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're looking for wireless functionality and active noise cancelling for listening in noisier environments or while traveling, the Focal Bathys would serve you well as they also have built-in controls and a more convenient battery life for extended use. However, if you prioritize the absolute best audio quality and soundstage for critical listening at home, consider the HifiMan Arya Stealth, which excels in these areas, though they are open-back and lack the features for portability or blocking out ambient sound. Keep in mind that the Focal Bathys are a more modern model, offering compatibility with aptX Adaptive for improved wireless audio, whereas the Arya Stealth requires a wired connection and may be better suited for a stationary setup. 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
- Excellent for gaming
- Best in class for TV and video
- Very good for air travel
Advantages of the HifiMan Arya Stealth
- Best in class for music
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.0
10.0
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is best in class for music, while the Focal Bathys is very good.
Gaming
9.3
7.1
The Focal Bathys is excellent for gaming, while the HifiMan Arya Stealth is good.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.2
8.1
The HifiMan Arya Stealth is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Focal Bathys is only fair.
TV and Video
10.0
9.4
The Focal Bathys is best in class for TV and video, while the HifiMan Arya Stealth is excellent.
Noise Reduction
8.3
2.5
The Focal Bathys is very good for noise reduction, while the HifiMan Arya Stealth is poor.
Battery
31.0 Hours
N/A
The Focal Bathys has 31 hours of battery life. The HifiMan Arya Stealth does not have a battery.
Cost
$699
$999
$350
$360
$370
$380
$390
$400
The Focal Bathys has a price of $699 and the HifiMan Arya Stealth costs $999.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Headphones
Find your new headphones
Key similarities
Phone Calls
5.2
5.1
The Focal Bathys and HifiMan Arya Stealth are both poor for phone calls.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Focal Bathys and HifiMan Arya Stealth both have excellent build quality.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Focal Bathys and the HifiMan Arya Stealth compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Focal Bathys | HifiMan Arya Stealth |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$699 | $999 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Focal | HifiMan | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2022 | November 1, 2018 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 10/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.3/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 9.4/10 | 7.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 10/10 | 9.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.6/10 | 4.5/10 | |
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 | N/A | |
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 | 8.4/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 350 Grams | 408.2 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
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."
HifiMan Arya Stealth
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Headphonesty
Eric D Hieger | October 2022
"The Arya can easily be end-game headphones for 99% of consumers, satisfying most audio desires. Priced well above USD$1000, the Arya are obviously and gloriously not for the mass market consumer; they are designed and built by enthusiasts for enthusiasts – especially those who view their expenses on this level of gear as investments."
Get a great deal on the Focal Bathys or the HifiMan Arya Stealth
About HifiMan
HiFiMAN is a Chinese, high-end, audio product manufacturer, with 20 years of experience, that specializes in amplifiers, digital audio players and planar magnetic headphones, some of which have become a staple in the audiophile community such as the entry-level Sundara, the midrange Edition X, and the very well-regarded, high-end, Arya.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
Compare Focal Bathys vs. AKG K712 Pro
VS
Compare Focal Bathys vs. Focal Elex
VS
Compare Focal Bathys vs. Master & Dynamic MW75-Neuro
VS
Compare HifiMan Arya Stealth vs. Thieaudio Monarch Mk II
VS
Compare HifiMan Arya Stealth vs. Bang and Olufsen Beoplay H95
VS
Compare HifiMan Arya Stealth vs. Audeze LCD 2 Classic
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
113,900
Recommendations made
17,085
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
