Luxury Wireless Headphones Showdown: B&O H95 vs B&W PX8 vs Focal Bathys – Which Reigns Supreme?

When it comes to high-end over-ear wireless headphones, three models stand out for audiophiles in 2025: Bang & Olufsen’s Beoplay H95, Bowers & Wilkins’ PX8, and Focal’s Bathys. These flagship ANC (active noise cancelling) headphones promise top-tier sound, luxurious build materials, and premium features – at premium price tags. The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 debuted as an “immersive noise cancelling” headphone celebrating B&O’s 95th anniversary techradar.com bang-olufsen.com. Bowers & Wilkins’ PX8 launched later as their flagship wireless model, combining new carbon drivers with refined design bowerswilkins.com bowerswilkins.com. French hi-fi brand Focal entered the wireless arena with the Bathys, aiming to bring “pure high-fidelity sound” on the go focal.com. All three models emphasize sound quality, effective noise cancellation, long listening comfort, and the latest connectivity codecs – but each has its own strengths and character.

Below, we compare the Beoplay H95, PX8, and Bathys across all key aspects: sound performance, noise cancelling prowess, battery life, comfort, design and build, connectivity and app features, smart extras, and pricing/value. We’ll also highlight expert review opinions and any new developments or upcoming models from Bang & Olufsen, B&W, and Focal in the high-end headphone space. For quick reference, see the comparison table of core specs and features before we dive into detailed sections.

Spec Comparison Table

To set the stage, here’s a side-by-side glance at the specifications and features of the Beoplay H95, PX8, and Bathys:

(Specifications above are summarized from official product info and reviews bhphotovideo.com bowerswilkins.com focal.com. “Bathys MG” refers to Focal’s 2024 premium variant with Magnesium drivers focal.com.)

Sound Quality

Overall Sound Signature & Tuning: All three headphones deliver audiophile-grade sound, but their sonic signatures differ. The Beoplay H95 has a lively, V-shaped tuning out of the box – emphasizing deep bass and crisp treble, with slightly recessed mids. This makes for a “fun, engaging, and exciting sound profile,” with plentiful sub-bass and sparkling highs recordingnow.com recordingnow.com. The soundstage is impressively wide for closed-back headphones, providing good stereo separation and immersion recordingnow.com recordingnow.com. One reviewer noted the H95 is “easily one of the most engaging and exciting headphones in this class … with one of the most detailed treble in the class” recordingnow.com recordingnow.com. However, that bright treble can verge on sibilance at times, and the midrange is somewhat pulled back in the default EQ recordingnow.com recordingnow.com. Users who prefer a flatter response may need to use the app’s EQ; fortunately, B&O’s app offers a unique intuitive EQ interface to dial back treble or boost mids as needed recordingnow.com.

In contrast, Bowers & Wilkins PX8 takes a different approach. The PX8’s sound is highly refined, with outstanding clarity and a mid-focused balance. B&W’s carbon cone drivers excel at revealing detail and texture. According to What Hi-Fi, “the Px8 excel in terms of clarity and insight… a real step up from cheaper rivals” whathifi.com. The tuning is more neutral/warm: mids are rich and natural, highs are smooth, and bass is tight but less elevated than on the H95 or Bathys. In fact, compared to the H95, the PX8 can sound a bit “warm, lush, and relaxed”, lacking the same treble sparkle and bass slam recordingnow.com recordingnow.com. This makes the PX8’s presentation very easy on the ears for long listening – Engadget even remarked “the Px8 are some of the best sounding headphones we’ve ever reviewed” engadget.com in terms of pure sonic quality. That said, listeners coming from the B&O or Focal might find the PX8’s soundstage slightly less spacious and its treble more subdued. It’s a more refined and controlled sound that audiophiles who value natural midrange may love, though some casual listeners might perceive it as “darker” or more laid-back than the more V-shaped H95. One comparison described the PX8 as having “a smooth, darker sound signature… one of the most relaxing headphones to listen to”, versus the H95’s brighter, more “exciting” character recordingnow.com recordingnow.com. In sum, the PX8 emphasizes realism and comfort over wow-factor, but still delivers top-tier resolution – “a level of clarity and insight… not bettered at this level,” as What Hi-Fi put it bowerswilkins.com.

Focal’s Bathys, true to the company’s hi-fi heritage, aims for a spacious and balanced sound. The Bathys wowed reviewers with its expansive soundstage and open presentation – “Bathys sound more open and spacious… better for long listening sessions” than the PX8, according to one head-to-head test whathifi.com whathifi.com. Focal tuned the Bathys with a slight bass emphasis and smooth treble. The result is a full-bodied yet clear sound: bass is impactful (especially sub-bass) without muddying the mids, and the highs are present but never harsh audio46.com audio46.com. “Spacious, clear sound with a full-bodied balance”, as What Hi-Fi summarizes whathifi.com. Many consider the Bathys among the best-sounding wireless headphones available, rivaling even some wired sets. TechRadar went so far as to call the Bathys “maybe the best-sounding wireless headphones you can buy” focal.com. The generous earcup size likely contributes to its wide imaging and acoustic tuning. If anything, a few listeners noted the Bathys’ treble is slightly relaxed compared to the PX8 – Focal erred on the side of smoothness, letting the lows and mids shine. This makes the Bathys very fatigue-free for extended listening. High frequencies are still detailed, but “a bit held back” relative to the PX8’s crisper top-end, which some might interpret as less “airy” audio46.com audio46.com. Overall, Bathys delivers a rich, immersive sound that impressed both casual listeners and picky audiophiles – one review even said “TechRadar recommends [it]” as perhaps the top choice for wireless audio quality focal.com.

Dynamics and Genres: All three headphones can handle a wide range of music genres with ease. The H95’s energetic bass and treble make pop, hip-hop, and electronic tracks sound exciting and lively (kick drums and bass lines hit hard) recordingnow.com audio46.com, while its wide soundstage benefits orchestral and live recordings. The PX8’s strength is in natural instrument timbre and vocals – its mid-centric tuning can make acoustic, jazz, and vocal-centric music sound especially convincing and “real.” Reviewers noted the PX8 reproduces midrange detail in a way that gives music a lifelike warmth, making it “one of the more realistic timbres” among peers recordingnow.com. The Bathys, with its blend of strong bass and spacious imaging, excels at rock, cinematic music, and any genre where you want a sense of depth. In direct comparisons, listeners found the Bathys’ bass more immersive (likely aided by its slightly larger ear cups and driver tuning) audio46.com, whereas the PX8’s bass, though very detailed, felt a bit constrained by its smaller design audio46.com. None of these are lacking in bass – but if you crave maximum low-end punch and rumble, the Bathys (especially in “Silent” ANC mode which reinforces isolation) may edge out. If you prioritize treble sparkle and “air”, the PX8 might please more, while the H95 strikes a middle ground by offering both booming bass and bright highs (albeit with some EQ tweaking potentially needed to tame excess treble for sensitive ears).

