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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 16, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerFocal Bathys Hi-Fi vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Focal Bathys Hi-Fi vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones: which is the right fit? We cover performance, value, and use cases to make the call easier.
Ratings: 4.2★ vs 4.2★
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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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Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
★4.2
(18,670)•Amazon
Form Factor:Over-ear (closed, dynamic)
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack)
Bluetooth Version:5.2
Codecs:SBC, AAC, LDAC
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Comparison: Focal Bathys Hi-Fi vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Focal Bathys Hi-Fi
★4.2(465)Amazon
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
★4.2(18,670)Amazon
| Criterion | Focal Bathys Hi-Fi | Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.2(465)Amazon | ★4.2(18,670)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed, dynamic) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.1 + USB-C DAC (Digital) + 3.5mm Jack (Analog) | Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.1 | 5.2 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX™, aptX™ Adaptive | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
ANC | Yes (2 modes: 'Silent' for high noise, 'Soft' for focus) | Yes (Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation) |
Transparency | Yes (Transparency Mode) | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) |
Drivers | 40mm Aluminum-Magnesium 'M'-shaped Dome Drivers (Made in France) | 30 mm (1.18") precision-engineered driver unit |
Frequency Response | 15 Hz – 22,000 Hz | 4 Hz–40,000 Hz (Wired) / 20 Hz–40,000 Hz (LDAC) |
Microphones | 8 Microphones total (Clear Voice Capture technology) | 8 total (4 per earcup for NC and calls) |
Battery Life | 30 hours (Bluetooth + ANC) / 35 hours (3.5mm Jack) / 42 hours (USB-DAC) | Up to 30 hrs (NC on) / Up to 40 hrs (NC off) |
Battery Life | N/A (No charging case) | N/A (Headphones only) |
Charging | USB-C Fast Charge; 15 min charge = 5 hours playback | USB-C; ~3.5 hrs full charge; 3 min = 3 hrs playback (PD) |
Multipoint | Yes (Simultaneous connection to 2 devices) | Yes (Connect 2 devices simultaneously) |
Low Latency Mode | Yes (via aptX™ Adaptive) | No dedicated mode (Connection priority via app) |
Wired Mode | Yes (USB-DAC mode supports 24-bit/192kHz; 3.5mm analog cable included) | Yes (3.5mm cable included) |
Water Resistance | No (No IP rating) | None (No IP rating) |
Weight | 12.3 oz (350 g) | 250 g (approx.) |
Controls | Physical Buttons (Volume, Pairing, ANC mode, Voice Assistant) | Touch sensor (right cup) + Physical buttons (power/NC) |
App Eq | Focal & Naim App (5-band EQ + Mimi Sound Personalization) | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) |
Extras | Illuminated Focal flame logo (dimmable); Rigid carrying case; Mimi Hearing Test support | Speak-to-Chat, DSEE Extreme, 360 Reality Audio, Auto NC Optimizer |
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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→
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Rating:★4.2(18,670)Amazon
Form Factor:Over-ear (closed, dynamic)
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack)
Bluetooth Version:5.2
Codecs:SBC, AAC, LDAC
ANC:Yes (Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation)
Transparency:Yes (Ambient Sound Mode)
Drivers:30 mm (1.18") precision-engineered driver unit
Frequency Response:4 Hz–40,000 Hz (Wired) / 20 Hz–40,000 Hz (LDAC)
Microphones:8 total (4 per earcup for NC and calls)
Battery Life:Up to 30 hrs (NC on) / Up to 40 hrs (NC off)
Battery Life:N/A (Headphones only)
Charging:USB-C; ~3.5 hrs full charge; 3 min = 3 hrs playback (PD)
Multipoint:Yes (Connect 2 devices simultaneously)
Low Latency Mode:No dedicated mode (Connection priority via app)
Wired Mode:Yes (3.5mm cable included)
Water Resistance:None (No IP rating)
Weight:250 g (approx.)
Controls:Touch sensor (right cup) + Physical buttons (power/NC)
App Eq:Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass)
Extras:Speak-to-Chat, DSEE Extreme, 360 Reality Audio, Auto NC Optimizer
✓ Pros:
- • Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC)
- • Excellent call quality with 8-microphone system
- • Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
- • Fast charging (3 min for 3 hours playback)
- • Multipoint connection works seamlessly
✗ Cons:
- • Non-foldable design reduces portability
- • Price increase compared to previous generation
- • No IP water resistance rating
- • Auto NC Optimizer cannot be manually forced to max
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
Overall, Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones delivers better satisfaction. Focal Bathys Hi-Fi is still a quality option with specific strengths worth considering.
Who should buy each?
Expert take:
- Focal Bathys Hi-Fi suits buyers who need 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
- Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones suits buyers who want Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC), Excellent call quality with 8-microphone system
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
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. Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones is better if you prioritize market-leading active noise cancellation (anc). 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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