Reviewers noted that the AirPods Max 2 lack a built-in 3.5mm analog input, so analog listening requires separate cable handling rather than a native jack.
Across lab-style and real-world reviews, ANC is one of the strongest upgrades. Most reviewers heard better suppression of drones, traffic, office noise, and transit noise, though one review found the improvement more incremental.
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.
The H2 chip brings a fuller feature set, including Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, Live Translation, Personalized Volume, and related AirPods Pro-style software tools.
The design remains visually premium and distinct, with clean Apple styling, a recognizable silhouette, and a look that several reviewers still considered elegant or attractive.
Reviewers generally found the ANC background very quiet, with little hiss or distracting processing noise, though some midrange sounds could still leak through in difficult environments.
ANC was often described as natural or comfortable rather than oppressive, though one review noted that Adaptive Audio can shift the perceived level unexpectedly.
The reviewed ANC usually improved listening by reducing outside distractions without making music sound worse; some reviews tied better clarity to the reduced noise floor.
Android support is basic. Reviewers said Android users can listen over Bluetooth or USB-C, but lose most of the setup, adjustment, and ecosystem features.
Android support is straightforward, with repeated references to Android compatibility in specs, pairing, and app support.
There is no standalone companion app. Reviewers described Apple’s OS-level settings integration as convenient for Apple users but limiting outside Apple devices.
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 H2 chip is the central upgrade. Reviewers consistently connected it to better ANC, improved transparency, voice features, smart listening tools, and reliability improvements.
Reviews explicitly identify no aptX support for AirPods Max 2, making aptX a weakness compared with some rivals.
aptX support is a clear plus and is repeatedly listed as part of the headphone's strong everyday wireless feature set.
Latency improved through Bluetooth 5.3, Game Mode, and wired USB-C use. Reviewers found it useful for video, casual gaming, and editing, though not a dedicated gaming-headset replacement.
Wear and auto behavior are present through sensors and settings, but reviewers mentioned them mostly as part of the familiar AirPods Max feature set rather than a standout upgrade.
Auto power behavior remains mixed: the Smart Case triggers low-power mode and preserves charge, but reviewers repeatedly criticized the lack of a physical off button.
Two editorial reviews explicitly awarded Editors’ Choice recognition, reinforcing the product’s premium-category standing despite practical caveats.
Bass drew mixed but generally positive notes: several reviewers praised deeper, tighter, more controlled bass, while others found the tuning bass-heavy or slightly boomy.
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 was the clearest repeated weakness. Reviewers consistently cited 20 hours with ANC as usable but behind competitors and unchanged from earlier models.
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 solid, with Bluetooth 5.3, quick pairing, and stable playback reported in reviews, especially inside the Apple ecosystem.
Bluetooth performance is usually stable with fast pairing and dependable everyday use, but a few reports mention quirks rather than flawless behavior.
Bluetooth 5.3 is an upgrade over the original model’s Bluetooth 5.0, but reviewers noted it is not the newest Bluetooth generation.
Build quality remains a strength. Reviewers praised the aluminum earcups, stainless steel structure, precise parts, and premium materials.
Build quality is one of the strongest consensus positives, with premium materials, excellent finishing, and solid construction throughout.
Wired USB-C lossless playback up to 24-bit/48kHz is widely supported in the reviews and often described as a useful sound-quality and latency benefit.
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 highlight. Reviewers repeatedly praised the Digital Crown and mode button for tactile, simple, reliable operation.
Physical controls are a strength, with tactile buttons and switches that are generally easier to trust than touch panels.
The included USB-C cable was noted, including braided USB-C-to-USB-C packaging, but accessories overall remained limited for the price.
The included cables are generally described as acceptable to durable, even if they are not luxurious extras.
The Smart Case was widely criticized. Reviewers said it offers limited protection, is not travel-friendly, and leaves the headband or canopy exposed.
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 acceptable, with reviewers noting the five-minute quick-charge claim for about 1.5 hours of listening and USB-C charging convenience.
Fast charging is a practical plus, with the widely repeated 15-minute top-up for roughly five hours of playback.
Clamping comfort is mixed. Some reviewers found the clamp gentle or nicely judged, while others found the force strong during long sessions.
Clamp is generally better judged than on the original Bathys, feeling secure without being overly oppressive for most listeners.