Expert Opinions: All three models have garnered high praise from experts. TechRadar praised the Beoplay H95 for its “expansive sound” and detailed audio performance, calling it “nothing short of brilliant, with a wide soundstage, lots of detail, and a warm, bassy sound” techradar.com. What Hi-Fi gave Focal’s Bathys a glowing assessment, highlighting its combination of comfort and sound: “First class in every sense of the word,” with supreme comfort and a soundstage “wider than their rivals” whathifi.com. Meanwhile, Trusted Reviews noted that high-fidelity sound is “at the core” of the B&W PX8’s identity, yet it “also [offers] accomplished noise-cancelling”, underscoring that the PX8 doesn’t sacrifice audio quality even as an ANC headphone bowerswilkins.com. In short, sound quality is a strong suit for all three, with Focal slightly ahead on spaciousness, B&W on clarity, and B&O on an exciting “wow factor” sound. Your personal preference – e.g. a fun vs. neutral tuning – will determine which you find “best”. As one comparison concluded, “two excellent pairs… two absolute treats for the ears” whathifi.com – you really can’t go wrong on sound with any of these flagship models.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Performance

High-end headphones demand high-performance noise cancelling, and these models deliver – though with some differences in approach.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95: The H95 features adaptive active noise cancellation with adjustable levels. B&O implemented five ANC levels, tweakable via the physical dial on the earcup for fine control bhphotovideo.com. In practice, the H95’s ANC was rated as “very good, blocking out nearly all ambient sound”, and it can be dialed from maximum suppression down to a transparency mode easily techradar.com. Reviewers found the H95’s noise cancelling effective for everyday disturbances – airplane drone, office chatter – on par with other top ANC headphones. It might not absolutely beat class leaders like Bose’s latest, but it is close. Notably, B&O’s latest ANC algorithms (branded “Adaptive ANC”) intelligently adjust to environmental noise. The H95 was B&O’s best noise-canceller until its successor (H100) doubled the performance. In its day, users and critics were impressed – Domus noted the H95’s ANC was “pretty solid”, and the H100 claims to improve upon an already strong foundation domusweb.it domusweb.it. One downside: the H95 lacks wear detection (auto-pause) and has forced transparency during calls (according to some users), but these are minor quirks unrelated to ANC strength.

Bowers & Wilkins PX8: B&W employs a hybrid ANC system on the PX8, using 6 microphones total (4 for ANC, 2 for voice) to cancel noise bowerswilkins.com. The PX8’s noise cancellation is also very effective, and on paper it’s comparable to the H95 and Bathys. Trusted Reviews reported that the PX8 are “accomplished noise-cancellers” in addition to sounding great bowerswilkins.com. In use, they reliably hush consistent noises (airplane engines, road rumble) and even many sudden sounds. However, some tests found no major advantage over competitors – i.e., PX8’s ANC is excellent but not vastly better than Focal’s or B&O’s. In fact, a few listeners felt PX8’s noise cancellation could be slightly less “absolute” than others in extreme environments. For example, an Audio46 reviewer noted that when ANC was off, the PX8’s lightweight design let in more external sound, and even with ANC on, some high-frequency noises leaked compared to the more isolating (heavier) Bathys audio46.com. Still, under normal conditions, the differences are subtle. The PX8 does offer an Ambient Pass-Through (transparency) mode as well, easily toggled in the app or via the multi-function button bowerswilkins.com. One issue mentioned by users: the wear sensor on PX8 (which pauses music when you remove the headphones) has been erratic in early firmware whathifi.com. While not directly ANC-related, a twitchy sensor meant sometimes music wouldn’t pause/resume correctly when taking the headphones off/on. B&W has released firmware updates to improve this. Aside from that, PX8’s ANC performance is top-tier and very close to the B&O and Focal. In a head-to-head, What Hi-Fi found “both have equally excellent noise-cancelling” when comparing Bathys vs PX8 whathifi.com – neither clearly outperforms the other; both are generally excellent, handling everyday noise with ease (though neither will eliminate every sudden sound).

Focal Bathys: The Bathys was Focal’s first ANC headphone, but they did an admirable job. It uses a multi-mic adaptive ANC with three modes: Silent (max cancellation), Soft (mild cancellation for quieter environments), and Transparent (pass-through) focal.com focal.com. In Silent mode, the Bathys effectively kills low-frequency rumbles and consistent noise – users report it competes well with Bose/Sony in that regard focal.com. An interesting observation: because the Bathys has large, well-sealing ear cups and clamping force, it already passively blocks a lot of sound. One reviewer noted “the Bathys had more natural noise-canceling qualities due to the physical design,” giving a quiet experience even before ANC is engaged audio46.com. With ANC on, the Bathys can make a busy cafe or airplane remarkably quiet, on par with the best. However, some tests found the difference between ANC on and off on the Bathys was not huge – which actually speaks to its good passive isolation. The downside is it might not feel as dramatic when you toggle ANC. Also, Bathys did not suffer much sound quality degradation with ANC on, which is a plus. In transparency mode, Bathys sounds a bit less natural than the best (one critique was the passthrough audio was a “bit tinny or artificial compared to Apple’s”, per a forum comment forum.headphones.com). But it’s serviceable for hearing announcements or having a quick chat without removing the headphones.

Comparative ANC: All three headphones will satisfy most users for ANC. They each squelch the low hums (plane engine, bus) and moderate noises (air conditioner, office buzz) extremely well. Sudden or high-pitched noises (like clanging or people talking nearby) are more challenging – you may still catch a bit of that with any of these. If one had to nitpick differences: B&O’s H95 offers adjustable ANC levels via its analog dial, which some find very convenient to fine-tune on the fly bhphotovideo.com (no need to pull out your phone). It also had very aggressive max ANC when needed. B&W’s PX8 might rely on the app for mode switching (it typically defaults to Auto mode which adapts, or you can select On/Off/Pass-through). Its ANC is “hybrid” and quite advanced, but the snug fit of the headphone is slightly less isolating physically than the other two, so a bit more sound leaks in until ANC kicks in audio46.com. Focal’s Bathys has rock-solid low-frequency cancellation and benefits from its tight seal; it just doesn’t have an “adaptive automatic” mode – you manually choose Silent or Soft. Bathys’ ANC is also reported as “hard to tell when it’s on or off” in some environments audio46.com, which could indicate it’s not adding much extra cancellation beyond its passive isolation (or simply that it avoids the ear pressure feeling some ANC systems create).

In sum, none of these headphones have a clear ANC weakness. If you forced a ranking, some users put Sony’s or Bose’s latest a hair above these in pure ANC strength, but among themselves, the H95, PX8, and Bathys are all in the top tier for noise cancelling as of 2025. They make excellent travel companions. The PX8 and Bathys both use Qualcomm’s latest chipsets for ANC and Bluetooth, and B&O’s expertise in tuning ANC (carried into the H95 and newer H100) shows – the H95’s ANC was roughly twice as effective as B&O’s previous-gen (H9 series), and the new H100 doubles it again domusweb.it domusweb.it. Unless you’re extremely particular, you’ll likely find the differences minor. One notable extra: Wind noise reduction – none of the brands advertise a specific wind reduction mode. In practice, the H95’s snug pads and adaptive system handle mild wind okay, the Bathys can suffer a little wind noise through its microphones (as many ANC headsets do), and the PX8 similarly can get some wind rumble. Using a lower ANC setting or transparency can mitigate that when outdoors.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort is subjective, but certain design choices make each headphone more suitable for different heads and preferences. All three are over-ear (circumaural) designs with leather (or leather-like) cushions and padded headbands, aiming for long listening comfort – yet there are differences in weight, clamping force, and earcup size.

