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Experts recommend Sony WH-1000XM5 more than Focal Bathys

As of 20 Nov 2024, experts prefer Sony WH-1000XM5 over Focal Bathys, but both Headphones have solid expert endorsements.

As per this month's meta ranking, Sony WH-1000XM5 received 9 recommendations: from IGN (17 May 2024), Tom's Guide (15 Oct 2024) What Hi-Fi (11 Nov 2024) and 6 others. By contrast, Focal Bathys received only 2 recommendations from WIRED (29 Aug 2024) and Rtings.com (29 Aug 2024).

Rank Change Price Headphones
IGN
Tom's Guide
What Hi-Fi
Digital Trends
WIRED
CNET
Wirecutter
PCMag
T3
Rtings.com
1
- $398
Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones have received positive reviews for their sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, battery life, connectivity, and durability, making them a top choice for users seeking a premium listening experience.
1
1
1
1
1
2
3
5
7
-
15
+1 $599
Focal Bathys
The Focal Bathys headphones are highly praised for their exceptional sound quality, effective noise cancellation, comfort, long battery life, strong connectivity options, and durability, making them a top choice for audiophiles and music lovers.
-
-
-
-
13
-
-
-
-
6

Curious to see this month's entire Wireless Headphones ranking? It's here

About our ranking methodology

Endorsement summary:

  • On 29 Aug 2024 WIRED ranked Sony WH-1000XM5 as #1 and Focal Bathys as #13
    Rank Headphones Comment
    #1 out of 14 Sony WH-1000XM5
    Best Overall Headphones
    ... ... ...
    #13 out of 14 Focal Bathys
    Best if Money Is No Object
    ... ... ...
  • On 29 Aug 2024 Rtings.com ranked Focal Bathys as #6
    Rank Headphones Comment
    ... ... ...
    #6 out of 7 Focal Bathys
    Best Sounding Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
    ... ... ...
  • On 17 May 2024 IGN ranked Sony WH-1000XM5 as #1
    Rank Headphones Comment
    #1 out of 9 Sony WH-1000XM5
    Best Wireless Headphones
    ... ... ...
  • On 15 Oct 2024 Tom's Guide ranked Sony WH-1000XM5 as #1
    Rank Headphones Comment
    #1 out of 9 Sony WH-1000XM5
    The Best Wireless Headphones Overall
    ... ... ...
  • On 11 Nov 2024 What Hi-Fi ranked Sony WH-1000XM5 as #1
    Rank Headphones Comment
    #1 out of 8 Sony WH-1000XM5
    Awards winner. The best-value all-rounders you can buy, period
    ... ... ...
  • On 5 Jul 2024 Digital Trends ranked Sony WH-1000XM5 as #1
    Rank Headphones Comment
    #1 out of 11 Sony WH-1000XM5
    The best wireless headphones overall
    ... ... ...
  • On 15 Oct 2024 CNET ranked Sony WH-1000XM5 as #2
    Rank Headphones Comment
    ... ... ...
    #2 out of 16 Sony WH-1000XM5
    Best noise-canceling headphones from Sony
    ... ... ...
  • On 18 Sep 2024 Wirecutter ranked Sony WH-1000XM5 as #3
    Rank Headphones Comment
    ... ... ...
    #3 out of 4 Sony WH-1000XM5
    Great performance, with some effort
    ... ... ...
  • On 12 Nov 2024 PCMag ranked Sony WH-1000XM5 as #5
    Rank Headphones Comment
    ... ... ...
    #5 out of 10 Sony WH-1000XM5
    Best Headphones for Audiophiles / Editors' Choice
    ... ... ...
  • On 12 Nov 2024 T3 ranked Sony WH-1000XM5 as #7
    Rank Headphones Comment
    ... ... ...
    #7 out of 9 Sony WH-1000XM5
    The best Sony noise cancelling headphones
    ... ... ...
    Source: www.t3.com

After counting and adding up the 97 expert endorsements of the November rankings, Sony WH-1000XM5 outranks Focal Bathys. This is not to say that Focal Bathys is a bad option. Like Sony WH-1000XM5, it is recommended by experts, but less.

MetaRanking Common points from expert reviews summarized.
As can be seen below, Sony WH-1000XM5 outranks Focal Bathys by 14 positions. This indicates that, as of 20 Nov 2024, Sony WH-1000XM5 is more critically acclaimed than Focal Bathys.
Rank Change Price Headphones
IGN
Tom's Guide
What Hi-Fi
Digital Trends
WIRED
CNET
Wirecutter
PCMag
T3
Rtings.com
1
- $398
Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones have received positive reviews for their sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, battery life, connectivity, and durability, making them a top choice for users seeking a premium listening experience.
1
1
1
1
1
2
3
5
7
-
2
- $429
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have received positive reviews for their sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, battery life, and connectivity, making them a recommended choice for those seeking a versatile and enjoyable listening experience.
4
3
5
2
2
1
-
3
1
1
3
- $535
Apple AirPods Max
The Apple AirPods Max receive positive reviews for their sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, battery life, and connectivity, making them a top choice for an outstanding audio experience.
8
9
6
3
5
7
-
9
8
-
4
- $279
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are highly praised for their sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, battery life, connectivity, and durability, making them a recommended choice for music enthusiasts who value strong bass and treble, effective noise cancellation, comfort for extended use, and durability for various activities.
-
-
-
-
3
11
-
2
3
-
Show all rows
Expert Reviews There are people on the Internet whose job is to review products. Below are their opinions.

Expert reviews [19]

90
Total expert reviews: 19
  • with a score: 7
  • without a score: 12
Highest score by What Hi-Fi
100
Average score based on 19 reviews
90
Lowest score by TechHive
80

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20

Expert reviews [20]

91
Total expert reviews: 20
  • with a score: 15
  • without a score: 5
Highest score by TechRadar
100
Average score based on 20 reviews
91
Lowest score by Rtings.com
77

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
From Seller:
  • Refined real leather and microfiber headband Incomparably soft, comfortable and refined. Earpads provide insulation and comfort for any head shape Easily replaceable
  • 1 5/8" (40mm) Aluminum-Magnesium speaker drivers, made in France A naturally detailed, pure sound with impact - 1/8" (3.5mm) Jack and USB-C outlets Limitless connectivity
  • Read more
From Seller:
  • NOISE CANCELLATION: Immerse yourself in the world of music with these noise cancelling headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM5. They come equipped with an advanced noise cancellation feature, powered by two processors controlling eight microphones. Experience the magic of noise cancelling headphones bluetooth technology, ensuring an uninterrupted listening experience free from external disturbances. This unique, distraction-free listening experience sets the Sony WH-1000XM5 apart from other headphones in the market.
  • Read more

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