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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize high-quality wireless audio and active noise cancelling for uses like air travel or commuting, the Focal Bathys would be the better option because they offer these features along with an integrated microphone for calls. However, for a more natural and spacious sound, particularly for music listening in quiet environments, the open-back Focal Elex would be preferable, though they lack Bluetooth connectivity and noise cancelling. The Bathys also provide a longer battery life for extended use without needing a charge, while the Elex, being wired, would not limit you with battery life. Keep in mind that the Bathys are slightly heavier and the Elex may not be suitable for noisy environments due to their open design. 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 Focal Bathys
- Very good for music
- Excellent for gaming
- Best in class for TV and video
- Very good for air travel
Advantages of the Focal Elex
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Gaming
9.3
6.9
The Focal Bathys is excellent for gaming, while the Focal Elex is only fair.
Phone Calls
5.2
4.3
The Focal Bathys and Focal Elex are both poor for phone calls, though the Focal Bathys is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.2
7.1
The Focal Elex is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Focal Bathys is only fair.
TV and Video
10.0
8.3
The Focal Bathys is best in class for TV and video, while the Focal Elex is very good.
Noise Reduction
8.3
2.5
The Focal Bathys is very good for noise reduction, while the Focal Elex is poor.
Battery
31.0 Hours
N/A
The Focal Bathys has 31 hours of battery life. The Focal Elex does not have a battery.
Cost
$699
$749
$350
$360
$370
$380
$390
$400
The Focal Bathys has a price of $699 and the Focal Elex costs $749.
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Key similarities
Music
8.0
7.7
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Focal Bathys to be very good for music, while the Focal Elex is good.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Focal Bathys and Focal Elex both have excellent build quality.
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How the Focal Bathys and the Focal Elex compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Focal Bathys | Focal Elex |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$699 | $749 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Focal | Focal | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2022 | December 1, 2017 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.3/10 | 4.4/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 9.4/10 | 6.9/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 10/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.6/10 | 4.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 31 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.1 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 8/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 350 Grams | 450 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
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."
Focal Elex
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Dig into reviews and images
Golden Sound
Golden Sound | October 2021
"The Focal Elex are an excellent pair of headphones for the money and a great all-rounder that will suit many tastes. They’re an easy recommendation for anyone looking for something comfortable, well built, that looks good, and will work with just about any genre."
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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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