Beoplay H95: B&O crafted the H95 with premium comfort in mind – plush lambskin leather memory-foam earpads and an ergonomic oval earcup shape that fully envelops the ears techradar.com bhphotovideo.com. The clamping force is gentle-to-moderate; TechRadar noted “we didn’t have any issues wearing the H95 for long periods” techradar.com. At ~323 grams, the H95 is relatively light for a metal-built headphone bhphotovideo.com. The headband is also wrapped in leather (with cowhide on top and cushioning underneath) techradar.com. The overall feel is extremely soft and luxurious, as expected at this price. Users frequently praise the H95’s comfort: “Very comfortable – best B&O Bluetooth headphones I’ve heard”, said one owner who had previous H9 models head-fi.org. The ear pads are replaceable and magnetically attached, which is convenient for longevity or swapping (and B&O even sells alternative colors) audioforum.eu. Since the H95’s earcups are oval and fairly deep, most ears will fit without touching the driver. If you have larger ears, the H95 should accommodate well (likely better than the PX8, which has smaller rounder pads). The only minor critique was that B&O uses real leather and memory foam – wonderfully comfy, but not vegan-friendly, and some might find them a tad warm over hours (common to leather pads). Also, the H95’s headband has ample padding and distributes weight nicely; at ~11.4 oz it’s not too heavy anyway bhphotovideo.com. Overall, the H95 offers “long-lasting listening comfort” by design bhphotovideo.com and most agree it succeeds.

Bowers & Wilkins PX8: The PX8 is also well-built, but its design philosophy is a bit more sleek and minimalist, which affects comfort. It has smaller earcups with soft Nappa leather pads and a slimmer headband whathifi.com audio46.com. At ~320 g, it’s essentially the same weight as the H95 whathifi.com, but the weight distribution differs. The PX8’s headband, while padded with leather, is thinner and some found it doesn’t cushion as much across the crown. Additionally, the PX8 exerts a tighter clamp on the head. Some users with glasses reported that the PX8’s firm clamping and more rigid earpad edges caused a bit of discomfort after a couple of hours, pressing the glasses arms into the head audio46.com. An Audio46 reviewer frankly said “it clamps tightly… tiring to wear [for long] since they were so tight… with my glasses, the Bathys (by contrast) molded better, while the Px8’s cushion did not” audio46.com audio46.com. This suggests that if you have a larger head or wear glasses, the PX8 might feel snug. On the flip side, that secure fit can be beneficial on the move – it won’t shift around easily. Many owners still find the PX8 comfortable enough, praising its “impressive comfort” in general use whathifi.com. The leather is high-quality and the earcup opening is oval-ish but a bit smaller than H95’s, potentially touching the ears for some. The lack of swivel (the PX8 earcups do swivel flat, but not much tilt) could also affect fit seal. B&W likely optimized the PX8 for luxury feel and style – “leather elements are luxurious, build quality second to none” whathifi.com – more so than outright pillowy comfort. In summary, the PX8 is very well-made but somewhat form-fitting. If you prefer a looser, softer fit, it may not be your top pick; if you like a snug, secure headphone, it excels. Notably, B&W’s slightly lower model (PX7 S2) had a lighter clamp, but used cheaper earpad materials; with the PX8, they went premium all around, albeit at the cost of a bit more pressure.

Focal Bathys: Focal put a lot of thought into comfort given this was their first travel headphone. The Bathys is the heaviest of the trio at ~350 g whathifi.com, but it doesn’t necessarily feel heavy on the head. It has a well-padded headband and large memory foam earpads that are covered in microfiber or leatherette (the exact finish differs: the outer pad surface is leather-like, inner touching face is microfiber fabric for less sweat). The earcups are spacious and oval – larger than PX8’s and similar or slightly bigger than H95’s. As a result, many found the Bathys extremely comfortable: “more comfortable with bigger earpads” than the PX8 whathifi.com, and excellent for long sessions. The clamping force is moderate and the ear pads have some give, allowing a bit of flex to accommodate different head shapes. People with glasses generally reported fewer issues with Bathys, as the pads form around the glasses stems more easily audio46.com. One caveat: the weight. While 30 grams difference from H95/PX8 isn’t huge, after 4-5 hours you might notice the Bathys a bit more. But Focal’s design seems to distribute it well with the chunky headband. Also, the headband extension arms and yoke have a wide range, suiting larger heads. Comfort is subjective, but Bathys consistently earns high marks – “they are luxurious as well as high performance,” noted FutureAudiophile focal.com. In What Hi-Fi’s comparison, Bathys was declared “more comfortable…with bigger earpads” whereas the PX8 was praised for looking luxurious whathifi.com.

Portability and Ear Fatigue: All three headphones can fold or swivel for travel. The H95 is fully foldable (hinges allow the earcups to tuck into a compact aluminum case) bhphotovideo.com. The PX8’s earcups rotate flat to slip into its provided carrying case, but they do not fold inward – so its case is a bit larger. The Bathys does not fold; like the PX8, its cups rotate flat. For frequent fliers, the H95’s folding plus metal case is a bonus for packing. As for long listening fatigue: aside from comfort pressure, there’s also sound fatigue. Since the H95 has a more exaggerated sound signature, some listeners might find its bright treble tiring after many hours (unless EQ’d), whereas the PX8’s milder treble might be easier on the ears over time. Bathys is somewhere in between, leaning slightly warm. But purely on physical comfort, Bathys likely wins for most users, H95 a close second (especially if you prefer lighter weight), and PX8 third mainly if your head shape doesn’t perfectly match its contour. Of course, many people do use PX8 for extended periods happily – the Wired review gave PX8 a 9/10 partly because it’s “expertly made from indulgent materials” that feel great bowerswilkins.com. It’s a case where trying them on if possible is ideal.

In summary, Bang & Olufsen’s H95 offers a sumptuous, cocoon-like comfort with soft materials and moderate clamp – built for luxury travel. B&W’s PX8 feels luxurious and secure, but can be a bit tight; great build but maybe not the softest for marathon sessions (especially for larger heads or with glasses). Focal’s Bathys is plush and roomy, slightly heavier, but arguably the best for all-day wear due to its enveloping pads and forgiving fit. As one reviewer succinctly put it: “We’d still pick [Bathys] over the Bowers & Wilkins… because it wears better, lasts longer…” dhrme.nl – indicating comfort and battery (we’ll get to battery next) were advantages for the Focal.

Build Quality and Design

In the luxury headphone segment, design and materials are as much a part of the appeal as sound. These three models each reflect their brand’s design ethos:

