Compare Sony WH-1000XM5 Premium Noise Canceling Headphones vs Focal Bathys MG Wireless Headphones

Sound quality was broadly good to excellent, especially with EQ, but reviewers disagreed on stock tuning and technical performance.

Reviewers consistently describe the Bathys MG as one of the best-sounding wireless ANC headphones, with especially strong praise for its richer, more energetic presentation versus the original Bathys.

Wind noise handling was praised in design and call contexts, especially for reducing wind-related disruption.

Wind noise handling is only average, with one review noting that wind and high-pitched noise pass through more easily than on Sony’s class leader.

Noise cancellation was one of the strongest points across reviews, with repeated praise for travel, offices, commuting, and loud environments.

ANC is judged useful and improved, but not class-leading; reviewers say it reduces buses, traffic and office noise while still letting some voices or mids through.

Microphone noise reduction was a clear strength, with reviewers praising voice isolation and background-noise suppression.

Microphone noise reduction is serviceable and sometimes praised for reducing disruption or hiss, but wind and high-pitched noise still leak through in one review.

Frequency response accuracy was mixed: some praised clarity and balance, while others found stock tuning colored or bass-heavy.

Frequency response is praised for smoothness and coherence, especially in Dynamic mode, though default tuning can add coloration in the lower mids and treble.

Reviewers noted low hiss or natural-feeling ANC, with several saying the cancellation avoided the invasive artifacts of older products.

ANC background noise is a positive in the scored review because revised microphones are said to reduce unwanted hiss.

Soundstage ranged from spacious and immersive to narrow or intimate depending on reviewer and comparison set.

Soundstage is repeatedly described as spacious for a closed-back wireless headphone, with good depth and immersion, though a few reviewers note it remains somewhat intimate rather than speaker-like.

Immersive audio quality was positive where reviewers described dimensional or awe-striking presentation.

Immersive audio quality is praised in the scored review, which describes an expansive, three-dimensional presentation.

Bass drew mixed reactions: often fun, punchy, and energetic, but sometimes too boosted, muddy, or less refined.

Bass is broadly praised for depth, control, impact and texture, though several reviewers note that default tuning can sound boomy, swollen or resonant before EQ or depending on music.

ANC was described as preserving clarity better than older implementations rather than dirtying or masking the music.

ANC has little to no negative effect on audio in several reviews, which praise the stable tuning and absence of sonic changes between modes.

LDAC was valued for higher-bitrate wireless audio, especially with Android, even though it was not enough for every codec-focused reviewer.

LDAC is a repeated missing feature, with reviewers saying it should have been included at this price even if not everyone thinks it would transform sound quality.

Maximum volume was praised where reviewers said the headphones play loud without distortion.

One reviewer warns that very loud playback or sharp recordings can expose the treble response, limiting clarity at big volumes.

Premium feel was mixed: some liked the softness and finish, while others felt older or rival models felt more premium.

Premium feel is a major strength, with reviewers describing the product as looking and feeling premium, luxurious and more refined.

The sleeker, smoother exterior was praised where reviewers focused on styling and discreet modern design.

The profile is not very discreet for everyone; one review explicitly says the styling may be too flashy.

Earcup padding was comfortable and plush for some reviewers but criticized for shallow fit, heat, compression, or wear.

Earpad quality is praised for softness, compliance and plushness, though the more compliant pads may let some larger ears brush the inner baffle.

The included factory cable drew a negative comparison against upgraded aftermarket cables.

Cable quality is mixed: some reviewers call the included cables acceptable or durable, while another says they are basic and lack premium extras.

Instrument separation ranged from excellent and distinct to limited for critical listening, depending on reviewer expectations.

Reviewers praise instrument separation, imaging and placement, often saying the Bathys MG reveals layers, positions instruments clearly and keeps complex mixes organized.

Hi-res and enhancement features were useful but mixed: reviewers heard some benefit from DSEE or LDAC-dependent playback, but not always a major change.

The built-in DAC and hi-res playback mode are among the most praised features, repeatedly described as excellent, useful and a major reason to consider the headphones.

Included accessories were viewed as simple but adequate, especially the case and included cables.

Included accessories are basic: one reviewer notes the lack of flight adapters, mic cable or special extras.

The integrated microphone was repeatedly praised for calls and voice isolation in noisy environments.

The integrated microphones are considered effective enough for calls in the scored review, though call quality is not treated as a headline feature.

Travel friendliness benefited from comfort, ANC, battery, and analog fallback, but suffered from the larger non-folding case.

