Bathys vs Bathys MG: Which Focal Headphone Delivers the Best Sound for Your Money?

In the world of luxury wireless headphones, Focal Bathys has already made a strong statement, but now, the brand turns things up a notch with the Focal Bathys MG. Both models offer premium materials, wireless convenience, and audiophile-grade sound, but is the MG’s higher price tag truly justified? Let’s break down everything from sound signature to ANC performance, Bluetooth specs, and build quality. Whether you’re a discerning audiophile or someone seeking the ultimate in portable listening, this Bathys vs Bathys MG review will help you decide which headphone fits your needs and your budget.

What You Get

Look & Feel

One of the major differences between the Bathys and the Bathys MG is the MG’s more luxurious look. Nothing is changed in terms of construction, but when looking at the two next to each other, it’s easy to tell which one is the more expensive model. That bronze finish mixed with the glowing Focal logo is a dazzling aesthetic and a real statement maker when worn out in public. That’s not to say the original silver, black, and dune Bathys were ugly, but it’s totally outdone by the MG. However, in terms of comfort, the Bathys and Bathys MG are evenly matched. They both use comfortable padding, even if the MG is slightly upgraded with genuine leather.

Design & Functionality

Both headphones utilize 40mm dynamic speaker drivers with m-shaped domes, but the MG is completely upgraded from the original. It’s made completely out of magnesium, in contrast to the older Bathys’ combination of aluminum and magnesium materials. If you’re more into how both Bathys operate as noise-canceling headphones, both headphones still aren’t among the best on the market. If you’re expecting a wildly better ANC from the MG, you might be left a bit disappointed.

Bluetooth

The Bathys MG is slightly upgraded over the original, featuring Bluetooth version 5.2 over 5.1. They both use the same CODECs, though, and have similar pairing speed. Both headphones also feature multipoint.

Battery Life

Unfortunately, the MG doesn’t make a case for an upgrade as far as battery life is concerned. Both versions of the Bathys carry the same playtime for their ANC and DAC modes between 30 and 40 hours.

Soundstage

Aside from slightly more width and separation between channels, the Bathys MG images are almost as good as the original. If you expect the Bathys MG to be a massive upgrade in dimension and open headspace, you might be a bit disappointed. Both headphones have accurate stereo imaging, displaying each sound in precise positions across the sound field in a slightly non-linear presentation. You get slightly more air from the MG, but both headphones have stationary instruments for the most part. The Bathy is still one of the best soundstages that you can hear over Bluetooth, just don’t expect a major jump when comparing it to its more expensive counterpart.

Low End

Listening back to the original Bathys, I was shocked to hear how clear and concise the bass was compared to the MG. Of course, you can adjust both headphones with EQ, but the Bathys will still have more clarity than the foggier frequencies heard on the MG. Both headphones convey a thick tone that feels dominant in the mix, but the timbre is surprisingly cleaner on the original Bathys. What the MG does have over the original is a stronger depth. Even though I’m not a fan of how the bass resolves, the frequencies do show more depth than the original. The MG was able to extract a deeper vibration that rumbles more than the standard Bathys.

Mids

If there was any part of the Focal Bathys MG that made a big impression compared to the original, it is the midrange performance. This is its most notable upgrade, as the Bathys MG features a chunky midrange response with resolving detail and rich textures. The original Bathys also has a very forward midrange with significant drive, but when A/B testing both sound signatures, the MG comes out on top as the most full and striking. You don’t get much of a downgrade with the Bathys, as its detail stands on its own, but the MG has more shape and weight to it.

Highs

Both the Bathys and Bathys MG have a present midrange with a realistic tone. The Bathys MG has a bit more crispness, but it’s also more metallic in comparison. The original Bathys has a more smoothed-out response, which might more effectively satisfy your taste.

Summary

The Focal Bathys remains one of the best wireless ANC headphones available today, delivering stunning clarity, immersive soundstage, and top-tier design. However, the Bathys MG pushes the experience slightly further with its upgraded magnesium drivers, refined midrange, and a more elegant, high-end aesthetic. Still, not every enhancement is a game-changer. Bass clarity and ANC remain similar, and battery life is unchanged. If you’re chasing the absolute best sound Focal can offer in a wireless format and value a refined midrange and deeper bass depth, the Bathys MG is a worthy upgrade. Otherwise, the original Bathys continues to offer remarkable value for its performance and polish.

The Focal Bathys and Bathys MG are available at Audio46.