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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If affordability is a priority, Apple AirPods (2nd generation) are a solid choice; they offer good quality for casual listening and are convenient for everyday use. However, if you're an audiophile looking for superior sound quality with more depth and detail, and are willing to invest more, the Focal Bathys would be beneficial. The Focal Bathys may also have additional features such as noise cancellation and higher quality materials, which contribute to their premium price point. Consider what aspects - cost, sound fidelity, and extra features - are most important in your listening experience. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Focal Bathys
- Very good for music
- Excellent for gaming
- Best in class for TV and video
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
5.8
8.0
The Focal Bathys is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
9.3
The Focal Bathys is excellent for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
6.9
5.2
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the Focal Bathys is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
6.2
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Focal Bathys is only fair.
TV and Video
5.4
10.0
The Focal Bathys is best in class for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.3
The Focal Bathys is very good for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
31.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Focal Bathys has 31 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$699
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the Focal Bathys costs $699.
Build Quality
7.6
9.0
The Focal Bathys has excellent build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Focal Bathys compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Focal Bathys |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $699 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Focal | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | October 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 9.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 10/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 6.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 31 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.1 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 350 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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Dig into reviews and images
Focal Bathys
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Dig into reviews and images
Soundguys
Christian Thomas | May 2023
"As much as I hesitate to recommend a headphone that sells for $800 USD, if you’re looking for the best sound quality you can find in the ANC space: it’s the Focal Bathys."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Focal Bathys
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
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Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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