• Bang & Olufsen H95 – Classic Scandinavian Luxury: The H95 exudes B&O’s signature minimalist yet opulent design. It uses premium metal and leather throughout. The ear cups are aluminum with a sand-blasted finish, the frame is anodized aluminum, and the ear cushions and headband are wrapped in lambskin leather (with memory foam inside) techradar.com bhphotovideo.com. Small details like the machined aluminum dials on each earcup set the H95 apart – one dial controls ANC level/transparency, the other volume bhphotovideo.com. These knurled dials not only look classy, but provide a satisfying tactile control (TechRadar likened them to the Microsoft Surface Headphones’ dials and enjoyed the “tactile sensation” they add techradar.com). The H95’s design is understated elegance: no flashy logos (just a subtle B&O mark), smooth contours, and choices of colors like black, gold-tone, chestnut brown, etc. bang-olufsen.com bang-olufsen.com. It folds neatly into a matching aluminum carry case, which is an example of B&O’s attention to a complete premium experience bhphotovideo.com. Build quality is outstanding – aluminum and leather make it robust yet stylish. Owners report the H95 feels solid yet surprisingly light. In reviews, phrases like “beautifully built” and “scream opulence” appear frequently techradar.com techradar.com. One potential downside of this luxurious material choice: using real leather means you must care for it (avoid moisture, etc.), and as noted, it’s not vegan-friendly for those concerned. But in pure build terms, the H95 is top-notch. Even after years, many users find it durable. B&O also released special editions such as a “H95 Ferrari Edition” in bold red leather and carbon fiber accents bang-olufsen.com bang-olufsen.com, highlighting that the design can be both a canvas for luxury collaborations and a statement piece.
• Bowers & Wilkins PX8 – Modern & Sleek British Design: The PX8 takes the sophisticated design of the earlier PX7 S2 and elevates it with richer materials. The standout here is the use of Nappa leather on the headband and earcups, giving it a very supple, high-end feel whathifi.com. The earcup back plates are finished in a matte metal (with B&W’s subtle logo) and the arms are die-cast aluminum with a shiny edge trim, showing precise engineering whathifi.com whathifi.com. The design language is understated luxury: it doesn’t draw too much attention, but up close it oozes quality (What Hi-Fi said it’s “more of a Bentley than a stretch Hummer” – luxurious without being gaudy whathifi.com). The PX8 is available in classic colors (black or tan leather initially, later limited editions). For example, a PX8 McLaren Edition was released, featuring Papaya Orange accents and McLaren branding to celebrate the partnership with the supercar maker bowerswilkins.com. Internally, the PX8’s build is also refined – the drivers are angled inside for better acoustics, and the carbon driver material is a step-up in tech. Every moving part (swivels, adjustable sliders) feels smooth and well-machined. Build quality is often praised: “second to none” according to reviews whathifi.com. However, the design is a bit less flashy than the H95 or Bathys – B&W seems to aim for a classic look that matches a business-class aesthetic. The PX8 does not fold, as mentioned, which some see as a trade-off to maintain structural integrity and a slim profile. The included case is a fabric-wrapped semi-hard case that protects the headphones in a bag. Overall, the PX8 design gets high marks for combining modern minimalism with luxury materials. It feels like a finely crafted object (no plastic except maybe small internal bits), and indeed commands a premium aura. One small build note: a few users commented on the buttons – the PX8 has physical buttons (for power/pairing, ANC, volume, etc.) rather than touch controls. While many prefer that, What Hi-Fi noted “it’s just a shame their buttons feel a bit plasticky and cheap” given the rest of the build whathifi.com. They work fine, but the tactile feel of the plastic buttons wasn’t as premium as the rest of the leather/metal construction.
• Focal Bathys – French Audio Heritage meets Portability: Focal is known for its gorgeous (and hugely expensive) audiophile wired headphones with metallic designs (like the open-back Utopia, Clear, etc.). The Bathys inherits some of that DNA. Its design is arguably the most eye-catching of the three: each earcup has a “grille” with concentric perforated patterns and a central lit Focal logo that can glow (white or turn off, user-selectable) whathifi.com focal.com. This “speaker-like” aesthetic is a nod to their high-end models. The default finishes are Deep Black or Dune (silver/off-white) focal.com; the new Bathys MG version has a Chestnut brown theme with copper accents, inspired by the Focal Clear MG design focal.com. Materials: the Bathys makes use of high-grade plastics for the ear cups (to keep weight reasonable), but incorporates aluminum and magnesium in the yoke and headband structure for strength focal.com. The headband is real leather on top and microfiber underneath. The build feels robust and premium, though perhaps not as “jewel-like” as the H95. But remember, Bathys launched at $799 – a bit less than H95 or PX8 – yet it doesn’t feel cheap at all. Reviewers often mention it “boasts an elegant and refined aesthetic… with premium materials like aluminium and magnesium in the mix” focal.com. The backlit Focal logo is a unique touch – it’s useful as a pairing/status indicator, and just looks cool (you can disable it to save battery or be discreet). In terms of durability, Focal built the Bathys to be a travel headphone, so it’s quite sturdy. The earcups and headband can handle daily use; some parts are plastic but high quality. The included case is a hard shell fabric case, a bit larger than PX8’s due to Bathys not folding. Inside, the cables (analog and USB) tuck neatly.

Design-wise, Bathys might appeal to those who want something a little different – it has a bit of “steampunk meets luxury” vibe with the pattern and lighting, clearly standing out from generic black headphones. The others (H95, PX8) opt for subtlety and classic elegance, whereas Bathys says “I’m an audiophile gadget” a bit louder. That said, the Bathys is still quite tasteful – Focal avoided making it gaudy. Many love the design: “pretty special for a pair of wireless cans” as one outlet wrote whathifi.com. One nit: the buttons on the Bathys (it uses physical buttons for power, BT, ANC mode, volume, etc.) were mentioned as slightly plasticky as well whathifi.com. But they are functional and easy to find by feel.

Build Reliability: All three brands have generally good reliability records at this level. B&O and B&W have years of making wireless ANC headphones, and Focal, while newer to wireless, leverages their quality control from high-end products. User reports show few issues aside from occasional firmware quirks. The H95’s folding hinges and dials have proven durable for most (metal construction helps). The PX8’s headband adjustments stay firm over time due to the metal arms. The Bathys, despite more moving to parts (like the logo LED, ANC switch, etc.), hasn’t shown widespread problems – and its new MG variant suggests Focal is confident in the design.

Style and Everyday Use: Style is subjective. The H95 could be described as timeless and luxurious – it wouldn’t look out of place in first class or a design studio. The PX8 is refined and somewhat understated – likely to appeal to those who like classic designs (it might fly under the radar as just a nice pair of headphones without screaming for attention). The Bathys is a bit more “enthusiast” in style – a conversation starter for those who know Focal, and a statement that you appreciate high-end audio tech. If you prefer low-key, you might lean Black Bathys with logo off or go with the PX8/H95; if you enjoy a bit of design flair, the Bathys delivers.

In essence, build quality is exemplary on all three. The differences: B&O H95 = ultra-luxe materials, analog controls, foldable design – built like a piece of functional art (and priced like one). B&W PX8 = sleek, modern, and solid – premium leather/metal everywhere, with a dash of automotive-inspired elegance (especially in special editions). Focal Bathys = innovative design blending hi-fi cues with travel practicality – sturdy and distinctive, if slightly heavier on plastic in parts (for good reason). As one expert summary said on the PX8 and Bathys: “For pure build quality, the PX8 edge it… though the Bathys are a little more comfortable” whathifi.com whathifi.com – implying B&W might have the slight build/material edge, but honestly all of them justify their luxury positioning.

Connectivity, Codecs, and App Support

Being wireless flagships, these headphones come with the latest Bluetooth technology and companion apps that add functionality.

