Focal OG VS. MG: The Bathys vs. Bathys MG

With the release of the new Focal Bathys MG, listeners are wondering if the nearly $1,500 price tag is justified—especially compared to the original Focal Bathys, which debuted as a strong contender in the wireless ANC audiophile headphone space at almost half the cost. While both models boast the same core philosophy—high-end wireless audio with digital-to-analog conversion support, powerful noise cancellation, and precision-tuned drivers—they approach sound and design in subtly different ways. In this comparison, we’ll unpack the key differences between the Focal Bathys and Bathys MG to help you determine which pair best suits your needs and whether the MG is worth the upgrade.

What’s Included in the Box

Focal keeps things consistent when it comes to packaging and included accessories. Whether you choose the Bathys or the Bathys MG, you’ll receive the same functional and premium kit: a durable hard-shell travel case, a USB-C cable that doubles as a DAC and charging cable, a 3.5mm analog cable for wired listening, and a quick-start/warranty guide. What’s notable is the brand’s restraint—the accessories don’t overwhelm or distract. Even better, the cables are color-coordinated to match the aesthetic of the headphones you’ve chosen. This uniformity reinforces Focal’s confidence in the headphones as the main attraction, while offering everything you need for multiple listening modes right out of the box.

Design & Aesthetic Differences

The design differences between the two models may appear cosmetic at first, but they underscore deeper material choices that contribute to their overall performance. The original Focal Bathys comes in either a matte Slate Grey or a sandy Dune finish, both of which project understated elegance. Its aluminum-magnesium drivers are visible behind the iconic “M”-shaped grills, giving it a contemporary, industrial edge. In contrast, the Bathys MG opts for a more luxurious and reflective chestnut finish with fully magnesium drivers, offering a richer visual presence that reflects light differently depending on your surroundings. While both maintain identical weight and overall build quality, the MG model feels just a bit more boutique in execution—designed to appeal to those who want their gear to stand out, not blend in. The premium material shift from aluminum-magnesium to pure magnesium also subtly impacts driver responsiveness and tonality, which we’ll explore later.

Features & Functionality

From a features standpoint, the Bathys MG doesn’t reinvent the wheel but rather refines what the original Bathys already does well. Both headphones support Bluetooth multipoint pairing, allowing you to connect to two devices at once. However, the MG gets a modest bump from Bluetooth 5.1 to 5.2, which enhances connection stability and power efficiency, especially in environments with lots of wireless interference. Physical buttons are consistent across both models, offering intuitive control for volume, playback, ANC modes, and Bluetooth pairing. You’ll also find the same Focal & Naim companion app compatibility, which enables EQ adjustments, ANC toggling, and even custom tuning based on an ear scan. These features reflect Focal’s emphasis on user-driven sound customization and a seamless listening experience regardless of which model you pick. Overall, the Bathys MG is a light touch upgrade in terms of feature set—familiar but refined.

Battery Life

In the battery department, both headphones deliver impressive, marathon-ready performance. You’ll get roughly 30 hours of playback on Bluetooth with ANC active, which already places them near the top of the category. When used in USB-DAC mode, battery life extends up to 42 hours, thanks to more efficient power usage during direct digital playback. Even the 3.5mm analog connection gives you an estimated 35 hours of listening time. There’s no difference between the Bathys and Bathys MG here—Focal clearly saw no need to fix what wasn’t broken. While this consistency may disappoint those hoping for extended battery life in the MG, it does speak to the reliability and optimization of the original platform.

Noise Cancellation Performance

Both the Bathys and Bathys MG use eight microphones to deliver active noise cancellation across three modes: Silent, Soft, and Transparency. The ANC performance is already excellent on the original Bathys, particularly in the Silent mode, which effectively attenuates low-frequency rumble and midrange noise. However, the Bathys MG offers a slight improvement, especially in high-end attenuation. During A/B testing, the MG model was more effective at canceling environmental tones like HVAC hiss or bustling street noise, while still preserving audio detail. Transparency mode remains clean and usable on both, allowing ambient sounds through naturally. While not a massive leap forward, the MG does tighten the screws on what was already a strong ANC implementation.

