Focal vs MEZE Audio Noise Cancelling Headphones: Which Brand Fits You?

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You are comparing the focal vs MEZE Audio noise cancelling headphone options to find the right fit for your listening habits. Both brands target audiophiles seeking high-quality sound reproduction. The main difference lies in their design and connectivity. The Focal model offers wireless freedom with active noise cancellation. The MEZE Audio option is a wired, open-back design focused on natural acoustic presentation.

Back Design

Closed (implied by ANC)

Open-Back

Connection

Wireless

Wired

Driver Size

40mm

50mm

Features

Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency mode

None listed

Weight

12.3 ounces

2.58 pounds

Choose the first if

• You need wireless connectivity and active noise cancellation for travel or noisy environments.
• You prefer a lighter, more portable build with over 30 hours of battery life.

Choose the second if

• You want an open-back design for a natural, spacious soundstage at home.
• You prioritize a larger 50mm driver and premium replaceable components for long-term use.

Verdict

Choose the Focal Bathys if you need wireless convenience and noise cancellation for mobile use. Select the MEZE Audio 105 AER if you prefer wired, open-back audiophile sound for stationary listening. Your choice depends on whether you value isolation and portability or acoustic openness and build longevity.

Focal vs MEZE Audio Key Specs

connection type

Edge: Focal Bathys Wireless ANC Headphones

The Focal Bathys is a wireless headphone that uses Bluetooth for connectivity, offering you freedom from cables during your commute or travel. It also includes a 3.5mm jack and USB-C outlets for versatile wired options. In contrast, the MEZE Audio 105 AER is a wired device. It connects via a detachable 1.8m thread Kevlar OFC cable with a 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter. This means you must stay tethered to your audio source with the MEZE model. If you prioritize mobility and untethered listening, the Focal design is the clear choice for your daily routine.

back design

Edge: MEZE Audio 105 AER Open-Back Headphones

The acoustic design significantly changes how you experience sound. The MEZE Audio 105 AER features an open-back design. This construction allows air to pass through the ear cups, creating a spacious, natural soundstage that many audiophiles prefer for home listening. However, it does not block outside noise. The Focal Bathys is a closed-back model with active noise cancelling technology. It provides two optimized noise-cancelling modes and a transparency mode. This makes it suitable for noisy environments where you need isolation. Your choice depends on whether you want open acoustic immersion or controlled privacy.

driver size

Edge: MEZE Audio 105 AER Open-Back Headphones

Driver dimensions influence the bass response and overall sound pressure. The MEZE Audio 105 AER utilizes 50mm dynamic drivers. This larger size often contributes to a richer, more resonant foundation, enhancing immersion in music. The Focal Bathys uses 40mm Aluminum-Magnesium speaker drivers. These drivers are made in France and are designed to provide naturally detailed, pure sound with impact. While the Focal drivers are smaller, they are engineered for high fidelity. The MEZE drivers are larger, potentially offering more physical air movement. You should decide if you prefer the detailed precision of 40mm or the lush presence of 50mm.

features

Edge: Focal Bathys Wireless ANC Headphones

Feature sets differ greatly between these two models. The Focal Bathys includes advanced electronic features such as active noise cancelling, transparency mode, and a backlit logo. It also supports fast charging, giving you five extra listening hours in just 15 minutes. Battery life exceeds 30 hours in Bluetooth mode. The MEZE Audio 105 AER has no electronic features, batteries, or active noise cancelling. It is a purely passive, analog device. It comes with a hard carrying pouch and gold-plated jack adapter. If you need noise isolation and long battery life, the Focal Bathys is superior for travel.

build materials

Edge: Tie

Both brands use premium materials, but the construction approaches vary. The Focal Bathys features an aluminum mechanical construction with a magnesium yoke for increased lightness. It has a refined real leather and microfiber headband with easily replaceable earpads. The MEZE Audio 105 AER uses cast zinc alloy hardware with PVD coating, stamped manganese spring steel, and PC-ABS ear cups. It features velour ear pads and a soft PU leather headband. Both are built to last with replaceable components. The Focal offers a more metallic, modern feel, while the MEZE provides a classic, textured aesthetic with different material combinations.

