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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If budget is a key factor, the Audio Technica M50x are a solid choice for good sound quality at a lower price. However, if wireless connectivity, active noise cancellation, and hi-fi audio are important to you and you don't mind spending more, the Focal Bathys offer advanced features and potentially higher sound fidelity, enhancing your listening experience especially in noisy environments or with high-quality recordings. Keep in mind, though, that the added features of the Focal Bathys may not be necessary if your primary use is casual listening or in quiet spaces. 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 Audio Technica M50x
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Focal Bathys
- Excellent for gaming
- Best in class for TV and video
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Gaming
6.3
9.3
The Focal Bathys is excellent for gaming, while the Audio Technica M50x is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.4
5.2
The Focal Bathys and Audio Technica M50x are both poor for phone calls, though the Focal Bathys is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.0
6.2
The Audio Technica M50x is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Focal Bathys is only fair.
TV and Video
7.8
10.0
The Focal Bathys is best in class for TV and video, while the Audio Technica M50x is good.
Noise Reduction
5.3
8.3
The Focal Bathys is very good for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica M50x is poor.
Battery
N/A
31.0 Hours
The Audio Technica M50x does not have a battery. The Focal Bathys has 31 hours of battery life.
Cost
$149
$699
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Audio Technica M50x has a price of $149 and the Focal Bathys costs $699.
Build Quality
8.5
9.0
The Focal Bathys has excellent build quality, while the Audio Technica M50x has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
8.5
8.0
The Audio Technica M50x and Focal Bathys are both very good for music.
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How the Audio Technica M50x and the Focal Bathys compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica M50x | Focal Bathys |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$149 | $699 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Focal | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2007 | October 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.5/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 9.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.9/10 | 10/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 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 | 5.3/10 | 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 | N/A | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.3/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 294.8 Grams | 350 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audio Technica M50x
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | October 2022
"Good sound is timeless. It doesn’t matter that a number of years have passed since the ATH-M50x came out because it still works well. Since this wired headset doesn’t rely on batteries or Bluetooth technology, it’s bound to outlast its wireless counterparts. The no-nonsense performance, fit, and comfort of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x make it worth picking up."
Focal Bathys
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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 Audio Technica M50x or the Focal Bathys
About Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
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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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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