Technical Specifications

Listening Comparison

Soundstage & Imaging

The soundstage on the original Bathys is impressive for a closed-back wireless headphone. It presents music with depth and verticality, creating an immersive front-facing experience where vocals shine through and instruments wrap around the listener. It’s a lively, dimensional mix that favors intimacy and detail. The Bathys MG, however, shifts toward a more open and balanced presentation. Instead of pushing everything toward the front, it distributes instruments more evenly across the soundstage, offering increased width and subtle improvements in imaging precision. The MG model creates more spatial separation between layers, making it easier to mentally place instruments in a mix. This tuning feels more studio-inspired—less “live performance,” more “control room”—which could make a difference for listeners prioritizing accurate placement over immersive energy.

Low Frequencies

Bass response is where many listeners will first notice the shift between models. The original Bathys has a rich, punchy low end that leans warm, with rounded sub-bass that lends gravitas to pop, hip-hop, and electronic tracks. It’s a crowd-pleasing tuning that gives music weight and energy without going overboard. The MG model, while equally capable in the low end, opts for better definition and control. Sub-bass textures are clearer, with less bloom and more nuance. You can feel the rumbles without them overwhelming the mix. The MG’s bass feels more mature—tight, measured, and slightly less aggressive—which better serves acoustic, classical, and jazz genres. It’s still impactful, but more refined.

Midrange Frequencies

The midrange on the Bathys is slightly colored toward the lower mids, giving vocals and instruments a warm, emotional presence. This adds body and cohesion to rock tracks, making guitars and vocals blend smoothly without sounding muddy. In contrast, the Bathys MG has a cleaner, more transparent midrange. It allows individual elements—like harmonies, strings, or layered synths—to emerge distinctly, especially in the upper mids. The MG tuning leans more analytical but stops short of sounding clinical. Vocals are clear and engaging, and instruments maintain natural timbre without becoming overly dry. For listeners who want a better sense of separation and realism in mid-heavy tracks, the MG is the more revealing choice.

High Frequencies

Treble performance is a defining difference between the two. The original Bathys delivers airy highs that add sparkle and space to mixes, giving orchestral tracks a sense of scale and pop productions a bright, crisp edge. However, the treble can occasionally border on peaky with certain recordings. The Bathys MG takes a more relaxed approach, smoothing out the highs for longer listening sessions without fatigue. Details like cymbal decay and room reverb are still there, but the emphasis is slightly rolled off to avoid harshness. This tuning feels more natural over time and complements the improved spatial presentation well.

Wired Listening Experience

Wired listening transforms both headphones from premium wireless performers to serious audiophile contenders. On the original Bathys, activating USB-DAC mode lifts the veil on detail and spatial width, revealing textures that Bluetooth compression tends to mask. The soundstage opens up slightly, and imaging becomes more focused, while maintaining the headphone’s warm and energetic profile. The Bathys MG benefits even more from USB-C DAC use. The magnesium drivers take full advantage of the high-resolution signal path, offering even greater microdetail, tighter dynamics, and superior imaging. The result is a reference-grade listening experience that’s less about coloration and more about sonic truth. If you plan to listen critically or use lossless sources, the MG in wired mode is the clear winner.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Buy?

When it comes down to it, the choice between the Focal Bathys and the Focal Bathys MG hinges on your listening priorities and budget. The original Bathys is an excellent headphone, offering rich sound, forward presentation, and strong ANC at a competitive price. It's the best option for those who want engaging, lively audio with a bit of extra warmth and sparkle.

On the other hand, the Focal Bathys MG brings subtle yet important upgrades that favor refinement over flair. With a smoother treble, tighter bass, and a wider, more balanced soundstage, the MG delivers a more polished experience—especially when used in wired DAC mode. While it may not be a night-and-day transformation, audiophiles and detail-obsessed listeners will likely hear and appreciate the differences. If you value clarity, realism, and a more relaxed tonal balance—and can justify the cost—the Bathys MG is the better long-term investment.

The Focal Bathys MG and the OG Focal Bathys are available today at Audio46.