Focal Bathys Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones Review: Are They Worth the Premium Price?

Looking for high-end wireless headphones that deliver exceptional sound quality? The Focal Bathys might be the answer for audio enthusiasts seeking premium noise-cancelling performance without compromising on audio fidelity.

These over-ear headphones stand out in the crowded wireless market with their French-made 40mm Aluminum-Magnesium ‘M’-shaped dome drivers, delivering detailed and dynamic sound reproduction. The combination of active noise cancellation technology and premium materials like real leather and microfiber creates an immersive listening experience.

Battery life is impressive at over 30 hours with both Bluetooth and noise cancellation active. Users particularly appreciate the multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C, and a traditional 3.5mm jack for versatile listening scenarios.

The Bathys offers two optimized noise-cancelling modes plus a transparency mode for situational awareness when needed. Some users note the headphones have a neutral sound signature that reveals previously unheard details in familiar tracks.

While the premium audio quality is widely praised, potential buyers should consider the weight (12.3 ounces), which some users mention can become noticeable during extended listening sessions.

Bottom Line

The Focal Bathys represents an excellent choice for discerning listeners who prioritize sound quality in wireless headphones.

With exceptional build quality, versatile connectivity options, and impressive noise cancellation, these headphones deliver a premium audio experience.

Ready to elevate your listening? Click here to purchase the Focal Bathys and experience audiophile-grade wireless sound today!

Overview of the Focal Bathys High-Fidelity Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones

Premium audio meets wireless convenience in these sophisticated headphones from Focal. The Bathys represents the French brand’s first venture into wireless headphones with active noise cancellation that doesn’t compromise on sound quality.

Built with aluminum-magnesium ‘M’-shaped dome drivers made in France, the Bathys delivers precise, detailed audio with impressive dynamics. Sound quality remains the standout feature, with many users noting it’s like “lifting a veil on music.”

Battery life exceeds 30 hours with noise cancellation activated, making these ideal for travel or extended listening sessions. The headphones offer multiple connectivity options including Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C, and a traditional 3.5mm jack.

Comfort features include real leather and microfiber headband construction, though some users note they can feel somewhat heavy during very long sessions. Two optimized noise-cancelling modes plus a transparency option provide flexibility for different environments.

The elegant black and gray design continues Focal’s premium aesthetic with thoughtful touches like a backlit logo and fast charging capability that provides 5 hours of listening from just 15 minutes of charging.

Refined Design and Comfort

The Bathys headphones showcase Focal’s commitment to premium design elements that don’t sacrifice comfort for style. The headband combines real leather with microfiber materials, creating a luxurious feel that remains comfortable during extended listening sessions. The earpads are thoughtfully designed to accommodate various head shapes while providing effective sound isolation.

Weighing in with a magnesium yoke for reduced overall weight, these headphones strike an impressive balance between durability and comfort. The aluminum construction ensures they can withstand daily use while maintaining their elegant appearance.

A standout design element is the backlit Focal logo, which adds a subtle yet distinctive visual touch to these high-end headphones. The black and gray color scheme keeps them looking professional and timeless, making them suitable for various settings from office environments to travel.

Impeccable Sound with French Engineering

The audio quality delivered by these headphones demonstrates why French audio engineering has earned its stellar reputation. The Bathys features 40mm Aluminum-Magnesium speaker drivers manufactured in France, producing a remarkably detailed and pure sound signature with impressive dynamic range.

Sound reproduction maintains clarity across frequencies from 15Hz to 22kHz, with particularly outstanding mids and vocals. Many users report that listening through the Bathys feels like “lifting a veil” on familiar music, revealing previously unnoticed details.

While the Bathys excels in sound quality, delivering an expansive soundstage that creates the impression of being in a room surrounded by instruments, it’s worth noting that its active noise cancellation capability, though effective, doesn’t quite match market leaders like Sony. The audio performance, however, remains the standout feature that justifies the premium positioning of these headphones.

Connectivity and Convenience

The Bathys offers exceptional connectivity options that make it a versatile choice for audiophiles on the go. With both Bluetooth 5.1 technology and wired connection capabilities, users can enjoy music their way. The headphones provide multiple connection methods including USB-C, 3.5mm jack, and wireless Bluetooth with a range of 15 meters.

