Audio T Verdict
The Focal Bathys manages to combine two headphone worlds that have traditionally been rather separate. On one side it gives you Bluetooth, active noise cancellation, microphones, an app and the freedom to travel without a cable. On the other, the actual sound is built around Focal's own 40mm aluminium/magnesium M-dome drivers manufactured in France.
That distinction is important. Bathys is not simply a lifestyle wireless headphone carrying a familiar Hi-Fi badge. Focal has taken technology from its specialist headphone programme and built the wireless electronics around it.
For everyday use, Bluetooth 5.1 Multipoint supports SBC, AAC, aptX and aptX Adaptive, while the noise-cancellation system offers Silent, Soft and Transparent modes depending on how much of the outside world you want to hear.
If you are listening somewhere more settled, USB-DAC mode is particularly worthwhile. Connect Bathys directly to a compatible phone, tablet or computer and the headphones can handle PCM audio up to 24-bit/192kHz without relying on Bluetooth transmission.
Battery life is similarly practical. Focal specifies up to 30 hours over Bluetooth, 35 hours using the analogue jack input and 42 hours in USB-DAC mode, while 15 minutes of charging can provide around five additional hours of listening.
One detail is worth understanding before buying: Bathys remains an active headphone even when using the supplied 3.5mm cable. The internal amplification and electronics still require battery power, so a completely flat battery also means no analogue playback.
For travelling, commuting, working from a laptop or simply listening around the house without giving up the refinement expected from Focal, Bathys remains a very convincing all-rounder.
Focal Bathys Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Bathys is a closed-back Bluetooth headphone with active noise cancellation, built-in amplification and an integrated high-resolution USB DAC.
Key features include:
- Closed-back over-ear design
- Active noise cancellation
- 40mm aluminium/magnesium M-dome drivers
- Drivers manufactured in Focal's French workshops
- 15Hz–22kHz ±3dB frequency response
- Less than 0.2% harmonic distortion at 1kHz
- Bluetooth 5.1 Multipoint
- SBC
- AAC
- aptX
- aptX Adaptive
- Up to 15m published Bluetooth range
- USB-DAC playback up to 24-bit/192kHz
- 3.5mm analogue input
- Silent ANC mode
- Soft ANC mode
- Transparent mode
- Eight microphones
- Focal and Naim app
- Mimi Hearing personalisation
- Five-band equaliser
- Voice-assistant support
- 30-hour Bluetooth battery life
- 35-hour Jack-mode battery life
- 42-hour USB-DAC battery life
- 15-minute quick charge
- 1060mAh lithium-ion battery
- Approximately 1.5-hour charging time
- 350g weight
- Backlit Focal logos
- Carrying case supplied
40mm Aluminium/Magnesium M-Dome Drivers
Each Bathys earcup contains a 40mm full-range electrodynamic driver using Focal's M-shaped diaphragm.
The dome combines aluminium with magnesium.
Focal uses aluminium to increase rigidity while magnesium contributes damping, helping the diaphragm remain controlled as it moves.
French-Made Drivers
The Bathys drivers are manufactured in Focal's workshops in France.
This places the acoustic heart of the headphone firmly within Focal's specialist headphone engineering rather than relying on a generic externally sourced drive unit.
M-Shaped Diaphragm
The distinctive M-shaped profile increases structural rigidity across the diaphragm without requiring excessive mass.
The geometry is related to technology used throughout Focal's wider headphone range.
15Hz to 22kHz Frequency Response
Focal specifies:
15Hz – 22kHz ±3dB.
The ±3dB tolerance makes the figure considerably more useful than an unqualified extreme-frequency claim.
Low Harmonic Distortion
Focal publishes harmonic distortion of:
Less than 0.2% at 1kHz.
Closed-Back Design
The rear of each earcup is enclosed rather than acoustically open.
This helps with:
- Passive isolation
- Reduced sound leakage
- Listening around other people
- Commuting
- Air and rail travel
- Office use
Active Noise Cancellation
Bathys uses microphones to analyse surrounding sound and generate an opposing signal that reduces unwanted environmental noise.
