When it comes to luxury wireless headphones, two names often stand out in 2025: Bowers & Wilkins Px8 and Focal Bathys. Both models offer high-end sound quality, premium design, and advanced features that cater to serious music lovers. But which one is the better buy for your money? Let’s compare them head-to-head in design, comfort, sound quality, features, and value to help you decide.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Px8 and Bathys scream luxury at first glance, but they do it in different ways.
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8 uses a sleek, classic design with high-quality Nappa leather, die-cast aluminum arms, and a refined British aesthetic. It feels like a high-end accessory as much as a headphone.
- Focal Bathys, on the other hand, takes a modern, technical approach, featuring lightweight magnesium construction and a futuristic grille pattern inspired by Focal’s wired audiophile lineup.
Verdict: The Px8 feels slightly more luxurious in hand, but the Bathys is a touch lighter and arguably more comfortable for long sessions.
Comfort and Fit
- Px8: Plush leather earcups offer a premium feel, but they can be a bit snug for larger heads, and long sessions may lead to some heat buildup.
- Bathys: The Bathys is lighter (350g vs Px8’s 320–330g) and has a wider fit, making it feel less tight over time. Its memory foam pads are soft and breathable.
Winner: Bathys for all-day comfort, especially for listeners with bigger heads or those wearing them for 4+ hours.
Sound Quality
This is where the decision really comes down to personal taste.
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8: Warm, rich, and slightly bass-emphasized tuning with smooth mids and detailed treble. Vocals sound lush, making it excellent for R&B, hip-hop, and pop music.
- Focal Bathys: More neutral and analytical, closer to a true hi-fi experience. It delivers incredible detail separation, tighter bass, and a wider soundstage. Perfect for classical, jazz, acoustic, and critical listening.
Winner: Bathys for pure audiophile sound accuracy. Px8 for a warmer, fun, bass-friendly sound signature.
Noise Cancellation and Isolation
- Px8: Good noise cancellation but not class-leading. It reduces ambient noise well but can’t match Sony or Bose in this category.
- Bathys: Slightly better ANC, particularly in mid-frequency noise like chatter and background hums. It doesn’t isolate as strongly as Bose Ultra, but it’s effective enough for travel.
Winner: Bathys, by a small margin.
Features and Connectivity
Both headphones support aptX Adaptive, AAC, and high-resolution streaming, but there are some differences:
- Px8: Multipoint connection for two devices, high-end materials, and a premium app experience with EQ adjustments.
- Bathys: Adds a built-in DAC (24-bit/192kHz USB-C wired mode) for lossless listening, something rarely found in wireless headphones.
Winner: Bathys, thanks to its audiophile DAC feature and slightly more flexible wired playback options.
Battery Life
- Px8: Up to 30 hours of playback with ANC on.
- Bathys: Around 30 hours with ANC, similar performance, but slightly longer when using USB-DAC mode.
Winner: Tie – both offer strong battery performance for long trips.
Price and Value
Both are premium-priced headphones typically around $699, though prices fluctuate on Amazon and other retailers.
- The Px8 often feels like you’re paying for luxury design and warm tuning.
- The Bathys gives you audiophile-grade sound plus USB-DAC mode, arguably offering more technical performance for the same money.
Winner: Bathys edges ahead on value if pure sound quality is your top priority. Px8 wins if you care equally about sound and luxurious build.
🎧 Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
Both headphones are top-tier choices for music lovers, but they cater to different tastes:
- Buy Bowers & Wilkins Px8 if you love a warm, engaging sound, premium leather design, and a more luxurious feel. Perfect for hip-hop, R&B, and pop fans.
- Buy Focal Bathys if you want audiophile-level accuracy, lighter weight, and the option to enjoy wired high-resolution playback. Best for detail-focused listeners who want studio-like sound in a wireless package.
In 2025, Focal Bathys gets a slight overall win for its sound accuracy and added DAC feature, while the Px8 remains the luxury lifestyle pick for music lovers who value rich, warm tones.