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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you value excellent sound quality and an immersive music experience with the capability to be used wirelessly or wired, and you don't mind a higher price and less portability, the Focal Bathys would be a great choice. However, they may be less suitable for use during exercise. On the other hand, the Sony WF1000XM5 earbuds offer very good sound quality, better portability, optimized features for both Android and Apple devices, and longer battery life in a more affordable package, making them more versatile for everyday use including exercise, although they might not be as immersive for dedicated listening sessions as the Focal Bathys. Both offer active noise cancelling but the Sony has the edge for portability while Focal wins on sound and material quality. 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
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM5
- The Sony WF1000XM5 has no clear advantages over the Focal Bathys.
Key differences
Gaming
9.3
5.1
The Focal Bathys is excellent for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.2
4.9
The Focal Bathys is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
TV and Video
10.0
5.4
The Focal Bathys is best in class for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Battery
31.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Focal Bathys has 31 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$699
$298
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Focal Bathys has a price of $699 and the Sony WF1000XM5 costs $298.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Focal Bathys has excellent build quality, while the Sony WF1000XM5 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
8.0
8.0
The Focal Bathys and Sony WF1000XM5 are both very good for music.
Phone Calls
5.2
5.0
The Focal Bathys and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for phone calls.
Noise Reduction
8.3
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Focal Bathys are both very good for noise reduction.
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How the Focal Bathys and the Sony WF1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Focal Bathys | Sony WF1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$699 | $298 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Focal | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2022 | July 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.3/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 9.4/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 10/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.6/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 31 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.1 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | |
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 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 350 Grams | 6 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 WF1000XM5
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Sound Guys
Harley Maranan | July 2023
"The Sony WF-1000XM5 is among the best noise canceling earbuds currently on the market, and they aren’t cheap. These earbuds aren’t the best choice for budget-conscious listeners. But if you prioritize active noise cancelation, sound quality, and extensive software support, the WF-1000XM5 is worth its premium price tag."
Get a great deal on the Focal Bathys or the Sony WF1000XM5
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
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.
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