This is particularly useful for steady background noise such as:
- Aircraft cabins
- Train interiors
- Office ventilation
- Road and commuting noise
Three Noise-Control Modes
Bathys provides three environmental listening settings:
- Silent: Maximum noise attenuation for noisy environments
- Soft: Lighter attenuation while retaining some awareness
- Transparent: Allows surrounding sound through
Silent Mode
Silent provides the strongest active noise reduction and is the setting to consider for aircraft, busy trains and other consistently noisy surroundings.
Soft Mode
Soft provides less aggressive attenuation and is useful where the surroundings are quieter, such as at home or in an office.
Transparent Mode
Transparent mode allows more environmental sound through the microphone system.
This lets you hear conversations or announcements without repeatedly taking the headphones off.
Eight Microphones
Bathys incorporates eight microphones across its active noise-cancellation and voice systems.
Two microphones are dedicated to Clear Voice Capture for calls.
Bluetooth 5.1 Multipoint
Bluetooth 5.1 provides wireless connection to compatible phones, tablets, computers and other sources.
Multipoint allows Bathys to remain connected to two compatible devices at the same time.
Why Multipoint Is Useful
You might listen to music from a laptop while keeping a smartphone connected for incoming calls.
Bathys can automatically move between the two connected devices when appropriate.
Up to Eight Remembered Devices
Bathys can store up to eight previously paired Bluetooth devices.
Two can remain connected simultaneously, although only one audio stream plays at a time.
Bluetooth Codecs
Supported codecs include:
- SBC
- AAC
- aptX
- aptX Adaptive
aptX Adaptive
aptX Adaptive provides a higher-performance Bluetooth option when used with a compatible transmitting device.
It also offers relatively low latency, which can be useful for video and gaming.
Bluetooth Codec Depends on Your Source
Your phone, tablet or computer must also support the chosen codec.
If the source does not support aptX Adaptive, Bathys automatically uses another compatible option such as AAC, aptX or SBC.
Up to 15m Bluetooth Range
Focal specifies a maximum wireless range of approximately:
15 metres in suitable unobstructed conditions.
Walls, furniture, interference and the transmitting device itself can reduce the practical distance.
USB-DAC Mode
Bathys can also operate as a USB DAC and headphone system.
Connect a compatible digital source by USB-C and Bathys can accept PCM audio up to:
24-bit / 192kHz.
This provides a direct digital route into the headphone's internal DAC rather than sending the music over Bluetooth.
Supported USB Sample Rates
Focal specifies support for:
- 44.1kHz at 16-bit or 24-bit
- 48kHz at 16-bit or 24-bit
- 88.2kHz at 16-bit or 24-bit
- 96kHz at 16-bit or 24-bit
- 192kHz at 16-bit or 24-bit
176.4kHz USB Audio Is Not Supported
Bathys supports several standard PCM sample rates up to 192kHz, but 176.4kHz is not supported.
Why Use USB-DAC Mode?
Bluetooth prioritises wireless convenience.
USB-DAC mode provides a direct digital connection and is worth using when you are sitting at a computer or using a compatible mobile source and want to avoid Bluetooth transmission.
USB-C Connection
A 1.2m USB-C cable is included.
The same connection is used for charging and USB-DAC playback.
Your USB Device Must Support USB Audio
A USB-C socket by itself does not guarantee USB-DAC compatibility.
The connected computer, phone or tablet must support the appropriate USB Audio and host functions. Some mobile devices may require USB OTG to be enabled or an appropriate adaptor.
USB-DAC Mode Limitations
When using USB-DAC mode:
- Voice prompts are unavailable
- Automatic pause and resume from the proximity sensor is unavailable
- The Focal and Naim app cannot change settings while connected in USB-DAC mode
- Previously stored app settings remain active
iPhone Calls Are Not Available in USB-DAC Mode
Focal specifies that call functionality is unavailable on iOS when Bathys is operating in USB-DAC mode.
Use Bluetooth for normal iPhone call handling.
