Compare Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Focal Bathys MG Wireless Headphones

Noise cancelation is consistently described as top-tier and often best-in-class, with Gen 2 seen as a small refinement (more precise, fewer quirks); some outlets still give Sony a slight edge in ultimate silence. Most reviews highlight easy ANC control through modes or a slider (often 1–10) and note Gen 2 can fully disable ANC, which improves flexibility and battery options.

ANC is good to very good and clearly improved over the original, but the consensus is that Sony and Bose still cancel more noise overall, especially in the mids. The three-mode ANC system gives useful control with Silent, Soft, and Transparency options, even though there is no true ANC-off mode.

Android support is repeatedly described as strong, with easy pairing and the best codec features (aptX family) available on compatible Snapdragon phones.

Android support is straightforward, with repeated references to Android compatibility in specs, pairing, and app support.

The companion app is generally stable and straightforward for modes, ANC, immersive audio, and device management, but many reviewers describe it as basic compared with feature-rich competitors.

The Focal & Naim app is useful for basics like ANC, EQ, personalization, lighting, and battery view, but several reviewers find it limited or occasionally glitchy.

Reviews that discuss codecs call out aptX Adaptive and related options (including lossless/low-latency variants on compatible Snapdragon devices) as a meaningful plus for Android users.

aptX support is a clear plus and is repeatedly listed as part of the headphone's strong everyday wireless feature set.

USB-C wired audio is noted to reduce Bluetooth latency by tens of milliseconds, which can improve lip-sync for video compared with wireless use.

Bass is widely praised as deeper, punchier, and more controlled than the prior model, though a couple reviewers still describe it as warm or occasionally one-note depending on genre and settings.

Bass is generally praised for depth, slam, texture, and control, though several reviewers note the default tuning can run a little warm, boomy, or heavy before EQ.

Battery life is commonly reported around 27–30 hours with ANC on, which is competitive but not class-leading; immersive/spatial modes reduce runtime, and some sources note longer life with ANC off.

Battery life is solid rather than class-leading, with the commonly cited 30-hour Bluetooth figure generally holding up well in real use. Battery replacement appears possible through Focal service rather than as a user-swappable design, offering some serviceability without true end-user replaceability.

Bluetooth performance is often described as quick to connect and stable in daily use, but a minority report occasional connection quirks or issues.

Bluetooth performance is usually stable with fast pairing and dependable everyday use, but a few reports mention quirks rather than flawless behavior.

Build quality is generally seen as durable enough for daily travel, but the heavy use of plastic and occasional rattly feel reduce the perceived premium value at this price.

Build quality is one of the strongest consensus positives, with premium materials, excellent finishing, and solid construction throughout.

The built-in DAC and hi-res USB playback are among the headphone's clearest differentiators, and many reviewers treat DAC mode as a headline feature.

Physical buttons are serviceable but frequently criticized for doing too many functions (pairing/power, multi-press combos) and offering limited customization.

Physical controls are a strength, with tactile buttons and switches that are generally easier to trust than touch panels.

Several reviewers mention the 2.5mm analog input as less common than 3.5mm, but the included cable and USB-C option make it easy to stay connected when needed.

The included cables are generally described as acceptable to durable, even if they are not luxurious extras.

The included case is widely appreciated for being sturdy and compact, though some reviewers find the folding orientation awkward or wish the case design were quicker to open/close.

The carry case is repeatedly praised as protective, slim, and premium, even if a few users still find it bulky in a bag.

Charging is typically described as convenient, with quick-charge figures around 15 minutes for a few hours of playback and full charge around a few hours; USB-C also enables charging while listening.

Fast charging is a practical plus, with the widely repeated 15-minute top-up for roughly five hours of playback.

Clamping force is usually described as gentle and fatigue-free, but a few reviewers find the fit on the snug side (great for seal) or potentially too loose for smaller heads during movement.

Clamp is generally better judged than on the original Bathys, feeling secure without being overly oppressive for most listeners.

Codec support is described as modern and well-rounded for 2025-era ANC headphones, with standard codecs plus aptX Adaptive family and multiple wired options; performance depends on your source device support.

Codec support is serviceable rather than cutting-edge: aptX and aptX Adaptive are welcome, but multiple reviews call out the lack of broader premium codec coverage.

Comfort is a core strength: many reviewers call it class-leading for long sessions thanks to light weight, plush pads, and an easy seal, with only occasional notes about heat buildup or fit preferences.