Codec support is limited. Reviews repeatedly noted AAC/SBC only, no LDAC or aptX, and no hi-res Bluetooth codec 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 depends heavily on fit tolerance. The earcups and canopy can feel comfortable, but weight and clamp make long sessions harder for some reviewers.
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.
Connectivity is strong for Apple users through seamless pairing, automatic switching, Bluetooth, and USB-C wired listening, but less flexible for non-Apple users.
The external design remains largely unchanged and premium, which pleased reviewers who liked the original look but disappointed those wanting a redesign.
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 USB-C cable can be plugged in for wired lossless listening, but reviewers did not describe a traditional detachable analog cable system.
The included 3.5mm and USB-C wired options add real convenience for travel, desk use, and higher-quality listening beyond Bluetooth.
Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking and Dolby Atmos support was described as immersive and especially useful for movies or Apple TV-style listening.
Durability evidence was mixed: premium metal parts were praised, but long-term canopy concerns and exposed case protection kept confidence from being perfect.
Ear cushions were generally praised for roominess, breathable material, support, and replaceability.
Softer, more supple pads are a meaningful upgrade, improving comfort, seal, and overall premium feel.
Swiveling earcups and pivoting fit were mentioned positively as helping the headphones conform to the head.
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.
Ecosystem integration is one of the strongest reasons to buy. Reviewers repeatedly praised seamless Apple pairing, automatic device switching, native settings, and Apple-device optimization.
EQ customization is a consistent weakness. Reviewers noted no true custom EQ, only Apple’s limited presets or accessibility-style tuning options.
EQ is helpful and usable, but the five-band structure is repeatedly described as limited compared with fuller parametric options.
The feature set is much more current because of H2, but several reviewers said the launch still felt more like modernization than a full second-generation overhaul.
Firmware/software updates were cited as meaningful for USB-C lossless, latency, spatiality, and ANC improvements, though this evidence came mainly from one review.
Frequency balance was polarizing: some called it neutral or accurate, while others heard bass emphasis, rolled-off treble, or V-shaped tuning.
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 telescoping or adjustable headband arms were described as sturdy, premium, and easy to adjust.
The headband and slider system is easy to adjust and feels premium, helping users dial in fit without fuss.
Headband comfort is split. The canopy can distribute weight well, but at least one reviewer found the mesh insufficient for the headphone’s weight.
Head gestures are supported through Siri interactions, letting users nod or shake to answer prompts; reviewers generally found the feature functional but not essential.
Hinges, arms, and metal hardware were praised for precision and premium construction.
The yokes and hinge-related hardware are widely described as sturdy, well finished, and built to last.
Immersive audio was a strength in subjective listening, especially when reviews discussed spatial audio, depth, width, and movie listening.
Included accessories are sparse for a $549 product: reviewers noted the USB-C cable, papers, Smart Case, and lack of a charging brick or stronger case.
The included bundle is straightforward but useful, typically covering the hard case plus 3.5mm and USB-C cables.
Instrument separation improved slightly or clearly depending on the reviewer, with repeated praise for more space between instruments and layers.
Instrument separation is frequently singled out as excellent, with strong channel separation, precise placement, and the ability to keep dense mixes organized.
The integrated microphone array is substantial and frequently tied to call quality, voice isolation, recording, and ANC.
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.
Reviews explicitly identify no LDAC support for AirPods Max 2, so LDAC performance is unsupported rather than merely untested.
LDAC is a notable omission and one of the most commonly cited feature complaints at this price.
Reviews explicitly noted missing Bluetooth LE and LC3 support, so LE Audio readiness is weak based on the supplied evidence.
Maximum-volume clarity appears improved, with reviewers noting less muddiness, cleaner highs, or lower distortion at louder playback.
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.
Microphone noise reduction improved through Voice Isolation, though results varied by environment and whether the feature was active.
The microphone array does a respectable job suppressing background noise and keeping speech intelligible, though wind and harsher noise are not fully erased.
Call and microphone quality are generally strong, with several reviewers reporting clear calls or improved mic performance, though some heard occasional unevenness or fuzz.
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 generally good, especially for vocals, though some measurements-based criticism noted upper-vocal recession.
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.
Multi-platform use is possible through Bluetooth and USB-C, but reviews frame the product as much stronger for Apple users than for Android or Windows users.
