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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If affordability is a primary concern, the Apple Earpods are a smart choice—they provide good quality sound and are considerably more wallet-friendly. However, if you're an audiophile looking for superior sound fidelity and features like noise cancellation, the Focal Bathys will serve you better despite the higher price. The Focal Bathys might also be more durable and offer a more premium build quality. Remember, the best choice will ultimately depend on your individual needs, including how you prioritize audio quality, features, and budget. 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 Earpods
- Very good for phone calls
- 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
Gaming
8.3
9.3
The Focal Bathys is excellent for gaming, while the Apple Earpods is very good.
Phone Calls
8.0
5.2
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Focal Bathys is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
6.2
The Apple Earpods is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Focal Bathys is only fair.
TV and Video
7.4
10.0
The Focal Bathys is best in class for TV and video, while the Apple Earpods is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
8.3
The Focal Bathys is very good for noise reduction, while the Apple Earpods is poor.
Battery
N/A
31.0 Hours
The Apple Earpods does not have a battery. The Focal Bathys has 31 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$699
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Focal Bathys costs $699.
Build Quality
7.6
9.0
The Focal Bathys has excellent build quality, while the Apple Earpods has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.8
8.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Focal Bathys to be very good for music, while the Apple Earpods is good.
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How the Apple Earpods and the Focal Bathys compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | Focal Bathys |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $699 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Focal | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | October 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 9.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 10/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 6.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 31 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.1 | |
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 | N/A | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 350 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Earpods
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Dig into reviews and images
CNN Underscored
Michael Andronico | May 2023
"Apple’s wired buds sound just fine for the price, and their handy inline controls and clear microphone give them an edge on wireless earbuds that are much more expensive. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of battery — or worse, a stray earbud going missing."
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 Earpods 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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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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