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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality and use your device for gaming or watching TV, then the Focal Bathys might be the better choice, as they deliver exceptional sound and perform very well for those activities. They also have a more premium price, higher build quality, and come with a detachable cable. However, the Sony WF1000XM3 is more affordable, offers better microphone quality, and is more portable with a longer battery life and case that provides additional charges. The Sony earbuds are also more suitable for calls, meetings, and those who use earbuds during exercise due to their lighter weight and earbud form factor. 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 Sony WF1000XM3
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
8.0
7.5
The Focal Bathys is very good for music, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is good.
Gaming
9.3
5.6
The Focal Bathys is excellent for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is poor.
Phone Calls
5.2
8.2
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for phone calls, while the Focal Bathys is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.2
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Focal Bathys is only fair.
TV and Video
10.0
5.7
The Focal Bathys is best in class for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is poor.
Battery
31.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Focal Bathys has 31 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM3 has 6 hours of battery life.
Cost
$699
$180
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Focal Bathys has a price of $699 and the Sony WF1000XM3 costs $180.
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Key similarities
Noise Reduction
8.3
8.3
The Focal Bathys and Sony WF1000XM3 are both very good for noise reduction.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Focal Bathys and Sony WF1000XM3 both have excellent build quality.
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How the Focal Bathys and the Sony WF1000XM3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Focal Bathys | Sony WF1000XM3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$699 | $180 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Focal | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2022 | August 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.3/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 9.4/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 10/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.6/10 | 6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 31 Hours | 6 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.1 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
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 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 350 Grams | 9 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."
Sony WF1000XM3
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Sound Guys
Lily Katz | November 2022
"Wireless earbuds are a dime a dozen, and the Sony WF-1000XM3 makes it easy to justify the cost. The design and comfort are good, and the connection strength is consistent. While the lack of aptX or LDAC support is a big drawback, DSEE HX processing improves low-quality audio files. If you want stylish active noise canceling (ANC) earbuds, the WF-1000XM3 needs to be at the top of your list."
Get a great deal on the Focal Bathys or the Sony WF1000XM3
About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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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
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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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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.
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