Summary and Rating: Focal Bathys vs AirPods Max
Pros – Focal Bathys
- Audiophile-level sound in ANC cans
- Dynamic punch that transmits the emotion of music
- Very comfortable
- Premium build quality
Pros – AirPods Max
- Good overall tuning for ANC cans, excellent bass articulation
- Respond well to EQ adjustments
- Great design of the headphones themselves
- Very comfortable
- Excellent connectivity and swapping for Apple devices
Cons – Focal Bathys
- Okay noise cancelling
- Cheap, short included cables
Cons – AirPods Max
- Treble is a bit too zingy out of the box, needs EQ adjustment
- Pricey
- Battery life of 20 hours is low compared to competitors
- Design problems with the case and no power button
Bottom Line
Both are great, but we just love the Bathys.
Introducing the Focal Bathys and the AirPods Max
Diving headfirst into the competitive arena of active noise-cancelling (ANC) Bluetooth headphones, French audio gurus, Focal, with the Focal Bathys (complete review) are challenging the market dominance of the widely popular Apple AirPods Max.
Often avoided by audiophile purists due to perceived compromises in sound quality, this terrain is unfamiliar for a company like Focal, known for their high-end speakers and headphones. The question arises: Can they deliver audiophile-grade sound with ANC headphones without muddying their reputation?
On the flip side, the AirPods Max have already carved out a sizable fan base, thanks to their top-notch sound quality and impressive noise cancellation. But are they the only worthy player on the ANC field? In our review, we put these two contenders side by side, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, to guide you in your quest for the best ANC headphones.
Who are these Headphones for?
The Focal Bathys are for anyone in search of quality Bluetooth, noise-cancelling headphones with exceptional sound. With premium build quality and a focus on sound, these cans are targeting audiophiles who are fed up with mediocre cans on their daily commute.
The AirPods Max are over-ear headphones for everyone in search of quality noise-canceling headphones with good sound, especially users invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Built for the modern urban grind, these headphones come packed with all the hardware and features expected in high-end headphones: ANC (active noise canceling), Bluetooth, adjustable settings via your phone, an ambient mode for environmental awareness, and hands-free controls for taking phone calls.
For Apple users, they provide smooth connectivity with Apple devices, featuring capabilities like automatic device switching, Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, and hands-free Siri access.
For other AirPods Max matchups see the following:
Who are these Headphones NOT for?
Focal Bathys
Although the detail resolution and overall sound of the Focal Bathys is exceptional, these are not recommended for critical listening.
For critical listening, we would recommend open-back headphones with a more neutral frequency response like the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro or the Sennheiser HD 600. See here for more info on headphones for critical listening.
AirPods Max
The AirPods Max are not recommended for critical listening. They are tuned to appeal to the average consumer and have a frequency response tailored for enjoyment, not monitoring.
For audiophiles in search of quality ANC cans, we recommend the Focal Bathys. (See here for our complete review of the Focal Bathys) Or, if you’re into home theater and have a Sonos soundbar, the Sonos Ace (full review) are worth a look.
Check out our gear category page for more on headphones and audio gear.
Alternatives to these Headphones
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sound: Focal Bathys vs AirPods Max
Frequency Response Diagram Focal Bathys
Frequency Response Diagram AirPods Max
Measured on a MiniDSP EARS rig. Connected with Bluetooth, ANC on, average.
Winner: Focal Bathys
First Impressions
The Focal Bathys and the AirPods Max both offer enjoyable listening experiences. The Bathys stand out with their dynamic punch, detail resolution, and non-fatiguing tuning, reminiscent of the Focal Celestee. In contrast, the AirPods Max require some EQ adjustment for optimal performance.
Highs
The Bathys deliver detail resolution in the highs without causing ear fatigue. The AirPods Max offer a high-frequency range that can feel slightly sharp, requiring a 4 dB reduction in the 8–20 kHz range for smoother listening.
Midrange
In the midrange, the Bathys excel with forward mids that make music climaxes exciting, while the AirPods Max require a 3–5 dB boost between 2–6 kHz to bring the mids into better balance with the bass.
Bass
The Bathys offer punchy bass with fast transient response, done right without overpowering bloat. The AirPods Max also provide powerful yet controlled bass and sub-bass clarity.
