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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
Since you are comparing the Focal Bathys and the Marshall Major IV, I will base the advice on general knowledge about these brands and their product characteristics. If you prioritize sound quality and are willing to invest in a premium listening experience, the Focal Bathys may serve you better. They are known for their high-fidelity sound and advanced features such as noise cancellation and wireless connectivity. However, they come at a higher price point. On the other hand, if you're looking for good quality sound at a more affordable price, and if portability and a longer battery life are important to you, the Marshall Major IV would be a suitable choice. Keep in mind that while Marshall provides a sturdy build and classic design, they might not match the sound sophistication and noise cancellation capabilities of the Focal Bathys. So, your decision should be based on what you value more: top-notch sound and features, or a balance of sound quality, comfort, and cost. 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 Marshall Major IV
- The Marshall Major IV has no clear advantages over the Focal Bathys.
Key differences
Music
8.0
6.6
The Focal Bathys is very good for music, while the Marshall Major IV is only fair.
Gaming
9.3
5.4
The Focal Bathys is excellent for gaming, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Phone Calls
5.2
5.8
The Marshall Major IV and Focal Bathys are both poor for phone calls, though the Marshall Major IV is somewhat better.
TV and Video
10.0
5.7
The Focal Bathys is best in class for TV and video, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Noise Reduction
8.3
5.6
The Focal Bathys is very good for noise reduction, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Battery
31.0 Hours
80.0 Hours
The Focal Bathys has 31 hours of battery life. The Marshall Major IV has 80 hours of battery life.
Cost
$699
$100
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Focal Bathys has a price of $699 and the Marshall Major IV costs $100.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Focal Bathys has excellent build quality, while the Marshall Major IV has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.2
6.1
The Focal Bathys and Marshall Major IV are both only fair for podcasts and audiobooks.
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How the Focal Bathys and the Marshall Major IV compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Focal Bathys | Marshall Major IV |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$699 | $100 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Focal | Marshall | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2022 | October 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.3/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 9.4/10 | 5.5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 10/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.6/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 31 Hours | 80 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 3 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.1 | 5 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | No | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 9/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 350 Grams | 165 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
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."
Marshall Major IV
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | September 2023
"The Marshall Major IV shares quite a bit in common with its predecessor, but a key upgrade appears to be softer ear cushions. They make upgrading worth it. As a set of basic wired or wireless headphones the Major IV ticks most boxes by remaining easy to use, and fairly comfortable (at least, as on-ear headphones go)."
Get a great deal on the Focal Bathys or the Marshall Major IV
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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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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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