The Bathys MG works broadly across phones, computers, tablets, and wired sources, making it easy to use across mixed-device setups.
Multipoint-style reliability is excellent inside Apple’s ecosystem through automatic switching, though reviewers noted true feature access is Apple-limited.
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 the large earcups and seal, supporting ANC performance, though the physical isolation profile did not radically change.
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.
Most reviews recommended the AirPods Max 2 for Apple-focused buyers who can accept the price, weight, case, and battery compromises.
Portability is poor for the class because the headphones do not fold and the case is not very protective or compact.
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.
Premium feel remains a standout, with reviewers praising metal materials, luxury presentation, and the physical feel versus plastic competitors.
Preset tuning exists through Apple’s preset EQ curves or balance/vocal/brightness options, but reviewers considered it limited compared with Sony or Bose apps.
Preset profiles, especially Dynamic, are viewed positively and can materially improve tonal balance depending on listener taste.
Replaceable magnetic ear cushions are a practical plus; reviewers noted they snap off, can be replaced, and in some cases can be washed.
Replaceable earpads are explicitly mentioned and add welcome long-term serviceability.
Pads are replaceable, but reviewers did not provide strong evidence that the headband/canopy is similarly user-replaceable.
Sensor evidence was limited but present through optical wear detection and H2-enabled computational 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.
Smart listening features are a major H2 benefit. Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Personalized Volume, and Loud Sound Reduction were commonly described as useful.
Setup is extremely simple on Apple devices, with near-instant pairing, native settings, and automatic account-based connection.
Setup is usually straightforward, but the app and feature set are not always as polished or flexible as the best consumer-audio ecosystems.
Sound quality is widely praised, with reviewers calling it cleaner, more detailed, wider, and more refined than before, though not always a major leap.
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 and spatial width were commonly praised, with reviewers noting depth, width, openness, and stronger spatial presentation.
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 remains a strong Apple feature, especially with dynamic head tracking and Apple Music or Dolby Atmos material.
Spatial audio is absent, and several reviewers explicitly note that Focal prioritized core sound over that feature.
Connection stability improved or stayed strong, with reviewers reporting faster switching, fewer dropouts, and smoother transitions.
Fit stability is mostly good for seated use and commuting, but a few comments suggest movement-related thumping or shifting during more active use.
Streaming integration centers on Apple Music, lossless playback, and spatial audio catalogs; some reviewers also tested Spotify or YouTube with less platform-specific benefit.
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 one of the most consistently praised features, often described as natural, class-leading, or like not wearing headphones.
Transparency mode is considered effective and natural enough for conversations and situational awareness without removing the headphones.
Travel friendliness is mixed to poor: ANC is useful for flights and commuting, but weight, non-folding design, and the case hurt travel use.
Treble is mostly clear and detailed, but reviewers split on whether it is crisp, rolled off, or occasionally sharp.
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 now central for charging and wired lossless playback, and multiple reviewers welcomed it over Lightning.
USB-C is central to the product experience, handling charging and the high-value DAC mode for higher-resolution wired playback.
Value is conditional. Reviewers found the price easier to justify for Apple users, but many pointed to cheaper or better-sounding alternatives.
Siri integration improves through H2, hands-free interactions, and head gestures, but it is mainly valuable inside Apple’s ecosystem.
Voice assistant access is built in and works as expected through the dedicated button and supported platforms.
Voice feedback is tied to Siri prompts and announcements, including nod/shake responses, but reviews did not treat it as a major buying reason.
Volume handling is praised mainly through the Digital Crown and improved high-volume cleanliness, not through unusually high output claims.
Water and sweat resistance remain absent. Reviews repeatedly noted no IP rating and warned against gym or wet use.
Wear detection is present through optical sensors and auto behavior settings, but reviewers did not emphasize major performance changes.
Wear detection performance evidence is limited to mentions of sensors and automatic wear settings rather than detailed testing.
Weight comfort is one of the biggest tradeoffs. The headphones feel premium but heavy, and several reviewers said long sessions reveal the 385-386g mass.
At about 350g the Bathys MG is not especially light, but most reviewers still find the weight well managed and comfortable in practice.
Wind handling evidence mainly comes from call and microphone tests, where voice isolation and mic processing helped but did not eliminate all artifacts.