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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
When considering the Focal Bathys versus the Soundcore Life Q30, it is important to recognize that the higher price of the Focal Bathys is typically reflective of premium build quality, superior sound resolution, and advanced features like active noise cancellation and a more natural sound signature, which may be important for audiophiles or professional use. On the other hand, the Soundcore Life Q30 offers good value with decent sound quality, active noise cancellation and a comfortable design for everyday listening, but may not match the sonic fidelity of the Focal Bathys. If budget is a constraint and you need a competent pair of headphones for casual listening or commuting, the Q30 is a sensible choice; however, if you prioritize top-tier audio performance and can afford the investment, the Focal Bathys would serve you better. 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 Soundcore Life Q30
- The Soundcore Life Q30 has no clear advantages over the Focal Bathys.
Key differences
Music
8.0
7.1
The Focal Bathys is very good for music, while the Soundcore Life Q30 is good.
Gaming
9.3
5.3
The Focal Bathys is excellent for gaming, while the Soundcore Life Q30 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.2
4.8
The Focal Bathys is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore Life Q30 is poor.
TV and Video
10.0
5.4
The Focal Bathys is best in class for TV and video, while the Soundcore Life Q30 is poor.
Battery
31.0 Hours
44.0 Hours
The Focal Bathys has 31 hours of battery life. The Soundcore Life Q30 has 44 hours of battery life.
Cost
$699
$80
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Focal Bathys has a price of $699 and the Soundcore Life Q30 costs $80.
Build Quality
9.0
8.0
The Focal Bathys has excellent build quality, while the Soundcore Life Q30 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
5.2
5.1
The Focal Bathys and Soundcore Life Q30 are both poor for phone calls.
Noise Reduction
8.3
8.7
The Soundcore Life Q30 and Focal Bathys are both very good for noise reduction.
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How the Focal Bathys and the Soundcore Life Q30 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Focal Bathys | Soundcore Life Q30 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$699 | $80 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Focal | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2022 | August 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.3/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 9.4/10 | 5.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 10/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.6/10 | 5.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 31 Hours | 44 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 1.7 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.1 | 5 | |
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 | N/A | |
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 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 350 Grams | 263 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."
Soundcore Life Q30
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Headphones Addict
Peter Susic | December 2021
"Every once in a while, headphones with an excellent price/performance ratio arrive that truly deserves all attention. Anker Soundcore Life Q30 are one of those headphones. Of course, they aren’t perfect, but they do most things better than their competition. Or they give you the option to make them better."
Get a great deal on the Focal Bathys or the Soundcore Life Q30
About Soundcore
Soundcore is a sub-brand belonging to Anker Innovations. Starting in 2014, initially marketing wireless, Bluetooth, speakers, Anker now offers an array of, budget-friendly, wireless earbuds and headphones that directly compete, especially in the Active Noise Canceling field, with other brands several times as expensive.
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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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