Focal Bathys High-Fidelity Headphones vs Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
Quick Verdict
The Focal Bathys High-Fidelity Headphones and Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 are close mid-range wireless over ear models. Focal has a slightly higher overall score, one point better sound and comfort, plus replaceable earpads and over 30 hours of battery with ANC. Bowers & Wilkins counters with aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, Bluetooth multipoint, and a full Music app with EQ and wear detection. Choose Focal if you want premium materials, replaceable parts, and do not need codec specs. Choose Bowers & Wilkins if you want published high resolution wireless support, app control, and an included carry case. Both omit weight and water resistance, so fit and durability need confirmation.
| Spec | Focal Bathys High-Fidelity Headphones | Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | Over-ear wireless headphones |
| Driver | 1 5/8 inch (40mm) Aluminum-Magnesium, made in France | 40mm Carbon Cone drivers |
| Noise cancelling | Active noise cancelling, two optimized modes, transparency mode | Active noise cancelling with 8-microphone system |
| Bluetooth and codecs | Bluetooth (codecs not published in listing) | Bluetooth 5.3, aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, multipoint |
| Battery life | Over 30 hours in Bluetooth with ANC; 5 extra hours in 15 minutes fast charge | Up to 30 hours; 15-minute quick charge provides 7 hours; full charge about 2 hours |
| Wired option | 1/8 inch (3.5mm) jack and USB-C | USB-C audio and 3.5 mm cable |
| Controls and app | Not published in listing | Bowers & Wilkins Music app with 5-band EQ, True Sound mode, ANC, transparency, wear detection |
| Water resistance | Not published in listing | Not published in listing |
| Weight | Not published in listing | Not published in listing |
| Included accessories | Not published in listing | Carry case and 3.5 mm cable |
Sound Quality
The Focal Bathys earns 27 out of 30 in sound quality. It uses a 40mm Aluminum-Magnesium driver made in France for detailed sound. The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 earns 26 out of 30 with a 40mm Carbon Cone driver and 24-bit DSP.
Focal does not publish Bluetooth codecs, while Bowers & Wilkins states aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive. That gives the Px8 S2 more transparency for high resolution wireless playback. The Focal driver material may still deliver excellent detail, but the wireless signal path is unverified.
Both are close in sound score. Focal relies on Aluminum-Magnesium and a slightly higher score. Bowers & Wilkins relies on Carbon Cone, DSP, and explicit codec support. For trust in Focal engineering choose Bathys, for defined lossless choose Px8 S2.
Comfort and Fit
Focal scores 17 out of 20 and lists real leather, a microfiber headband, and replaceable earpads. Bowers & Wilkins scores 16 out of 20 with Nappa leather and die-cast aluminum. Both omit weight so actual on head feel cannot be fully compared.
Both are over ear designs. Focal has replaceable earpads, while Bowers & Wilkins does not mention replacement or ear cushion material beyond Nappa leather. Replaceable earpads matter for long term wear and maintenance.
The one point comfort difference favors Focal but is small. Bowers & Wilkins Nappa leather suggests a soft touch. Buyers sensitive to weight should confirm fit because both omit that specification.
Noise Control and Features
Both models score 12 out of 15. Focal has two optimized active noise cancelling modes and a transparency mode. Bowers & Wilkins has active noise cancelling with an 8-microphone system described as balanced.
Bowers & Wilkins has a Music app with a 5-band EQ, True Sound mode, ANC control, transparency, and wear detection. Focal does not publish companion app or control details. That gives Bowers & Wilkins more feature clarity for daily adjustments.
Neither listing provides a water resistance rating. If you need app based control, the Px8 S2 is the better choice. If you prefer simple ANC modes without an app, the Focal Bathys may be enough.
Battery, Bluetooth and Connectivity
Focal claims over 30 hours of battery life in Bluetooth with ANC and 5 extra hours after a 15 minute fast charge. It offers wired listening through a 3.5mm jack and USB-C. Bluetooth codecs are not published.
Bowers & Wilkins claims up to 30 hours, 7 hours from a 15 minute quick charge, and a full charge of about 2 hours. It has Bluetooth 5.3, aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, and multipoint. Wired options include USB-C audio and a 3.5mm cable.
Focal has a slightly higher total battery estimate, but Bowers & Wilkins fast charge adds more playback time. Bowers & Wilkins clearly wins on codec transparency and multipoint. Focal counters with both wired options, but the missing codec data is notable.
Build, Design and Portability
Focal scores 8 out of 10 for build and portability. It uses real leather, microfiber, replaceable earpads, and Aluminum-Magnesium drivers. Weight and included accessories are not published.
Bowers & Wilkins scores 9 out of 10. It uses Nappa leather and die-cast aluminum, and it includes a carry case and a 3.5mm cable. Weight is not stated.
The one point build difference favors Bowers & Wilkins due to die-cast aluminum and an included case. Focal's replaceable earpads do not improve portability. Both are over ear headphones and less compact than earbuds.
