Focal
Focal Bathys
Over-ear · 2022
92
/ 100
From $799
VS
Audeze
Audeze MM-500
Planar magnetic
92
/ 100
From $1,699
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Focal Bathys lands at 92 and Audeze MM-500 at 92. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Focal Bathys if…
- ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- ✓Premium build
- ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
Pick Audeze MM-500 if…
- ✓Reference-level detail
- ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
- ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Focal Bathys 92
vs 92 Audeze MM-500
Score breakdown
Focal Bathys
92 anc 90
sound 92
comfort 91
battery 82
features 88
Audeze MM-500
92 anc 0
sound 92
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Focal Bathys | Audeze MM-500 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | Planar magnetic |
| Release year | 2022 | — |
Focal Bathys
Pros
- +Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
- +Premium build
- +Active noise cancellation (most models)
Cons
- −Battery varies by codec
- −Some are Bluetooth-only
- −Price creep vs previous gen
Audeze MM-500
Pros
- +Reference-level detail
- +Well-regarded in audiophile community
- +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
- −Requires amplifier (most)
- −No active noise cancellation
- −Impractical for commuting
FAQ: Focal Bathys vs Audeze MM-500
Which is better, Focal Bathys or Audeze MM-500? +
Both score 92 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Focal Bathys worth the price? +
At $799, Focal Bathys delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sound.
Is Audeze MM-500 worth the price? +
At $1,699, Audeze MM-500 delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in battery.
Does Focal Bathys or Audeze MM-500 last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.