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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If budget is a primary concern, the Etymotic ER2SE earbuds offer high-fidelity sound at a lower cost, but they have a deep insertion design which some may find less comfortable. The Focal Bathys, on the other hand, are premium headphones with noise cancellation and built-in microphone features that are ideal for a variety of environments, though they come at a higher price point. For on-the-go phone calls or noisy commutes, the Focal Bathys provide more versatility, while for critical listening in quiet spaces, the Etymotic ER2SE would be an excellent, more affordable choice. 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 Etymotic ER2SE
- 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
Music
8.8
8.0
The Etymotic ER2SE and Focal Bathys are both very good for music, though the Etymotic ER2SE is somewhat better.
Gaming
6.2
9.3
The Focal Bathys is excellent for gaming, while the Etymotic ER2SE is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.6
6.2
The Etymotic ER2SE 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 Etymotic ER2SE is good.
Noise Reduction
9.1
8.3
The Etymotic ER2SE is excellent for noise reduction, while the Focal Bathys is very good.
Battery
N/A
31.0 Hours
The Etymotic ER2SE does not have a battery. The Focal Bathys has 31 hours of battery life.
Cost
$100
$699
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Etymotic ER2SE has a price of $100 and the Focal Bathys costs $699.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
4.9
5.2
The Focal Bathys and Etymotic ER2SE are both poor for phone calls.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Etymotic ER2SE and Focal Bathys both have excellent build quality.
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How the Etymotic ER2SE and the Focal Bathys compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Etymotic ER2SE | Focal Bathys |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $699 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Etymotic | Focal | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | February 1, 2019 | October 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.9/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5/10 | 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 | 4.2/10 | 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 | 9.1/10 | 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 | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 350 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
Etymotic ER2SE
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | April 2022
"Etymotic isn’t playing around: it takes audio seriously and has mastered the art of the noise-isolation earphone. Sure, the fit of the earbuds looks silly but it’s a signature Etymotic thing and could be considered charming by some. If you’re looking for best-in-class audio for a realistic price, the ER2SE is it."
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 Etymotic ER2SE or the Focal Bathys
About Etymotic
Etymotic Research is an American based research, development and manufacturing company founded in 1983. They invented the first insert earphones that were used for the diagnosis and research of hearing loss and other auditory disorders. They went on to pioneer the market of high fidelity, isolating, in-ear earphones.
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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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