Sony WH-1000XM6
Focal Bathys MG
What Buyers Say
Sony WH-1000XM6
The Sony WH-1000XM6 earns praise for its exceptional noise cancellation, clear sound quality, and comfortable fit for many users, with several calling it the best headphones they've owned. However, a significant number of reviews highlight serious drawbacks: uncomfortable clamping force and shallow earcups causing pain, buggy multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, a fingerprint-prone finish, and disappointing customer service regarding warranty repairs and promised free gifts. While the ANC and audio are top-tier, comfort and reliability issues prevent it from being a universal recommendation.
Pros
- Exceptional noise cancellation
- Clear and detailed sound quality
- Comfortable for many users
- Long battery life
- Foldable design
Cons
- Uncomfortable clamping force
- Shallow earcups causing pain
- Buggy multipoint Bluetooth
- Fingerprint-prone finish
- Poor customer service
Focal Bathys MG
The Focal Bathys MG are widely praised for their exceptional sound quality, with reviewers noting a wide soundstage, clear mids, and tight bass. While the ANC and transparency mode are good, they are not class-leading compared to Sony or Bose. Comfort is generally excellent even for larger heads, but the high price and the need for power when using the analog cable are noted drawbacks. Overall, these are considered top-tier wireless headphones for audiophiles, though some question the value relative to the original Bathys or wired alternatives.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Wide and deep soundstage
- Clear mids and crisp highs
- Tight and punchy bass
- Comfortable for long sessions
Cons
- Very high price
- Must be powered on for analog cable use
- ANC not class-leading
- Carrying case fits too snugly
- Transparency mode has slight hiss
Scores
Specifications
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Focal Bathys MG | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.25 kg★ | 0.35 kg |
| Ear Cushion | synthetic leather | memory foam |
| Headband | synthetic leather | Leather |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 30 mm | 40 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Min | 4 Hz★ | 10 Hz |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz★ | 22 kHz |
| Impedance | 48 Ω | 80 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB★ | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | LDAC | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, SBC |
| Surround | Sony WH-1000XM6 The Best Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones, HD NC Processor QN3, 12 Microphones, Studio-Quality, New Sandstone Color | Sony WH-1000XM6 The Best Noise Cancelling Wireless | Sony | Sa | — |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | Silent, Soft, and Transparent |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3★ | 5.2 |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, TMAP, PBP | — |
| Multipoint | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cable Length | 1.2000000476837158 m | 1.2000000476837158 m |
| Range | 10 m | 15 m★ |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 30 hrs | 30 hrs |
| Charge Time | 3 hrs | 1.5 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | 3 minutes for 3 hours playback | 15 min for 5 hours playback |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Capacity | — | 1,060 mAh★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 6 | 8★ |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri, Google Assistant | — |
| Touch Controls | ✓★ | ✗ |
| App | Sony | Sound Connect | Focal & Naim |
| Volume Limiting | — | ✗ |
| Gaming Mode | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | Waterproof | — |
Pros & Cons
Sony WH-1000XM6
- Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong anc (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong sound (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Below average user sentiment (22nd percentile)
Focal Bathys MG
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong sound (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong anc (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Below average comfort (30th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 9 of 43 specs.