Focal Goes Wireless: The Bathys vs. the Bathys MG

When Focal set out to build a wireless headphone, it refused to leave the hi-fi behind. The Bathys brought the brand's 40mm 'M'-shaped dome driver, French voicing, and a genuine built-in DAC to a closed-back, noise-canceling, Bluetooth design — a can that sounds like a Focal on the move and turns into a proper desktop headphone the moment you plug it in. The Bathys MG takes that exact platform and swaps in a pure magnesium dome — the same material step-up that separates the wired Clear MG from the entry models — for more resolution and refinement. Here's how the two compare.

The TechOne wireless platform, two driver domes

Both Bathys models are built on the same clever idea: a true high-fidelity headphone that happens to be wireless. Each pairs the Focal 'M'-dome driver with hybrid active noise cancellation, Bluetooth with aptX Adaptive for the best wireless streams, and — crucially — a USB-DAC mode that plays up to 24-bit/192kHz when wired, so these aren't just Bluetooth cans, they're desktop-grade headphones too. Battery life is a generous 30 hours over Bluetooth (up to 42 in USB-DAC mode), and both weigh a comfortable 350g. What separates them is the dome: the Bathys uses a lightweight aluminum/magnesium alloy, while the Bathys MG steps up to pure magnesium (plus Bluetooth 5.2 and a wider 10Hz–22kHz response) for a cleaner, more resolving sound.

The Value Pick · Wireless ANCFocal Bathys — $799

The one that started it all, and still the sweet spot for most people. The Bathys uses a 40mm aluminum/magnesium 'M'-dome, Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX Adaptive, hybrid ANC with Silent/Soft and Transparency modes, and a USB-DAC mode good for 24-bit/192kHz. It's beautifully built — leather, aluminum yokes, and the signature illuminated Focal flame on each cup — and runs 30 hours on Bluetooth (42 as a USB DAC).

How it sounds

Rich, refined, and unmistakably Focal — more resolving and natural than any mainstream noise-canceller, with tight bass and open mids. Plug it into a laptop in USB-DAC mode and it steps up again, competing with wired headphones near its price.

The wireless headphone for people who actually care about sound — our default recommendation.— Blue Note A/V

The Connoisseur's Pick · Wireless ANCFocal Bathys MG — $1,499

The same platform, elevated. The Bathys MG swaps the alloy dome for pure Magnesium — stiffer, lighter, more resolving — and adds Bluetooth 5.2 and a wider 10Hz–22kHz bandwidth, wrapped in a premium magnesium-and-mocha finish. Everything else you love carries over: hybrid ANC, aptX Adaptive, 24-bit/192kHz USB-DAC mode, and 30-hour battery.

How it sounds

A clear step up in clarity and control — more air up top, tighter and more textured bass, and a bigger sense of space than the standard Bathys. It's the best-sounding wireless headphone Focal makes, and one of the best-sounding wireless headphones, full stop.

When the wireless has to sound as good as the wired — this is the one.— Blue Note A/V

Head to HeadBathys vs. Bathys MG

The Real WorldWhich One Should You Buy?

For most people, the Bathys is the answer: it's the value pick, it sounds superb, and it does everything — flights, the office, the commute, and the desktop via USB-DAC. Step up to the Bathys MG if sound quality is the priority and you'll take full advantage of the magnesium driver and USB-DAC mode — it's the connoisseur's choice and the better-sounding of the two. Either way, you're getting a real hi-fi headphone that also happens to be wireless, with a built-in DAC that makes it double as a desktop can.