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Sony WH-1000XM4 · Arctic White — Over-ear · 2020
Sony

Sony WH-1000XM4 · Arctic White

Over-ear · 2020

90
/ 100
From $349
VS
Focal Bathys wins by 2
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, Sony WH-1000XM4 · Arctic White lands at 90 and Focal Bathys at 92. That puts Focal Bathys ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Sony WH-1000XM4 · Arctic White if…

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

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 90).

Noise cancelling

Focal Bathys

ANC strength for commute and travel

Focal Bathys leads on anc (90 vs 88).

Comfort

Focal Bathys

Long-session wearability

Focal Bathys leads on comfort (91 vs 89).

Value for money

Sony WH-1000XM4 · Arctic White

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Sony WH-1000XM4 · Arctic White more score per dollar ($349 vs $799).

Sony WH-1000XM4 · Arctic White 90
vs
92 Focal Bathys

Score breakdown

Sony WH-1000XM4 · Arctic White
90
anc 88
sound 90
comfort 89
battery 82
features 86
Focal Bathys
92
anc 90
sound 92
comfort 91
battery 82
features 88

Specs side-by-side

Sony WH-1000XM4 · Arctic White versus Focal Bathys — full spec comparison
Spec Sony WH-1000XM4 · Arctic White Focal Bathys
Type
Over-ear
Over-ear
Release year
2020
2022

Sony WH-1000XM4 · Arctic White

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 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: Sony WH-1000XM4 · Arctic White vs Focal Bathys

Which is better, Sony WH-1000XM4 · Arctic White or Focal Bathys? +

Focal Bathys scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Sony WH-1000XM4 · Arctic White worth the price? +

At $349, Sony WH-1000XM4 · Arctic White delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in sound.

Is Focal Bathys worth the price? +

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

Does Sony WH-1000XM4 · Arctic White 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, Sony WH-1000XM4 · Arctic White or Focal Bathys? +

Focal Bathys — leads on sound (92 vs 90). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Sony WH-1000XM4 · Arctic White or Focal Bathys? +

Focal Bathys — leads on anc (90 vs 88). ANC strength for commute and travel.