Max
Excellent headphones, I love them
Comment from July 28, 2026 — Experience from July 17, 2026
The number 1 in classical music and hi-fi. It is a benchmark in the field of classical music and hi-fi, as well as the distinction it awards to the best devices each year
Focal unveils Bathys MG, a Bluetooth headset equipped with active noise cancellation and designed to deliver faithful, precise sound reproduction. This model is built around drivers developed by the French brand, renowned for its acoustic expertise. Combining exclusive technologies, optimized electronics, and meticulous design, it aims to accompany users in their everyday listening, on the move as well as at home.
The Bathys MG sports an elegant design reminiscent of Focal’s high‑end wired models, showcasing the brand’s acoustic know‑how. Its headband in genuine leather and microfiber ensures optimal comfort, while the use of magnesium for the yoke and aluminum for the main structure guarantees robustness and lightness. The earcups feature the backlit Focal logo, adding a touch of sophistication. The use of premium materials reinforces the product’s upscale appeal.
The easily replaceable ergonomic earpads provide excellent acoustic isolation and adapt to each user’s morphology. Despite its 350‑gram weight, the Bathys MG remains comfortable for long listening sessions, though some users may find it a bit heavy after several hours. It is designed to accompany you on the go.
At the heart of the Bathys MG are 40 mm magnesium “M”‑dome drivers, manufactured in France in Focal’s workshops. Derived from Focal’s high‑end models, these transducers deliver natural, precise sound reproduction. The Bathys MG’s sound signature is characterized by impactful bass, detailed mids, and crystalline highs.
The frequency response extends from 10 Hz to 22 kHz, covering the entire audible spectrum, with total harmonic distortion below 0.2% at 1 kHz. This technical performance translates into a wide soundstage and captivating dynamics, making the Bathys MG one of the best‑performing wireless headphones in acoustic terms.
The Bathys MG stands out for its versatile connectivity. It uses Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint support, allowing you to connect two devices simultaneously. Pairing is simple and fast. Supported audio codecs include SBC, AAC, aptX, and aptX Adaptive, ensuring optimal compatibility with a wide range of devices.
The distinctive feature of the Bathys MG lies in its USB‑DAC mode, which allows high‑resolution audio playback up to 24‑bit / 192 kHz when connected to a compatible computer or smartphone. This mode bypasses the source device’s audio processing, delivering superior sound quality.
For purists, the headphone can also be used in wired analog mode via its 3.5 mm jack input. It is worth noting that even in this mode, the Bathys MG applies slight equalization to maintain its characteristic sound signature.
The Bathys MG’s active noise‑cancelling (ANC) system uses eight microphones to analyze and neutralize ambient noise. While effective, it does not quite rival the very best on the market in terms of sheer efficiency. However, Focal has prioritized a balance between isolation and preservation of sound quality.
Three modes are available: “Silence” for maximum reduction, “Soft” for moderate attenuation, and “Transparency” to remain aware of your surroundings. The headphones are easily controlled via the Focal & Naim app, compatible with iOS and Android.
The app lets you tailor the sound to your liking using the equalizer (preset or custom settings), adjust it depending on your listening environment, and manage noise reduction with the Silent, Soft, or Transparent modes. It also offers a hearing test to adapt sound reproduction to each user.
Battery life is one of the Bathys MG’s strong points. It delivers 30 hours of battery life in wireless use, 35 hours in Jack mode, and 42 hours in USB‑DAC mode. Its fast‑charging function provides an additional 5 hours of listening in just 15 minutes.
This energy performance places the Bathys MG among the leaders in its category, ensuring extended use without the constraint of frequent recharging.
Even more audiophile than its predecessor, the Focal Bathys MG portable headphones are an acoustic marvel. Unfortunately, this optimization comes with a significant price increase, while the technological features remain stagnant, barely worthy of a mid-range portable headset.
The Bathys MG is undeniably a high-end NC headset, positioned above its mainstream competitors. This higher price is reflected in a noticeably more elegant design and a build quality that appears more durable. The Bathys MG also delivers excellent sound, true to Focal’s hi-fi DNA and values. There are no compromises on functionality either, as the noise cancellation eliminates much of the ambient noise and the battery life of this improved Bathys is exceptional.
Focal’s second wireless ANC headphones continue the luxury feel, with a more comfortable design, long battery life, more refined sound and very good call quality. [...] ANC isn’t quite to the same level however, and those in need of a more emphatic bass performance should probably look elsewhere. [...] The buttons are the same, which is a little disappointing. For a premium pair of headphones, the controls don’t feel too premium.
Although the Bathys MG does not reach the level of the very top wired models such as the Focal Utopia, it offers outstanding sound quality for a wireless headphone. The magnesium transducers give it a sound signature close to wired models, with slight coloration due to digital processing.
The Bathys MG’s noise reduction is effective at attenuating constant background noise such as airplane hum or public transport noise. It is not as efficient as the market leaders with sudden noises or voices, but offers a good balance between isolation and preservation of sound quality.
USB DAC mode allows you to use the Bathys MG as an external digital‑to‑analog converter. By connecting it to a compatible computer or smartphone via USB‑C, it can handle high‑resolution audio files up to 24‑bit / 192 kHz. This mode bypasses the source device’s DAC, which may be of lower quality, for better sound reproduction.
Yes, the Bathys MG can be used while charging in wired mode (3.5 mm jack) or USB‑DAC mode. However, Bluetooth mode is not available during charging.
Max
Excellent headphones, I love them
Comment from July 28, 2026 — Experience from July 17, 2026
Michel
Magnificent Focal Bathys MG headphones! Exceptional build quality and breathtaking sound, paired with an app that lets you fine-tune the sound to your liking! Pure bliss!!!
Comment from July 28, 2026 — Experience from July 16, 2026
Serge
I had Sony’s top-of-the-range model, which I found very good. But this is truly a step above. I’m delighted. However, if I may say so, the best option remains a very good wired headset.
Comment from July 21, 2026 — Experience from July 09, 2026