Marshall Major V vs Focal Bathys Hi-Fi
The Marshall Major V is the smarter buy for most people - with a staggering 100+ hours of battery life, it crushes the Focal Bathys Hi-Fi's 30 hours. If you're tired of frequent charging, this on-ear option offers a no-brainer solution. However, the Focal Bathys Hi-Fi shines with its uncompressed 24-bit/192kHz audio via USB-DAC, perfect for audiophiles who prioritize sound quality. In real-world use, the Marshall's lightweight design at 6.56 oz makes it ideal for long listening sessions, though it lacks Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). On the flip side, the Focal’s premium build includes aluminum and magnesium drivers, delivering incredible audio detail, but its 12.3 oz weight could be cumbersome for some. So, what matters most here is your preference for portability versus audio fidelity.
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Marshall Major V
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: Marshall Major V vs Focal Bathys Hi-Fi
Marshall Major V
Focal Bathys Hi-Fi
| Criterion | Marshall Major V | Focal Bathys Hi-Fi |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(2,567)Amazon | ★4.2(465)Amazon |
Form Factor | On-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 + 3.5mm Wired | Bluetooth 5.1 + USB-C DAC (Digital) + 3.5mm Jack (Analog) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.3 (LE Audio Ready) | Bluetooth 5.1 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LC3 | SBC, AAC, aptX™, aptX™ Adaptive |
ANC | No (Passive noise isolation only) | Yes (2 modes: 'Silent' for high noise, 'Soft' for focus) |
Transparency | No (Not supported) | Yes (Transparency Mode) |
Drivers | 40mm Dynamic Drivers (Custom-tuned) | 40mm Aluminum-Magnesium 'M'-shaped Dome Drivers (Made in France) |
Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz | 15 Hz – 22,000 Hz |
Microphones | Built-in microphone for calls (Wind noise reduction) | 8 Microphones total (Clear Voice Capture technology) |
Battery Life | 100+ 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 = 15 hrs); Wireless Charging (pad not included) | USB-C Fast Charge; 15 min charge = 5 hours playback |
Multipoint | Yes (Bluetooth Multipoint supported) | Yes (Simultaneous connection to 2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Standard latency; LE Audio ready for future improvements) | Yes (via aptX™ Adaptive) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5mm coiled cable included) | Yes (USB-DAC mode supports 24-bit/192kHz; 3.5mm analog cable included) |
Water Resistance | No (No IP rating) | No (No IP rating) |
Weight | 6.56 oz (186 g) | 12.3 oz (350 g) |
Controls | Multi-directional Control Knob (Play/Pause, Volume, Skip) + Customizable M-Button | Physical Buttons (Volume, Pairing, ANC mode, Voice Assistant) |
App Eq | Marshall Bluetooth App (5-band EQ, Battery Preservation settings) | Focal & Naim App (5-band EQ + Mimi Sound Personalization) |
Extras | Wireless charging support; Made from 86% recycled plastic; Foldable clip design | Illuminated Focal flame logo (dimmable); Rigid carrying case; Mimi Hearing Test support |
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Marshall Major V
✓ Pros:
- • Industry-leading 100+ hours of battery life eliminates frequent charging anxiety
- • Wireless charging capability is a unique convenience in the on-ear category
- • Customizable M-button allows instant access to Spotify Tap, EQ, or Voice Assistant
- • Future-proof support for Bluetooth LE Audio and LC3 codec
- • Classic, collapsible design is highly portable and durable
✗ Cons:
- • On-ear design presses against the ears, which can cause fatigue during long sessions
- • Lacks Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) found in similarly priced competitors
- • No official water resistance (IP) rating
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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 Marshall Major V is the better buy for most people - its 100+ hours of battery life crushes the Focal Bathys Hi-Fi's 30 hours. That said, grab the Focal if you're an audiophile needing superior sound quality with its USB-DAC feature.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Marshall Major V if: you need 100+ hours of battery life, prefer a lightweight design for extended wear, or want wireless charging convenience.
Choose the Focal Bathys Hi-Fi if: you crave audiophile-level sound quality, require ANC for noisy environments, or want a premium build with advanced personalization features. (12.35 oz weight)
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Marshall Major V excels if you value industry-leading 100+ hours of battery life eliminates frequent charging anxiety. 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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