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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Focal Bathys offers exceptional sound quality, suited for a truly immersive music experience and is excellent for TV watching due to its low latency. It is also comfortable, has active noise cancelling, and provides a high-quality build. On the other hand, the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless has good call quality, is optimized for both Android and Apple devices, and is more portable with a longer battery life, making it ideal for use during exercise and travel. If you prioritize superior sound and entertainment experiences and don't mind the higher cost and lower portability, the Focal Bathys would be a good choice. But if you value comfort during long calls, compatibility with multiple devices, and the convenience of extended battery life and portability at a lower price point, the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless might better suit your needs. 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
Advantages of the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless
- Good for phone calls
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.0
6.6
The Focal Bathys is very good for music, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair.
Gaming
9.3
7.3
The Focal Bathys is excellent for gaming, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good.
Phone Calls
5.2
7.8
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good for phone calls, while the Focal Bathys is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.2
7.3
The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Focal Bathys is only fair.
TV and Video
10.0
6.9
The Focal Bathys is best in class for TV and video, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair.
Noise Reduction
8.3
6.5
The Focal Bathys is very good for noise reduction, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless is only fair.
Battery
31.0 Hours
8.3 Hours
The Focal Bathys has 31 hours of battery life. The JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless has 8.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$699
$30
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Focal Bathys has a price of $699 and the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless costs $30.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Focal Bathys has excellent build quality, while the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless has very good build quality.
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How the Focal Bathys and the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Focal Bathys | JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$699 | $30 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Focal | JBL | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2022 | February 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.3/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 9.4/10 | 7.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 10/10 | 7/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.6/10 | 6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 31 Hours | 8.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 1.1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.1 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 16 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 6.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 350 Grams | 8.8 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
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."
JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphone Dungeon
LaFonda | April 2023
"The Vibe Beam earbuds may not be a sleek as other earbuds in the price range, such as the equally priced Vibe Buds, but they sound great, have a long battery life, and come with an equalizer. And if you just need a solid pair if earbuds to get you through your commute, these will do the trick. I have no complaints here."
Get a great deal on the Focal Bathys or the JBL Vibe Beam True Wireless
About JBL
JBL is an American audio equipment manufacturer. Owned by Harman International which is, itself, owned by Samsung Electronics. JBL markets a wide array of monitoring speakers, professional headphones and consumer market headphones and earbuds. It was founded in 1946 by James Bullough Lansing (whose initials give the company its name) and has become one of the most prolific audio companies ever. Their products were responsible for audio during the 1969 Woodstock Festival.
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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.
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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.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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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.
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Earbuds and Headphones Expert
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