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Bathys
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Elex
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What we think

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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

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Gaming

9.3
Bathys
Elex
6.9
The Focal Bathys is excellent for gaming, while the Focal Elex is only fair.

Phone Calls

5.2
Bathys
Elex
4.3
The Focal Bathys and Focal Elex are both poor for phone calls, though the Focal Bathys is somewhat better.

Podcasts and Audiobooks

6.2
Bathys
Elex
7.1
The Focal Elex is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Focal Bathys is only fair.

TV and Video

10.0
Bathys
Elex
8.3
The Focal Bathys is best in class for TV and video, while the Focal Elex is very good.

Noise Reduction

8.3
Bathys
Elex
2.5
The Focal Bathys is very good for noise reduction, while the Focal Elex is poor.

Battery

31.0 Hours
Bathys
Elex
N/A
The Focal Bathys has 31 hours of battery life. The Focal Elex does not have a battery.

Cost

$699
Bathys
Elex
$749
Product image
Product image

$350

$360

$370

$380

$390

$400

The Focal Bathys has a price of $699 and the Focal Elex costs $749.
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Key similarities

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Music

8.0
Bathys
Elex
7.7
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Focal Bathys to be very good for music, while the Focal Elex is good.

Build Quality

9.0
Bathys
Elex
9.0
The Focal Bathys and Focal Elex both have excellent build quality.

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We’re constantly working to improve.

How the Focal Bathys and the Focal Elex compare to other earbuds and headphones

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Spec Comparison

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Focal BathysFocal Elex
Focal BathysFocal Elex

GENERAL

Price
$699
$749
Brand
FocalFocal
Release Date
October 1, 2022December 1, 2017
Form Factor
HeadphonesHeadphones
Connectivity
Wired + WirelessWired

SOUND

Music Score
8.1/107.8/10
Phone Calls Score
5.3/104.4/10
Gaming Score
9.4/106.9/10
TV and Video Score
10/108.4/10
Exercise Score
6.6/104.3/10

PERFORMANCE

Battery life
31 HoursN/A
Wireless charging
NoN/A
Charging time
1.5 HoursN/A
Bluetooth version
5.1N/A

FEATURES

Active Noise Cancelling
YesNo
Noise Reduction Score
8.4/102.5/10
Virtual Surround
NoNo
Android App
YesN/A
iOS App
YesN/A
Mic Quality
6.5/10N/A

BUILD AND DESIGN

Build Quality
9/109/10
Comfort score
8.4/108/10
Weight (headset or single earbud)
350 Grams450 Grams
Microphone style
IntegratedN/A
Waterproof Rating
00

Shopping

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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."

Focal Elex

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Dig into reviews and images

Golden Sound

Golden Sound | October 2021
"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."

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Why trust us

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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

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.

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