Compare Apple AirPods Max vs Focal Bathys MG Wireless Headphones

Regularly placed in the top tier, especially for commuting and office noise; some comparisons say Sony or Bose may edge it for constant aircraft rumble. Controls mainly toggle ANC and Transparency, with limited granular level control compared with rivals; configuration is easiest on iOS.

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.

They pair to Android, but reviews emphasize missing smart features and less compelling value outside Apple's ecosystem.

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

No standalone app; controls live in iOS settings, which is seamless for Apple users but limited for others.

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.

Explicitly called out as unsupported in some reviews, limiting hi-res options on many Android devices.

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

Bluetooth latency is typical for wireless cans, but multiple reviews highlight wired and USB-C paths plus newer updates as improving low-latency editing and sync.

Generally punchy and controlled with good sub-bass presence; some note it is not the bassiest option and can feel less impressive than certain rivals.

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.

Most sources cite roughly 20-hour class battery life, which is acceptable but behind 30–60 hour competitors.

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.

Connectivity is typically solid, but a few reports mention occasional glitches or routing quirks; wired use removes Bluetooth latency concerns.

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

Metal build and overall fit-and-finish are repeatedly described as luxurious and durable, albeit contributing to weight.

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.

The Digital Crown and dedicated mode button are repeatedly described as intuitive and among the best control schemes.

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

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

The Smart Case is widely criticized for minimal protection and odd design, with many recommending third-party cases.

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 straightforward, with quick-charge notes in some reviews; however, the sleep-mode and lack of a true off switch can complicate power management.

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

Fit is usually secure, but at least one long-term review flags clamp pressure as the main comfort downside.

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

Limited to AAC and SBC in the reviews, which is fine on iOS but restrictive for hi-res and many Android use cases.

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.

Many find them comfortable thanks to deep pads and a weight-distributing headband, but extended sessions can be affected by heat, clamp, or headband aging.

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.

Premium, distinctive Apple styling and materials are consistently praised, though some dislike the bulk and the case.

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.

Ear cushions are generally praised as plush and breathable, with some preferring leather-style pads for warmth and feel.

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

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.

Lack of a full user EQ is a recurring complaint; Adaptive EQ and a few iOS presets exist but do not replace a real EQ.

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

Find My support is noted as useful for locating the headphones, with power-saving behavior affecting tracking over time.

Impressions suggest an overall agreeable tuning, but not strictly reference-flat; fit and Adaptive EQ can shift the response.

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.

Telescoping arms and the mesh canopy are described as smooth and effective, though long-term elasticity concerns appear in some anecdotes.

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

Hinges and mechanisms are described as solid and premium, with a durable feel versus many plastic competitors.

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.

Commonly rated strong and easy to place elements, but one audiophile review notes separation can blur in busy passages.

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.

Also noted as unsupported, so Android users cannot take advantage of LDAC sources.

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.

Wind and background-noise handling is generally strong in major reviews, though results can vary by source device and environment.

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

Call performance ranges from good to just okay depending on device, with several noting clear voice pickup overall.

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.

Frequently praised for vocal-forward, detailed mids; some listeners hear a slightly recessed or hazy mid presentation compared with more reference-tuned headphones.

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.

Works across platforms as basic Bluetooth headphones, but the feature set is strongest on Apple devices and limited elsewhere.

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

Not true multipoint in the typical sense, but Apple-device switching is repeatedly praised; non-Apple switching can require manual steps.

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 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.

They do not fold, and the included case is slim but not protective, making travel packing less convenient than foldable rivals.

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

Magnetic, user-replaceable ear cushions are praised for cleaning and longevity, though replacements cost extra.

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

Wear-detection and other sensors enable auto-pause and head-tracking behaviors, but several features are iOS-dependent.

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.

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 crisp, balanced, and spacious, with especially strong performance on Apple devices; a few audiophile-leaning takes call it consumer-tuned and not the last word in detail. Wired listening can improve fidelity and reduce latency, but may require extra cables or adapters depending on model and source.

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.

Most reviewers hear a notably wide, open stage for a closed-back ANC headphone, enhanced further by Spatial Audio; a few call it only average by high-end standards.

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 with head tracking is regularly called a highlight for movies and supported music, though preferences vary and some leave it off for stereo purity.

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

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.

Consistently singled out as best-in-class for natural, conversational awareness, with features like Conversation Boost mentioned.

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

Often described as clear and crisp without harshness, though a minority report uneven treble or extra sizzle depending on firmware and fit.

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.

Later refreshes add USB-C, viewed as more future-proof and enabling certain wired use cases, though some are disappointed it came without a broader hardware update.

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 built in and works as expected through the dedicated button and supported platforms.

No meaningful water or sweat rating is emphasized, and condensation or moisture inside cups is mentioned, so they are not ideal for wet workouts.

Nearly all reviewers mention the heft; comfort is good for the weight, but it is still heavier than key rivals.

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