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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're keen on top-notch sound quality and are an avid gamer or watch a lot of TV using headphones, the Focal Bathys would be a better choice due to their superior overall sound quality and excellent performance for gaming and TV. However, if you frequently travel by air, prioritize noise isolation, or use Apple devices, the Apple Airpods Max might be more suited to your needs, given their strong noise-cancellation capabilities and optimization for Apple products. Note that the Airpods Max are heavier and may not be as comfortable for prolonged use as the lighter Focal Bathys, which also have longer battery life. Both models offer wireless connectivity, but keep in mind that the Airpods Max do not support low latency codecs, which could impact your experience during interactive activities like gaming. 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 Max
- Excellent for air travel
- 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
7.3
8.0
The Focal Bathys is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods Max is good.
Gaming
5.5
9.3
The Focal Bathys is excellent for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Max is poor.
Phone Calls
6.6
5.2
The Apple Airpods Max is only fair for phone calls, while the Focal Bathys is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.0
6.2
The Apple Airpods Max is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Focal Bathys is only fair.
TV and Video
5.7
10.0
The Focal Bathys is best in class for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods Max is poor.
Noise Reduction
10.0
8.3
The Apple Airpods Max is best in class for noise reduction, while the Focal Bathys is very good.
Battery
21.0 Hours
31.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods Max has 21 hours of battery life. The Focal Bathys has 31 hours of battery life.
Cost
$469
$699
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Max has a price of $469 and the Focal Bathys costs $699.
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Key similarities
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Apple Airpods Max and Focal Bathys both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Max and the Focal Bathys compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Max | Focal Bathys |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$469 | $699 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Focal | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2020 | October 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.6/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 9.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 10/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.2/10 | 6.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 21 Hours | 31 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.1 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 10/10 | 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 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 385.5 Grams | 350 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Max
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Adam Molina | July 2023
"Objectively, the AirPods Max is a spectacular pair of headphones. I appreciate the smart features like auto-pause and the transparency mode are super practical. It also sounds great, is well-built, and has solid battery life."
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 Max 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.
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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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