Long-session comfort is one of the Bathys MG's most consistent wins, with many reviewers praising fatigue-free wear over flights, workdays, or extended listening.

Design is largely unchanged from the previous generation, with updated glossy accents and more color options; reactions range from stylishly understated to a bit boring or too fingerprint-prone.

Design is a major selling point, with the chestnut finish, leather, metal accents, and illuminated logo giving the Bathys MG a clearly luxurious identity.

The included 3.5mm and USB-C wired options add real convenience for travel, desk use, and higher-quality listening beyond Bluetooth.

At least one reviewer notes there is no dedicated low-latency wireless dongle, limiting plug-and-play latency solutions for gaming compared with some rivals.

Earpads are typically described as soft, deep, and comfortable, though some users note ears can touch the inner padding or that the surface may not feel ultra-premium to the touch.

Softer, more supple pads are a meaningful upgrade, improving comfort, seal, and overall premium feel.

The yoke/rotation design allows the cups to lay flat, but at least one review notes the rotation range is limited in one direction.

The cups offer enough articulation to sit comfortably and fold flat, but the headphone is not especially compact and does not fold into a tighter travel shape.

EQ control is repeatedly called out as limited (a simple 3-band slider), good for small tweaks but not ideal for listeners who want granular tuning.

EQ is helpful and usable, but the five-band structure is repeatedly described as limited compared with fuller parametric options.

Tonality can be shaped into a more balanced response with CustomTune and light EQ, but out of the box many characterize it as a V-shaped or slightly dark consumer tuning rather than strictly neutral.

Reviewers consistently describe the tonal balance as natural, balanced, or close to reference in the better presets, with cleaner frequency relationships than the original Bathys.

The headband and slider system is easy to adjust and feels premium, helping users dial in fit without fuss.

Where mentioned, the metal headband/hinge structure is viewed as reassuring, even though much of the exterior uses plastic to save weight.

The yokes and hinge-related hardware are widely described as sturdy, well finished, and built to last.

Accessories are typically described as solid for the category, with a sturdy case plus USB-C and analog cables included for flexible connections.

The included bundle is straightforward but useful, typically covering the hard case plus 3.5mm and USB-C cables.

Instrument separation is rated good-to-excellent, with most reviewers finding layering and placement strong; a few note busy mixes can still blur slightly.

Instrument separation is frequently singled out as excellent, with strong channel separation, precise placement, and the ability to keep dense mixes organized.

The built-in mic setup is a practical part of the package, handling calls, assistants, and ANC duties without standing out as a weak point.

LDAC is a notable omission and one of the most commonly cited feature complaints at this price.

At louder playback levels the Bathys MG generally stays composed and detailed, but some reviewers still hear treble edge on bright material, so max-volume behavior is good rather than perfect.

Noise reduction on calls is usually effective, keeping background sounds lower while preserving speech, though some tests still let intermittent noise bleed through or add a slightly processed character.

The microphone array does a respectable job suppressing background noise and keeping speech intelligible, though wind and harsher noise are not fully erased.

Call quality is generally good for a premium ANC headphone, with most reviewers saying voices stay intelligible in noisy places; a few describe it as merely fine, compressed, or not exceptional.

Call quality is generally solid, with voices coming through clearly and naturally even if the very best Sony-style call performance is still a step ahead.

Midrange is generally clear with solid vocal presence, but some reviews note slightly recessed or less biting mids (especially for guitars/rock) compared with top competitors.

Midrange performance is a major strength, delivering clear, rich, weighty instruments and improved vocal/instrument resolution over the original, even if a few reviewers wanted vocals pushed further forward.

Cross-platform use is a common strength, with reviewers noting smooth switching between phones and computers across iOS and Android ecosystems.

The Bathys MG works broadly across phones, computers, tablets, and wired sources, making it easy to use across mixed-device setups.

Multipoint is widely praised as seamless for two devices with smooth switching; a couple edge cases (e.g., juggling TV/phone or certain setups) can be finicky.

Multipoint is supported and often works well, though several reviewers mention occasional switching quirks that keep it from feeling completely polished.

Passive isolation benefits from a good seal and deep cups, but a few reviewers note the foam is not the thickest; overall, it helps the ANC work even better on commutes.

Passive isolation benefits from the over-ear seal and softer pads, though seal sensitivity with glasses is noted by at least one reviewer and total isolation still leans on ANC.

Portability is strong for a flagship ANC headphone: the frame folds and articulates well, keeping the carry footprint compact for travel.

