Compare Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 Headphones vs Focal Bathys MG Wireless Headphones

Review evidence treats the included analog cable option as a practical premium accessory for wired use, not just a box-checking extra.

The 3.5mm analog input is valued as a rare, useful wired option in a premium wireless headphone.

Reviewers broadly find ANC improved and often very good, though several still place Sony, Bose, or AirPods Max ahead in specific noise scenarios.

ANC is judged useful and improved, but not class-leading; reviewers say it reduces buses, traffic and office noise while still letting some voices or mids through.

Advanced software is intentionally restrained: reviewers appreciate the fundamentals but note fewer rich extras than Sony, Bose, or Sennheiser-style rivals.

Advanced software features are a limitation because the app and EQ are simpler than richer rival ecosystems.

The slimmer, more discreet profile is repeatedly praised for looking less bulky while preserving Bowers & Wilkins' premium identity.

The profile is not very discreet for everyone; one review explicitly says the styling may be too flashy.

A couple of reviewers report a mild pressurized or adjusting sensation with ANC, making the background behavior good but not perfectly invisible.

ANC background noise is a positive in the scored review because revised microphones are said to reduce unwanted hiss.

Tom's Guide specifically praises the ANC for making little to no audible change to the sonic character.

ANC mode changes are praised for preserving the sound signature, with multiple reviewers saying the sound remains stable across Silent, Soft and Transparency.

Tom's Guide describes ANC's impact on the audio itself as minimal, a positive contrast to algorithms that alter the sound.

ANC has little to no negative effect on audio in several reviews, which praise the stable tuning and absence of sonic changes between modes.

The app is generally seen as clean, useful, and easy to use, though not especially full-featured compared with richer competitors.

The app receives mixed marks: some reviewers find it solid or useful, while others describe it as limited, brief, glitchy or dependent on personalization.

aptX support is treated as a meaningful high-quality and future-looking benefit, especially for non-iOS listeners with compatible devices.

aptX support is treated positively in one review because it works well alongside multipoint, but it does not erase broader codec complaints.

Auracast is discussed as an upcoming capability, but reviewer enthusiasm is cautious rather than proven by hands-on performance.

Auracast support is a weakness because one review explicitly notes that the Bathys MG goes without it despite cheaper rivals adopting newer wireless features.

Tom's Guide's audio award recognition reinforces the product's strong overall standing in its price class.

Bass is usually praised for control, depth, slam, and texture, though a few reviewers find it elevated or less sub-bass-heavy than some rivals.

Bass is broadly praised for depth, control, impact and texture, though several reviewers note that default tuning can sound boomy, swollen or resonant before EQ or depending on music.

Battery life is considered solid and sufficient at around 30 hours, but reviewers do not treat it as class-leading.

Battery life is polarizing: many reviewers find 30-plus hours practical or impressive, but others call it disappointing for the premium price.

Bluetooth performance is generally praised for reliable pairing and flexible transmission quality, with one reviewer noting rare hiccups.

Bluetooth performance is generally solid with fast pairing and good aptX Adaptive performance, but reviewers criticize the version and feature set for not being cutting-edge.

Bluetooth version is a weakness at this price, with reviewers noting that 5.2 is improved but not the latest standard.

Build quality is a major strength, with repeated praise for premium materials, finish, and construction.

Build quality is consistently praised, with reviewers calling the construction premium, flawless, sturdy and made from high-quality materials.

The built-in DAC and hi-res USB playback are appreciated, though one reviewer hears little improvement over strong wireless codecs.

The built-in DAC and hi-res playback mode are among the most praised features, repeatedly described as excellent, useful and a major reason to consider the headphones.

Physical controls are widely liked for being tactile, reliable, and easier than touch panels, despite some limitations in available shortcuts.

Physical controls are preferred over touch by one reviewer, but another notes the small buttons can be difficult to locate by feel.

Cable quality is viewed positively when reviewers mention the included cables, though one reviewer wishes for longer cables.

Cable quality is mixed: some reviewers call the included cables acceptable or durable, while another says they are basic and lack premium extras.

The hard case is consistently praised as sturdy, premium, protective, and well finished.

The carrying case is mostly praised as protective, slim and practical, though one reviewer finds it less premium than some competitors’ cases.

Fast charging earns strong praise, especially the short top-up that adds several hours of playback.

Charging is well received because quick charging reliably adds several hours of playback in about 15 minutes and one reviewer calls charging very fast.

Clamp is the main comfort caveat: some reviewers find it secure or well judged, while others feel pressure or tightness.

Clamping force is generally comfortable and improved versus the original Bathys, with reviewers describing less pressure and a secure but not punishing fit.

Codec support is viewed as ample and premium, with aptX Lossless and high-resolution options standing out.