Travel friendliness is mixed: the slimmer case, DAC convenience and long battery help, but the fold-flat form and case size still limit portability.

Midrange clarity varied from clearer and more expressive after tuning to recessed or muddied by bass in stock sound.

The midrange is a major strength in most reviews, with vocals, guitars, piano and instruments described as clearer, more powerful and more nuanced than on the original model; one reviewer found vocals somewhat suppressed.

Overall recommendations were mostly positive, but several reviewers added tradeoffs around price, stock tuning, portability, or hinge risk.

Overall recommendations are strongly positive for buyers prioritizing sound, comfort and luxury, while reviewers still caution about price and feature gaps.

Portability was one of the biggest weaknesses because the headphones fold flat but not into a smaller shape.

Portability is limited by the fold-flat-only design, even though some reviewers find the case slimmer or easier to pack than expected.

Case impressions were mixed: reviewers liked the quality and compartments but criticized the larger footprint.

The carrying case is mostly praised as protective, slim and practical, though one reviewer finds it less premium than some competitors’ cases.

Transparency/ambient mode was useful and customizable, but reviewers disagreed on how natural it sounded versus Apple or Bose.

Transparency mode is generally considered effective, making conversations and surroundings audible without removing the headphones.

Stability was mixed: secure for some movement, but small or narrow heads could experience shifting.

Stability is mixed for mobile use because one reviewer reports annoying ANC inconsistency when walking outdoors.

Connectivity options were viewed as versatile thanks to Bluetooth, analog cable use, and multipoint support.

Connectivity options are a major strength, with reviewers praising the combination of Bluetooth, USB-DAC and wired listening flexibility.

Treble was praised for clarity and detail in some reviews, but criticized elsewhere as muted, harsh, or masking-prone.

Treble earns mostly positive marks for clarity, shimmer and smoothness, but some reviewers hear occasional sharpness, edge or fatigue with bright recordings or high volumes.

Reviewers valued the retained 3.5mm analog option, especially as a practical fallback for wired playback.

The 3.5mm analog input is valued as a rare, useful wired option in a premium wireless headphone.

Advanced software features were praised for ANC customization and carried-over smart capabilities, though they rely on the app ecosystem.

Advanced software features are a limitation because the app and EQ are simpler than richer rival ecosystems.

EQ customization was one of the most consistently praised features and often rescued or improved the sound signature.

EQ customization is helpful but limited; reviewers like the usable bands and bass adjustment, while several wish for deeper or parametric control.

The companion app was widely praised for depth and customization, with a few caveats around privacy or minor annoyances.

The app receives mixed marks: some reviewers find it solid or useful, while others describe it as limited, brief, glitchy or dependent on personalization.

Bluetooth reliability was generally strong, with reviewers reporting stable connections and few or no dropouts.

Bluetooth performance is generally solid with fast pairing and good aptX Adaptive performance, but reviewers criticize the version and feature set for not being cutting-edge.

Bluetooth 5.2 was treated as competent but no longer cutting edge when compared with newer headphones.

Bluetooth version is a weakness at this price, with reviewers noting that 5.2 is improved but not the latest standard.

Voice assistant support was considered convenient where reviewers noted hands-free or touch-activated assistants.

Voice assistant integration is present and broadly supported through major assistants, with no major quality complaints in the scored review.

Call microphone quality was one of the strongest upgrades, frequently described as clear, impressive, or best-in-class.

Call quality is considered good to very good, with voices remaining clear in typical environments, though not always as noise-free as top call-focused rivals.

Setup was described as straightforward through Sony’s app workflow.

Setup simplicity is positive in one review, which says the app made it easy to set the headphones up as desired.

Smart listening features were generally praised, but Speak-to-Chat and adaptive switching could feel intrusive or overly sensitive.

Smart listening features are valued mainly through Mimi personalization, which reviewers say can improve or tailor sound effectively.

Low weight was a major comfort advantage and helped the XM5 feel lighter than many competitors.

Weight comfort is the one weaker comfort note: the headphones are manageable on-head, but one review says their heft is noticeable in-hand.

Durability over time raised concerns around padding wear and hinge reports despite some reviewers finding the frame solid.

Durability impressions are positive, with reviewers citing sturdy construction, durable materials and design choices that feel built to last.

Build quality was polarizing: some found it flexible and durable, while others worried about plastic and hinge durability.

Build quality is consistently praised, with reviewers calling the construction premium, flawless, sturdy and made from high-quality materials.

Design reactions were mixed: reviewers liked the modern look but criticized the non-folding redesign and less premium feel.

Design earns strong praise for its chestnut/bronze luxury look, premium styling and distinctive Focal identity, though one review says the look may be too flashy.

