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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for precision and clarity, the Etymotic ER4XR earbuds deliver exceptional detail and noise isolation at a lower cost, making them great for focused listening sessions and acoustic genres. However, they require a deep ear insertion that might be uncomfortable for some users. On the other hand, the Focal Bathys headphones are pricier but offer high-fidelity sound with added features like wireless connectivity and active noise cancellation, which are ideal for those who value versatility and comfort, particularly during travel or in noisy environments. Ultimately, if budget is a major concern without compromising on sound quality, the Etymotics could serve you well, but if you're looking for a more luxurious listening experience with modern features, the Focal Bathys could be worth the investment. 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 ER4XR
- 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
6.2
9.3
The Focal Bathys is excellent for gaming, while the Etymotic ER4XR is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.3
6.2
The Etymotic ER4XR 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 Etymotic ER4XR is good.
Noise Reduction
9.1
8.3
The Etymotic ER4XR is excellent for noise reduction, while the Focal Bathys is very good.
Battery
N/A
31.0 Hours
The Etymotic ER4XR does not have a battery. The Focal Bathys has 31 hours of battery life.
Cost
$234
$699
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Etymotic ER4XR has a price of $234 and the Focal Bathys costs $699.
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Key similarities
Music
8.0
8.0
The Focal Bathys and Etymotic ER4XR are both very good for music.
Phone Calls
4.7
5.2
The Focal Bathys and Etymotic ER4XR are both poor for phone calls.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Etymotic ER4XR and Focal Bathys both have excellent build quality.
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How the Etymotic ER4XR and the Focal Bathys compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Etymotic ER4XR | Focal Bathys |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$234 | $699 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Etymotic | Focal | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2016 | October 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.8/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 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 | 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 ER4XR
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Dig into reviews and images
What HiFi?
What HiFi? | May 2015
"The Etymotic ER4XRs' top qualities are the detail and definition of the midrange, rewarding the closest listening. While the soundstage is large rather than gigantic, the excellent separation and spatial precision mean you can dive deep into music just as much as when wearing a pair of full-size open-backed headphones."
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 ER4XR 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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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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