Codec support is viewed as adequate rather than premium; aptX Adaptive helps, but reviewers repeatedly criticize the lack of broader high-end codec support.

Comfort is mostly strong across long sessions, helped by padding and fit, though clamp, heat, or glasses pressure appear in some reviews.

Comfort is a strong point, with reviewers repeatedly reporting long-session wearability, softer pads and better weight distribution despite the headphone’s size.

Connectivity options are considered flexible, especially USB-C and wired modes, but dead-battery wired listening is a noted limitation.

Connectivity options are a major strength, with reviewers praising the combination of Bluetooth, USB-DAC and wired listening flexibility.

Design earns strong consensus for being elegant, understated, attractive, and premium-looking.

Design earns strong praise for its chestnut/bronze luxury look, premium styling and distinctive Focal identity, though one review says the look may be too flashy.

Durability impressions are positive, with reviewers citing sturdy construction, durable materials and design choices that feel built to last.

Ear cup padding is praised in one review as plush, while another says the cushions feel less supportive than previous B&W models.

Earpad quality is praised for softness, compliance and plushness, though the more compliant pads may let some larger ears brush the inner baffle.

The swivel and rotation range earns praise from one reviewer who specifically likes the inward and outward twisting motion.

Earpad or cup movement noise is a drawback in one review, which reports a soft thumping sound while running.

Ecosystem integration is a useful extra for owners of other supported Bowers & Wilkins devices.

The 5-band EQ is widely welcomed as a big upgrade, though some reviewers still find it limited versus deeper EQ systems.

EQ customization is helpful but limited; reviewers like the usable bands and bass adjustment, while several wish for deeper or parametric control.

Launch features are good but incomplete, with some promised functions missing at release.

The firmware roadmap is seen as encouraging because reviewers expect missing features to help the headphones catch up.

TechRadar praises the frequency balance for avoiding obvious overstatement or understatement across the range.

Frequency response is praised for smoothness and coherence, especially in Dynamic mode, though default tuning can add coloration in the lower mids and treble.

Headband adjustment earns praise for smooth, well-damped movement and resistance.

Headband padding is usually praised, but one reviewer notes slight top-of-head pressure.

Headband padding is viewed positively in the one scored review, which links the revised foam to better comfort.

SoundGuys' measurements and commentary point to unusually strong immersiveness for spatially oriented content.

Immersive audio quality is praised in the scored review, which describes an expansive, three-dimensional presentation.

Included accessories are described as practical and premium, especially the case and both USB-C and analog cables.

Included accessories are basic: one reviewer notes the lack of flight adapters, mic cable or special extras.

Instrument separation is one of the most consistent audio strengths, with reviewers praising clarity, layering, and imaging.

Reviewers praise instrument separation, imaging and placement, often saying the Bathys MG reveals layers, positions instruments clearly and keeps complex mixes organized.

The integrated microphones are judged positively by at least one reviewer for everyday conversation use.

The integrated microphones are considered effective enough for calls in the scored review, though call quality is not treated as a headline feature.

LDAC absence is treated as a drawback by reviewers who prefer that more common high-res Android codec.

LDAC is a repeated missing feature, with reviewers saying it should have been included at this price even if not everyone thinks it would transform sound quality.

LE Audio readiness is treated as an upcoming feature, but the reviewer expresses limited excitement before hands-on results.

LE Audio readiness is weak because reviewers specifically call out the absence of Bluetooth LE, LC3 or related newer wireless standards.

Audio46 praises the louder output for staying clean without distortion.

One reviewer warns that very loud playback or sharp recordings can expose the treble response, limiting clarity at big volumes.

Microphone noise reduction is generally good, reducing background noise, but some road noise or muffling remains.

Microphone noise reduction is serviceable and sometimes praised for reducing disruption or hiss, but wind and high-pitched noise still leak through in one review.

Call microphone quality is mostly good to excellent, though a few reviewers find it less clear than Apple or Sony.

Call quality is considered good to very good, with voices remaining clear in typical environments, though not always as noise-free as top call-focused rivals.

Midrange impressions are mixed: several praise natural vocals and body, while RecordingNow finds stock mids recessed.

The midrange is a major strength in most reviews, with vocals, guitars, piano and instruments described as clearer, more powerful and more nuanced than on the original model; one reviewer found vocals somewhat suppressed.

Multi-platform compatibility is a strength in the scored review because the headphones are described as working across virtually every listening situation.

Multipoint is a standout when mentioned, with reviewers praising fast and seamless switching.

Multipoint is appreciated when it works, but reviewer experience is mixed: some describe seamless switching while others report quirks when moving back to a phone.

Passive isolation benefits from an easy seal and contributes meaningfully to noise reduction.

