Focal Bathys Wireless Headphones Review
The Focal Bathys wireless headphones combine Focal’s high-end audio approach with the convenience of Bluetooth, active noise cancellation, and USB-DAC connectivity. They are designed for listeners who want detailed sound at home or on the go, without sacrificing the flexibility of wireless listening.
The build is classic Focal but has more of a consumer touch, with some plastic elements, a light-up logo on the side, and an overall lightweight construction. There are buttons for active noise cancelling, transparency mode, volume, media controls, and different input options. You get a 3.5 mm wired connection and a USB-C connection that can be used for charging or as a USB-DAC, where you connect the headphones to a computer and use the internal DAC. Bluetooth is also available.
The ear cups are spacious, with large drivers inside. The pads seal well and there is a medium clamp force. There is also decent padding on top, while the clicky adjustment mechanism makes storage easier. The headphones swivel and lay flat, and they come with a carrying case that is relatively thin and takes about the same footprint as the headphones when they are laying flat. This makes the case practical to carry while traveling.
What Are the Pros of Focal Bathys Wireless Headphones?
- Comfortable headphones for long listening sessions
- Very good noise isolation and active noise cancellation
- Detailed and dynamic sound
- USB-DAC mode for high-resolution audio
- Bluetooth multipoint connectivity
- Good battery life
- Fold-flat ear cups and a carrying case make traveling easier
What Are the Cons of Focal Bathys Wireless Headphones?
- The soundstage is not particularly wide
- The microphone cannot be used for calls through the analog 3.5 mm connection
- The headphones are relatively expensive compared with many mainstream wireless models
The ANC is good but does not match the strongest noise-cancelling headphones available
Key Specifications
- 40 mm aluminum/magnesium drivers
- Frequency response: 15 Hz–22 kHz, with less than 0.2% harmonic distortion at 1 kHz
- Bluetooth 5.1 with multipoint connectivity; codecs: AAC, SBC, aptX, and aptX Adaptive
- USB-DAC mode over USB-C for up to 24-bit/192 kHz audio
- Battery life: up to 30 hours (Bluetooth), 35 hours (3.5 mm jack), 42 hours (USB-DAC mode)
- Fast charging: 15 minutes provides up to 5 hours of listening; full charge takes about 1.5 hours
- Three ANC modes: Silent, Soft, and Transparent
- Weight: 350 grams
- Connections: Bluetooth, USB-C (charging and USB-DAC), 3.5 mm wired
- Finishes: Deep Black and Dune
Features
Sound Quality and Performance
The Focal Bathys has active noise cancelling and transparency mode, making it a full-featured Bluetooth headphone that is a real departure from what Focal has made in the past. The transparency mode is average for a noise-cancelling headphone, while the ANC does a good job of reducing surrounding noise. It is not at the same level as Bose’s strongest ANC models, but the Bathys makes up for that with its sound quality.
Subjectively, the Bathys easily outclasses many other high-end Bluetooth headphones. One of Focal’s strengths with this headphone is its tendency toward dynamics, impact, punch, and an overall speaker-like presentation.
The soundstage is closed-back, so it is not going to be particularly wide or expansive. If you are a fan of dynamic sound, the Bathys does this well, much like other Focal headphones. Imaging is also good. It gives you a more defined presentation than some headphones with a less precise image, although it does not create the same type of spatial presentation you can get from products such as the AirPods Pro.
The Bathys supports several Bluetooth codecs, including AAC, SBC, aptX, and aptX Adaptive. For the highest-resolution connection, the USB-C DAC mode can provide audio up to 24-bit/192 kHz.
Build Quality
The build quality of these headphones is appreciable. The headband has a soft padded structure that is nicely stuffed and also reinforced with metal. The ear cups are dressed with leather and padded on the upper part of the headphone.
The Bathys is less expensive than some alternative Focal headphones, such as the Focal Clear Mg and Focal Celestee, partly because of its more flexible ear cup casing. Focal also uses its familiar headband design. Each ear cup has a mesh vent, while the Focal centerpiece lights up when the headphones are being used in DAC mode.
The current Bathys weighs 350 grams and uses 40 mm aluminum/magnesium drivers. Focal lists a frequency response of 15 Hz–22 kHz and less than 0.2% harmonic distortion at 1 kHz.
Comfort
The Focal Bathys is comfortable. It has soft padding that feels good against the skin, and you can wear the headphones for extended periods without experiencing a large amount of fatigue. They clamp firmly on your head, although people who wear glasses may notice additional pressure.
The ear cups are spacious and provide enough room for the ears, which also helps during longer listening sessions.
Style
The Focal Bathys has a design that is similar to other Focal headphones. It has aluminum ear cups with a disc-shaped centerpiece and the Focal trademark in the center. The logo is illuminated when using the DAC function, although the light can also be adjusted or switched off through the Focal & Naim app.