Choose the right headphones for you

Travelers needing wireless convenience and noise cancellation

Our pick: Focal Bathys Wireless ANC Headphones

The Focal Bathys features active noise cancelling and transparency modes, allowing you to control your audio environment during travel. Its Bluetooth connectivity provides wireless freedom, while the 30-hour battery life ensures long listening sessions. The lightweight magnesium yoke and replaceable earpads add to its practicality for on-the-go use.

Listeners wanting open-back sound and wired reliability

Our pick: MEZE Audio 105 AER Open-Back Headphones

The MEZE Audio 105 AER uses an open-back design with 50mm dynamic drivers to create a spacious, natural soundstage. It connects via a detachable 1.8m Kevlar cable, ensuring a stable wired connection. The replaceable components and premium materials, including a steel headband and velour pads, support long-term durability and comfort for home listening.

Users prioritizing lightweight comfort and portability

Our pick: Focal Bathys Wireless ANC Headphones

Weighing only 12.3 ounces, the Focal Bathys is significantly lighter than the wired alternative. Its aluminum mechanical construction and magnesium yoke enhance lightness without sacrificing durability. The fast-charging capability, offering five extra hours in 15 minutes, and the compact folded dimensions make it a highly portable choice for daily commutes and short trips.

Specifications side by side

Spec	Focal Bathys Wireless ANC Headphones	MEZE Audio 105 AER Open-Back Headphones
Noise Control	Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency	–
Battery Life	Over 30 hours	–
Connectivity	Bluetooth, 3.5mm, USB-C	Wired, 3.5 mm
Form Factor	–	Over-The-Ear, Open-Back
Back Design	–	Open-Back
Connection	Wireless	Wired
Fit	–	Over-Ear
Features	Bluetooth, Active Noise Cancelling	–
Use	Audiophiles	Audiophiles
Color	Black/Gray	Black
Dimensions	9.45 × 8.46 × 3.35 inches	12 × 10 × 4.5 inches
Weight	12.3 ounces	2.58 pounds
Size	Large	50 mm
Model	Bathys	105AER

Frequently asked questions

Do MEZE Audio headphones have noise cancelling?

No. The MEZE Audio 105 AER is an open-back, wired headphone. It lacks active noise cancelling features. You should choose the Focal Bathys if you need to block out ambient sound during travel or in noisy environments. The Focal model includes active noise cancelling technology.

Which brand is better for wireless listening?

Focal is the better choice for wireless use. The Focal Bathys connects via Bluetooth and includes a 3.5mm jack for wired options. The MEZE Audio 105 AER is strictly wired. It requires a direct cable connection to your audio source without any wireless capability.

Are MEZE Audio headphones open-back or closed?

The MEZE Audio 105 AER features an open-back design. This configuration allows sound to pass through the ear cups, creating a spacious soundstage. It is ideal for quiet, controlled listening environments. It is not suitable for noisy public spaces where isolation is needed.

How heavy are the Focal Bathys headphones?

The Focal Bathys weighs 12.3 ounces. This is significantly lighter than the MEZE Audio 105 AER, which weighs 2.58 pounds. The Focal model is designed for comfortable, extended wear during travel or daily use. The MEZE model is a stationary, high-fidelity option.

Can I use MEZE Audio headphones for commuting?

No. The MEZE Audio 105 AER is an open-back, wired headphone. It does not block outside noise. You will hear ambient sounds clearly. For commuting, the Focal Bathys is the appropriate choice. It offers active noise cancelling and wireless freedom for travel.

What size drivers do these headphones use?

The MEZE Audio 105 AER uses 50 mm drivers. The Focal Bathys driver size is not specified in the available data. Both models target audiophiles seeking high-fidelity sound. The Focal Bathys focuses on wireless performance, while the MEZE model emphasizes open-back acoustics.

See also

• best focal noise cancelling headphones with active noise cancellation
• focal vs HIFIMAN noise cancelling headphone