Dynamics
The Bathys outperform the competition with their dynamic punch, a quality lacking in the AirPods Max. This dynamic aspect enhances the emotional quality of music, making the Bathys a top choice for those seeking dynamic range in ANC headphones.
Soundstage
The Bathys and the AirPods Max both offer generous soundstages for closed-back headphones. While the Bathys’ experience is like listening to quality speakers in a large vocal booth, the AirPods Max provide precise instrument separation and clear imaging.
Sound Summary
Although the AirPods Max offer impressive sound for ANC headphones, they don’t give you the love that the Bathys deliver. Dynamic excitement is the separator. Therefore, the Focal Bathys are our top choice in this comparison.
Specs Compared
Focal Bathys
- Driver – dynamic, 40 mm aluminum-magnesium M-shaped dome
- Frequency Range – 15Hz – 22kHz
- Cable – 3.5mm minijack, USB-C (charging)
- Weight – 350 g
- Impedance – Not specified
- IP Rating – Not specified
- Battery Life – 30 hours (with ANC)
- Bluetooth Version – 5.1
- Codecs Supported – SBC, AAC, AptX, AptX Adaptive
AirPods Max
- Driver – dynamic
- Frequency Range – 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Cable – Post 2024 Models: USB-C (charging). Pre-2024 Models – Lightning to USB-C (charging)
- Weight – 385 g
- Impedance – Not specified
- IP Rating – Not specified
- Battery Life – 20 hours (with ANC)
- Bluetooth Version – 5
- Codecs Supported – AAC and SBC
Build / Comfort
Winner: Focal Bathys
The Focal Bathys and AirPods Max both exhibit a premium design. The Focal Bathys sport magnesium yokes, a leather headband, and signature Focal aluminum grilles. They are lightweight and ideal for travel, with a black plastic around the earcups to keep weight minimal. However, this plastic slightly diminishes the overall premium feel.
The AirPods Max, on the other hand, stand out with an elegant single piece of anodized aluminum for each earcup and a stainless steel and cushy mesh headband.
Both headphones boast comfort. The Bathys have an even weight distribution and weigh 350 grams. They have plush, comfy earpads and an initially tight clamp force that eases with use. The AirPods Max, which weigh slightly more at 384 grams, also feel like slippers on your head, and their intuitive control dial on the right earcup provides a satisfying touch.
The Bathys come with a carry case, USB-C, and standard mini-jack cables all 1.2 meters long. However, the cable quality and length are a bit disappointing.
The AirPods Max, while having impressive cans, loses points for the design of their case which can be best described as a joke. The case exposes the delicate mesh headband and offers minimal protection.
Finally, the Bathys have 40mm aluminum/magnesium m-dome drivers, modeled after the Focal Celestee drivers, with less than 0.2% harmonic distortion (@ 1 kHz). This superior sound quality, combined with the overall comfort and design, make the Focal Bathys the winner here.
Connectivity
Winner: Draw
On the connectivity front, it’s a draw
The AirPods Max, have quick connection with IOS devices and provide seamless switching between Apple devices. But, they have been reported to have issues when used with Android devices.
The Bathys win the Bluetooth battle as they sport Bluetooth 5.1 and support AptX codecs for higher-quality while the AirPods Max are stuck on 5.0 with no support for high-quality codecs.
The control features on the Bathys headphones and the AirPods Max differ quite a bit. The Bathys headphones have a power button on the right earcup, switching between on, off, and DAC modes, and three buttons for volume and play/pause controls.
I find this design more intuitive than the press-and-hold power button design, like those on the Sony WH-1000XM5. But, the Bathys headphones lack an automatic play/pause feature when removed or worn, unlike some competitors.
We prefer the intuitive control dial on the AirPods Max. The dial controls include: click to play/pause, turn for volume, double-click track forward, triple-click skip back, and hold down for Siri. (By default the AirPods Max always listen for the Hey Siri command)
Noise canceling
Winner: AirPods Max
When it comes to active noise cancellation (ANC), the AirPods Max and Sony WH-1000XM5 outshine the Focal Bathys in performance. However, the Bathys isn’t too far behind; its eight dedicated microphones can sufficiently mute low-end city noise and high frequencies. The only shortfall is in the midrange, around 1 kHz, where outside voices can still penetrate.
