A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize advanced noise cancellation and wireless convenience, the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 may be more suitable for you, especially considering the cost savings. However, if you desire high-fidelity audio quality and are willing to invest more, the Focal Bathys might be the better option, as it likely offers superior sound detail. Keep in mind that the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 may also have a more compact design for portability, while the Focal Bathys might provide a more premium build quality. Consider your main use—whether it's for commuting, critical listening, or hands-free calls—as this will influence which features are most important to you. 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 Bowers and Wilkins PI7
- The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has no clear advantages over the Focal Bathys.
Advantages of the Focal Bathys
- Very good for music
- Excellent for gaming
- Best in class for TV and video
Key differences
Music
6.8
8.0
The Focal Bathys is very good for music, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is only fair.
Gaming
8.1
9.3
The Focal Bathys is excellent for gaming, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is very good.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
4.8
6.2
The Focal Bathys is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is poor.
TV and Video
6.8
10.0
The Focal Bathys is best in class for TV and video, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is only fair.
Battery
3.0 Hours
31.0 Hours
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has 3 hours of battery life. The Focal Bathys has 31 hours of battery life.
Cost
$399
$699
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has a price of $399 and the Focal Bathys costs $699.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Headphones
Find your new headphones
Key similarities
Phone Calls
5.1
5.2
The Focal Bathys and Bowers and Wilkins PI7 are both poor for phone calls.
Noise Reduction
8.3
8.3
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and Focal Bathys are both very good for noise reduction.
Build Quality
8.9
9.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Focal Bathys to have excellent build quality, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has very good build quality.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and the Focal Bathys compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bowers and Wilkins PI7 | Focal Bathys |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$399 | $699 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bowers and Wilkins | Focal | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | April 1, 2021 | October 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.9/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.2/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 6.9/10 | 10/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 6.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 3 Hours | 31 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.7 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 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 | 8.4/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 7 Grams | 350 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Bowers and Wilkins PI7
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Chase Bernath | April 2022
"The primary selling point of the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 is the charging case that can transmit audio from any analog source to the earbuds. If you have a very specific and clear need for that feature, then the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 is for you."
Focal Bathys
See more
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 Bowers and Wilkins PI7 or the Focal Bathys
About Bowers and Wilkins
Bowers and Wilkins is a British audio equipment manufacturer with a focus on innovation and product development. It was founded by a couple of real-life James Bonds, the co-founders John Bowers and Roy Wilkins, who met while working for MI6 during World War II. The company keeps being favored by enthusiasts due to their sound quality, craftsmanship and signature aesthetics.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
Compare Bowers and Wilkins PI7 vs. Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EX
VS
Compare Bowers and Wilkins PI7 vs. Sony WH-1000XM5
VS
Compare Bowers and Wilkins PI7 vs. Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Headphones
VS
Compare Focal Bathys vs. AKG K712 Pro
VS
Compare Focal Bathys vs. Focal Elex
VS
Compare Focal Bathys vs. Master & Dynamic MW75-Neuro
VS
FAQs
FAQs about earbuds and headphones
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
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
127,100
Recommendations made
19,065
Consumer hours saved
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.
Featured in
