board than you might want for $800, but let's be plain - the durability of the headphones are not in question. They are well made, case closed. I don't slight Focal at all for cutting a few corners (and weight) with a few plastic parts and cheap cables. These headphones are consumable - they are bluetooth and battery powered so I give them about 2 years before replacement. They're just NOT going to last long enough for the build to become a problem. In 2 years, they'll give them to my wife and I'll invest in the next pair.
5. When I connected mine to the phone for the first time, I was immediately greeted with a firmware update. I think this is a great sign. There are functions that I'd like to see implemented or changed and this gives me a small bit of hope that these will improve greatly a little down the road. A 10-band eq for more granular control is the top of my list.
6. Are they worth $800? No, not really. I'd have felt a lot better at the $600 price point. BUT, consider inflation, rising costs, the R&D that went in, and the leap in sound quality over other offerings. Given all these, I'll give them the $200 and call it good (which I would have easily spent on a decent DAC for a wired headphone).
7 - What if I want higher encoding rates with Aptx? - Get the Creative BT-W4. This small dongle will connect with AptX Adaptive and sounds basically the same as wired while keeping your eq preferences and access to the app. You can use the Apple to USB adapter for a phone or the USB C (it comes with a USB A adapter in the box) for a laptop. The highs are clearer and bass is stronger yet tighter. For general listening, I'll use the regular bluetooth and for my quiet "listening time," I'll plug in the dongle. It's just as good as wired with the amenities. Well worth the $50.
Compared to AirPods Max - If you already have the AirPod Pro 2, then I'd take these any day. I enjoyed the sound quality of the Max, but you get 90% of those headphones for $250 with better battery life and far more portability in the Pro 2. If you don't already have them, I think this should probably be most people's first stop in portable audio.
Compared to Sony XM5 - I love the XM5 for its bass and basic EQ. But, these have a ton more soundstage, separation, better frequency response, and the DAC mode. It's in a different class. If those things matter, you're going to spend the money. If they don't, you'll love the XM5.
Recommendations (TL;DR) - Buy the AirPods Pro 2 first. You can't beat the ANC, transparency, quality, and portability. You get all the benefits of the Apple ecosystem for $250. THEN, add the Bathys if you still yearn for the natural and smooth sound that puts a Focal headphone in a completely different class.
If you're still stuck on the $800, start with he AirPods Max. They're excellent.
If you're stuck on the $800 and an android user, get the Sony XM5 (but start with the XM4 earbuds for the portability). They're durable, sound good, and very comfortable. No point in paying the Apple tax if you're not going to use all the features.
Lastly, on the topic of AAC - I think this is the real bottleneck of the system. I listen to a lot of classical and AAC absolutely chokes in heavy orchestration and complexity. The BT-W4 connected with AptX Adaptive solves this problem in spades. Verdi's Dies Irae (Requiem) or Mars from The Planets both have very loud passages with massive layers and they come across clear and authoritative with the BT-W4. It's a stunning sound to hear when sitting in the Chick-fil-A having breakfast! Strongly recommended as your first accessory.
Top reviews from other countries
- Sebastian PopoviciReviewed in Canada on February 17, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Really good if you care about sound quality. I use it with poweamp and lots of profiles out there
Color: Black/GraySize: LargeVerified PurchaseI had the beats studio pro and the quality was garbage also sound nothing like this... I tried all the headsets, from apple ones, bose, sony... anything within a $1000 and sound nothing comes close to this. If sound is most important this is the order from first best and last okay: Focal, airpods max, bose, sony..i forgot the other brand I tried it comes with fancy leather and nice build but sound is not even close to focal.
- What's your public name? (required)Reviewed in Canada on February 9, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars What'
Color: DuneSize: LargeVerified Purchaseamazon quality headphone, sounds very neutral, easy to use and convenient to use anywhere. quality is top notch and you can use it, bluetooth mode, dac mode or even with 3.5mm jack connect to an amplifier. app is easy to set up with the headphone. everyone will be asking where you get this from. focal has always being great with customer service and warranty as well. they don't joke around when it comes to their product. and amazon delivery has being top notch too. they always deliver early and on time. took less than 1 day to arrive.
-
Mario Alfonso Gaitán CepedaReviewed in Mexico on January 9, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars La calidad de sonido y el equipo . IMPRESIONANTE . EXCELENTE
Color: Black/GraySize: LargeVerified PurchaseLlegó un día antes de lo ofrecido. En perfecto estado.
Tengo solamente 24 horas con el equipo.
Yo lo utilizo con Qobuz a través de un Fiio M 11 plus. APTX.
Ya lo probé con la conexión usb y con el Bluetooth. En ambos la respuesta fue magnífica. Se dice que requiere de 50/100 horas de "quemado" , vamos a ver como mejora el ya de por sí excelente desempaño.
Los ajustes vía la aplicación muy amigables , sencillo y de muy buen resultado. Me gustó mucho la prueba sónica personalizada. (Taylor made). Fantástico.
El mejor audífono que he escuchado.
Impecable la respuesta sonora , el escenario y la calidad de sonido. La calidad del equipo igual que lo demás, de primer nivel. Muy cómodos
Muy muy complacido con la compra, vale totalmente el gasto.
-
imperiocesarianoReviewed in Mexico on September 19, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Los mejores audífonos para audiófilos ANC
Color: DuneSize: LargeVerified PurchaseNo tengo la menor duda que son los audífonos que mejor suenan, incluso mejores que mis B&O H6 que siempre fueron mi referencia.
El único contra es que si se siente su peso y largas horas te pueden llegar a cansar.
Peeero no hay dudas buscas el mejor sonido para un audiófilo que también quiere cancelación de ruido estos son los mejores para ti
-
HFReviewed in France on January 19, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Un son respectueux de l'œuvre originale
Color: Black StealthSize: LargeVerified PurchaseCe casque s'adresse aux utilisateurs qui veulent une restitution sonore fidèle à l'original. Écouter vos fichiers musicaux, de préférence en qualité "haute résolution", avec le Focal Bathys est une expérience unique. Celui-ci respecte la qualité du travail d'enregistrerem de l'artiste, quelque soit le style musical.