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·
The Focal Bathys offers superior sound quality, better noise isolation due to active noise cancelling, and versatility with both wireless and wired options, making it suitable for air travel and immersive TV and video experiences. However, it comes at a higher price. The Philips Fidelio X2HR, on the other hand, provides impressive sound and comfort at a midrange price, but lacks noise cancellation and wireless functionality, which could limit its use in noisier environments and during activities that benefit from cable-free movement. If budget is a primary concern and you don't require noise cancellation or wireless features, the Philips Fidelio X2HR could be a more cost-effective choice. 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 Philips Fidelio X2HR
- Excellent for music
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.0
9.3
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is excellent for music, while the Focal Bathys is very good.
Gaming
9.3
7.0
The Focal Bathys is excellent for gaming, while the Philips Fidelio X2HR is good.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.2
7.9
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Focal Bathys is only fair.
TV and Video
10.0
8.8
The Focal Bathys is best in class for TV and video, while the Philips Fidelio X2HR is very good.
Noise Reduction
8.3
2.5
The Focal Bathys is very good for noise reduction, while the Philips Fidelio X2HR is poor.
Battery
31.0 Hours
N/A
The Focal Bathys has 31 hours of battery life. The Philips Fidelio X2HR does not have a battery.
Cost
$699
$148
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Focal Bathys has a price of $699 and the Philips Fidelio X2HR costs $148.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Headphones
Find your new headphones
Key similarities
Phone Calls
5.2
5.0
The Focal Bathys and Philips Fidelio X2HR are both poor for phone calls.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Focal Bathys and Philips Fidelio X2HR both have excellent build quality.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Focal Bathys and the Philips Fidelio X2HR compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Focal Bathys | Philips Fidelio X2HR |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$699 | $148 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Focal | Philips | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2022 | September 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.3/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 9.4/10 | 7.1/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 10/10 | 8.9/10 | |
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 | 390 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."
Philips Fidelio X2HR
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Liquid Audio
Stefan | May 2022
"This piece is a fantastic option for music lovers searching for premium sound and a snug fit. You should get these headphones if you care about sound quality and want to hear music in a new light. This technology is a great option for high-quality headphones with superb sound reproduction."
Get a great deal on the Focal Bathys or the Philips Fidelio X2HR
About Philips
Philips is a Dutch conglomerate and electronics manufacturer with over 130 years of history. Philips makes the Fidelio audio line which includes several models of full-sized wired and wireless headphones, true wireless earbuds. soundbars and wireless speakers.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
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
94,400
Recommendations made
14,160
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
