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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
Given that the Focal Bathys is significantly more expensive than the Soundcore Space A40, consider the following tradeoffs: If you're looking for top-tier sound quality and can afford a higher price, the Focal Bathys may offer superior audio fidelity and build quality. Conversely, if you're on a budget, the Soundcore Space A40 will give you good performance at a much more affordable price point. You should also consider the additional features each may offer, such as noise cancellation, battery life, comfort, and any unique technology that enhances the listening experience. If your priority is everyday use with good value, the Soundcore might be the right choice; if you're an audiophile seeking premium sound, the Focal Bathys might be worth the investment. Remember that you're balancing cost against sound quality and extra features. 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 Space A40
- The Soundcore Space A40 has no clear advantages over the Focal Bathys.
Key differences
Gaming
9.3
4.9
The Focal Bathys is excellent for gaming, while the Soundcore Space A40 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.2
4.9
The Focal Bathys is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Soundcore Space A40 is poor.
TV and Video
10.0
5.3
The Focal Bathys is best in class for TV and video, while the Soundcore Space A40 is poor.
Noise Reduction
8.3
9.1
The Soundcore Space A40 is excellent for noise reduction, while the Focal Bathys is very good.
Battery
31.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Focal Bathys has 31 hours of battery life. The Soundcore Space A40 has 8 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 Space A40 costs $80.
Build Quality
9.0
8.5
The Focal Bathys has excellent build quality, while the Soundcore Space A40 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
8.0
7.7
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Focal Bathys to be very good for music, while the Soundcore Space A40 is good.
Phone Calls
5.2
4.8
The Focal Bathys and Soundcore Space A40 are both poor for phone calls.
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How the Focal Bathys and the Soundcore Space A40 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Focal Bathys | Soundcore Space A40 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$699 | $80 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Focal | Soundcore | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2022 | August 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.3/10 | 4.9/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 9.4/10 | 5/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 10/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.6/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 31 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 0.8 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.1 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 32 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | |
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 | 6/10 | |
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 | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 350 Grams | 4 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."
Soundcore Space A40
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Sound Guys
Sam Smart | May 2023
"The Anker Soundcore Space A40 is an excellent deal if you want affordable noise canceling earbuds with great sound. The baseline frequency response is enjoyable, and the many EQ presets to choose from plus the ability to customize your sound profile makes it good for pretty much anyone. The noise canceling is quite good, and the many ear tips to choose from ensure a good fit for the noise canceling and isolation to do its job."
Get a great deal on the Focal Bathys or the Soundcore Space A40
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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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.
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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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