The original Bathys is available in Deep Black and Dune finishes, giving it a more refined appearance without making the design too flashy.
Portability
The portability of the Focal Bathys is standard for a full-size over-ear headphone. The headphones arrive with a carrying case, which makes them easier to pack in a bag or travel bag. The ear cups can turn to a flat position for storage, although they cannot fold into a much smaller shape.
They can also be worn around your neck without much difficulty when you are not listening.
Stability
The stability of these over-ear headphones is good for casual listening. They will not move around much when you are simply listening to music. During more active movement, however, their over-ear design is not as secure as sports-focused earbuds or headphones with ear hooks.
Sound Profile
The sound profile of the Focal Bathys is well-balanced and enjoyable. Vocals and instruments are clear, while the overall sound has good detail and presence. The treble is relatively smooth, although some listeners may find it less prominent than the lower frequencies.
You can modify the sound to your liking using the graphic EQ, presets, and sound personalization features in the Focal & Naim app. The headphones can also be connected through USB-DAC mode, Bluetooth, or analog input.
There is a noticeable difference in sound when using the USB-DAC connection compared with Bluetooth or analog connections. The USB-DAC mode reduces compression and supports up to 24-bit/192 kHz audio.
Noise Isolation
The noise-cancelling system is active, and the noise isolation is very good on the Focal Bathys. The ANC helps reduce low-frequency background noise and the high-frequency sound of things such as computer fans.
The Bathys has three ANC modes: Silent, Soft, and Transparent. Silent provides stronger noise reduction for louder environments, Soft provides lighter noise reduction, and Transparent allows more environmental sound through.
ANC can also be used while the headphones are connected through USB-DAC mode. Focal states that the headphones can provide around 30 hours of battery life in Bluetooth mode, 35 hours through the jack connection, and up to 42 hours in USB-DAC mode.
There can be a perceptible noise level when ANC is active. This may not bother most users, but it could irritate listeners who are sensitive to background hiss.
Recording Quality
The microphone recording quality through Bluetooth is sufficiently good for calls. Your voice is understandable, although it may sound somewhat faint or processed in certain situations.
There are limitations when using the 3.5 mm analog connection because the microphones are not active in Jack mode. Focal also states that calls are supported over Bluetooth, while USB-DAC call functionality depends on the connected device.
Battery Performance
The battery performance of the Focal Bathys is very good. Focal rates the headphones for up to 30 hours of Bluetooth listening, 35 hours through the 3.5 mm jack, and 42 hours in USB-DAC mode. A full charge takes about 1.5 hours, and fast charging provides up to 5 hours of additional listening from 15 minutes of charging.
The battery is required when using the 3.5 mm connection because the Bathys uses active amplification. This means the analog connection cannot be used when the battery is completely dead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Focal Bathys good for everyday listening?
Yes. The Bathys combines comfortable over-ear construction, Bluetooth connectivity, ANC, and a detailed sound profile, making it suitable for everyday music listening, travel, and extended listening sessions.
Can Focal Bathys be used with a USB-C cable?
Yes. The USB-C connection can be used as a USB-DAC, allowing the headphones to receive digital audio directly from a compatible device. The USB-DAC mode supports resolutions up to 24-bit/192 kHz.
How long does the Focal Bathys battery last?
The Bathys is rated for 30 hours in Bluetooth mode, 35 hours with the 3.5 mm jack, and 42 hours in USB-DAC mode.
Does the Focal Bathys have active noise cancellation?
Yes. It has three ANC modes: Silent, Soft, and Transparent. Silent provides the strongest noise reduction, while Transparent lets you hear more of your surroundings without removing the headphones.
Can you use the Focal Bathys with a dead battery?
No. The battery is required even when using the 3.5 mm analog connection because the Bathys uses active amplification.
Does the Focal Bathys support multipoint Bluetooth?
Yes. The original Bathys supports Bluetooth multipoint, allowing it to maintain connections with compatible devices and switch between them more conveniently. Focal lists Bluetooth 5.1 Multipoint for the original Bathys.
Is Focal Bathys good for travel?
Yes. Its ANC, comfortable ear cups, fold-flat design, carrying case, and long battery life make it well suited to travel. The carrying case is also relatively compact for a full-size over-ear headphone.
Conclusion
The Focal Bathys brings Focal’s focus on dynamic, detailed sound into a wireless headphone with active noise cancellation and USB-DAC connectivity. Its comfortable construction, strong battery life, multiple connection options, and good noise isolation make it a practical choice for both home listening and travel.
Its soundstage is not particularly wide, and the microphone has limitations when using the analog connection. However, the Bathys stands out through its sound quality, USB-DAC mode, comfort, and overall feature set. For listeners who want a high-end wireless headphone without giving up the option of a direct high-resolution connection, the Focal Bathys remains a strong choice.