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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 16, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerFocal Bathys Hi-Fi vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Focal Bathys Hi-Fi vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: which is the right fit? We cover performance, value, and use cases to make the call easier.
Ratings: 4.2★ vs 4.2★
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Focal Bathys Hi-Fi
★4.2
(465)•Amazon
Form Factor:Over-ear (closed-back)
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.1 + USB-C DAC (Digital) + 3.5mm Jack (Analog)
Bluetooth Version:Bluetooth 5.1
Codecs:SBC, AAC, aptX™, aptX™ Adaptive
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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
★4.2
(8,908)•Amazon
Form Factor:Over-ear (closed-back, foldable)
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.3 + 2.5mm wired
Bluetooth Version:5.3
Codecs:SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive (Snapdragon Sound)
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Comparison: Focal Bathys Hi-Fi vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Focal Bathys Hi-Fi
★4.2(465)Amazon
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
★4.2(8,908)Amazon
| Criterion | Focal Bathys Hi-Fi | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.2(465)Amazon | ★4.2(8,908)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back, foldable) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.1 + USB-C DAC (Digital) + 3.5mm Jack (Analog) | Bluetooth 5.3 + 2.5mm wired |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.1 | 5.3 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX™, aptX™ Adaptive | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive (Snapdragon Sound) |
ANC | Yes (2 modes: 'Silent' for high noise, 'Soft' for focus) | Yes (World-class Quiet Mode & CustomTune) |
Transparency | Yes (Transparency Mode) | Yes (Aware Mode with ActiveSense) |
Drivers | 40mm Aluminum-Magnesium 'M'-shaped Dome Drivers (Made in France) | Custom-designed proprietary drivers |
Frequency Response | 15 Hz – 22,000 Hz | N/A (Not published by manufacturer) |
Microphones | 8 Microphones total (Clear Voice Capture technology) | Advanced array (12 microphones total) |
Battery Life | 30 hours (Bluetooth + ANC) / 35 hours (3.5mm Jack) / 42 hours (USB-DAC) | Up to 24 hrs (18 hrs with Immersive Audio) |
Battery Life | N/A (No charging case) | N/A (Headphones only) |
Charging | USB-C Fast Charge; 15 min charge = 5 hours playback | USB-C; ~3 hrs full; 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback |
Multipoint | Yes (Simultaneous connection to 2 devices) | Yes (2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | Yes (via aptX™ Adaptive) | Via aptX Adaptive (requires compatible source) |
Wired Mode | Yes (USB-DAC mode supports 24-bit/192kHz; 3.5mm analog cable included) | Yes (2.5mm to 3.5mm cable included) |
Water Resistance | No (No IP rating) | None (IPX4 rating unconfirmed/absent) |
Weight | 12.3 oz (350 g) | 254 g (0.56 lb) |
Controls | Physical Buttons (Volume, Pairing, ANC mode, Voice Assistant) | Touch strip (volume) + Physical buttons (power/mode) |
App Eq | Focal & Naim App (5-band EQ + Mimi Sound Personalization) | Bose Music App (3-band EQ + Immersive settings) |
Extras | Illuminated Focal flame logo (dimmable); Rigid carrying case; Mimi Hearing Test support | Bose Immersive Audio, Snapdragon Sound, Google Fast Pair, SimpleSync, On-head detection |
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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Focal Bathys Hi-Fi
Rating:★4.2(465)Amazon
Form Factor:Over-ear (closed-back)
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.1 + USB-C DAC (Digital) + 3.5mm Jack (Analog)
Bluetooth Version:Bluetooth 5.1
Codecs:SBC, AAC, aptX™, aptX™ Adaptive
ANC:Yes (2 modes: 'Silent' for high noise, 'Soft' for focus)
Transparency:Yes (Transparency Mode)
Drivers:40mm Aluminum-Magnesium 'M'-shaped Dome Drivers (Made in France)
Frequency Response:15 Hz – 22,000 Hz
Microphones:8 Microphones total (Clear Voice Capture technology)
Battery Life:30 hours (Bluetooth + ANC) / 35 hours (3.5mm Jack) / 42 hours (USB-DAC)
Battery Life:N/A (No charging case)
Charging:USB-C Fast Charge; 15 min charge = 5 hours playback
Multipoint:Yes (Simultaneous connection to 2 devices)
Low Latency Mode:Yes (via aptX™ Adaptive)
Wired Mode:Yes (USB-DAC mode supports 24-bit/192kHz; 3.5mm analog cable included)
Water Resistance:No (No IP rating)
Weight:12.3 oz (350 g)
Controls:Physical Buttons (Volume, Pairing, ANC mode, Voice Assistant)
App Eq:Focal & Naim App (5-band EQ + Mimi Sound Personalization)
Extras:Illuminated Focal flame logo (dimmable); Rigid carrying case; Mimi Hearing Test support
✓ 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
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Rating:★4.2(8,908)Amazon
Form Factor:Over-ear (closed-back, foldable)
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.3 + 2.5mm wired
Bluetooth Version:5.3
Codecs:SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive (Snapdragon Sound)
ANC:Yes (World-class Quiet Mode & CustomTune)
Transparency:Yes (Aware Mode with ActiveSense)
Drivers:Custom-designed proprietary drivers
Frequency Response:N/A (Not published by manufacturer)
Microphones:Advanced array (12 microphones total)
Battery Life:Up to 24 hrs (18 hrs with Immersive Audio)
Battery Life:N/A (Headphones only)
Charging:USB-C; ~3 hrs full; 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback
Multipoint:Yes (2 devices)
Low Latency Mode:Via aptX Adaptive (requires compatible source)
Wired Mode:Yes (2.5mm to 3.5mm cable included)
Water Resistance:None (IPX4 rating unconfirmed/absent)
Weight:254 g (0.56 lb)
Controls:Touch strip (volume) + Physical buttons (power/mode)
App Eq:Bose Music App (3-band EQ + Immersive settings)
Extras:Bose Immersive Audio, Snapdragon Sound, Google Fast Pair, SimpleSync, On-head detection
✓ Pros:
- • Market-leading ANC suppresses virtually all background noise
- • Bose Immersive Audio creates a wider soundstage
- • Extremely comfortable with plush earcups and headband
- • Supports aptX Adaptive and Snapdragon Sound for Android
- • Foldable design makes it more portable than the NC700
✗ Cons:
- • High price tag compared to competitors
- • 2.5mm audio jack is less convenient than standard 3.5mm
- • USB-C port is for charging only (no USB audio)
- • Cannot fully turn off ANC (only switch modes)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is stronger in overall satisfaction, but Focal Bathys Hi-Fi could still be the better pick if you value its unique advantages.
Who should buy each?
For performance and polish: Focal Bathys Hi-Fi (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)
For value or versatility: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (Market-leading ANC suppresses virtually all background noise, Bose Immersive Audio creates a wider soundstage)
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?
Focal Bathys Hi-Fi excels if you value usb-dac mode delivers uncompressed 24-bit/192khz audio directly from a computer or phone. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is better if you prioritize market-leading anc suppresses virtually all background noise. 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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