3.5mm Analogue Connection
A conventional 1.2m 3.5mm analogue cable is also included.
This is useful with equipment such as:
- Portable music players
- Hi-Fi components
- DAC/headphone amplifiers
- Selected laptops
- In-flight entertainment systems with compatible sockets
Battery Power Is Required in Jack Mode
Bathys does not become a passive headphone when the analogue cable is connected.
The internal electronics still require power, so the 3.5mm input will not operate if the battery is completely flat.
Why the Analogue Input Still Uses Power
Bathys is an active headphone with integrated amplification and signal processing.
The analogue signal therefore still passes through the headphone's powered electronics before reaching the drivers.
Calls and the Analogue Input
Microphones Are Not Available in Jack Mode
The built-in call microphones are not active when Bathys is connected through the 3.5mm analogue input.
Use Bluetooth or compatible USB operation if microphone support is required.
30-Hour Bluetooth Battery Life
Focal specifies up to:
30 hours in Bluetooth mode with active noise cancellation.
Actual battery life will vary with playback level, wireless conditions, ANC use and other factors.
35 Hours Through the Analogue Input
Focal specifies up to:
35 hours in Jack mode.
42 Hours in USB-DAC Mode
Focal's technical specification gives up to:
42 hours in USB-DAC mode.
15-Minute Quick Charge
A short charging session can be useful before leaving the house or catching a train.
Focal states that:
15 minutes of charging provides approximately five hours of additional listening.
Approximately 1.5-Hour Full Charge
Using a suitable power source, the battery can be fully charged in approximately:
1.5 hours.
1060mAh Lithium-Ion Battery
Bathys uses an internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery rated at:
1060mAh.
Charging Power
Focal recommends a good-quality 5V USB power source capable of supplying approximately 2A.
A mains charger is not specified as part of the supplied accessory package.
Focal and Naim App
The Focal and Naim application gives access to additional headphone settings from a compatible smartphone.
Functions include:
- Five-band equaliser
- Mimi Hearing personalisation
- Battery information
- Focal logo illumination
- Voice-assistant configuration
- Headphone settings
- Firmware updates
App Configuration Requires Bluetooth Mode
The Focal and Naim application communicates with Bathys through Bluetooth.
Settings saved to the headphones can still affect Jack and USB-DAC playback after they have been configured.
Five-Band Equaliser
The app provides a five-band graphical EQ.
Focal also provides predefined Home and Loudness modes, while your own settings can be customised and saved.
Mimi Hearing Personalisation
Mimi Hearing allows the headphone response to be personalised to the listener.
The hearing assessment is performed through the Focal and Naim app and takes approximately two minutes.
Once the resulting profile has been stored in Bathys, it can remain active when listening through:
- Bluetooth
- 3.5mm Jack
- USB-DAC
Voice Assistants
Compatible voice assistants can be configured through the Focal and Naim app.
Supported options include:
- Amazon Alexa
- Google Assistant
- Siri
Phone Calls
Bathys supports normal Bluetooth calling through its integrated microphone system.
Focal's Clear Voice Capture technology uses two dedicated microphones to improve voice intelligibility.
Backlit Focal Logos
The Focal logos on the earcups illuminate when required.
The lighting can be dimmed or completely switched off through the Focal and Naim application.
350g Weight
Bathys weighs approximately:
350g.
This is heavier than many lightweight consumer travel headphones, so trying the fit before buying is worthwhile if you expect to wear them for particularly long sessions.
Designed for Travel
The combination of closed earcups, Bluetooth, ANC, microphones and long battery life makes Bathys particularly useful away from a conventional listening room.
Typical uses include:
- Flights
- Train journeys
- Commuting
- Office listening
- Hotels
- Working from a laptop
- Listening around the house
Carrying Case Included
A fitted carrying case is supplied for transport and storage.
The case measures approximately:
- Width: 21cm
- Height: 24cm
- Depth: 7cm
Two Cables Included
Focal supplies:
- 1.2m 3.5mm analogue cable
- 1.2m USB-C cable
Available Finishes
Bathys is available in:
Deep Black
Deep Black gives Bathys a darker and more understated appearance across the earcups, headband and supporting structure.
