Compare Marshall Monitor III A.N.C. Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones vs Focal Bathys MG Wireless Headphones

ANC is consistently described as solid to above average and improved versus the prior model, but most sources still place it behind top-tier Bose or Sony performance. You can adjust ANC strength in the app and set how the ANC button cycles modes; the common complaint is the lack of true adaptive ANC that auto-adjusts for you.

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 good for basics (pairing features, LE Audio readiness), but Android users who want aptX or LDAC will find those codecs missing.

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

The Marshall app is generally well-liked for being clean and functional, giving access to firmware, EQ, ANC levels, control customization, and battery-care features.

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 address aptX note it is not supported, which can be a downside for some Android users.

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

Some reviewers flag potential latency for gaming because low-latency Bluetooth codecs are missing; wired USB-C listening is the safer option when sync matters.

Bass hits with satisfying punch and extension for most listeners, but it is not a true bass-cannon and some reviewers want a stronger bass-boost or tighter control.

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 the headline feature: 70 hours with ANC on and up to 100 hours with ANC off is repeatedly highlighted and often backed up by real-world use. The battery is not generally described as user-replaceable; Marshall instead focuses on battery preservation settings to help extend lifespan.

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 stability is generally reliable in daily use, with Bluetooth 5.3 and LE Audio readiness mentioned and few drop-out complaints.

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 rugged and travel-ready with an emphasis on durability and repairability, though a few sources mention minor creaks or quirks.

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 multi-directional control knob and dedicated buttons are widely praised as intuitive, tactile, and easier to use than touch controls.

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

Cable quality and design are serviceable, with included cables for charging and wired use, but some miss the older coiled cable style or find adapters less convenient.

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

The included hard case gets high marks for protection and premium feel (velvet interior, compact footprint), though a few find it thick or bulgy.

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 fast and convenient via USB-C, with common claims of about 12 hours of playback from a short charge and full recharge around a couple of hours.

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

Clamping force is generally light, with multiple reviewers reporting minimal pressure and little to no head squeeze.

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

Codec support is basic for the price: SBC and AAC are the norm, with some mentions of LE Audio/LC3, but there is no mainstream hi-res Bluetooth path.

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 a standout: low weight, plush pads, and pressure-distributing headband design earn frequent praise, with only occasional complaints about heat buildup.

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 classic Marshall amp-inspired with textured finishes and brass/gold accents; it feels premium to fans but can be polarizing for those who prefer modern styling.

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.

Earcup padding is repeatedly described as very plush and supportive, improving seal and comfort, though it can feel warm over extended wear.

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

Multiple reviews mention wide swivel/rotation and folding behavior that helps the headphones sit flat, pack smaller, and fit securely into the compact case.

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.

The 5-band EQ is responsive and helpful for tailoring the signature sound, though it is not as granular as more advanced EQ systems.

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

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.

Adjustment and fit mechanisms are practical, with discrete steps and a comfort strap/headband design that helps distribute pressure and maintain a stable seal.

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

Hinges and structure are often described as bendy and durable, but at least one review notes odd twisting behavior when you turn your head.

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

Included accessories are typically strong for the category: a hard case plus cables for charging and USB-C-to-3.5mm wired listening are commonly noted.

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

Instrument separation is typically above average with clear placement, but layering can compress or get congested as mixes get busier.

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.

Reviews that address LDAC note it is not supported, reinforcing that these prioritize battery life and simplicity over hi-res wireless codecs.

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

At higher volumes, many report clean playback with little obvious distortion, though a few note dynamic compression or a ceiling that flattens crescendos.

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 handling on calls is a relative strength, with several tests showing good wind and background-noise suppression, though a few note it can still struggle in very noisy offices.

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 ranges from clear in quiet environments to merely decent in louder settings; it is generally usable for everyday calls but not always meeting-grade.

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 strong for guitars and vocals, though some note either a slight mid dip (snare/vocals) or occasional mid-forward congestion on busy tracks.

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.

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

Multipoint is widely reported to work well for two devices, though some wish for a device-management list and note occasional confusion when mixing wired and Bluetooth sources.

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

Passive isolation is strong thanks to a very good seal from the pads, helping block higher-frequency noise even before ANC is enabled.

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 excellent: the cups swivel/fold and the headphones collapse into a very compact shape that fits a small travel case.

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 profiles are useful and easy to swap, with bass-boost and other tonal shifts helping different genres, though a few reviewers find boosts could go further.

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

Replaceable earpads are a strong point, with twist-off pads that are easy to remove and swap, supporting long-term maintenance.

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

Wear detection is available for auto play/pause, but experiences vary from fine to slightly slow or occasionally over-sensitive; it can usually be disabled.

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 straightforward and the app layout is easy to navigate, but some reviewers note missing premium conveniences like adaptive ANC behavior or deeper device management.

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, sound is lively and engaging with a clear lean toward rock-focused tuning, but it stays enjoyable for many genres once EQ is applied. Wired listening works via USB-C using the included cable and is often described as clean and low-latency, but convenience varies because there is no built-in 3.5mm jack and some report you may need power for wired use.

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 decent for a closed-back ANC headphone but not the widest; some tracks can feel narrow or cluttered unless you use the Soundstage processing.

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/spatial processing is a fun extra with adjustable room feel, but most agree it is not true immersive spatial audio and can sound synthetic on some tracks.

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.

Several reviews highlight recycled or sustainability-minded materials, positioning these as more eco-considerate than many direct rivals.

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 usable and adjustable, but opinions vary: some find it natural and clear, while others notice hiss and weaker reproduction of deeper voices.

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

Treble is crisp and energetic, yet several reviews mention brightness, sibilance, or fatigue on higher notes unless you tame it with 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 the single physical port for charging and wired audio, which keeps things simple but also means no dedicated 3.5mm jack.

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 through the customizable button and app settings, making it easy to trigger assistants or shortcuts without touching your phone.

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

The headphones get loud without needing extreme volume, with multiple reviewers noting comfortable listening well below 100% volume.

There is no stated water or sweat resistance rating in the reviews, so these are best kept away from rain and workouts.

Weight is consistently called light for the class (around the mid-200g range), contributing strongly to comfort and portability.

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