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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Focal Bathys offers superior sound quality and active noise canceling, making them ideal for audiophiles and those who prioritize immersive listening experiences in noisy environments. However, their higher price reflects these premium features. The Steelseries TUSQ, on the other hand, delivers good sound quality at a lower cost, and may also include features that cater to gamers, such as a detachable boom microphone for clear communication. If gaming and budget are considerations, the TUSQ may be a better fit, while the Bathys could be more suitable for high-fidelity music listening and travel. Remember to consider the types of devices you'll be connecting to, as compatibility varies between different headphone models. 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
- Very good for air travel
Advantages of the Steelseries TUSQ
- The Steelseries TUSQ has no clear advantages over the Focal Bathys.
Key differences
Gaming
9.3
8.5
The Focal Bathys is excellent for gaming, while the Steelseries TUSQ is very good.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.2
4.7
The Focal Bathys is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Steelseries TUSQ is poor.
TV and Video
10.0
7.3
The Focal Bathys is best in class for TV and video, while the Steelseries TUSQ is good.
Noise Reduction
8.3
6.0
The Focal Bathys is very good for noise reduction, while the Steelseries TUSQ is only fair.
Battery
31.0 Hours
N/A
The Focal Bathys has 31 hours of battery life. The Steelseries TUSQ does not have a battery.
Cost
$699
$30
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Focal Bathys has a price of $699 and the Steelseries TUSQ costs $30.
Build Quality
9.0
8.0
The Focal Bathys has excellent build quality, while the Steelseries TUSQ has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
8.0
7.6
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Focal Bathys to be very good for music, while the Steelseries TUSQ is good.
Phone Calls
5.2
5.2
The Focal Bathys and Steelseries TUSQ are both poor for phone calls.
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How the Focal Bathys and the Steelseries TUSQ compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Focal Bathys | Steelseries TUSQ |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$699 | $30 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Focal | Steelseries | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2022 | August 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.3/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 9.4/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 10/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.6/10 | 4.2/10 | |
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 | 6/10 | |
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 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 350 Grams | 11 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Boom | |
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."
Steelseries TUSQ
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Dig into reviews and images
Can Buy or Not
Aloysius Low | March 2021
"The SteelSeries Arctis Tusq is a great headset for those on a more modest budget. You can use it for gaming or music, and I daresay it's also great for Zoom meetings when you don't want to be wearing on-ear or over-ear headphones."
Get a great deal on the Focal Bathys or the Steelseries TUSQ
About Steelseries
Steelseries is a Danish gaming products manufacturer founded in 2001 and owned by GN Store Nord. Beside a large variety of gaming peripherals like mice, keyboards, and mousemats, Steelseries markets the Arctis line of gaming headsets which feature integrated boom microphones and RGB lighting. Steelseries has partnered with several game publishers and studios for limited editions of their products like a line of Cyberpunk 2077 themed headsets in 2020.
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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.
By the numbers
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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.
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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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