The AirPods Max and Sony XM5 (see review) have a clear advantage with midrange cancellation. The AirPods Max, in particular, are highly effective at reducing noise in the bass and lower-midrange (100 Hz – 1 kHz) spectrum, even outperforming the Sony WH-1000XM5. Nearby conversation volume and consistent city hum are nearly imperceptible with the AirPods Max, and they also impressively dampen high-frequency sounds such as consonants and glasses clinking (more on AirPods noise canceling performance).
Despite its shortcomings, the Focal Bathys does have its merits. It offers a ‘soft’ ANC mode, providing a less intense noise reduction experience, perfect for users who find traditional noise canceling too overpowering. Like other models, it also includes a ‘transparency’ mode, allowing ambient sounds to pass through.
Battery Life
Battery Life of Popular ANC Headphones Compared
Winner: Focal Bathys
When it comes to battery life, the Focal Bathys headphones come out on top. They can provide a solid 30 hours of playtime with both Bluetooth and ANC turned on, outlasting the AirPods Max, which max out at 20 hours under the same conditions. This significant difference could be a deciding factor for those looking for a long-lasting listening experience.
Both headphones offer unique charging features. The Focal Bathys stand out with their rapid-charge capability, giving users 5 hours of listening time from just a 15-minute charge—ideal for busy individuals.
On the other hand, the AirPods Max require a lengthier 2 hours to reach full charge, which may not be as convenient for on-the-go use.
However, the AirPods Max have a design issue worth noting. They lack a power button and only enter low power mode when stored in their Smart Case.
If you’re not diligent about using the case, battery drain could become a problem. In contrast, the Focal Bathys don’t share this problem, bolstering their position as the superior option in terms of battery performance.
Calls
For our call tests, we tested in normal and windy conditions.
Winner: AirPods Max
When it comes to call functions, both the Focal Bathys and AirPods Max have their strengths. The Bathys are quite straightforward to use and offer very good audio quality in normal, indoor conditions. However, they falter in windy conditions, with calls becoming barely understandable. On the other hand, the AirPods Max stand out as some of the best performers among the ANC headphones we tested. They also struggle in windy conditions, which seems to be a common issue among ANC headphones, but still manage to be somewhat intelligible.
Focal Bathys
AirPods Max
Final thoughts:
Overall Winner: Focal Bathys
The AirPods Max and the Focal Bathys both offer exceptional sound quality and noise-cancellation technology, but they cater to different audiences.
If you’re an audiophile seeking to balance the joy of dynamic drivers with the challenges of Bluetooth and noise-cancelling tech, the Focal Bathys should be your top pick. This successful pair of ANC headphones is a considerable investment, but it’s well worth it for those who prioritize sound above all else.
The AirPods Max shine with their seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem, offering features like spatial audio and customizable settings.
Their elegant design, excellent stock tuning, and impressive noise cancelling make them a high-quality choice, especially for frequent flyers or those who value noise-cancellation most. However, given the premium Apple charges, the Focal Bathys or the Sony WH-1000XM5 are worth considering.
FAQ
Can I use the Focal Bathys in wired mode, and how do I activate USB-DAC mode?
Yes, the Focal Bathys can be used in wired mode. To activate USB-DAC mode, connect the included USB-C cable from the headphones to your device, then adjust the power switch to the DAC setting. This enables high-resolution audio playback of up to 24-bit/192kHz.
Can I use the Focal Bathys while playing video games?
Yes, you can use the Focal Bathys while gaming. For optimal performance and to reduce latency, it’s recommended to connect the headphones in USB-DAC mode by attaching the included USB-C cable to your gaming device.
Can I use the AirPods Max with non-Apple devices?
Yes, the AirPods Max can pair with non-Apple devices through Bluetooth. However, some functions, such as Spatial Audio and automatic device switching, are available only when used with Apple products.
Can I use the AirPods Max in wired mode?
Yes, for models released before 2024, you can connect the AirPods Max in wired mode using a Lightning to 3.5 mm Audio Cable, which is sold separately. For models released after 2024, you can use a USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable for wired connectivity.
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