Comfort was often a major strength, especially for long sessions, but fit issues appeared for smaller heads, large ears, or heat-sensitive users.

Comfort is a strong point, with reviewers repeatedly reporting long-session wearability, softer pads and better weight distribution despite the headphone’s size.

Clamp comfort was generally positive for secure, light pressure, though some reviewers felt the fit was tighter than before.

Clamping force is generally comfortable and improved versus the original Bathys, with reviewers describing less pressure and a secure but not punishing fit.

Recycled-material construction and packaging were noted positively by reviewers who discussed sustainability.

Sustainability materials receive a positive note for the FSC-certified bamboo pulp packaging material.

Multipoint was generally praised as seamless, reliable, or easy to enable.

Multipoint is appreciated when it works, but reviewer experience is mixed: some describe seamless switching while others report quirks when moving back to a phone.

Value was mixed: reviewers liked discounts and long-term usefulness but criticized the launch price and stronger alternatives.

Value is debated: reviewers admire the performance and luxury, but the high price, smaller upgrade over the original and missing features make value context-dependent.

Codec support was useful thanks to LDAC, AAC, and SBC, but reviewers criticized the limited modern codec set.

Codec support is viewed as adequate rather than premium; aptX Adaptive helps, but reviewers repeatedly criticize the lack of broader high-end codec support.

Battery life was usually considered good to excellent for normal use, though some reviewers found it short versus newer or rival models.

Battery life is polarizing: many reviewers find 30-plus hours practical or impressive, but others call it disappointing for the premium price.

Charging was consistently praised for fast top-ups that provide several hours of playback quickly.

Charging is well received because quick charging reliably adds several hours of playback in about 15 minutes and one reviewer calls charging very fast.

ANC mode changes are praised for preserving the sound signature, with multiple reviewers saying the sound remains stable across Silent, Soft and Transparency.

Earpad or cup movement noise is a drawback in one review, which reports a soft thumping sound while running.

LE Audio readiness is weak because reviewers specifically call out the absence of Bluetooth LE, LC3 or related newer wireless standards.

Passive isolation was strong where reviewers noted improved physical blocking and seal-based attenuation.

Sound leakage was praised as very low, even at high volume.

Spatial audio was useful and sometimes immersive, but compatibility and service limitations kept it from being universal.

Android-related features were viewed positively where reviewers mentioned Fast Pair, LDAC access, or app compatibility.

aptX support is treated positively in one review because it works well alongside multipoint, but it does not erase broader codec complaints.

The headband adjustment was functional but less memorable than notched designs because it lacks repeatable settings.

Headband padding is viewed positively in the one scored review, which links the revised foam to better comfort.

Multi-platform compatibility is a strength in the scored review because the headphones are described as working across virtually every listening situation.

Preset EQ profiles, especially Dynamic mode, are a notable strength for reviewers seeking a more balanced or Harman-like sound signature.

Replaceable earpads get a mixed mark because removability is welcome, but one review criticizes the lack of included replacement pads.

Smudge resistance was mixed: matte finishes resisted fingerprints, while soft-touch material showed grease and sweat.

Streaming-service integration was limited because 360 Reality Audio did not work with all services.

Sustainability was viewed positively where reviewers mentioned recycled materials and packaging choices.

Touch controls were often intuitive and responsive, but some reviewers found them finicky or easy to misfire.

USB-C charging was useful, but reviewers criticized the lack of USB-C digital audio playback.

The smaller 3dB volume increments are viewed as a meaningful usability upgrade that helps listeners hit a more precise level.

Water and sweat resistance was a weakness because reviewers repeatedly noted the lack of IP rating.

Wear detection auto-pause was generally praised as fast and convenient.

Auracast support is a weakness because one review explicitly notes that the Bathys MG goes without it despite cheaper rivals adopting newer wireless features.

Auto-off behavior was viewed as useful for conserving battery when the headphones are removed and left idle.

Physical controls are preferred over touch by one reviewer, but another notes the small buttons can be difficult to locate by feel.

Lighting customization is present but not universally valued; one review calls the logo light show unnecessary on expensive headphones.

Smart pause was usually praised for convenience, though one reviewer found related speech detection too sensitive.

Voice prompts and feedback are mixed: one reviewer wants clearer ANC mode announcements, while another likes the refined connection sounds.

Dolby Atmos/spatial support was mentioned positively as part of the XM5 feature set, though not always as a decisive advantage.

Hinge durability was the most repeated build concern, with multiple reviewers calling it frail, risky, or unreliable.