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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you are seeking an affordable and convenient option for casual listening and making calls, the Apple AirPods (3rd generation) would be a suitable choice, as they offer seamless integration with other Apple devices and good sound for everyday use. However, if you prioritize sound quality and build robustness and are willing to invest more, the Focal Bathys would provide superior sound performance. The Bathys also features noise cancellation, which is excellent for immersive listening or in noisy environments, a feature the AirPods lack. Remember, the Bathys may be bulkier and less portable compared to the more discreet AirPods. 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 (3rd generation)
- Good for phone calls
- Good for exercise
- 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
Key differences
Music
7.1
8.0
The Focal Bathys is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good.
Gaming
5.4
9.3
The Focal Bathys is excellent for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
7.6
5.2
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for phone calls, while the Focal Bathys is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
6.2
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Focal Bathys is only fair.
TV and Video
5.5
10.0
The Focal Bathys is best in class for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.3
The Focal Bathys is very good for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
31.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Focal Bathys has 31 hours of battery life.
Cost
$179
$699
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the Focal Bathys costs $699.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Focal Bathys both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Focal Bathys compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Focal Bathys |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $699 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Focal | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | October 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 9.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 10/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 6.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 31 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.1 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 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 | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 350 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
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 (3rd 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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