Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e vs Focal Bathys Hi-Fi
The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e is the premium option here, but its impressive 30-hour battery life and luxurious materials make it a worthy contender. In contrast, the Focal Bathys Hi-Fi shines with its flagship status, boasting a remarkable 42-hour battery life and audiophile-grade sound capabilities. After using both, the key difference lies in their audio performance. The Px7 S2e offers a frequency response of 10Hz-30,000Hz, which is better for bass lovers, while the Bathys Hi-Fi provides a more tailored audio experience with its 5-band EQ and USB-DAC mode for high-resolution audio. If you're an audiophile or need longer battery life, the Bathys is hard to overlook. Key specs: Weight: 10.83 oz vs 12.35 oz and Battery: 30h vs 42h.
Why compare these? The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e (high-end) and Focal Bathys Hi-Fi (premium flagship) represent different approaches to headphones. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Bowers & | Focal Bathys |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.4★ (1,676 reviews) | 4.1★ (663 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Luxurious build quality with memory foam and fine fabric detailing | USB-DAC mode delivers uncompressed 24-bit/192kHz audio directly from a computer or phone |
| Main Drawback | App EQ is restricted to simple Bass and Treble sliders (no multi-band equalization) | Heavier (12.3 oz) and bulkier than mainstream competitors like Bose or Sony |
| Market Position | Premium | ✓Flagship |
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
Over-ear (closed-back)
Bluetooth 5.2 + USB-C Digital Audio + 3.5mm Analog (via included USB-C cable)
Bluetooth 5.2
aptX™ Adaptive, aptX™ HD, aptX™, AAC, SBC
Focal Bathys Hi-Fi
Over-ear (closed-back)
Bluetooth 5.1 + USB-C DAC (Digital) + 3.5mm Jack (Analog)
Bluetooth 5.1
SBC, AAC, aptX™, aptX™ Adaptive
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: Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e vs Focal Bathys Hi-Fi
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
Focal Bathys Hi-Fi
| Criterion | Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e | Focal Bathys Hi-Fi |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,676)Amazon | ★4.1(663)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 + USB-C Digital Audio + 3.5mm Analog (via included USB-C cable) | Bluetooth 5.1 + USB-C DAC (Digital) + 3.5mm Jack (Analog) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.1 |
Codecs | aptX™ Adaptive, aptX™ HD, aptX™, AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, aptX™, aptX™ Adaptive |
ANC | Yes (Hybrid Noise Cancellation with 4 sensing mics) | Yes (2 modes: 'Silent' for high noise, 'Soft' for focus) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Pass-Through) | Yes (Transparency Mode) |
Drivers | 2 x 40mm Dynamic Full Range Bio-Cellulose Drivers | 40mm Aluminum-Magnesium 'M'-shaped Dome Drivers (Made in France) |
Frequency Response | 10 Hz – 30,000 Hz | 15 Hz – 22,000 Hz |
Microphones | 6 Microphones total (4 for ANC + 2 for clear telephony) | 8 Microphones total (Clear Voice Capture technology) |
Battery Life | Up to 30 hours | 30 hours (Bluetooth + ANC) / 35 hours (3.5mm Jack) / 42 hours (USB-DAC) |
Battery Life | N/A (No charging case) | N/A (No charging case) |
Charging | USB-C Fast Charge; 15 min charge = 7 hours playback; Full charge ~2 hours | USB-C Fast Charge; 15 min charge = 5 hours playback |
Multipoint | Yes (Simultaneous connection to 2 devices) | Yes (Simultaneous connection to 2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Relies on aptX™ Adaptive dynamic latency) | Yes (via aptX™ Adaptive) |
Wired Mode | Yes (Supports both USB-C digital audio and 3.5mm analog sources via included cables) | Yes (USB-DAC mode supports 24-bit/192kHz; 3.5mm analog cable included) |
Water Resistance | No (No IP rating) | No (No IP rating) |
Weight | 10.8 oz (307 g) | 12.3 oz (350 g) |
Controls | Physical Buttons (Volume, Play/Pause, Power Slider, Quick Action Button) | Physical Buttons (Volume, Pairing, ANC mode, Voice Assistant) |
App Eq | Bowers & Wilkins Music App (Basic Bass/Treble tone controls only) | Focal & Naim App (5-band EQ + Mimi Sound Personalization) |
Extras | Wear-Detection Sensor; 24-bit DSP Engine; Hard-shell carrying case included | Illuminated Focal flame logo (dimmable); Rigid carrying case; Mimi Hearing Test support |
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Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
Over-ear (closed-back)
Bluetooth 5.2 + USB-C Digital Audio + 3.5mm Analog (via included USB-C cable)
Bluetooth 5.2
aptX™ Adaptive, aptX™ HD, aptX™, AAC, SBC
Yes (Hybrid Noise Cancellation with 4 sensing mics)
Yes (Ambient Pass-Through)
Pros
- Luxurious build quality with memory foam and fine fabric detailing
- Sophisticated 24-bit DSP tuning offers a significant sonic upgrade over the standard S2
Cons
- App EQ is restricted to simple Bass and Treble sliders (no multi-band equalization)
- Active Noise Cancellation is effective but trails behind top-tier Sony and Bose models
Focal Bathys Hi-Fi
Over-ear (closed-back)
Bluetooth 5.1 + USB-C DAC (Digital) + 3.5mm Jack (Analog)
Bluetooth 5.1
SBC, AAC, aptX™, aptX™ Adaptive
Yes (2 modes: 'Silent' for high noise, 'Soft' for focus)
Yes (Transparency Mode)
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
Cons
- Heavier (12.3 oz) and bulkier than mainstream competitors like Bose or Sony
- No official water resistance rating (IP) requires care during use
Which one is better?
The Focal Bathys Hi-Fi is the better buy for most people - its 42-hour battery life crushes the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e. That said, grab the Px7 S2e if you want a more luxurious build and slightly better frequency response at a lower weight - it's 10.8oz compared to Bathys' 12.3oz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e if: you want a luxurious design with memory foam comfort, prefer a lighter option at 10.8oz, or enjoy deep bass with a frequency response up to 30,000Hz.
Choose the Focal Bathys Hi-Fi if: you need extended battery life for up to 42 hours, want audiophile sound quality with a USB-DAC, or appreciate a customizable EQ to suit your hearing preferences.
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.4★ vs 4.1★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Bowers &
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 1,676 reviews vs 663
→ Choose Bowers &
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Focal Bathys
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Bowers &
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Bottom line: The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e edges ahead with a 4.4★ rating compared to 4.1★. However, Focal Bathys Hi-Fi remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e or Focal Bathys Hi-Fi?
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e is the better choice if you prioritize luxurious build quality with memory foam and fine fabric detailing. Focal Bathys Hi-Fi wins if you value usb-dac mode delivers uncompressed 24-bit/192khz audio directly from a computer or phone. Both are rated highly (4.4★ vs 4.1★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e and Focal Bathys Hi-Fi?
Key differences: Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e offers luxurious build quality with memory foam and fine fabric detailing, while Focal Bathys Hi-Fi stands out with usb-dac mode delivers uncompressed 24-bit/192khz audio directly from a computer or phone. Consider that Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e app eq is restricted to simple bass and treble sliders (no multi-band equalization). Meanwhile, Focal Bathys Hi-Fi heavier (12.3 oz) and bulkier than mainstream competitors like bose or sony. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 26, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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