Overall recommendations are strongly positive, especially for buyers prioritizing sound, build, and style over absolute ANC dominance.

Overall recommendations are strongly positive for buyers prioritizing sound, comfort and luxury, while reviewers still caution about price and feature gaps.

Portability is mixed: the case and lay-flat design help, but the headphones do not fully fold and can take more bag space.

Portability is limited by the fold-flat-only design, even though some reviewers find the case slimmer or easier to pack than expected.

Reviewers describe the headphones as premium-feeling and worth their price visually and physically.

Premium feel is a major strength, with reviewers describing the product as looking and feeling premium, luxurious and more refined.

The TrueSound-style preset is described as giving the headphones a dynamic signature without requiring much user adjustment.

Preset EQ profiles, especially Dynamic mode, are a notable strength for reviewers seeking a more balanced or Harman-like sound signature.

Replaceable earpads are a positive repairability point, although service involvement makes the process less convenient.

Replaceable earpads get a mixed mark because removability is welcome, but one review criticizes the lack of included replacement pads.

Replaceable pads and headband improve repairability, but reviewers note the process may require B&W service.

Lighting customization is present but not universally valued; one review calls the logo light show unnecessary on expensive headphones.

Smart listening features are valued mainly through Mimi personalization, which reviewers say can improve or tailor sound effectively.

Software/setup simplicity is praised for users who want good sound without constant settings fuss.

Setup simplicity is positive in one review, which says the app made it easy to set the headphones up as desired.

Sound quality is the strongest consensus point, with many reviewers calling the Px7 S3 class-leading, refined, or highly enjoyable.

Reviewers consistently describe the Bathys MG as one of the best-sounding wireless ANC headphones, with especially strong praise for its richer, more energetic presentation versus the original Bathys.

Soundstage is generally spacious and well defined, though a few reviewers describe it as focused or not the widest.

Soundstage is repeatedly described as spacious for a closed-back wireless headphone, with good depth and immersion, though a few reviewers note it remains somewhat intimate rather than speaker-like.

Spatial audio is not yet proven in reviews, but Audioholics is genuinely interested in B&W's planned implementation.

Fit stability is positive in the limited evidence, with reviewers saying the headphones feel secure during movement.

Stability is mixed for mobile use because one reviewer reports annoying ANC inconsistency when walking outdoors.

Streaming integration is mixed: it supports direct services, but reviewers doubt many users will prefer it and note local-library gaps.

Repairability is better than many rivals thanks to replaceable cushions and headband parts, though battery replacement remains a limitation.

Material choices get a positive note for avoiding leather while still feeling soft and premium.

Sustainability materials receive a positive note for the FSC-certified bamboo pulp packaging material.

Transparency mode is generally good to excellent, with several reviewers calling it natural, close to not wearing headphones, or conversation-friendly.

Transparency mode is generally considered effective, making conversations and surroundings audible without removing the headphones.

Travel friendliness is helped by the protective case and lay-flat design, but some reviewers dislike the larger non-folding footprint.

Travel friendliness is mixed: the slimmer case, DAC convenience and long battery help, but the fold-flat form and case size still limit portability.

Treble is often praised for crispness and detail, though some reviewers hear sibilance or grating highs in certain situations.

Treble earns mostly positive marks for clarity, shimmer and smoothness, but some reviewers hear occasional sharpness, edge or fatigue with bright recordings or high volumes.

USB-C is useful for wired audio, but one reviewer reports occasional skipping over USB-C.

Value is viewed positively for the sound, build, and feature mix, though the price is still considered premium and market-dependent.

Value is debated: reviewers admire the performance and luxury, but the high price, smaller upgrade over the original and missing features make value context-dependent.

Voice assistant access works, but one reviewer dislikes that using it can require sacrificing the ANC toggle behavior.

Voice assistant integration is present and broadly supported through major assistants, with no major quality complaints in the scored review.

Voice prompts and feedback are mixed: one reviewer wants clearer ANC mode announcements, while another likes the refined connection sounds.

Volume output is praised as very loud compared with peers.

The smaller 3dB volume increments are viewed as a meaningful usability upgrade that helps listeners hit a more precise level.

Auto-pause wear detection is mentioned as useful but less reliable than leading rivals in one review.

Wear detection performance receives a mixed note, with one reviewer finding the sensor less reliable than Bose or Sony.

Weight comfort is mixed: the headphones are not extremely heavy, but reviewers still notice their mass compared with lighter rivals.

Weight comfort is the one weaker comfort note: the headphones are manageable on-head, but one review says their heft is noticeable in-hand.

Wind performance is split, with TechRadar flagging susceptibility while another reviewer praises windy call handling.

Wind noise handling is only average, with one review noting that wind and high-pitched noise pass through more easily than on Sony’s class leader.