Compare SonoFlow SE HQ31 Wireless Headphones vs Focal Bathys MG Wireless Headphones

ANC is a real strength for the price. Most reviewers said it handles low-frequency noise very well and beats expectations for a budget model, even if it does not match Bose or Sony flagships. Mode control is flexible. Reviews repeatedly mention easy switching between ANC, transparency, and normal modes through the app or hardware button.

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 looks strong. Reviewers specifically cited the Android app experience and LDAC activation on Android devices as working as expected.

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

The app is feature-rich but divisive. Several reviewers liked the EQ, firmware, and mode controls, while others complained about crashes, lag, ads, and rough translation.

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.

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

Low-latency performance is generally solid. Reviewers who tested gaming or video playback reported little to no obvious lag, though one review found the mode made little audible difference.

Bass is usually described as punchy, warm, and enjoyable. It has enough emphasis for pop, hip-hop, and EDM, but it can also sound a bit overboosted depending on tuning and preset.

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 one of the biggest reasons to buy these headphones. Nearly every review praised the 60 to 90 hour endurance as exceptional for the class.

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 consistently reliable. Reviews noted fast pairing, stable connections, and good range with few complaints about dropouts.

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

Build quality lands above average for the price but not premium. Most reviewers found the plastic shell solid enough, while a few called the frame or hinges wobbly or plainly budget-grade.

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

Hi-res playback support is a plus here. LDAC and high-res audio claims were repeatedly highlighted, though reviewers focused more on wireless playback than any dedicated DAC behavior.

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 work, but they are not especially intuitive. The biggest complaint is the reversed track-skip behavior on the volume rocker, even though button feel itself is usually decent.

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

The included cable is a weak point. Reviews that mentioned it called the USB cable very short and more utilitarian than convenient.

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

Accessory protection is minimal. Multiple reviews specifically noted that no carrying case or pouch is included.

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

Charging performance is very good. USB-C, fast-charge support, and short top-ups that return hours of listening time were all praised.

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

Clamp force is one of the main comfort complaints. Some users liked the secure fit, but several found the pressure too tight for longer sessions.

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

Codec support is excellent for the price. LDAC is widely mentioned, and one review also listed SBC and AAC alongside it.

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.

Long-session comfort is mixed. Some reviewers wore them for hours without issue, while others reported fatigue from clamp, heat buildup, or overall heft.

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.

The design is simple and modern but not especially luxurious. Color options and clean styling help, though several reviews still described the look as plainly budget-oriented.

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

Wired use adds some flexibility, but convenience is limited. Reviews mention USB-C wired mode rather than a normal 3.5mm setup, and the cable situation is not ideal.

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

Padding quality is mostly a plus. Reviewers frequently described the ear pads as soft and pleasant, even when other fit-related comfort issues remained.

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

The earcups rotate or lie flat, which helps both neck comfort and storage. Reviewers who mentioned it saw this as a useful portability feature.

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 a strong feature. The app offers multiple presets and, in several reviews, a custom EQ that makes it easier to tune the sound to taste.

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

Frequency balance is not especially accurate. Reviewers often heard boosted bass, dipped mids, or sharp or rolled-off treble, although a few still found the overall tuning enjoyable.

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.

Headband adjustment appears adequate. Reviews that mentioned sizing said the extenders allow a workable fit for larger heads.

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

Hinge confidence is limited. The only detailed hinge-related comment described the cups and hinge area as too wobbly.

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

The box contents are basic. Most reviews mention only the headphones, a short USB cable, and documentation, with no premium extras.

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

Instrument separation is decent rather than standout. One detailed review noted that the headphones can organize detail well enough to keep recordings coherent and not overly congested.

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 is usable and often better than expected for the price. Call performance ranges from merely okay in quieter spaces to impressively clear in stronger reviews.

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 support is one of the model’s biggest spec advantages. It is repeatedly cited as a rare feature at this price.

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

Maximum loudness is not a strength. The few reviews that addressed it described limited headroom or some distortion concerns rather than effortless clarity at high volume.

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 for calls is mixed but often effective. Some reviewers praised the dual-mic ENC for cutting traffic and wind, while others said voices could still sound distant in noise.

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 better than expected overall. The strongest reviews praised clear, loud voice pickup, but a few others found performance only acceptable in quiet environments.

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 clarity is uneven. Vocals can sound forward and engaging, yet several reviewers also heard recessed or coarse mids depending on tuning and preset.

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 appears strong. One review specifically praised smooth switching between iOS, macOS, and Android devices.

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

Multipoint works well when used. Reviewers who tested dual-device pairing generally described switching as fast and seamless.

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

Passive isolation is respectable but not perfect. The seal is good enough for everyday use, though fit and cup size can limit isolation for some listeners.

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 a plus. Several reviews highlighted folding or flat-laying earcups that make the headphones easier to carry around.

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.

The preset EQs are mostly useful. Reviewers liked having many options, though some felt only a subset of the presets were genuinely worthwhile.

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

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

Sensor extras are very limited. One review explicitly noted the lack of wear detection or similar smart convenience features.

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.

The matte finish appears to resist fingerprints well. Smudge resistance was only mentioned once, but it was a positive note.

Setup and software experience depend heavily on the reviewer. Some found pairing and app navigation easy, while others ran into buggy behavior and needed restarts.

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

Overall sound quality is good for the money, not for purists. Most reviewers found the tuning enjoyable and competitive at the price, but several also wanted more refinement and realism.

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 better than expected for a cheap ANC headphone, especially with spatial audio on. Still, some reviewers found it only average or even narrow.

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.

Spatial audio is a pleasant bonus rather than a headline feature. Most reviews found it adds width or fullness, but it is not treated as a true premium immersive implementation.

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

Fit stability is acceptable but not perfect. A secure clamp helps for normal use, though one review noted slipping during gym bench work.

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.

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

Transparency mode is a standout feature. Many reviewers said it sounds unusually natural and useful for conversations, outdoor awareness, and quick check-ins with the environment.

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

Treble performance is mixed. Some reviews heard decent clarity, while others called the top end rolled off, sharp, or less refined than competitors.

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 support is a clear convenience win. It is consistently mentioned for charging, and several reviews also tie it to wired operation.

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

Voice assistant support is solid where tested. Siri and Google Assistant were reported to respond accurately through the hardware controls.

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

Volume output is merely adequate. Reviews that mentioned loudness either wanted more headroom or said the headphones can get reasonably loud, but it is not a standout strength.

Weight comfort is mixed. Some reviewers found them light enough for long wear, while others noticed the mass quickly and preferred lighter alternatives.

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