Head to head
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e vs Focal Bathys Hi-Fi Wireless
They split the 2 rankable specs evenly, so cost decides it: Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e costs $300 less.
Catalog as of September 1, 2026
Why, in numbers
Swap
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AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation$179Anker Soundcore Space One Pro$199AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)$249Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds$299Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds$299Sony WH-1000XM4$348Bose QuietComfort Headphones$349Beats Studio Pro$349Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless$379Sony WH-1000XM5$399Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones$429Sonos Ace$449Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)$549Swap
Compare a different headphone
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation$179Anker Soundcore Space One Pro$199AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)$249Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds$299Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds$299Sony WH-1000XM4$348Bose QuietComfort Headphones$349Beats Studio Pro$349Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless$379Sony WH-1000XM5$399Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones$429Sonos Ace$449Apple AirPods Max (USB-C)$549Buying for
Your devices
Straight answer
Overall: 1 to 1
Tied overall. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e is cheaper.
- The 2 rankable overall specs split 1 to 1.
- Saves $300 at list price.
Deal-breakers
tick what would make you walk away
- Trips:Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e · No (swivel earcups)Trips:Focal Bathys Hi-Fi Wireless · No (swivels flat)
- Trips:Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e · 307 g (10.8 oz)Trips:Focal Bathys Hi-Fi Wireless · 350 g (12.3 oz)
- Trips:Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e · No official IP ratingTrips:Focal Bathys Hi-Fi Wireless · No official IP rating
At a glance
The handful of numbers that decide most purchases in this category.
Weight
Bowers & Wilkins
307 g (10.8 oz)
Focal
350 g (12.3 oz)
Active Noise Cancelling≠
Bowers & Wilkins
Yes (Hybrid Noise Cancellation with 6 microphones)
Focal
Yes (Silent, Soft, and Transparent modes with 8 microphones)
Battery life≠
Bowers & Wilkins
30 hours (ANC on)
Focal
30 hours (Bluetooth ANC) / 35 hours (Jack) / 42 hours (USB-DAC)
The 90-Day Owner Regret Check
Documented ergonomic quirks, hardware annoyances, and maintenance realities reported by real owners.
Bowers & Wilkins: What to watch for
- Maintenance
Requires ongoing care to maintain peak out-of-box performance.
Focal: What to watch for
- Maintenance
Requires ongoing care to maintain peak out-of-box performance.
Design
leads 1-0| Type | Over-ear, closed-back | Over-ear, closed-back |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 307 g (10.8 oz) (wins this row: lower) | 350 g (12.3 oz) |
| Foldable | No (swivel earcups) | No (swivels flat) |
| Carrying case | Slim fabric hard-shell travel case included | Rigid black/silver carrying case included |
| IP rating | No official IP rating | No official IP rating |
Audio
5 differences| Driver | 40 mm dynamic full-range bio-cellulose drivers (angled) | 40 mm Aluminum/Magnesium 'M'-shaped dome (Made in France) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | Yes (Hybrid Noise Cancellation with 6 microphones) | Yes (Silent, Soft, and Transparent modes with 8 microphones) |
| Transparency mode | Yes (Ambient Pass-Through) | Yes (Transparency Mode) |
| Supported codecs | aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC | aptX Adaptive, aptX, AAC, SBC |
| Microphones | 4 mics for ANC + 2 mics for telephony | 8 microphones with Clear Voice Capture technology |
Connectivity & Battery
leads 1-0| Multipoint Bluetooth | Yes (Bluetooth 5.2 multipoint) | Yes (Bluetooth 5.1 multipoint) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | 30 hours (ANC on) | 30 hours (Bluetooth ANC) / 35 hours (Jack) / 42 hours (USB-DAC) |
| Charging time | 2 hours (15 min quick charge gives 7 hours) | 1.5 hours (15 min fast charge gives 5 hours) (wins this row: lower) |
Ownership
0 differences| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
|---|
Which one should you buy
Pick this one if
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
Evolved wireless headphones with 24-bit DSP engine, custom 40mm bio-cellulose drivers, and luxe metal detailing.
- Exquisite musical detail, separation, and stereo imaging
- High-end construction with memory foam earcups and metal arms
- Direct 24-bit streaming support from Bowers & Wilkins Music App
What you give up
- ANC is good but not on par with class leaders Bose/Sony
- Microphone wind reduction in outdoor calls is average
Pick this one if
Focal Bathys Hi-Fi Wireless
High-fidelity Bluetooth active noise-cancelling headphones with integrated 24-bit/192kHz USB-DAC mode.
- True high-fidelity audiophile sound with patented Aluminum/Magnesium M-dome drivers
- Built-in USB-DAC mode supports uncompressed 24-bit/192kHz playback
- Exquisite French design with backlit ear cup logos and genuine leather
What you give up
- High luxury price point
- Heavier build at 350 grams
Best for each use
Flights & commutes
Too close to call on flights & commutes from the spec sheets. Only weight is rankable here.
Calls & work
Too close to call on calls & work from the spec sheets.
Sound quality
Too close to call on sound quality from the spec sheets. Only weight is rankable here.
Done deciding?
Open the full standalone spec sheet for either device.
Manufacturer pages: Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e ↗ · Focal Bathys Hi-Fi Wireless ↗
Common questions
Which is cheaper, the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e or the Focal Bathys Hi-Fi Wireless?
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e costs $300 less at list price.
What is the biggest catch with the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e or Focal Bathys Hi-Fi Wireless?
Both has this deal-breaker: does not fold. Takes a bigger slot in a carry-on.
Which is better for flights & commutes, the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e or the Focal Bathys Hi-Fi Wireless?
Too close to call on flights & commutes from the spec sheets. Only weight is rankable here. Active Noise Cancelling: Yes vs Yes Transparency mode: Yes vs Yes
What cannot be compared from spec sheets?
Of the 14 specs tracked here, 12 are descriptive and cannot be ranked on numbers alone. Spec sheets also cannot measure subjective factors like build quality, real-world performance, or comfort.