Focal
Focal Bathys Hi-Fi Wireless
Headphones
$699List price
Explore this product Your shortlist, side by side
Focal Bathys Hi-Fi Wireless vs AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation
Find the differences that matter for your next decision.
Apple
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation
Headphones
$179List price
Explore this product What matters most to you?
Start with all rankable specifications, or focus on a particular use.
Your starting point
Buy the Focal Bathys Hi-Fi Wireless.
- Leads 2 of 3 rankable overall specs; AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation takes 1.
- Battery life: 30 hours vs 4 hours listening time on single charge with…
How we reached this
We compare the published specifications relevant to your priority. Each rankable specification counts once; your selected requirements can rule a product out. This is a guide to the numbers, not a laboratory performance score.
Warranty: 2 years vs 1 year manufacturer warranty
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation is $520 cheaper. Pay the difference only if battery life matters to you.
The trade-off to know
Check first: the Focal Bathys Hi-Fi Wireless weighs over 300 g. the Focal Bathys Hi-Fi Wireless has no IP rating. Tick them under deal-breakers if that rules it out.
Look at the differences ↓Refine your requirements
Your other devices
What would rule one out?
Side by side
The differences, in detail.
Start with the key specs, then explore as much as you need.
| What you’re comparing | Focal Bathys Hi-Fi Wireless | AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation |
|---|---|---|
| TypeDesign | Over-ear, closed-back | Open-ear true wireless earbuds |
| WeightDesign | 350 g (12.3 oz) | 8.6 g (0.30 oz) earbuds total (4.3 g each) / 34.7 g charging case |
| FoldableDesign | No (swivels flat) | No (pocket-sized charging case) |
| Active Noise CancellingAudio | Yes (Silent, Soft, and Transparent modes with 8 microphones) | Yes (Active Noise Cancellation with Adaptive Audio and Transparency Mode) |
| Battery lifeConnectivity & Battery | 30 hours (Bluetooth ANC) / 35 hours (Jack) / 42 hours (USB-DAC) | 4 hours listening time on single charge with ANC on (5 hours ANC off) / up to 20 hours with charging case (ANC on) |
Showing 5 of 14 specifications. Missing values stay unlisted. About the sources
Both sides of the decision
What you gain. What you give up.
Focal Bathys Hi-Fi Wireless
Reasons to choose it
- 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
Worth considering
- High luxury price point
- Heavier build at 350 grams
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation
Reasons to choose it
- Active Noise Cancellation and Adaptive Audio in an open-ear, tip-less fit
- Apple H2 chip with Personalized Spatial Audio and head tracking
- Smallest wireless charging case with built-in Find My speaker and USB-C
Worth considering
- Open-ear ANC is naturally less isolating than in-ear silicone tip earbuds like AirPods Pro
- Battery life drops to 4 hours per charge with ANC enabled (20 hours total with case)
Beyond the spec sheet
Living with your choice.
Explore the ownership details available for this pair.
Know what’s behind the comparison
Published specs. Visible sources.
Clinchmark compares manufacturer specifications and other published information. We have not independently lab-tested these products. Editorial assessments and unknown values are identified in the specification details.
Catalog snapshot: September 1, 2026. Prices, availability, and provider terms can change.
Still weighing it up?
Which is cheaper, the Focal Bathys Hi-Fi Wireless or the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation?
AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation costs $520 less at list price.
What is the biggest catch with the Focal Bathys Hi-Fi Wireless or AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation?
Both has this deal-breaker: does not fold. Takes a bigger slot in a carry-on.
Which is better for flights & commutes, the Focal Bathys Hi-Fi Wireless or the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation?
Tied on flights & commutes. AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation is cheaper. The 2 rankable flights & commutes specs split 1 to 1. Saves $520 at list price.
What cannot be compared from spec sheets?
Of the 14 specs tracked here, 11 are descriptive and cannot be ranked on numbers alone. Spec sheets also cannot measure subjective factors like build quality, real-world performance, or comfort.