Wireless Connectivity:

• The Beoplay H95 uses Bluetooth 5.1 and supports multipoint (connecting to two devices simultaneously) bhphotovideo.com. This is great for swapping between, say, a phone and laptop. Its connection is stable and has a typical ~10m range. Pairing is straightforward via a switch; it also supports fast pairing protocols. No major connectivity complaints were noted – B&O’s firmware updates have kept it solid. The H95 can also be used wired via 3.5mm analog cable (included) for zero latency listening, but unlike the other two, it does not have a USB audio mode (it’s USB-C for charging only, not for digital audio out). However, you can use it wired passive (even without power, via the cable, albeit no ANC in passive mode).
• The B&W PX8 comes with Bluetooth 5.2 hardware bowerswilkins.com, which is slightly newer. It too supports multipoint (two devices) – B&W added this in their app, and Engadget confirmed “the Px8 supports multipoint Bluetooth with two devices” engadget.com. In practice, some early firmware had quirks with multipoint (as seen on Reddit) reddit.com, but updates have improved it. The PX8’s wireless performance is strong – it benefits from BT 5.2’s efficiencies and is quite stable. Latency is low, especially if using aptX Adaptive which can adjust for video sync. Like the H95, the PX8 includes a 3.5mm analog cable (via USB-C-to-jack adapter, since the headphone doesn’t have a native 3.5mm port) for wired listening if needed. Notably, the PX8 does support USB-C audio: you can plug it via USB-C to a device and use its internal DAC/amp. B&W’s specs list “USB-C audio interface” bowerswilkins.com, meaning you can play high-quality audio via USB (for example from a computer) without Bluetooth. This is a nice bonus for audiophiles wanting bit-perfect sound or lower latency (though it’s limited by the internal DAC quality).
• The Focal Bathys launched with Bluetooth 5.1 (the 2022 model) and also offers multipoint connectivity focal.com. In use, Bathys multipoint works, but some found it occasionally a bit finicky switching audio between two devices (a common issue on many headphones). Still, having it is very handy. Focal’s connection strength is good; no unusual dropouts reported. Bathys stands out by offering a full USB-DAC mode: when connected via USB-C to a source, it can act as a high-res sound card supporting up to 24-bit / 192 kHz audio focal.com. This effectively bypasses Bluetooth compression entirely, giving you wired-level audio quality (and it even extends battery life, since in USB-DAC mode it can draw some power from the source). Many audiophile reviewers loved this feature – it means the Bathys can double as a desktop headphone DAC/amp. Additionally, Bathys supports analog input via 3.5mm cable too. So it’s extremely versatile: Bluetooth, USB, or analog – your choice. The newer Bathys MG has Bluetooth 5.2, but functionally it’s similar, just potentially even more stable and power-efficient.

Codec Support:
All three headphones support the standard and high-quality Bluetooth codecs to ensure great sound over wireless:

• Beoplay H95: It supports aptX Adaptive (which includes aptX HD and aptX Low Latency profiles) as well as AAC and the basic SBC audioforum.eu. aptX Adaptive allows up to ~24-bit/48kHz and ~420 kbps bitrates under ideal conditions, meaning the H95 can get very close to lossless quality with supported devices (mainly Android phones). iPhones will use AAC, which H95 handles well too. Notably, the H95 being from 2020 might use Qualcomm’s older QCC512x chip – but aptX Adaptive confirms it’s pretty advanced. (No LDAC, since that’s Sony’s proprietary codec, but aptX Adaptive is roughly equivalent in performance).
• B&W PX8: It has one of the widest codec supports: aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, standard aptX, AAC, and SBC bowerswilkins.com. B&W ensured compatibility with all aptX variants to maximize quality on various devices. AptX Adaptive is the default for modern phones, falling back to aptX HD (24-bit/48kHz at 576 kbps) on devices that support that instead. This means on an Android device, the PX8 can stream at very high fidelity. AAC covers Apple devices. SBC is the baseline. Essentially, PX8 has you covered regardless of source – it even includes aptX HD explicitly (in case you force that codec). It doesn’t do LDAC, but aptX Adaptive is similarly excellent and more stable with its dynamic adjustment.
• Focal Bathys: It also supports aptX Adaptive, aptX (classic), AAC, and SBC focal.com. (Some documentation mentions aptX HD implicitly via Adaptive, but effectively it’s the same suite as H95). So Bathys and H95 have comparable codec support – again great for Android (aptX Adaptive) and iOS (AAC). Bathys does not support LDAC either, which is fine given aptX Adaptive’s presence. The Bathys USB-DAC mode is where it can truly go beyond Bluetooth limitations – if you have lossless audio, you can plug in and avoid any compression.

In practical terms, all three deliver excellent Bluetooth audio quality. aptX Adaptive on H95, PX8, Bathys means latency is low (~100ms or less), so watching videos is generally in sync. Gamers might still want wired, but for casual video it’s fine.

Apps and Features:
Each headphone has a companion mobile app (for iOS/Android) that extends functionality:

• Bang & Olufsen App (for H95): The B&O app allows customization of sound and ANC. Notably, it features a unique tonal wheel EQ: you drag a pointer around a circle labeled Bright, Warm, Relaxed, Energetic to adjust the sound balance recordingnow.com. This is less granular than a multi-band EQ but is very user-friendly for quick tuning. Many users find a sweet spot to tame the H95’s treble via this interface. The app also lets you adjust ANC vs transparency smoothly, check battery level, and update firmware. It includes preset sound modes and gives access to B&O’s “ToneTouch” system (the fancy name for the intuitive EQ circle). The H95 also supports voice assistants; there’s a control to summon your device’s assistant (though unlike Bathys, it doesn’t have built-in Alexa, you just long-press and it triggers Siri/Google on your phone). Overall, the B&O app is polished and matches the premium feel – for example, it shows a product picture and lets you control the H95’s features easily. It also offers listening mode presets and the ability to disable/enable on-head detection (though H95 doesn’t have wear sensor, that’s more for other models). One thing missing: B&O did not include a find-my-headphones or similar feature in the app (some brands do, but not critical).
• Bowers & Wilkins Music App (for PX8): B&W’s app is a unified app that also manages their speakers, etc. For the PX8, it provides ANC mode control (On, Off, Pass-Through) and a basic tone adjustment (there is a simple two-slider EQ for bass and treble adjustments). It’s not a full EQ, but it allows a gentle ±6dB or so tweak on low and high frequencies – useful if you want a bit more bass or to tame treble. The app also handles multipoint device management (you can see what two devices are connected, and switch or disconnect as needed), and firmware updates. It has a battery indicator and allows customizing the wear sensor behavior (you can even turn off the auto-pause if it’s acting up). B&W’s app isn’t as flashy as B&O’s; it’s functional and relatively straightforward. Some early reviews wished for more EQ bands or presets, but B&W likely expects you won’t need heavy EQ given the tuning. The app can also stream music (B&W integrated some Qobuz support at one point), though that’s extraneous. Importantly, through the app, B&W delivered firmware that improved things like ANC and the wear sensor reliability over time. A cool feature: you can select ambient sound modes optimized for certain situations (like “office” or “flight”) – effectively presets for ANC tuning. The app experience is generally positive, albeit not as unique as B&O’s.
• Focal & Naim App (for Bathys): Focal partnered with Naim (its sister company) for the app. It offers full control of ANC modes (Silent/Soft/Transp.), an EQ with presets (and a 5-band EQ for custom tuning, added via updates), and unique features like Mimi hearing optimization. Mimi is a hearing test integrated in the app: the Bathys can test your hearing sensitivity and create a personalized EQ compensation so that the sound is tailored to your ears focal.com. This is an innovative feature for those who want a little audiology in their audio. The app also lets you control the intensity of the logo backlight, check battery, and update firmware. Early on, the Focal app was a bit barebones, but they added a 5-band user EQ in a firmware update, which was welcomed. You can create or select presets like Neutral, Loudness, etc. The Bathys app doesn’t stream music; it’s purely for device control. It’s simple and effective. Perhaps the standout here is that USB-DAC mode – in the app (or via a toggle on the headphone) you can switch to DAC mode, in which case the Bluetooth turns off and it behaves as wired digital headphones. No other app feature stands out too much, but what’s there works well. Focal also included Voice Assistant support: by pressing the multifunction button, you can directly trigger Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant on the Bathys itself focal.com (Alexa can even run onboard with the Alexa app, meaning you can ask Alexa queries when connected). That’s a bit more integrated than H95/PX8 which just trigger the phone’s assistant.

