- Compared: sound quality and price The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 was said to come surprisingly close in sound at a lower cost.
Focal Bathys MG Wireless Headphones Review
Bottom Line
Choose the Focal Bathys MG if sound quality, premium comfort and USB-DAC listening matter more than price. Skip them if you need class-leading ANC, LDAC/LE Audio, deeper app controls or a cheaper upgrade from the original Bathys.
Best for
Best for audiophile-leaning listeners who want wireless convenience without giving up rich detail, spacious imaging, premium materials and USB-DAC listening. It also suits long desk or travel sessions where comfort and sound quality outrank maximum ANC.
Not for
Not for buyers who mainly want the strongest noise cancellation, the latest wireless codec stack, a deep control app or the best value upgrade from the original Bathys. Budget-conscious shoppers have several reviewer-mentioned alternatives below this price.
Verdict
The Focal Bathys MG lands as a luxury wireless headphone built around sound first. Reviewers repeatedly praise its rich, revealing presentation, excellent midrange, spacious imaging, premium construction, long-session comfort and standout USB-DAC mode. The tradeoff is that it does not chase every modern convenience: ANC is useful but generally behind Bose or Sony for maximum suppression, LDAC and LE Audio are missing, the app and EQ are limited, and the price makes the upgrade from the original Bathys hard to justify for value-conscious buyers. Its strongest case is for listeners who want a wireless ANC headphone that feels closer to an audiophile closed-back than a feature-stuffed travel headset.
Compared in Reviews
Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.
- Cheaper: price The Bathys MG was described as costing more than twice as much as Sony WH-1000XM5.
- Better: call noise reduction The Bathys MG call quality was good, but not as noise-free as Sony WH-1000XM6.
Feature Scorecards
Summary
64 reviewed features- Very positive 4.5-5.0 34% 22 features
- Positive 3.5-4.4 41% 26 features
- Neutral 2.5-3.4 20% 13 features
- Negative 1.5-2.4 5% 3 features
- Very negative below 1.5 0% 0 features
Pros
-
ANC mode changes are praised for preserving the sound signature, with multiple reviewers saying the sound remains stable across Silent, Soft and Transparency.
-
Multi-platform compatibility is a strength in the scored review because the headphones are described as working across virtually every listening situation.
-
ANC has little to no negative effect on audio in several reviews, which praise the stable tuning and absence of sonic changes between modes.
-
Premium feel is a major strength, with reviewers describing the product as looking and feeling premium, luxurious and more refined.
-
Build quality is consistently praised, with reviewers calling the construction premium, flawless, sturdy and made from high-quality materials.
-
Connectivity options are a major strength, with reviewers praising the combination of Bluetooth, USB-DAC and wired listening flexibility.
-
Immersive audio quality is praised in the scored review, which describes an expansive, three-dimensional presentation.
-
Reviewers praise instrument separation, imaging and placement, often saying the Bathys MG reveals layers, positions instruments clearly and keeps complex mixes organized.
-
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.
-
The 3.5mm analog input is valued as a rare, useful wired option in a premium wireless headphone.
-
Charging is well received because quick charging reliably adds several hours of playback in about 15 minutes and one reviewer calls charging very fast.
-
Earpad quality is praised for softness, compliance and plushness, though the more compliant pads may let some larger ears brush the inner baffle.
-
Overall recommendations are strongly positive for buyers prioritizing sound, comfort and luxury, while reviewers still caution about price and feature gaps.
-
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.
-
Preset EQ profiles, especially Dynamic mode, are a notable strength for reviewers seeking a more balanced or Harman-like sound signature.
-
Comfort is a strong point, with reviewers repeatedly reporting long-session wearability, softer pads and better weight distribution despite the headphone’s size.
-
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.
-
Durability impressions are positive, with reviewers citing sturdy construction, durable materials and design choices that feel built to last.
