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You are comparing the focal vs HIFIMAN noise cancelling headphone options in this guide. The Focal Bathys is a wireless, over-ear model with active noise cancellation and Bluetooth connectivity. In contrast, the HIFIMAN HE400SE is a wired, open-back planar magnetic headphone designed for studio or audiophile use. They share an over-ear fit and target audiophiles, but their connection types and acoustic designs differ significantly.
Connection
Wireless (Bluetooth)
Wired
Back Design
Not listed
Open-Back
Driver
Aluminum-Magnesium
Planar Magnetic
Features
Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency mode
Stealth Magnets
Weight
12.3 ounces
13.8 ounces
Choose the first if
- You need wireless Bluetooth connectivity for travel.
- You want active noise cancellation to block ambient sound.
- You prefer a lighter weight for extended wear.
Choose the second if
- You require an open-back design for a natural soundstage.
- You are connecting to a dedicated audio source or studio gear.
- You prioritize planar magnetic driver accuracy.
Verdict
The Focal Bathys suits you if you need portable, wireless comfort with noise cancellation. The HIFIMAN HE400SE is better for stationary listening where wired precision and open-back acoustics matter. Choose based on whether mobility or acoustic openness is your priority.
Focal Bathys vs HIFIMAN HE400SE
connection type
Edge: Focal Bathys Wireless ANC Headphones
The Focal Bathys offers wireless convenience with built-in Bluetooth, allowing you to connect to your devices without cables. It also includes a 3.5mm jack and USB-C outlets for versatile connectivity options. This makes it suitable for travel and daily commutes where freedom of movement is key. In contrast, the HIFIMAN HE400SE is a strictly wired headphone. It uses a dual-sided high-performance 3.5mm cable and includes a 6.35mm adapter for compatibility with various audio sources. While this ensures a stable, lossless signal, it limits your mobility compared to the Bluetooth capabilities of the Focal model. You must choose between wireless freedom and wired reliability.
active noise cancelling
Edge: Focal Bathys Wireless ANC Headphones
Noise cancellation is a critical feature for many listeners, and the Focal Bathys excels here. It features active noise cancelling technology along with two optimized modes and a transparency mode. This allows you to immerse yourself in music or interact with your environment as needed, making it ideal for noisy settings like airplanes or busy offices. The HIFIMAN HE400SE does not list active noise cancelling in its specifications. As an open-back planar magnetic headphone, it is designed to let sound in and out, providing a natural acoustic experience but offering no isolation from external noise. If you need to block out distractions, the Focal Bathys is the clear choice.
driver technology
Edge: Tie
The internal driver technology differs significantly between these two models. The Focal Bathys uses 40mm aluminum-magnesium speaker drivers made in France. This dynamic driver design aims to provide naturally detailed, pure sound with impact. On the other hand, the HIFIMAN HE400SE utilizes planar magnetic drivers. These feature conductive layers covering nearly the entire diaphragm, which results in significantly lower distortion than conventional dynamic headphones. HIFIMAN also employs Stealth Magnets to reduce wave diffraction turbulence, aiming for accurate, full-range sonic output. Both approaches offer high fidelity, but they deliver sound character differently based on their physical construction.
back design
Edge: HIFIMAN Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones
The acoustic design of the ear cups affects how you perceive audio and how much sound leaks. The HIFIMAN HE400SE is an open-back headphone. This design allows air and sound to pass through the ear cups, creating a spacious, natural soundstage that many audiophiles prefer for critical listening. However, it also means sound leaks out, and external noise enters easily. The Focal Bathys is an over-ear model with active noise cancelling, implying a closed-back design that seals off the ear. This provides isolation and enhances bass response by trapping sound waves. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize an open, airy soundstage or isolated, focused audio.
battery life
Edge: Focal Bathys Wireless ANC Headphones
For wireless use, battery performance is a major practical consideration. The Focal Bathys provides over 30 hours of battery life when using Bluetooth and active noise cancelling mode. It also supports fast charging, giving you five extra listening hours in just 15 minutes. This makes it highly reliable for long trips or days without access to a power outlet. The HIFIMAN HE400SE is a wired headphone and does not require a battery. It draws power directly from your audio source, meaning you never need to charge it. While this eliminates battery anxiety, it also means you are tethered to your device, unlike the Focal which offers wireless endurance.
