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Focal Celestee · Midnight Black — Closed-back
Focal

Focal Celestee · Midnight Black

Closed-back

88
/ 100
From $999
VS
Focal Bathys wins by 4
Focal Bathys — Over-ear · 2022
Focal

Focal Bathys

Over-ear · 2022

92
/ 100
From $799
Specdex verdict

Focal Bathys takes it — here’s why.

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

Pick Focal Celestee · Midnight Black if…

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

Pick Focal Bathys if…

  • ✓Flagship comfort + ANC on modern models
  • ✓Premium build
  • ✓Active noise cancellation (most models)
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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 Celestee · Midnight Black 88
vs
92 Focal Bathys

Score breakdown

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

Specs side-by-side

Focal Celestee · Midnight Black versus Focal Bathys — full spec comparison
Spec Focal Celestee · Midnight Black Focal Bathys
Type
Closed-back
Over-ear
Release year
—
2022

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

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

FAQ: Focal Celestee · Midnight Black vs Focal Bathys

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

Focal Bathys scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Focal Celestee · Midnight Black worth the price? +

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

Is Focal Bathys worth the price? +

At $799, Focal Bathys delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sound.

Does Focal Celestee · Midnight Black or Focal Bathys 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 Celestee · Midnight Black or Focal Bathys? +

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

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

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