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Focal Bathys — Over-ear · 2022
Focal

Focal Bathys

Over-ear · 2022

92
/ 100
From $799
VS
Focal Bathys wins by 4
Focal Celestee · Midnight Black — Closed-back
Focal

Focal Celestee · Midnight Black

Closed-back

88
/ 100
From $999
Specdex verdict

Focal Bathys takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Focal Bathys lands at 92 and Focal Celestee · Midnight Black at 88. That puts Focal Bathys ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Focal Bathys if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)

Pick Focal Celestee · Midnight Black if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Focal Bathys

Tuning, detail, and staging

Focal Bathys leads on sound (92 vs 88).

Noise cancelling

Focal Bathys

ANC strength for commute and travel

Focal Bathys leads on anc (90 vs 0).

Comfort

Focal Bathys

Long-session wearability

Focal Bathys leads on comfort (91 vs 88).

Value for money

Focal Bathys

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Focal Bathys more score per dollar ($799 vs $999).

Focal Bathys 92
vs
88 Focal Celestee · Midnight Black

Score breakdown

Focal Bathys
92
anc 90
sound 92
comfort 91
battery 82
features 88
Focal Celestee · Midnight Black
88
anc 0
sound 88
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

Focal Bathys versus Focal Celestee · Midnight Black — full spec comparison
Spec Focal Bathys Focal Celestee · Midnight Black
Type
Over-ear
Closed-back
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

Focal Celestee · Midnight Black

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 Focal Celestee · Midnight Black

Which is better, Focal Bathys or Focal Celestee · Midnight Black? +

Focal Bathys scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. 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 Focal Celestee · Midnight Black worth the price? +

At $999, Focal Celestee · Midnight Black delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in battery.

Does Focal Bathys or Focal Celestee · Midnight Black 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.

Which is better for sound quality, Focal Bathys or Focal Celestee · Midnight Black? +

Focal Bathys — leads on sound (92 vs 88). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Focal Bathys or Focal Celestee · Midnight Black? +

Focal Bathys — leads on anc (90 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.