Soundcore Space Q45 vs Focal Bathys Hi-Fi
Get the Soundcore Space Q45 unless you absolutely need audiophile sound. It boasts an impressive 50 hours of battery life with active noise cancelling (ANC) on, while the Focal Bathys Hi-Fi only lasts for 30 hours in the same mode. That's nearly two full days of use for the Soundcore, making it a no-brainer for long trips or daily commutes. In real-world use, that battery life means you won't be scrambling for a charger every few days. Plus, the Space Q45 features LDAC Hi-Res Audio certification, which enhances sound quality over Bluetooth. So, if you're looking for value in a mid-range option, the Soundcore Space Q45 is definitely worth considering for 2026.
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Soundcore Space Q45
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: Soundcore Space Q45 vs Focal Bathys Hi-Fi
Soundcore Space Q45
Focal Bathys Hi-Fi
| Criterion | Soundcore Space Q45 | Focal Bathys Hi-Fi |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.3(12,760)Amazon | ★4.2(465)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 + 3.5mm AUX (wired) | Bluetooth 5.1 + USB-C DAC (Digital) + 3.5mm Jack (Analog) |
Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.1 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX™, aptX™ Adaptive |
ANC | Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling (3-stage system) | Yes (2 modes: 'Silent' for high noise, 'Soft' for focus) |
Transparency | Yes (Talk-through, Custom, and Ambient modes via app) | Yes (Transparency Mode) |
Drivers | 40mm double-layer diaphragm drivers (Metal-Ceramic) | 40mm Aluminum-Magnesium 'M'-shaped Dome Drivers (Made in France) |
Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 40 kHz | 15 Hz – 22,000 Hz |
Microphones | 2 mics with AI algorithm (calls) / Hybrid ANC array | 8 Microphones total (Clear Voice Capture technology) |
Battery Life | 50 hours (ANC On) / 65 hours (ANC Off) | 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; 5 min charge = 4 hours playback; Full charge ~2 hours | USB-C Fast Charge; 15 min charge = 5 hours playback |
Multipoint | Yes (Connect 2 devices simultaneously) | Yes (Simultaneous connection to 2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Not supported) | Yes (via aptX™ Adaptive) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5mm AUX cable included) | Yes (USB-DAC mode supports 24-bit/192kHz; 3.5mm analog cable included) |
Water Resistance | None (No IP rating) | No (No IP rating) |
Weight | 10.3 oz (292 g) | 12.3 oz (350 g) |
Controls | Physical buttons + Soundcore app | Physical Buttons (Volume, Pairing, ANC mode, Voice Assistant) |
App Eq | Soundcore App (HearID Sound 2.0 + Custom EQ) | Focal & Naim App (5-band EQ + Mimi Sound Personalization) |
Extras | Travel case included; Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified; NFC pairing | Illuminated Focal flame logo (dimmable); Rigid carrying case; Mimi Hearing Test support |
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Soundcore Space Q45
✓ Pros:
- • Exceptional battery life (50H ANC / 65H Standard)
- • Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification with LDAC support
- • Effective Adaptive ANC for the price point
- • Multipoint connection support
- • Fast charging (5 mins for 4 hours)
✗ Cons:
- • No IP water-resistance rating
- • Lacks on-ear detection (auto-pause/play)
- • Cannot use microphone in wired mode (AUX only)
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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 Soundcore Space Q45 is the better buy for most people - its 50-hour ANC battery life crushes the Focal Bathys Hi-Fi's 30 hours. That said, grab the Focal Bathys Hi-Fi if you want top-notch audio quality and don't mind the extra weight - it's designed for serious audiophiles.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Soundcore Space Q45 if: you want long battery life with 50 hours of ANC, you need a lightweight option at 10.3oz, or you value fast charging with 4 hours playback from just 5 minutes of charge.
Choose the Focal Bathys Hi-Fi if: you want uncompressed 24-bit/192kHz audio for high-fidelity listening, you appreciate premium materials like aluminum and magnesium, or you need advanced sound personalization features.
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?
Soundcore Space Q45 excels if you value exceptional battery life (50h anc / 65h standard). 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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