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The best-sounding ANC headphones come at a price
At 7.2, its noise cancelling beats 11% of over-ear headphones we've measured.
Measured on 63 of the 239 we've cataloged.
At 3.8, its audio quality beats 34% of over-ear headphones we've measured.
Measured on 47 of the 239 we've cataloged.
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below average for over-ear headphones — based on 157 of 239 we've cataloged.
5.1 appears on 6% of the 150 over-ear headphones we've cataloged (of 239).
Bluetooth is the most common — on 43% of the 246 over-ear headphones we've cataloged (of 239).
above average for over-ear headphones — based on 196 of 239 we've cataloged.
Objective measurements from the SoundGuys test lab — overlay other models to see how this one compares.
Measured frequency response (dB relative) against the SoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve. When the measurement goes above the dashed line, that frequency is louder than our preference curve, and when it goes below: it's quieter. Use the curve for comparison purposes only, as your taste may vary.
| Frequency (Hz) | Response (dB) |
|---|---|
| 20 | 4.2 |
| 25 | 4.7 |
| 32 | 5.0 |
| 40 | 5.0 |
| 50 | 4.8 |
| 63 | 4.3 |
| 80 | 3.5 |
| 100 | 2.6 |
| 125 | 1.8 |
| 160 | 0.8 |
| 200 | 0.4 |
| 250 | 0.5 |
| 315 | 1.3 |
| 400 | 1.8 |
| 500 | 1.7 |
| 630 | 0.9 |
| 800 | -0.9 |
| 1000 | 0.2 |
| 1250 | 3.0 |
| 1600 | 5.5 |
| 2000 | 8.7 |
| 2500 | 9.4 |
| 3150 | 11.1 |
| 4000 | 7.0 |
| 5000 | 5.4 |
| 6300 | 8.7 |
| 8000 | 10.7 |
| 10000 | 9.9 |
| 12500 | 1.2 |
| 16000 | -5.8 |
| 20000 | -14.6 |
Passive isolation (dB) with ANC off — how much ambient noise the fit blocks on its own. Higher on the chart means more attenuation.
| Frequency (Hz) | Attenuation (dB) |
|---|---|
| 21 | -2.6 |
| 26 | -1.0 |
| 33 | -0.5 |
| 41 | -0.1 |
| 52 | -0.3 |
| 65 | -0.1 |
| 82 | -1.4 |
| 103 | -1.4 |
| 130 | -1.7 |
| 163 | -2.1 |
| 205 | -0.7 |
| 259 | 1.8 |
| 325 | 5.3 |
| 410 | 5.0 |
| 516 | 7.0 |
| 613 | 9.8 |
| 772 | 12.1 |
| 972 | 14.8 |
| 1220 | 14.1 |
| 1540 | 16.8 |
| 1940 | 27.9 |
| 2440 | 42.7 |
| 3070 | 37.3 |
| 3870 | 36.5 |
| 4870 | 36.9 |
| 6130 | 22.9 |
| 7720 | 38.9 |
| 9720 | 27.4 |
| 12200 | 22.8 |
| 15400 | 27.5 |
| 19400 | 39.3 |
Total attenuation (dB) with ANC on — passive isolation plus active noise cancelling. Higher on the chart means more attenuation.
| Frequency (Hz) | Total attenuation (dB) |
|---|---|
| 21 | -5.0 |
| 26 | 4.5 |
| 33 | 0.8 |
| 41 | 6.5 |
| 52 | 12.0 |
| 65 | 16.6 |
| 82 | 16.4 |
| 103 | 18.6 |
| 130 | 18.8 |
| 163 | 18.1 |
| 205 | 19.0 |
| 259 | 19.2 |
| 325 | 18.3 |
| 410 | 14.8 |
| 516 | 14.5 |
| 613 | 15.1 |
| 772 | 14.3 |
| 972 | 13.4 |
| 1220 | 10.7 |
| 1540 | 11.8 |
| 1940 | 20.5 |
| 2440 | 26.8 |
| 3070 | 31.4 |
| 3870 | 36.9 |
| 4870 | 38.3 |
| 6130 | 22.2 |
| 7720 | 36.4 |
| 9720 | 26.8 |
| 12200 | 22.9 |
| 15400 | 27.4 |
| 19400 | 37.3 |
Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (1–5), modeled from the measured response. Higher is better across timbre, distortion, and immersiveness — add other models to see where this one lands.
The verdict
The Focal Bathys are one of the best sets of headphones out there, but they're not without their foibles — and at a pretty steep price for most consumers. If you have cash to burn you'll love them, but there are less expensive alternatives out there that are also good.
✓Liked: Sound quality, Connectivity, Comfort, Durability
✕Could be better: Price, Okay ANC, Weight
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Own the Focal Bathys?
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What readers ask about the Focal Bathys, answered by the people who own it.
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Ask the first question →Commentary and deep dives from the SoundGuys editorial team.
Adam BirneyManaging EditorI've reviewed headphones for over a decade: Here are 5 things I wish they did differentlyHeadphone companies: help me help you
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Tom TriggsContributor
2 of 3 would buy again
3 owners · owners report ~40 h per charge vs 40 h claimed
The battery beat their expectations
The noise cancelling beat their expectations
Expected more from comfort
1 of 1 would buy again
1 owner
Nothing surprising about comfort
0 of 1 would buy again
1 owner
The noise cancelling beat their expectations
0 of 1 would buy again
1 owner · 1 photo-verified
Expected more from comfort
0 of 2 would buy again
2 owners · 2 photo-verified
The noise cancelling beat their expectations
The battery beat their expectations