-
Frequency response is praised for smoothness and coherence, especially in Dynamic mode, though default tuning can add coloration in the lower mids and treble.
-
The smaller 3dB volume increments are viewed as a meaningful usability upgrade that helps listeners hit a more precise level.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Clamping force is generally comfortable and improved versus the original Bathys, with reviewers describing less pressure and a secure but not punishing fit.
-
Sustainability materials receive a positive note for the FSC-certified bamboo pulp packaging material.
-
The carrying case is mostly praised as protective, slim and practical, though one reviewer finds it less premium than some competitors’ cases.
-
Headband padding is viewed positively in the one scored review, which links the revised foam to better comfort.
-
Setup simplicity is positive in one review, which says the app made it easy to set the headphones up as desired.
-
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.
-
Physical controls are preferred over touch by one reviewer, but another notes the small buttons can be difficult to locate by feel.
-
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.
-
Transparency mode is generally considered effective, making conversations and surroundings audible without removing the headphones.
-
Smart listening features are valued mainly through Mimi personalization, which reviewers say can improve or tailor sound effectively.
-
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.
-
Battery life is polarizing: many reviewers find 30-plus hours practical or impressive, but others call it disappointing for the premium price.
-
ANC background noise is a positive in the scored review because revised microphones are said to reduce unwanted hiss.
-
aptX support is treated positively in one review because it works well alongside multipoint, but it does not erase broader codec complaints.
-
The integrated microphones are considered effective enough for calls in the scored review, though call quality is not treated as a headline feature.
-
Voice assistant integration is present and broadly supported through major assistants, with no major quality complaints in the scored review.
-
Travel friendliness is mixed: the slimmer case, DAC convenience and long battery help, but the fold-flat form and case size still limit portability.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Cable quality is mixed: some reviewers call the included cables acceptable or durable, while another says they are basic and lack premium extras.
-
The app receives mixed marks: some reviewers find it solid or useful, while others describe it as limited, brief, glitchy or dependent on personalization.
-
Voice prompts and feedback are mixed: one reviewer wants clearer ANC mode announcements, while another likes the refined connection sounds.
-
The profile is not very discreet for everyone; one review explicitly says the styling may be too flashy.
-
Weight comfort is the one weaker comfort note: the headphones are manageable on-head, but one review says their heft is noticeable in-hand.
Cons
-
EQ customization is helpful but limited; reviewers like the usable bands and bass adjustment, while several wish for deeper or parametric control.
-
Bluetooth version is a weakness at this price, with reviewers noting that 5.2 is improved but not the latest standard.
-
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.
-
Portability is limited by the fold-flat-only design, even though some reviewers find the case slimmer or easier to pack than expected.
-
Replaceable earpads get a mixed mark because removability is welcome, but one review criticizes the lack of included replacement pads.
-
Codec support is viewed as adequate rather than premium; aptX Adaptive helps, but reviewers repeatedly criticize the lack of broader high-end codec support.
-
Advanced software features are a limitation because the app and EQ are simpler than richer rival ecosystems.
-
One reviewer warns that very loud playback or sharp recordings can expose the treble response, limiting clarity at big volumes.
-
Lighting customization is present but not universally valued; one review calls the logo light show unnecessary on expensive headphones.
-
Stability is mixed for mobile use because one reviewer reports annoying ANC inconsistency when walking outdoors.
-
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.
-
Earpad or cup movement noise is a drawback in one review, which reports a soft thumping sound while running.
-
Included accessories are basic: one reviewer notes the lack of flight adapters, mic cable or special extras.
-
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 weak because reviewers specifically call out the absence of Bluetooth LE, LC3 or related newer wireless standards.
-
Auracast support is a weakness because one review explicitly notes that the Bathys MG goes without it despite cheaper rivals adopting newer wireless features.
Compared With Category Average
Compared with other Over-Ear Headphones, this product is above average in ANC effect on sound signature, ANC sound impact on audio, Preset EQ profile quality, below average in Auracast support, LE Audio readiness.
