Bose QuietComfort Headphones vs Focal Bathys Hi-Fi
Get the Bose QuietComfort Headphones unless you crave audiophile-level sound. The numbers: 24 hours of battery life vs Focal Bathys Hi-Fi's impressive 42 hours with its USB-DAC mode. In real-world use, that means you can listen for days without needing a charge. Bose QuietComfort Headphones is the premium option, offering legendary comfort and best-in-class physical buttons. So, if you need top-notch sound quality, the trade-off might be worth it for you.
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Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Focal Bathys Hi-Fi
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Bose QuietComfort Headphones vs Focal Bathys Hi-Fi
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Focal Bathys Hi-Fi
| Criterion | Bose QuietComfort Headphones | Focal Bathys Hi-Fi |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(16,733)Amazon | ★4.2(465)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, 2.5mm to 3.5mm analog cable | Bluetooth 5.1 + USB-C DAC (Digital) + 3.5mm Jack (Analog) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.1 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, aptX™, aptX™ Adaptive |
ANC | Yes (Quiet & Aware modes + Custom modes) | Yes (2 modes: 'Silent' for high noise, 'Soft' for focus) |
Transparency | Yes (Aware Mode) | Yes (Transparency Mode) |
Drivers | Custom dynamic drivers (Size/Type undisclosed by manufacturer) | 40mm Aluminum-Magnesium 'M'-shaped Dome Drivers (Made in France) |
Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20 kHz (Measured) | 15 Hz – 22,000 Hz |
Microphones | Microphone system with noise-rejecting boomless array | 8 Microphones total (Clear Voice Capture technology) |
Battery Life | Up to 24 hrs | 30 hours (Bluetooth + ANC) / 35 hours (3.5mm Jack) / 42 hours (USB-DAC) |
Battery Life | N/A (Headphones only) | N/A (No charging case) |
Charging | USB-C; 2.5 hrs for full charge; 15 min = up to 2.5 hrs play | USB-C Fast Charge; 15 min charge = 5 hours playback |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices with seamless switching) | Yes (Simultaneous connection to 2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | No (SimpleSync available only for Bose Soundbars) | Yes (via aptX™ Adaptive) |
Wired Mode | Yes (Active or Passive - passive sounds different) | Yes (USB-DAC mode supports 24-bit/192kHz; 3.5mm analog cable included) |
Water Resistance | None | No (No IP rating) |
Weight | 238 g | 12.3 oz (350 g) |
Controls | Physical buttons (Volume, Play/Pause, Mode Switch) | Physical Buttons (Volume, Pairing, ANC mode, Voice Assistant) |
App Eq | Bose Music app (3-band EQ + Presets) | Focal & Naim App (5-band EQ + Mimi Sound Personalization) |
Extras | Wind Block feature; Spotify Tap; Foldable design; Hard carry case included | Illuminated Focal flame logo (dimmable); Rigid carrying case; Mimi Hearing Test support |
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Bose QuietComfort Headphones
✓ Pros:
- • Legendary comfort (low clamping force, deep ear pads)
- • Best-in-class physical buttons (preferred by many over touch)
- • Excellent noise cancellation consistency
- • Foldable design is travel-friendly (unlike Sony XM5/Bose Ultra)
✗ Cons:
- • No wear sensors (music does not auto-pause when taken off)
- • 2.5mm audio jack limits third-party cable options
- • Still uses older Bluetooth 5.1 compared to competitors
- • No high-bitrate codecs (no LDAC or aptX)
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Focal Bathys Hi-Fi
✓ Pros:
- • USB-DAC mode delivers uncompressed 24-bit/192kHz audio directly from a computer or phone
- • Aluminum/Magnesium drivers provide audiophile-level detail and dynamic range
- • Mimi Sound Personalization adapts the audio profile to your specific hearing health
- • Premium construction with real leather, aluminum, and magnesium materials
- • Solid battery life across all modes, especially when using the internal DAC (42 hours)
✗ Cons:
- • Heavier (12.3 oz) and bulkier than mainstream competitors like Bose or Sony
- • No official water resistance rating (IP) requires care during use
- • High price point targets a niche audiophile audience rather than general consumers
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Which one is better?
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones is the better buy for most people - its 24-hour battery life crushes the Focal Bathys Hi-Fi's 42 hours in terms of usability for casual listeners. That said, grab the Focal Bathys Hi-Fi if you need high-fidelity audio for a dedicated setup - it's an audiophile's dream with advanced features.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Bose QuietComfort Headphones if: you value comfort and lightweight design for long listening sessions, prefer physical buttons for control, or need a versatile headphone for everyday use. (8.40 oz weight)
Choose the Focal Bathys Hi-Fi if: you seek uncompressed audio quality for music production, want a headphone that adapts to your hearing profile, or need extended battery life for long travel days. (12.35 oz weight)
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Bose QuietComfort Headphones excels if you value legendary comfort (low clamping force, deep ear pads). Focal Bathys Hi-Fi is better if you prioritize usb-dac mode delivers uncompressed 24-bit/192khz audio directly from a computer or phone. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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