Dune
Dune uses a lighter sand-inspired finish for a softer alternative to the darker version.
Bathys or Bathys MG?
Bathys
- 40mm aluminium/magnesium M-dome drivers
- 15Hz–22kHz ±3dB
- Bluetooth 5.1
- aptX Adaptive
- Active noise cancellation
- USB-DAC up to 24-bit/192kHz
- 350g
Bathys MG
- 40mm pure-magnesium M-dome drivers
- 10Hz–22kHz ±3dB
- Bluetooth 5.2
- aptX Adaptive
- Optimised microphone system
- USB-DAC up to 24-bit/192kHz
- 350g
The biggest difference is the driver technology. Bathys MG moves to Focal's pure-magnesium diaphragm and also receives Bluetooth 5.2 and revised microphone engineering.
Compare the Focal Bathys MG at Audio T.
Bathys or Azurys?
Bathys
- Active wireless headphones
- Bluetooth
- Active noise cancellation
- Rechargeable battery
- USB-DAC mode
- Integrated microphones
- 350g
Azurys
- Passive wired headphones
- No Bluetooth
- No active noise cancellation
- No battery required
- Conventional analogue signal path
- Inline cable microphone
- 306g
Bathys is better suited to travel, wireless listening and noise reduction. Azurys is the simpler choice if you mainly listen through a conventional wired headphone source and do not want battery-powered electronics.
Compare the Focal Azurys at Audio T.
Who Are the Focal Bathys For?
Well Suited To
- Premium wireless listening
- Air travel
- Train journeys
- Commuting
- Office listening
- Bluetooth phones and tablets
- Bluetooth laptops
- aptX Adaptive devices
- USB-DAC computer listening
- 24-bit/192kHz USB playback
- Phone and video calls
- Listeners wanting active noise cancellation
Check Before Buying
- 350g weight
- Battery required in every listening mode
- 3.5mm mode is not passive
- Microphones unavailable in Jack mode
- 176.4kHz USB audio is not supported
- iOS calls unavailable in USB-DAC mode
- App configuration requires Bluetooth mode
- USB source must support USB audio
- USB mains power adaptor is not supplied
Key Features
- Focal Bathys
- Wireless closed-back headphones
- Active noise cancellation
- 40mm drivers
- Aluminium/magnesium M-dome
- Drivers made in France
- 15Hz–22kHz ±3dB
- Less than 0.2% distortion at 1kHz
- Bluetooth 5.1
- Bluetooth Multipoint
- Up to 15m Bluetooth range
- SBC
- AAC
- aptX
- aptX Adaptive
- Eight microphones
- Silent ANC mode
- Soft ANC mode
- Transparent mode
- USB-DAC mode
- Up to 24-bit/192kHz PCM
- 3.5mm analogue input
- 30-hour Bluetooth battery life
- 35-hour Jack-mode battery life
- 42-hour USB-DAC battery life
- 15-minute quick charge
- Approximately five hours from quick charge
- 1.5-hour charging time
- 1060mAh lithium-ion battery
- Focal and Naim app
- Mimi Hearing personalisation
- Five-band EQ
- Amazon Alexa
- Google Assistant
- Siri
- Backlit Focal logos
- 350g weight
- 1.2m Jack cable supplied
- 1.2m USB-C cable supplied
- Protective carrying case
- Deep Black finish
- Dune finish
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Focal Bathys?
Closed-back Bluetooth headphones with active noise cancellation, built-in amplification and USB-DAC functionality.
Are Bathys wireless?
Yes. They support Bluetooth 5.1.
Do Bathys have active noise cancellation?
Yes.
Which ANC modes are available?
Silent, Soft and Transparent.
What does Transparent mode do?
It lets surrounding sound through using the microphone system so you can hear conversations or announcements without removing the headphones.
What size are the drivers?
40mm.
What are the drivers made from?
An aluminium/magnesium alloy formed into Focal's M-shaped dome.
