Compare Focal Bathys MG Wireless Headphones vs Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless Headphones

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.

ANC effectiveness is mixed across sources: some call it very good and close to leaders, while others measure it as clearly behind top Bose and Sony options, especially for tougher noise scenarios. ANC adjustability is widely praised thanks to sliders, adaptive behavior, and app-driven profiles and zones that let you tune isolation versus awareness.

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

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.

The Smart Control app is widely viewed as feature-rich with EQ and zone-based behavior, but some reviewers dislike setup friction, pop-ups, or account requirements for certain features.

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

aptX support is a notable plus cited by several reviews, helping Android users with more consistent performance compared to AAC in many setups.

Audio-video sync is generally reported as strong for video watching, with latency management helped by codec selection in some advice-focused reviews.

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.

Bass is commonly described as elevated and impactful without constant bleed, but several reviewers note it can be a bit much stock and may benefit from EQ to reduce boom or flab in some tracks.

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.

Battery life is the most consistent standout: multiple sources cite roughly 50 to 60 hours or more with ANC depending on test methods and usage.

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

Bluetooth stability is generally solid with modern connectivity, though real-world reliability can still depend on device ecosystem and nearby previously paired devices.

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

Build quality is typically seen as solid but more plastic-heavy and less premium-feeling than metal-rich rivals; durability is considered fine with reasonable care.

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

The single physical power and pairing control is sometimes criticized as finicky or confusing compared to simpler button-driven systems.

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

One review criticizes the included analog cable as thin and less confidence-inspiring for travel wear and tear.

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

The carry case is usually praised as protective with storage for cables, but a few reviews call it larger than ideal for pack-light travel.

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

Charging is generally strong, with quick-charge claims and reasonable full-charge times; experiences vary slightly by power source and usage.

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

Clamp force is often described as moderate and comfortable, but the lighter clamp can trade off with stability during movement-heavy activities.

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.

Codec support is strong for mainstream and Android use, including multiple aptX options and AAC, but it is not positioned around newer lossless Bluetooth standards.

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.

Comfort is frequently described as excellent, including long sessions and glasses-friendly padding, though a few users report headband pressure or fit quirks during extreme-length wear.

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

Design is commonly described as minimalist and understated; some like the clean look while others miss the more distinctive style of earlier Momentum models.

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

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

Earpads are commonly described as soft and comfortable, contributing to long-wear comfort; the softer seal may slightly reduce isolation for some.

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.

Earcup rotation is praised in at least one review as smooth and helpful for fit, with cups lying flat for storage and neck rest.

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

EQ customization is a meaningful strength across reviews, commonly used to tame bass, refine mids, or personalize the overall signature without major distortion issues.

Find My style tracking is described as lacking compared to Apple ecosystem features in at least one review.

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.

Measurements and listening impressions generally align on a well-tuned response for broad appeal, with small deviations (notably bass lift) that can be refined via EQ.

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

Fit and adjustability are generally straightforward, though users are advised not to over-tighten because pressure points can develop.

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

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

Accessories are generally generous, commonly including a case, charging cable, analog cable, and an airplane adapter, though one review notes a missing adapter compared to the prior generation.

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

Instrument separation and imaging are commonly rated as strong for the category, with clear placement and good stereo definition, though not always a large leap over prior models.

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.

LDAC is not supported and is repeatedly mentioned as the key wireless hi-res omission for enthusiasts.

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.

Even when pushed loud, multiple reviews note the sound stays clean, but the practical ceiling can feel lower than expected compared to peers.

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

Noise rejection for calls is a frequent criticism, with several reviews noting background sounds can intrude; wind reduction features can help in some cases.

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.

Call quality trends average-to-good in quiet rooms, but multiple tests report reduced clarity and competitiveness when background noise is present.

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.

Midrange is generally clear, but some reviews call it less rich than Momentum 3 or slightly recessed depending on tuning, with vocals still remaining clean and present for most listeners.

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

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

Multipoint is supported and often convenient, but at least one lab test reports occasional glitches when other known devices are nearby, even though switching can be quick once connected.

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.

Passive isolation is a recurring weak point in several lab-style reviews, sometimes attributed to a softer seal; others find it adequate in real travel use.

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.

Portability is good but not best-in-class: cups lie flat and cases can be compact versus some rivals, yet the design does not fully fold into the headband in some reports.

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

Preset modes and guided personalization features are generally useful and can improve tonality for specific tastes, though some presets may limit manual slider control.

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

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

Wear sensors and auto pause features are frequently mentioned as useful quality-of-life additions, though auto power behaviors can be inconsistent for some users.

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

Sidetone is praised in at least one review for making calls feel more natural by letting you hear your own voice more clearly.

Surface smudging is mentioned as manageable: oils can show with regular handling but a quick wipe restores a clean look.

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

Setup and daily control are generally easy once configured, but a few reviewers report initial friction in the app experience or connection steps.

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.

Sound quality is a consistent highlight: most reviews describe an engaging, detailed presentation that competes strongly at the price, often with a fun, slightly bass-forward tilt and strong clarity after light EQ if desired. Wired audio can sound tighter and more stable than Bluetooth in some reports, but at least one review warns wired listening can degrade significantly if the headphones are not powered on.

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.

Soundstage is usually described as wide enough for an immersive feel, but depth can be limited and some tests describe the stage as more inside-the-cups than truly expansive.

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

Spatial audio support is not a core strength in these reviews, with some calling it limited or weaker than ecosystem-driven alternatives.

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

Fit stability can be a weakness during vigorous movement due to moderate clamping, with at least one test noting issues beyond walking.

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

Sustainability gets a small nod through minimalist, paper-forward packaging in at least one review, though it is not a dominant theme.

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

Touch controls are often described as intuitive and capable, but several reviews mention sensitivity, accidental triggers, or occasional glitches requiring app toggles.

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

Transparency is adjustable and generally usable, but opinions vary: some like the control and naturalness, while others find it less crisp or overly amplified in busy spaces.

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.

Treble is frequently praised for detail and shimmer, though a few reviewers mention occasional brightness, fatigue, or a sharper peak that may bother treble-sensitive listeners.

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

USB-C is a key advantage: reviews highlight charging convenience and USB-C audio as a rare, practical feature for wired listening.

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

Volume output is sometimes reported as lower than competing flagships, leading some users to run near the top of the volume range.

Water resistance is effectively absent in practice: at least one review notes no IP rating and recommends avoiding rain.

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

Weight is typically reported around the 290g range and perceived as manageable, though not the lightest in class and still a factor for ultra-long sessions for some users.