Focal Bathys Mg

Brilliant flagship wireless headphones with a price tag to match

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If you're familiar with Focal's headphone styling and design language, the Bathys Mg won't look too out of the ordinary. However, anyone used to the more sedate, dare we say slightly duller, styling of wireless headphones from the likes of Bose and Sony might take a bit more persuading that the Focals are for them.

One major change has been made to the original Bathys for this model; Focal has switched from a 40mm aluminium/magnesium driver to one made from pure magnesium, hence the 'Mg' suffix.

The Bathys Mg look and feel like a pair of properly premium headphones. The leather used to cover the top of the headband and the memory-foam earpads seem high quality and nice to the touch. The aluminium and magnesium yoke design feels built to last, too.

Focal claims that the Bathys Mg use more premium materials than the original (non 'Mg') Bathys, including new foam for the headband and earpads, and they do feel slightly more supple when given a gentle squeeze. That leather also feels of a slightly higher quality.

The intricate detailing on the outer surface of each earcup goes above and beyond anything we have seen at cheaper price points, and while it might be a little showy for some tastes, you can't argue that they don't make a serious impression, especially when you add the backlit Focal logo in the centre of each earcup.

The Bathys Mg have a chunky and dare we say rather bulky design - they weigh in at 350g, which is almost 100g more than the Sony WH-1000XM6, and you can tell the difference in-hand.

But the Focals don't feel particularly uncomfortable to wear, and they carry out daily commutes pretty effortlessly, although one member of the review team finds that their ears do get quite warm while in use.

The headphones only fold flat (instead of into a ball) and they come with a substantial carry case, which you are probably going to need, to protect your premium purchase.

Focused on performance