The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize high-quality wireless audio and active noise cancelling for uses like air travel or commuting, the Focal Bathys would be the better option because they offer these features along with an integrated microphone for calls. However, for a more natural and spacious sound, particularly for music listening in quiet environments, the open-back Focal Elex would be preferable, though they lack Bluetooth connectivity and noise cancelling. The Bathys also provide a longer battery life for extended use without needing a charge, while the Elex, being wired, would not limit you with battery life. Keep in mind that the Bathys are slightly heavier and the Elex may not be suitable for noisy environments due to their open design. 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 Focal Elex
Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Gaming
9.3/10
6.9/10
The Focal Bathys is excellent for gaming, while the Focal Elex is only fair.
Phone Calls
5.2/10
4.3/10
The Focal Bathys and Focal Elex are both poor for phone calls, though the Focal Bathys is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.2/10
7.1/10
The Focal Elex is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Focal Bathys is only fair.
TV and Video
10.0/10
8.3/10
The Focal Bathys is best in class for TV and video, while the Focal Elex is very good.
Noise Reduction
8.3/10
2.5/10
The Focal Bathys is very good for noise reduction, while the Focal Elex is poor.
Battery
31.0 Hours
N/A
The Focal Bathys has 31 hours of battery life. The Focal Elex does not have a battery.
Cost
$699
$749
$350
$360
$370
$380
$390
$400
The Focal Bathys has a price of $699 and the Focal Elex costs $749.
"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."
"The Focal Elex are an excellent pair of headphones for the money and a great all-rounder that will suit many tastes. They’re an easy recommendation for anyone looking for something comfortable, well built, that looks good, and will work with just about any genre."
Get a great deal on the Focal Bathys or the Focal Elex
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
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
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
120,200
Recommendations made
18,030
Consumer hours saved
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.