Connectivity in Daily Use:
Multipoint on all three means you can, for example, be connected to your phone and laptop – if a call comes in on your phone while you’re watching a video on the laptop, the headphones should seamlessly switch. In practice, some have smoother switching (B&O and B&W are quite good now; Focal sometimes required manually pausing one device). They all support the usual voice call functions – their mic arrays do a decent job for calls, though none of these have a boom mic so call quality is good but not extraordinary. The H95 has 4 beamforming mics for calls bhphotovideo.com, PX8 has 2 dedicated telephony mics bowerswilkins.com, Bathys has 2 beamforming for calls as well. You’ll be fine taking meetings or calls with each; PX8’s voice mic quality got positive remarks for clarity, though Bathys was also okay (some said Bathys wasn’t as crystal clear as PX8 in noisy places because it prioritizes noise cancelling for the listener over mic clarity, but that’s splitting hairs).

Pairing new devices is straightforward on each (usually via holding a button to enter pairing mode). All three also support voice prompts or tones to indicate status, which can usually be toggled in the app.

In summary, connectivity is state-of-the-art across the board: multipoint Bluetooth, high-bitrate codecs (aptX Adaptive), USB/audio jack options for wired use, and robust companion apps. One might give Focal the edge for pure versatility (due to its true USB DAC mode and integrated hearing test), while B&W offers the broadest codec list and fine multipoint, and B&O offers the sleekest app UI and analog ANC dial. None skimp on the core wireless tech – you’re getting flagship Qualcomm chips in each, ensuring stable and high-quality audio transmission.

Battery Life

Long battery life is crucial in wireless headphones, especially for travel. Here the Beoplay H95 particularly shines, but all three are solid performers.

• B&O Beoplay H95: Rated at up to 38 hours with ANC on, and an impressive 50 hours with ANC off bhphotovideo.com bhphotovideo.com. This is best-in-class endurance for high-end ANC headphones. In real-world use, reviewers easily got over 40 hours on a charge with mixed usage, which is exceptional rtings.com. Rtings measured over 42 hours in their test rtings.com. This means you could potentially use the H95 for a full week of moderate daily listening or a very long-haul flight (or two) without needing to recharge. The high capacity (1110 mAh) battery and efficient internals contribute to this audioforum.eu. Even when launched in 2020, 38 hours ANC-on was industry-leading (compared to Sony/Bose ~30h). So H95 is still a winner for battery in 2025, and B&O maintained that focus in H100 (though H100’s added features lowered it to ~30-35h). The H95 charges via USB-C in about 2 hours for a full charge audioforum.eu. It supports some level of fast charge, though B&O didn’t loudly advertise how many hours you get from a quick top-up – presumably around 10-15 minutes could yield a few hours given the size. However, since total life is so long, quick charge is less critical. The H95’s battery longevity over the product’s life is also good – B&O claims about 400 full cycles before capacity drops under 80% (which at 38h means hundreds of hours of use before noticeable degradation) reddit.com.
• B&W PX8: Officially rated at 30 hours playback with ANC on whathifi.com (and essentially similar with ANC off, since ANC is efficient). In practice, many reviewers confirmed ~30 hours per charge. That’s still very good – matches or slightly beats competitors like Sony XM5 (~30h) and Bose (~24h). For most users, this means 3-4 days of heavy use or a couple long flights. The PX8 also has an edge in quick charging: B&W advertises that a 15-minute charge gives ~7 hours of playback bowerswilkins.com. This is excellent – one of the best quick-charge performances (likely due to higher current charging). So even if you run low, a short charge during a layover or over breakfast can top you up significantly. Full charge takes around 2-3 hours (depending on charger). The PX8’s battery life is generally praised; while not as huge as H95’s, 30h is plenty for most scenarios. Also, because the PX8 must be powered even for wired use (it’s an active design), B&W ensured the battery is robust. If the battery does die, you cannot listen via analog cable (since the drivers need the built-in amp active) – but with 30h and quick charge, that scenario is unlikely if you plan a bit.
• Focal Bathys: Rated 30 hours in Bluetooth ANC mode focal.com focal.com, similar to PX8. Additionally, it can do 35 hours using the analog jack, and up to 42 hours in USB-DAC mode focal.com (since in USB mode, it’s drawing some power from the source). So, if you use Bathys purely wireless, expect ~30h. Many users report in the upper 20s to 30h per charge with ANC on, which is great. Bathys also supports fast charging: about 15 minutes for 5 extra hours of listening focal.com. Not quite as extreme as B&W’s 7 hours, but still very handy. Full charge takes ~1.5 hours (Bathys supports PD fast charge it seems) focal.com. A small detail: Bathys has a battery-saving feature where if you use it wired (analog) with power off, it can still play (unlike PX8), and in USB mode, it barely drains its battery since it’s taking USB power. This versatility means you can stretch its usage: for instance, if you ran low, you could plug into your phone via USB and continue listening indefinitely with the phone powering it. That said, purely wireless usage at 30h is in line with modern expectations.

Battery Life Comparisons:
The H95 clearly has the longest standalone wireless playtime – roughly 25% more than the others. If you often forget to charge or go on very long trips, the H95’s endurance is a safety net. For example, one could fly from New York to Singapore (~18h) and back on a single H95 charge with ANC on, which is remarkable. The PX8 and Bathys would each need a charge at some point on such an ultra-long trip, but on anything shorter they’re fine.

Practically, 30 hours vs 38 hours might not matter day-to-day – either way you’d probably charge once or twice a week. But if you value maximum battery, H95 wins. All three have auto-off timers (configurable) to save battery when not in use – H95 can auto power-down after 15 minutes idle techradar.com, Bathys and PX8 also have similar functions through their apps.

Also, battery performance can degrade slightly in cold temperatures or very high volumes, but even so, these numbers have some padding. If you blast music at max volume, you might get a few hours less. ANC strength doesn’t drastically change battery on modern chipsets (maybe Bathys might last a hair longer on Soft vs Silent ANC, but not a big difference).

Charging convenience: All use USB-C, which is great (no proprietary cables). None support wireless charging (some earbud cases do, but not these large headphones). Given their long life, that’s fine.

In summary, battery life is excellent on all, with B&O H95 leading the pack. B&W PX8 and Focal Bathys both hit that ~30 hour mark which is effectively all-day and then some. PX8 has the fastest top-up charge. Bathys has the advantage that in USB mode it can last indefinitely while playing, useful for desktop use without worrying about battery at all. As Focal touted, “5 hours of additional listening in just 15 minutes of charging” is a nice reassurance for Bathys users focal.com. Meanwhile, B&O proudly calls the H95’s battery “industry-leading”, which in 2020 it was bhphotovideo.com – and still beats most 2025 rivals.

All three will easily meet the needs of daily commuters, long-haul travelers, and office workers without frequent charging.