Where are the drivers made?
Focal manufactures them in its workshops in France.
What is the frequency response?
15Hz to 22kHz ±3dB.
Which Bluetooth version is used?
Bluetooth 5.1 Multipoint.
Do Bathys support Multipoint?
Yes. Two compatible devices can remain connected simultaneously.
How many devices can Bathys remember?
Up to eight previously paired Bluetooth devices.
Which Bluetooth codecs are supported?
SBC, AAC, aptX and aptX Adaptive.
Do Bathys support aptX HD?
Focal specifies aptX and aptX Adaptive rather than listing aptX HD separately.
What is the maximum Bluetooth range?
Approximately 15 metres in suitable unobstructed conditions.
How many microphones are fitted?
Eight.
Can I make phone calls?
Yes through Bluetooth, and through compatible USB devices using the standard USB call protocol.
Does the microphone work using the 3.5mm cable?
No. The built-in microphones are not active in Jack mode.
Can Bathys work as a USB DAC?
Yes.
What is the maximum USB resolution?
Up to 24-bit/192kHz PCM.
Is 176.4kHz USB audio supported?
No.
Is 192kHz supported?
Yes, at 16-bit or 24-bit.
Can I use USB-DAC mode with a phone?
Yes, provided the phone supports the required USB audio and host functions. Some devices may require USB OTG or an appropriate adaptor.
Can I take iPhone calls while using USB-DAC mode?
No. Focal specifies that call functionality is unavailable on iOS in USB-DAC mode.
Do Bathys have a 3.5mm input?
Yes.
Can I use Bathys with a completely flat battery through the 3.5mm cable?
No. Battery power is required for all listening modes.
Are Bathys passive when using the cable?
No. The analogue signal still passes through the headphone's active electronics.
How long does the battery last over Bluetooth?
Up to approximately 30 hours.
How long does the battery last in Jack mode?
Up to approximately 35 hours.
How long does the battery last in USB-DAC mode?
Up to approximately 42 hours.
How long does charging take?
Approximately 1.5 hours with a suitable charger.
Is fast charging supported?
Yes. Around 15 minutes provides approximately five additional hours of listening.
What battery is fitted?
A rechargeable 1060mAh lithium-ion battery.
Is a USB mains charger included?
No. Focal specifies a 5V / 2A power requirement but does not list a mains power adaptor among the supplied accessories.
Is there an app?
Yes. Bathys works with the Focal and Naim app.
What can the app control?
Functions include EQ, Mimi Hearing personalisation, battery information, lighting, voice assistants, general settings and firmware updates.
Can the app connect while I am using USB-DAC mode?
No. App configuration requires Bluetooth mode, although settings already stored in the headphones continue to apply.
What is Mimi Hearing?
It creates a personalised listening profile following a hearing assessment through the Focal and Naim app. The stored profile can remain active across Bluetooth, Jack and USB-DAC playback.
Do Bathys have an equaliser?
Yes. The Focal and Naim app includes a five-band graphical EQ.
Can the illuminated Focal logos be switched off?
Yes. Their brightness can be adjusted or disabled through the app.
How much do Bathys weigh?
Approximately 350g.
Is a carrying case included?
Yes.
Which cables are included?
A 1.2m 3.5mm analogue cable and a 1.2m USB-C cable.
What finishes are available?
Deep Black and Dune.
What is the difference between Bathys and Bathys MG?
Bathys uses aluminium/magnesium M-dome drivers, while Bathys MG moves to pure-magnesium drivers. Bathys MG also uses Bluetooth 5.2 and revised microphone engineering.
Related Focal Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Focal headphone demonstrations
- Bathys and Bathys MG comparisons
- Wired and wireless headphone advice
- Headphone comfort and fit guidance
- Bluetooth setup
- USB-DAC setup
- Phone and tablet compatibility advice
- Focal and Naim app setup
- Noise-cancellation demonstrations
- Source matching
- Part-exchange options
- Setup and ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a Focal Bathys demonstration or discuss Bluetooth, USB-DAC, noise cancellation and source compatibility.