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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If price is a major consideration and you need earbuds for a variety of environments, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II may be a better choice as they're more affordable and offer excellent noise cancellation. However, if you prioritize sound quality and can afford a premium for a more luxurious experience, the Focal Bathys may be worthwhile, especially as they come with features such as high-fidelity sound and built-in microphones for clear phone calls. Additionally, consider the form factor; the Bose are true wireless earbuds suited for active use, while the Focal Bathys are headphones that might provide a more immersive experience for stationary listening. 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 Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
- Very good for exercise
Advantages of the Focal Bathys
- Very good for music
- Excellent for gaming
- Best in class for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.4
8.0
The Focal Bathys is very good for music, while the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II is good.
Gaming
5.5
9.3
The Focal Bathys is excellent for gaming, while the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II is poor.
TV and Video
6.2
10.0
The Focal Bathys is best in class for TV and video, while the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II is only fair.
Noise Reduction
9.1
8.3
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II is excellent for noise reduction, while the Focal Bathys is very good.
Battery
7.0 Hours
31.0 Hours
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II has 7 hours of battery life. The Focal Bathys has 31 hours of battery life.
Cost
$199
$699
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II has a price of $199 and the Focal Bathys costs $699.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
5.1
5.2
The Focal Bathys and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.0
6.2
The Focal Bathys and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are both only fair for podcasts and audiobooks.
Build Quality
9.2
9.0
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II and Focal Bathys both have excellent build quality.
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How the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II and the Focal Bathys compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II | Focal Bathys |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$199 | $699 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bose | Focal | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2022 | October 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.2/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.6/10 | 9.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 6.3/10 | 10/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 8.5/10 | 6.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 7 Hours | 31 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5.1 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 20 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9.2/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 7.7 Grams | 350 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
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Dig into reviews and images
What HiFi?
What HiFi? | September 2023
"Bose’s flagship wireless earbuds were never going to be cheap, but the question was whether they’d be competitive in an area of the market where rivals have never been more capable. The fact that the company has not only managed to implement a successful redesign, but also push the envelope for noise-cancelling and sound quality in such a highly competitive category simultaneously is truly impressive."
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 Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II or the Focal Bathys
About Bose
Bose is an American audio equipment manufacturer based out of Framingham, Massachusetts. Founded in 1964 by Amar Bose with the goal of creating a speaker system that could accurately recreate the sound of a concert hall, Bose has become one of the most prominent players in the modern consumer audio market due to the premium feel of their products and their wide brand recognition.
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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.
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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.
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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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