Summary
8 compared features- Above average 0.4+ pts higher 75% 6 features
- Same as average within 0.3 pts 0% 0 features
- Below average 0.4+ pts lower 25% 2 features
| Attribute | This product | Category average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANC effect on sound signature | 5.0 | 3.7 | +1.3 |
| ANC sound impact on audio | 5.0 | 3.7 | +1.2 |
| Auracast support | 2.0 | 3.2 | -1.2 |
| Preset EQ profile quality | 4.6 | 3.5 | +1.1 |
| 3.5mm analog input availability | 4.7 | 3.5 | +1.2 |
| LE Audio readiness | 2.0 | 3.1 | -1.1 |
| Premium feel | 4.9 | 3.8 | +1.0 |
| Built-in DAC and hi-res playback | 4.7 | 3.8 | +0.8 |
FAQ
How good is the Focal Bathys MG sound quality?
Reviewers strongly agree that sound quality is the main reason to consider it. They praise its revealing detail, rich midrange, controlled dynamics, spacious imaging and USB-DAC performance.
Is the ANC class-leading?
No. Reviewers generally find the ANC useful and improved, but Bose and Sony are still described as stronger choices for maximum noise suppression.
Does USB-DAC mode matter?
Yes for serious listening. Multiple reviewers call the built-in DAC mode excellent or especially useful because it supports hi-res playback and can sound more detailed than wireless.
Are the Bathys MG comfortable for long listening sessions?
Mostly yes. Reviewers praise the softer pads, improved clamp and weight distribution, although the headphone is still fairly large and one reviewer notes the weight in-hand.
What are the biggest missing features?
The most repeated gaps are LDAC, Bluetooth LE/LC3/Auracast, deeper app controls or parametric EQ, and class-leading ANC. Wear detection is also noted as absent.
Are they worth the price?
Value depends on priorities. Reviewers see the Bathys MG as a premium, sound-first luxury product, but several caution that the high price is hard to justify if you already own the original Bathys or mainly want ANC.
Consider This Instead
If you want better LDAC
Choose JLab Epic Lux Lab Edition Wireless Headphones. It scores 4.6 vs 2.1 for LDAC, with a 3.9 overall score.
If you want better LE Audio readiness
Choose Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 Wireless Headphones. It scores 4.5 vs 2.0 for LE Audio readiness, with a 4.0 overall score.
If you want better Auracast support
Choose Marshall Major V. It scores 4.3 vs 2.0 for Auracast support, with a 3.8 overall score.
If you want better Codec support
Choose Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 SE Headphones. It scores 5.0 vs 3.2 for Codec support, with a 4.2 overall score.
Overall Top Over-Ear Headphones Alternatives
Choose the 105 Silva for premium comfort, repairable build, musical mids, and immersive home listening. Skip it if you need ANC, Bluetooth, strong isolation, or the most neutral sound at...
Pros: Sustainability and repairability, Replaceable pads/headband
Cons: Noise isolation (passive), Travel friendliness
Choose the Px7 S3 if sound quality, premium build, and a slim stylish design matter most. Skip it if you need the strongest ANC, fold-flat travel compactness, LDAC, or feature-heavy...
Pros: Frequency response accuracy, Multipoint connectivity reliability
Cons: LDAC, Wear detection performance
Choose the P100 SE for huge battery life, strong sound, useful EQ, and standout value. Skip it if you need class-leading ANC, the lightest comfort, spatial audio, or a compact...
Pros: Codec support, aptX
Cons: LDAC, Water/sweat resistance rating
Choose the WH950NB Gen 2 for strong value, long battery life, comfortable padding, useful app control and effective everyday ANC. Skip it if heavy-bass clarity, simple onboard controls or guaranteed...
Pros: Instrument separation, USB-C
Cons: Button control usability, Maximum volume clarity