Portability is decent for a premium over-ear: the headphone folds flat and the revised case is slimmer, but it still is not a truly compact travel design.

Preset EQ or mode profiles exist and can help (e.g., bass-reducing or treble-boosting options), but many reviewers find the presets and overall EQ ecosystem underwhelming.

Preset profiles, especially Dynamic, are viewed positively and can materially improve tonal balance depending on listener taste.

Replaceable earpads are highlighted as a practical perk for long-term ownership, cleaning, and swapping for third-party pad options.

Replaceable earpads are explicitly mentioned and add welcome long-term serviceability.

Sensors and automation (on-head detection, auto pause, low-power modes) are often praised for making the headphones feel effortless day to day.

Convenience sensors are sparse, with at least one reviewer specifically calling out the lack of wear detection.

Sidetone adjustment is present in the app, but it is not explored deeply enough in reviews to suggest anything beyond basic usefulness.

Glossy accents look more premium to some, but multiple reviewers mention they pick up fingerprints and dust more easily than matte finishes.

Setup is generally described as simple, with fast pairing and reliable auto-connect behaviors that reduce daily friction.

Setup is usually straightforward, but the app and feature set are not always as polished or flexible as the best consumer-audio ecosystems.

Across reviews, the sound is described as enjoyable and travel-friendly, with a consumer-leaning tuning and strong bass; several reviewers say it improves on Gen 1, but a few still find it only fine or a bit dark versus audiophile-leaning rivals. Wired playback (especially over USB-C) is frequently described as clearer or more detailed than Bluetooth, with the bonus of charging-while-listening; analog wired is also supported for older sources.

Across the file, the Bathys MG is repeatedly described as one of the best-sounding wireless headphones available, with standout refinement, detail, dynamics, and realism. Wired listening is a real strength, especially in USB-DAC mode, with reviewers repeatedly hearing cleaner, higher-resolution playback than over standard Bluetooth.

Soundstage is repeatedly called wide and open for a closed-back ANC headphone, helping music and movies feel less claustrophobic.

For a closed-back wireless design, the Bathys MG earns unusually strong soundstage marks, with convincing width, layering, and better spatial openness than most ANC rivals.

Immersive/spatial features (including cinema mode) get mixed reactions: some love cinema for clearer dialogue and a bigger movie feel, while others dislike the processing and prefer stereo for music.

Spatial audio is absent, and several reviewers explicitly note that Focal prioritized core sound over that feature.

Fit stability is good for desk work, commuting, and light movement, but several reviewers caution it is not ideal for more dynamic workouts due to the lack of an IP rating and comfort-first clamping.

Fit stability is mostly good for seated use and commuting, but a few comments suggest movement-related thumping or shifting during more active use.

The packaging and material story show some environmental consideration, including recycled or FSC-style materials in the box and presentation.

The touch volume control is divisive: some find it responsive and sleek, while others call it imprecise or too easy to trigger large volume changes, especially without tactile feedback.

There are no touch controls here, so anyone wanting swipe gestures or tap controls will not find them.

Transparency mode is commonly rated among the best and natural-sounding, though several reviewers mention a faint hiss/white noise or slightly reduced openness versus the very best implementations.

Transparency mode is considered effective and natural enough for conversations and situational awareness without removing the headphones.

Treble is typically smooth and cleaner than Gen 1, avoiding harshness; however, multiple reviewers wish for more sparkle or micro-detail and often add treble via EQ.

Treble is mostly clear, smooth, and detailed, but a few reviewers hear some edge or heat up top, especially on bright recordings or at louder levels.

USB-C is a key Gen 2 upgrade, enabling digital audio input (often described as lossless/hi-res) in addition to charging, and allowing simultaneous charge-and-listen use cases.

USB-C is central to the product experience, handling charging and the high-value DAC mode for higher-resolution wired playback.

Voice assistant access is supported via shortcuts or touch-and-hold actions in the app, making it easy to trigger assistants without pulling out your phone.

Voice assistant access is built in and works as expected through the dedicated button and supported platforms.

Volume output is generally ample, and at least one reviewer reports slightly higher output when using USB-C wired audio.

Multiple reviews emphasize there is no official water or sweat rating, making these a poor choice for rain, heavy workouts, or sweaty gym sessions.

Weight is repeatedly highlighted as a major comfort advantage versus heavier rivals, making it easier to wear for travel and workdays.

At about 350g the Bathys MG is not especially light, but most reviewers still find the weight well managed and comfortable in practice.