Call Quality and Daily Use
Neither listing provides dedicated call quality specifications. Bowers & Wilkins has an 8-microphone system, but it is described for noise cancelling rather than call clarity. Focal does not publish microphone details.
For daily use, Bowers & Wilkins offers app EQ, wear detection, multipoint, and a carry case. Focal offers transparency, two ANC modes, replaceable earpads, and wired access. The daily experience depends on whether you need the app.
Bowers & Wilkins suits a daily user who wants device switching and sound control. Focal suits a user who wants simple ANC and easy maintenance. Both have all day battery life and no water resistance rating.
Who Should Buy It
Choose Focal if you prioritize sound quality, French made Aluminum-Magnesium drivers, replaceable earpads, and a premium leather and microfiber build. It has higher sound and comfort scores. It suits those who do not need codec or app details.
Choose Bowers & Wilkins if you want aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, multipoint, and a full app with EQ and wear detection. Its Carbon Cone drivers and 24-bit DSP target reference sound. The die-cast aluminum and Nappa leather add a premium feel.
Both are mid-range wireless over ear headphones with active noise cancelling and long battery life. Focal offers replaceable earpads and a slightly higher overall score. Bowers & Wilkins offers more published connectivity and feature details. Buyers wanting fewer unknowns may prefer the Px8 S2.
The Deciding Question
The question is whether published codecs and app features matter more than higher sound and comfort scores plus replaceable earpads. Focal has 27 for sound and 17 for comfort. Bowers & Wilkins has 26 for sound and 16 for comfort but adds aptX Lossless, multipoint, and app controls.
If your source device does not support aptX Lossless, Focal may be just as good or better. The Aluminum-Magnesium drivers are a known Focal design. Bowers & Wilkins still offers 8-microphone ANC and a more complete accessory list.
Overall scores are 84 for Focal and 82 for Bowers & Wilkins. That small gap should not override feature differences. Focal wins on paper for sound and comfort, while Bowers & Wilkins wins on connectivity transparency and app control.
Who Should Buy Which
Buy Focal if you want high fidelity sound with replaceable earpads and over 30 hours of battery with ANC. It is the stronger choice for a listener who does not need aptX Lossless or a detailed companion app. The leather and microfiber headband suggests long term comfort.
Buy Bowers & Wilkins if you want Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, and multipoint. The Music app with EQ, True Sound, and wear detection gives more control. The die-cast aluminum, Nappa leather, carry case, and 3.5mm cable make it a complete travel package.
If stuck, use the missing information as a tiebreaker. Focal omits codecs, weight, and app details. Bowers & Wilkins omits weight and water resistance but publishes codecs and app functions. Focal has replaceable parts and a higher score, while the Px8 S2 has published connectivity and controls.
Focal Bathys High-Fidelity Headphones
Pros
- Refined real leather and microfiber headband with replaceable earpads
- 40mm Aluminum-Magnesium drivers made in France for detailed sound
- Over 30 hours battery with ANC plus fast charging
- Two noise cancelling modes and a transparency mode
- Wired listening via 3.5mm jack and USB-C
Cons
- Bluetooth codec support not published in listing
- No water resistance rating provided
- Companion app and control details not described
- Weight and included accessories not listed
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
Pros
- Reference quality sound with 40mm Carbon Cone drivers and 24-bit DSP
- Balanced active noise cancelling with 8 microphones
- Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint and aptX Lossless support
- 30-hour battery with 7-hour quick charge in 15 minutes
- Premium Nappa leather and die-cast aluminum build
- Wired listening via USB-C and 3.5 mm cable
Cons
- Weight not published, so long term comfort is unverified
- No water resistance rating provided
- Price is mid-range but lacks some flagship extras like case charging
- Battery life figure not separated by ANC on or off
- Ear cushion material beyond Nappa leather is not specified
Who Should Buy Each
Focal Bathys High-Fidelity Headphones
- Audiophiles seeking a wireless headphone with large dynamic drivers made in France
- Commuters who want long battery life and fast charging
- Listeners who prefer physical connection options including 3.5mm and USB-C
- Buyers who value replaceable earpads and premium materials
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
- Audiophiles who want hi-res wireless codecs and a dedicated DAC
- Professionals who switch between phone, laptop, and tablet with multipoint
- Travelers who value 30-hour battery and quick charging
- Buyers who prefer leather and metal build over plastic
Quick Decision Guide
| If you need Bluetooth aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive support. | Choose Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 |
| If you want replaceable earpads and a real leather and microfiber headband. | Choose Focal Bathys High-Fidelity Headphones |
| If you need a companion app with a 5-band EQ, wear detection, and True Sound mode. | Choose Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 |
| If you want slightly higher sound and comfort scores plus over 30 hours of battery with ANC. | Choose Focal Bathys High-Fidelity Headphones |
| If you want an included carry case and a 3.5mm cable in the box. | Choose Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 |
FAQ
About This Comparison
Mandrillis Team
The Mandrillis editorial team researches and compares audio and music gear using manufacturer documentation, verified specs and real buyer feedback, so you can make a confident purchase without wading through marketing claims.
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