Battery performance is impressive, delivering over 30 hours of playback with both Bluetooth and active noise cancellation enabled. The fast-charging feature adds 5 hours of listening time with just a 15-minute charge, perfect for travelers who need quick power before flights.

The Focal Connect app enhances the experience by allowing customization of sound profiles. Users can run a hearing test through the app to optimize audio specifically for their ears. With its combination of wireless freedom and high-fidelity wired options, the Bathys successfully balances convenience with premium sound quality.

Battery Life and Charging

The impressive battery performance is a standout feature of the Bathys headphones. With up to 30 hours of playback time on a single charge, these cans provide ample listening time for extended use. This long battery life holds true even with active noise cancellation enabled.

Charging is straightforward with a reasonable recharge time that gets you back to listening quickly. The Bathys includes a detachable cable that allows for continued use even when the battery is depleted, which is particularly valuable during long trips or unexpected battery drain situations.

The Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity maintains a stable connection up to 15 meters away from your device while preserving battery efficiency. For users who monitor battery levels closely, the companion app provides helpful status information so you’re never caught off guard by a low battery.

Noise Cancellation and Transparency

The Bathys offers two optimized noise-cancelling modes that effectively shield listeners from environmental distractions. The active noise cancellation technology works impressively in various settings, creating an immersive listening experience without the intrusion of outside noise.

For times when awareness is necessary, the transparency mode allows users to interact with their surroundings without removing the headphones. This feature proves particularly useful in public spaces where situational awareness matters.

Users report that the noise cancellation quality is excellent, though perhaps not quite at the level of industry leaders like Sony or Bose. However, what the Bathys might concede in absolute noise reduction, it more than compensates for with superior sound quality.

The implementation is straightforward with easy switching between modes via the companion app or physical controls. Both modes maintain the headphones’ exceptional sound signature, ensuring the listening experience remains premium regardless of which setting is selected.

Pros and Cons

Let’s evaluate what makes these headphones stand out in the crowded wireless audio market. The Bathys represents Focal’s entry into premium wireless headphones with noise cancellation, bringing their audiophile heritage to portable listening. Here’s a balanced look at what these headphones offer and where they might fall short.

Pros

• Exceptional sound quality with detailed, natural audio reproduction from the French-made 40mm Aluminum-Magnesium drivers
• Versatile connectivity options including Bluetooth, USB-C DAC mode, and traditional 3.5mm jack
• Impressive battery life of over 30 hours with both Bluetooth and noise cancellation active
• Premium build quality with aluminum construction, magnesium yokes, and real leather accents
• Quick charge capability providing 5 hours of listening from just 15 minutes of charging
• Multiple noise cancellation modes including transparency mode for environmental awareness
• Distinctive design elements like the backlit Focal logo

Cons

• Price point is significantly higher than mainstream noise-cancelling competitors
• Weight may become noticeable during extended listening sessions
• Bulkier design compared to some competing portable options
• No folding mechanism for more compact storage when traveling
• Noise cancellation quality doesn’t quite match industry leaders like Sony and Bose
• App functionality is more basic compared to some competitors

Customer Reviews

Users have overwhelmingly praised the Focal Bathys for their exceptional sound quality. With an impressive 4.3-star rating from over 430 reviews, customers consistently mention that listening to these headphones is like “lifting a veil on music.” Many reviewers note that after extensive comparisons with other premium models from Sony, Bose, and Apple, the Bathys deliver superior audio performance.

The headphones receive particular acclaim for their fantastic mids and vocal reproduction. Bass response is described as good but not overwhelming, maintaining a neutral sound signature that audio enthusiasts appreciate. Multiple customers highlight the versatility of connection options, including Bluetooth, DAC mode, and traditional 3.5mm jack compatibility.

Some reviewers note that the Bathys have noticeable weight, which might cause discomfort during extended listening sessions. However, this minor drawback rarely detracts from the overwhelmingly positive feedback about their sound quality and build construction.

Conclusion

After examining the Focal Bathys, it’s clear these headphones deliver exceptional audio quality that justifies their premium positioning in the market. The Bathys excel at creating a transparent, natural sound that many users describe as “lifting a veil” on their music. While the headphones offer impressive noise cancellation and versatile connectivity options (Bluetooth, USB DAC, and 3.5mm), comfort during extended listening sessions may be a concern for some due to their weight.

