Focal Bathys Headphones Review: Audiophile Sound Verdict
Launching at a price that rivals high-end wired cans, the Focal Bathys Bluetooth Headphones with Active Noise Cancellation have earned an average user score of 8.5/10 across platforms — almost entirely thanks to their stunning sound. While they deliver a masterclass in audio fidelity, the story takes a turn when users start talking about comfort, ANC performance, and feature quirks.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — for audiophiles prioritizing sound above all else
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Expansive, detailed soundstage | ANC underperforms vs Bose/Sony |
| Premium build with leather, magnesium | Cannot use passively without battery |
| Integrated USB-DAC for 24-bit/192kHz playback | Fit issues — loose for some heads |
| Warm yet analytical tuning | Short, cheap included cables |
| Effective EQ with stored profiles | Audible footstep thumps when walking |
| Multipoint Bluetooth 5.1 | Physical controls feel plasticky |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing promises “pure hi-fi sound with zero disturbance.” The first claim stands — reviewers from Head-Fi to Trustpilot describe the sonic profile as “balanced, poised and articulate” with “lavishly textured low end” and “full expression in vocals.” Stefan Vazharov on Quora called the sound “utterly captivating… appealing to even the pickiest audiophiles.”
But “zero disturbance”? That’s where reality intrudes. The ANC modes (Silent, Soft) aren’t class-leading. Expert Reviews noted: “ANC is nothing special… good rather than great.” TechGearLab’s measurements showed “no significant improvement in bass reduction” over passive isolation, leaving low rumbles and voices audible.
A third big claim: “outstanding comfort for any head shape.” Here the feedback splits. Some, like Crutchfield’s reviewer, wore them “through work shifts without fatigue.” Others, like a Head-Fi user, found “fit is loose… they fall off instantly when I lean forward.” Reddit’s u/headphones*** went further: “Enjoying music while walking is a ritual for me… footsteps like a heartbeat due to slight headphone shake.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Sound quality dominates praise. The aluminum/magnesium M-dome drivers are repeatedly credited for revealing microdetails usually reserved for high-end wired setups. Reddit’s u/headphones*** described “warm and analytical… makes music a pure joy even with AAC.” Users playing complex orchestral mixes noticed precise layering: one Head-Fi owner enjoyed “small clicks of violin bows… breaths between notes” normally missed on ANC cans.
The soundstage is notably wide for closed-back wireless. TechGearLab scored it 9.5/10, reporting “most expansive… songs with heavy panning feel almost uncomfortably unbalanced — because they’re exactly where the producer placed them.” This benefits not just classical listeners but EDM producers who rely on spatial accuracy.
The USB-DAC mode is a unique differentiator. Quora’s Vazharov likened it to “a high-end wired headset paired with a headphone amp,” allowing playback at 24-bit/192kHz without extra gear. For PC-based audiophiles, this means lossless listening without carrying an external DAC.
Common Complaints
ANC quality is the most consistent point of disappointment. Compared to Sony WH-1000XM5 or AirPods Max, outside voices and low-end rumble remain. A tech review noted “wouldn’t recommend them for airplane or subway travel.” For commuters and frequent flyers, this is a dealbreaker; for office listeners, the “soft” mode is appreciated for reducing fatigue.
Comfort issues show up for certain head shapes. Loose fit affects portability — u/Head-Fi***: “they literally fall right off when looking up or down.” Extended wear can cause hotspots at the headband for some (TechGearLab measured discomfort after ~3 hours due to weight and pressure).
Feature quirks frustrate too: no passive playback without battery, inability to charge and listen simultaneously, noticeable LED hum for some units (solved by disabling logo light in app). Included cables at 1.2m are considered “cheap” for the price, forcing upgrades.
Divisive Features
The tonal balance out-of-box sparks debate. Focal markets “neutral” tuning, but several seasoned listeners report a V-shaped stock EQ with boosted bass/treble. A Head-Fi contributor found it “intensely boomy… far from neutral.” The app’s 5-band EQ fixes this for custom tastes, storing profiles across Bluetooth, USB, and analog modes — a rare plus.
The Mimi hearing personalization tool divides opinion. Some with hearing loss value the clarity boost, but others find it “obnoxiously bright… alters timbre in a negative way.” This personalization is stored onboard, so it affects all connection modes until reverted.
Trust & Reliability
No widespread scam concerns from Trustpilot — but physical build scrutiny exists. While magnesium yokes and leather headbands feel premium, outer earcup plastic is judged “cheap-looking” by some, contrasting with marketing promises. Durability in long-term Reddit reports remains solid: hinges, pads, and electronics performing well after months.
Broken cables can be replaced via Focal dealers, though specialized lengths/colors aren’t widely available. Firmware updates through the app keep codec stability in multipoint use, but occasional aptX Adaptive handshake issues on older Android devices persist.
Alternatives
The Sony WH-1000XM5 frequently enters comparisons: far superior ANC but sonically “cannot deliver anything close to the slam, weight, and delicate microdynamics” of the Bathys. AirPods Max match XM5 ANC, offer comfort, but lack HD codec support.
Bowers & Wilkins PX8 shares the luxury build ethos and smooth sound but users find Bathys clearer with more dynamic punch. Sennheiser Momentum 4 trails in soundstage/detail but wins on battery life and value.
Price & Value
Retail remains near $699–$799, with eBay listings as low as ~$285 for used units. Resale holds decently — many Bathys resell above $500 if in excellent condition, thanks to audiophile demand. Community advice: audition first, especially for comfort. Deals occasionally surface on “open box” units through authorized sellers, yielding substantial savings.
FAQ
Q: Can the Bathys be used without battery power?
A: No — even in wired 3.5mm mode, the internal amp must be powered, so the headphones won’t operate with a dead battery.
Q: How effective are the noise cancellation modes?
A: Silent offers stronger attenuation, Soft reduces background without full isolation, and Transparency lets sound through. ANC is good but less effective than Bose/Sony in very noisy environments.
Q: Does the USB-DAC mode work with iPhones?
A: Yes, but requires a USB-C OTG adapter. Call functions won’t work over USB with iOS.
Q: Can EQ settings be used across all connection types?
A: Yes — once set via the app in Bluetooth mode, EQ is stored onboard and applies in USB-DAC and analog modes until changed.
Q: Is the LED logo light mandatory?
A: No — brightness can be dimmed or turned off entirely in the app.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re an audiophile who listens mostly in quieter settings and values expansive, detailed sound over maximum isolation. Avoid if your primary need is top-tier ANC for commuting or flying. Community pro tip: disable logo lighting to prevent any electrical hum, and invest in longer, higher-quality cables to match the premium sound.