weight and build
Edge: Tie
Physical comfort and build quality vary between the two headphones. The Focal Bathys weighs 12.3 ounces and features an aluminum mechanical construction with a magnesium yoke for increased lightness and resistance. It also includes a refined real leather and microfiber headband for comfort. The HIFIMAN HE400SE is slightly heavier at 13.8 ounces. It features a newly designed adjustable lightweight headband intended to keep you cool and comfortable during long listening sessions. Both models use durable materials, but the Focal emphasizes metal construction for travel durability, while the HIFIMAN focuses on lightweight comfort for stationary listening.
Which headphones fit your needs
Commuters wanting wireless freedom
Our pick: Focal Bathys Wireless ANC Headphones
The Focal Bathys delivers wireless Bluetooth connectivity with active noise cancellation. You benefit from over 30 hours of battery life and fast charging. The aluminum-magnesium construction ensures lightness and durability. This model suits your travel needs with transparent mode for environmental awareness.
Audiophiles seeking studio accuracy
Our pick: HIFIMAN Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones
The HIFIMAN HE400SE features open-back planar magnetic drivers with stealth magnets. This design reduces distortion and wave diffraction for accurate sound. Its high sensitivity works well with portable players. The wired connection via 3.5mm jack ensures a stable signal for critical listening sessions.
Listeners prioritizing physical comfort
Our pick: Focal Bathys Wireless ANC Headphones
The Focal Bathys uses refined real leather and microfiber for the headband. Replaceable earpads provide insulation and comfort for various head shapes. The magnesium yoke adds lightness. These materials and construction choices help maintain comfort during extended listening sessions in various environments.
Focal Bathys Wireless ANC Headphones
Best for: Audiophiles wanting wireless convenience and premium build quality
- Noise Control
- Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency
- Battery Life
- Over 30 hours
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth, 3.5mm, USB-C
- Connection
- Wireless
- Features
- Bluetooth, Active Noise Cancelling
- Use
- Audiophiles
The Focal Bathys are large over-ear headphones built for audiophiles who want wireless convenience without sacrificing sound quality. They feature 40mm aluminum-magnesium drivers made in France and offer active noise cancellation with a transparency mode. You get over 30 hours of battery life in Bluetooth mode. The build includes a refined leather headband and magnesium yoke for lightness. This model suits you if you prioritize driver origin and material quality in a portable package.
- 40mm aluminum-magnesium drivers made in France
- Over 30 hours of battery life with ANC on
- Refined real leather and microfiber headband
- Magnesium yoke for increased lightness
- Fast charging provides 5 hours in 15 minutes
- Weighs 12.3 ounces, which is heavier than some competitors
- Large size may not fit smaller head shapes comfortably
- You want French-made drivers for detailed sound
- You need reliable wireless connectivity with ANC
- You prefer premium materials like leather and magnesium
- You need open-back design for natural soundstage
- You prefer lightweight headphones under 10 ounces
- You only use wired connections and do not need Bluetooth
Verdict: Focal Bathys Large Wireless ANC Headphones deliver high-fidelity sound through French-made drivers and a premium build. They fit you if you value material quality and long battery life in a closed-back design.
HIFIMAN Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones
Best for: Audiophiles seeking accurate, low-distortion sound
- Connectivity
- Wired, 3.5 mm, 6.35 mm adapter
- Form Factor
- Over-Ear
- Back Design
- Open-Back
- Driver
- Planar Magnetic
- Use
- Audiophiles, Studio
- Ear Style
- Stereo
The HIFIMAN HE400SE is a wired, open-back planar magnetic headphone designed for audiophiles and studio use. It features stealth magnets to reduce wave diffraction and distortion. The drivers are protected by a durable casing, and it includes a dual-sided 3.5mm cable with a 6.35mm adapter. Weighing 13.8 ounces, it offers high sensitivity for low-voltage sources and an adjustable lightweight headband for comfort.