For audiophiles seeking high-fidelity sound in a wireless package, the Bathys represent one of the best options available, outperforming many competitors in the same price range including Sony, Bose, and Apple offerings. The neutral sound signature and excellent reproduction of vocals and midrange frequencies make these headphones particularly appealing for discerning listeners. Though expensive, the Bathys deliver performance that matches their premium price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Navigating the high-end headphone market can be overwhelming, especially when considering premium noise-cancelling options. Here are answers to the most common questions about the Bathys headphones, helping you make an informed decision before purchasing.

What are the standout features of the Focal Bathys noise cancelling headphones?

The Bathys offer several distinctive features that set them apart in the premium headphone market. Their 40mm Aluminum-Magnesium ‘M’-shaped dome drivers, manufactured in France, deliver exceptional sound quality with precise detail and dynamic range. The elegant design combines refined leather and microfiber materials for premium comfort. Battery performance is impressive at over 30 hours with both Bluetooth and ANC activated. The headphones also feature a unique backlit Focal flame logo and versatile connectivity options including Bluetooth 5.1, 3.5mm jack, and USB-C connections for maximum flexibility.

How does the sound quality of the Focal Bathys compare to other high-end Bluetooth headphones?

The Bathys headphones deliver outstanding audio performance that competes favorably with other premium wireless options. The French-made drivers produce a naturally detailed sound signature with excellent clarity across frequencies (15Hz to 22kHz range). Many users report that the Bathys offer superior midrange performance and vocal reproduction compared to leading competitors like Sony and Bose models. The soundstage is particularly impressive, creating a spacious audio environment that places instruments distinctly within the mix. While they may not have the most aggressive noise cancellation, their sound quality represents Focal’s audiophile heritage translated effectively to the wireless format.

Can the Focal Bathys headphones be considered a good value for their price point?

The Bathys sit in the premium price bracket for wireless headphones, making value assessment highly subjective. For pure audio enthusiasts seeking exceptional sound in a wireless package, they offer strong value despite the high price. The build quality features premium materials including aluminum, leather, and metal construction that promises durability. Their 30-hour battery life adds practical value for frequent travelers. However, buyers primarily seeking the strongest noise cancellation or lightest weight might find better value elsewhere. The Bathys represent a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize sound quality and craftsmanship over having the absolute best ANC performance.

What are the pros and cons of the noise cancellation capabilities of the Focal Bathys?

Pros:

• Two optimized noise-cancelling modes for different environments
• Effective transparency mode when environmental awareness is needed
• Noise cancellation doesn’t significantly compromise sound quality
• App control provides customization options

Cons:

• ANC performance doesn’t match market leaders like Sony or Bose
• Some users report the noise cancellation is more moderate than exceptional
• Limited ability to block certain frequency ranges
• May not provide sufficient isolation in extremely noisy environments

Overall, the noise cancellation is competent but clearly not the primary focus of these headphones, which prioritize audio fidelity above all else.

How does the Focal Bathys model perform in terms of battery life and connectivity?

The Bathys excel in both battery performance and connectivity options. The 30+ hour battery life with ANC and Bluetooth active is competitive with or exceeds most premium rivals. Fast charging capability provides 5 additional hours of listening time with just 15 minutes of charging. For connectivity, the headphones use Bluetooth 5.1 with a range of 15 meters, offering stable wireless performance. The inclusion of both 3.5mm analog and USB-C digital connections ensures compatibility with virtually any audio source. The dedicated app provides additional control options and customization features, though some users might find the app interface less refined than those from larger tech companies.

What are some of the main competitors of the Focal Bathys in the noise cancelling headphone market?

The Bathys compete primarily against other premium wireless noise-cancelling headphones, though with a stronger focus on sound quality. Direct competitors include:

• Sony WH-1000XM5: Offers superior noise cancellation but different sound signature
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Known for class-leading ANC but less audiophile-oriented sound
• Apple AirPods Max: Seamless Apple ecosystem integration with excellent build quality
• Sennheiser Momentum 4: Another audiophile brand’s wireless offering with longer battery life
• Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95: Premium materials and sound at an even higher price point

The Bathys differentiate themselves through their audiophile heritage and focus on sonic performance rather than competing solely on noise cancellation technology or smart features.