- Planar magnetic drivers cover nearly the entire diaphragm for lower distortion.
- Stealth magnets allow sound waves to pass through without interference.
- High sensitivity matches well with portable hi-res audio players.
- Includes a 6.35mm adapter for wider device compatibility.
- Open-back design does not block outside noise.
- Wired connection limits mobility compared to wireless options.
- Weighs 13.8 ounces, which is heavier than typical dynamic models.
- You want accurate, full-range sound with low distortion.
- You use low-voltage portable audio players.
- You prefer open-back designs for a natural soundstage.
- You need active noise cancellation for travel.
- You require wireless freedom for mobile use.
- You want a lightweight, portable design for commuting.
Verdict: HIFIMAN HE400SE Planar Magnetic Headphones deliver pure sonic output for listeners who prioritize accuracy and low distortion. They suit audiophiles and studio users who do not need wireless convenience or noise isolation.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Focal Bathys Wireless ANC Headphones | HIFIMAN Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Control | Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency | – |
| Battery Life | Over 30 hours | – |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, 3.5mm, USB-C | Wired, 3.5 mm, 6.35 mm adapter |
| Form Factor | – | Over-Ear |
| Back Design | – | Open-Back |
| Connection | Wireless | Wired |
| Driver | – | Planar Magnetic |
| Fit | – | Over-Ear |
| Features | Bluetooth, Active Noise Cancelling | – |
| Use | Audiophiles | Audiophiles, Studio |
| Ear Style | – | Stereo |
| Dimensions | 9.45 × 8.46 × 3.35 inches | 12 × 10.5 × 7.09 inches |
| Weight | 12.3 ounces | 13.8 ounces |
| Size | Large | – |
| Color | Black/Gray | Silver,Black |
| Model | Bathys | He400SE |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the HIFIMAN HE400SE for active noise cancellation?
No, the HIFIMAN HE400SE does not support active noise cancellation. It is a wired, open-back design intended for studio use or audiophiles who prioritize accuracy. If you need noise isolation, you should consider the Focal Bathys, which includes built-in Bluetooth and active noise cancellation features for better sound blocking.
Which headphone is better for wireless connectivity?
The Focal Bathys is the better choice for wireless use. It features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect without cables. The HIFIMAN HE400SE is a wired model only. It lacks wireless capabilities, making it less suitable for mobile use or travel where cable freedom is important for your daily routine.
Do these headphones use the same driver technology?
No, they use different driver technologies. The HIFIMAN HE400SE utilizes planar magnetic drivers for low distortion and accurate sound reproduction. The Focal Bathys uses French-made drivers for high-fidelity audio. Both aim for quality, but the HIFIMAN focuses on planar magnetic performance, while the Focal emphasizes wireless convenience and premium build.
Is the Focal Bathys an open-back or closed-back design?
The Focal Bathys is a closed-back design. This structure helps with noise isolation and suits audiophiles wanting wireless convenience. In contrast, the HIFIMAN HE400SE is an open-back model. Open-back designs offer a more natural soundstage but provide less isolation, making them better for stationary listening rather than noisy environments.
How do the sizes compare between the two models?
The Focal Bathys measures 9.45 inches in length, 8.46 inches in width, and 3.35 inches in height. The HIFIMAN HE400SE is larger, measuring 12 inches in length, 10.5 inches in width, and 7.09 inches in height. The HIFIMAN model is physically bigger and heavier at 13.8 ounces compared to the Focal's 12.3 ounces.
Are these headphones suitable for studio monitoring?
The HIFIMAN HE400SE is explicitly noted for studio use. Its open-back planar magnetic design delivers pure sonic output with low distortion, ideal for accurate monitoring. The Focal Bathys is geared more toward audiophiles seeking wireless convenience and premium build quality. While both are for audiophiles, the HIFIMAN is the dedicated studio option.
What colors are available for the Focal Bathys?
The Focal Bathys is available in a Black/Gray color scheme. The HIFIMAN HE400SE comes in Silver and Black options. Both brands offer neutral tones that fit professional or casual settings. The color choice does not affect the technical specifications or performance of the headphones, which are determined by their internal components and design.