Smart Features and Extras

Beyond the basics, these headphones each offer a few “smart” touches:

• On-Head Detection: Among the three, only the B&W PX8 has wear detection sensors. It will automatically pause music when you remove the headphones, and resume when you put them back on (if enabled). As mentioned, the PX8’s wear sensor was a bit temperamental at launch – some found it “erratic” whathifi.com. But firmware updates have improved reliability. You can adjust its sensitivity or turn it off in the app. Neither the B&O H95 nor the Focal Bathys have this feature. B&O actually removed auto-pause since previous models because some users prefer manual control (the H95 was criticized by some for lacking it techradar.com, but B&O chose simplicity). Focal might have omitted it for similar reasons and to avoid any interference with its ANC mics. If auto-pause is important to you, PX8 is the one that offers it.
• Voice Assistant Integration: Focal Bathys stands out by offering built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant support focal.com. This means if you configure it (via the app and Alexa/Google apps), you can press a button and talk to Alexa/Assistant directly through the headphones’ mics, and hear responses in the headphones. It’s like having a smart speaker on your ear. It even works hands-free (“Alexa…” wake word) if enabled. B&O H95 and B&W PX8 do not have built-in Alexa. However, all three can trigger your phone’s assistant (Siri or Google) by a button combo (for H95, you press and hold the touchpad or a dedicated button to invoke the phone’s assistant; for PX8, one of the physical buttons can summon the phone’s assistant too). But Bathys integrating Alexa means you could, for example, control IoT devices or query info without touching your phone. Depending on how often you use voice assistants, this could be a neat plus for Bathys.
• Controls: The H95 uses a combination of the aforementioned physical dials (for volume/ANC) and a touch panel on the right earcup for track controls (tap/swipe gestures) techradar.com. Users generally find the H95’s control scheme intuitive and premium-feeling (the metal dial gives precise control; the touch panel is responsive and avoids too many accidental touches due to its placement). The PX8 is all about physical buttons – it has a power/pair slider, a quick-action button (for ANC modes or assistant), and volume up/down with a play/pause multi-function in between (on the right earcup edge). Old-school perhaps, but very reliable – no mis-swipes, just tactile clicks (save for that comment about button feel). The Bathys similarly has actual buttons: a toggle for ANC modes, a volume rocker, a multi-function play/pause/assistant button, and an on/off/Bluetooth switch. Focal kept it straightforward, likely to not complicate things. Each approach has fans: if you like no-fuss physical controls, PX8 and Bathys are great; if you enjoy touch gestures and analog dials, the H95 is special.
• LEDs and Indicators: The Bathys has its LED logo as discussed. The H95 has tiny LEDs near the buttons for status, but nothing flashy externally. The PX8 has a small LED indicator for pairing/charging status but is otherwise low-key. So Bathys is the one with an aesthetic light element (can be turned off if desired).
• Sensor Tech: B&O and Focal both tout some unique internal tech. The H95 (and newer H100) include something B&O calls “EarSense” adaptive tuning domusweb.it. Essentially, the H95 can use its microphones and processing to adapt sound based on seal and possibly ear shape. It’s a bit behind-the-scenes; you can’t “see” it working, but B&O’s Neo Kaplanis (tech director) mentioned H100 refines this further to adjust EQ in real-time to the individual domusweb.it. So H95 has some intelligent DSP that might subtly optimize sound. Focal Bathys doesn’t claim such automatic EQ, but as noted, uses Mimi hearing profiles which is another form of personalization (user-initiated though). Bathys also has 8 microphones total (for ANC + voice) focal.com, which Focal leveraged for clear call quality and ANC effectiveness.
• Spatial Audio / Dolby Atmos: The H95 does not have built-in spatial processing, but interestingly B&O’s new H100 adds Dolby Atmos with head-tracking gearpatrol.com. The H95 can still play any spatial audio that your device sends (e.g., Apple’s spatial tracks, but it will downmix them to stereo). The PX8 doesn’t have its own spatial audio engine either – B&W hasn’t dabbled in that for this model. The Bathys also is plain stereo. So none of these three had Apple AirPods Max style spatial head-tracking at launch. However, with H100’s arrival (which is outside our main three, but relevant), B&O has introduced spatial audio in their lineup. So if virtual surround or 3D audio is something you want, note that these models don’t natively support it (short of whatever your phone or source does in processing). B&O H100 is the first of these brands to include head-tracked Atmos like AirPods Max does gearpatrol.com gearpatrol.com.
• Multipoint & Device Switching: Already covered, but it’s a “smart” feature as well. All three allow dual connections. Some headphones in the past didn’t, so it’s worth noting you don’t have to constantly repair when switching between, say, your work computer and personal phone.
• Find My Headphones: None of the three have a dedicated Tile or Find My integration. Some Sony and Bose models have that, but these do not. If lost and still connected, you could try to ring them via the app (B&W’s app can make them emit a sound if connected, I recall). But generally, keep them safe – they’re expensive!
• Custom ANC Modes: The PX8 has an “Auto” ANC that adapts, but not much user customization besides on/off/ambient. The H95 gives manual level control (which is a form of customization). The Bathys gives two fixed strengths. Some might consider those features as part of the “smart” aspect too. The H95’s physical knob for ANC is actually quite an elegant solution rarely seen elsewhere.
• Other Sensors: The PX8 has a proximity sensor (for wear detect). The others do not. None have heart rate or fancy sensors beyond audio purposes.

Overall, these models are not trying to be gimmicky – they focus on core audio and ANC performance. They do include enough smart convenience (multipoint, app, voice assistant access, etc.) to be modern. But you won’t find things like touchless gesture controls or fitness tracking here (leave that to some sport headphones). The target audience likely prefers excellent sound and build, with just the right amount of tech to make usage easy. And that’s what you get.

Pricing and Value

No way around it – these are very expensive headphones. Let’s break down pricing and the value proposition:

• Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95: At launch in 2020, the H95 retailed for $800 (USD) / £779 / €800-€849 range techradar.com. Over time, B&O actually raised the list price in some regions to around $1,100-$1,250 (perhaps due to later special editions or inflation), but it has also offered discounts. On B&O’s site in 2025 it’s listed at $935 (down from $1,250) bang-olufsen.com bang-olufsen.com. Typically, one could find the H95 around $800-1000 depending on sales and color. It’s a luxury purchase no doubt – B&O squarely positions it as a “money no object” choice for those wanting the best of style and sound. Now with the H100 released at $1,549 gearpatrol.com gearpatrol.com, the H95 might become slightly less expensive (or phased out eventually). Still, in 2025, it’s a ~$900 headphone. Is it worth it? If you value the combination of top-notch build, unique design, long battery, and B&O’s signature sound, many owners feel it’s justified: “If you want the unrivaled sound and craftsmanship, and you’ve got the money to spare, the Beoplay H95 won’t disappoint” techradar.com techradar.com, wrote TechRadar. That said, purely on sound/ANC alone, you pay a premium over something like a Sony XM5 – the extra cost goes into the materials and brand experience.
• Bowers & Wilkins PX8: Launched at $699 / £599 whathifi.com, which was even higher than Apple’s AirPods Max at the time. B&W aimed it at the very high-end consumer (the PX7 S2 was $399, so PX8 is a jump). Currently, as of 2025, the PX8 often can be found for around $599 on sale whathifi.com whathifi.com. B&W also released limited editions like the McLaren and a “Royal Burgundy” color; those initially had the same $699 price, though sometimes limited editions hold value or sell out quickly news.knowledia.com. Compared to H95, the PX8 is usually a couple hundred cheaper. Compared to Bathys (original at $799), the PX8 was slightly less at launch but now often similar or less. In terms of value: The PX8 gives you that audiophile sound quality and premium build at a slightly lower cost than H95. Some might say it’s the “value pick” among these three only because it’s not pushing past $700. But $600+ is still a lot for headphones. For many, the Px7 S2 at $399 might cover 80% of the experience for much less, so the PX8 is for the discerning buyer who wants that extra refinement. Reviews like Engadget’s noted it’s pricey but concluded “The Px8 are some of the best sounding headphones we’ve ever reviewed” engadget.com – implying if you seek that sound quality, it could be worth the cost. If one considers longevity, B&W built the PX8 to last (replaceable earpads, sturdy build), so it can be a long-term investment for daily use.
• Focal Bathys: The standard Bathys launched at $799 / €799 whathifi.com, positioning it in between the likes of Sony/Bose and these other luxury models. Many were surprised Focal didn’t price it higher given their brand (their wired headphones are often $1k-$4k). At $799, Bathys offered a lot: Focal aimed to make it the ultimate wireless headphone, possibly even undercutting B&O/B&W slightly. Now, Bathys has held mostly at $799 (it’s newer than H95, similar age to PX8). You might find it for ~$700 on occasion. However, in 2024, Focal released the Bathys MG at $1,299 (USD) – a higher-grade variant with magnesium drivers and upscale finish forum.headphones.com. Bathys MG basically jumped into the ultra-premium bracket, rivaling B&O H100’s pricing. So Focal now covers both high-high-end (MG) and the original Bathys at upper-mid. Value-wise, the original Bathys at $799 was frequently lauded as a good deal relative to what you get – numerous reviewers picked it as their favorite even over slightly pricier competitors. “The Focal Bathys costs $799 but we’d still pick it over the Bowers & Wilkins… Because it sounds better, is more tweakable, wears better, lasts longer…” dhrme.nl said one comparative review, indicating they felt Bathys gave more bang for buck. It’s all relative, of course. But if you consider Bathys = $799, PX8 = $699, H95 = ~$999 (or originally $800), the Bathys and PX8 might edge the H95 on pure price/performance since H95 carries that luxury tax. The Bathys MG at $1299 is even more niche (targeted at those who want possibly the best wireless sound and are willing to pay extra 60% for marginal gains and a fancier look).

In simpler terms: H95 = most expensive (aside from Bathys MG), PX8 = moderate high-end price, Bathys = moderate high-end price (with MG variant at super high).

What about new models? It’s worth noting Bang & Olufsen’s new Beoplay H100 (successor to H95) launched at an eye-watering $1,549 gearpatrol.com gearpatrol.com. That sets a new high bar for wireless headphone pricing. It packs improvements (hi-res drivers, Atmos, more mics, replaceable parts) but the cost is nearly double a PX8. B&W and Focal haven’t announced direct PX8 or Bathys successors as of Aug 2025 – so those remain current flagships. The presence of H100 might push H95’s street price down a bit, potentially making H95 a “bargain” in comparison (if you consider ~$900 a bargain relative to $1550!). For instance, if H95 gets clearance prices at some point, it could be a great opportunity for buyers who want B&O prestige for less.

Included accessories are comparable: each comes with a nice case and cables. None come with extra earpads in the box (those are separate purchases if needed). Warranty-wise, B&O often gives 2 or 3 years, B&W typically 2 years, Focal 2 years – these are not cheap throwaways, so warranty is decent.

Resale value: High-end headphones like these actually hold value fairly well. B&O products often have loyal buyers (though resale might be ~50-60% after a couple years). B&W’s might drop to ~60% of new after a year or two. Focal Bathys likely similar (especially if kept in good shape). So there’s some residual value if you upgrade later.

From a value perspective, if you are seeking pure audio quality per dollar and don’t care about fancy build, one could argue something like the Sennheiser Momentum 4 or Sony XM5 at half the price offers a lot. But those won’t give you the craftsmanship, brand prestige, nor perhaps the last bit of sound refinement these do. As What Hi-Fi said about Bathys/PX8: “each pair more than justifies its price” once you experience them whathifi.com. These are aspirational products – you pay a premium, but you do get a premium experience in return.

In conclusion, for the general public these are expensive indulgences, but for enthusiasts or those who demand the best, they represent the pinnacle of wireless headphone tech from their respective brands. B&O’s H95 is a luxury statement with performance to match (and now succeeded by an even pricier H100). B&W’s PX8 is slightly more accessible while still delivering flagship sound and build – arguably the value pick among luxury headphones. Focal’s Bathys sits in between and offers some unique features (DAC mode, etc.) making it a strong value proposition at $799 for audiophiles. If budget is a concern, one might consider the brands’ lower models (Beoplay HX around $499, B&W PX7 S2 ~$379, etc.), but those will compromise on some aspect (sound, materials, or features). The focus here is that these top models aim to be no-compromise (or few-compromise) headphones – and their pricing reflects that ambition.

Recent and Upcoming Models from B&O, B&W, and Focal

The personal audio market keeps evolving, and each of these companies has news beyond these specific models:

• Bang & Olufsen: In late 2024, B&O introduced the Beoplay H100, the successor to the H95 gearpatrol.com gearpatrol.com. This is a significant release – the H100 takes everything the H95 did and pushes it further into audiophile territory. It sports the same 40mm driver size but upgraded to a new design (inspired by B&O’s $150,000 Beolab 90 speakers!) gearpatrol.com, yielding an extended frequency range of 10 Hz – 40 kHz domusweb.it. The H100 supports true hi-res audio over Bluetooth (24-bit/96kHz) and even introduces Dolby Atmos spatial audio with head-tracking for immersive sound gearpatrol.com. It also massively improves ANC with 10 microphones (versus 4 in H95) and claims “double the noise-cancelling effectiveness” of H95 domusweb.it gearpatrol.com. The design remains luxe – lambskin leather, aluminum, etc. – but with some modern touches like haptic touch dials (instead of mechanical) and replaceable parts (earpads and headband cushion are user-swappable) gearpatrol.com gearpatrol.com. B&O is clearly targeting the ultra-high-end (and possibly trying to justify that $1549 price) with H100. Early impressions (as seen on Gear Patrol and others) say “they’re better in pretty much every way” than H95 gearpatrol.com gearpatrol.com, but of course at a much higher cost. For someone considering H95 now, it’s worth knowing H100 exists if the absolute latest and greatest is of interest – though for twice the price, the improvements may appeal mostly to hardcore enthusiasts. B&O is also known for special editions: beyond the Ferrari H95, they could potentially do collaborative editions of H100 (pure speculation). On other B&O headphone fronts, the Beoplay HX (a step below H95) remains available as a more affordable ANC model (~$499), and the Beoplay Portal (gaming wireless headset) covers a different niche. But no indication of a PX8 equivalent from B&O – H95/H100 are their top dogs.
• Bowers & Wilkins: As of 2025, the PX8 remains the flagship. B&W released iterative updates in its lineup: e.g., the PX7 S2e (an enhanced PX7 S2) in 2023, but no PX9 yet. There have been rumors that B&W might launch a new flagship in late 2025 or 2026, but nothing concrete. Instead, B&W focused on special editions for PX8 – we saw the McLaren Edition PX8 (in collaboration with the automaker) in early 2023, and a James Bond 007 Edition PX8 (Midnight Blue with 007 insignia) was also released to commemorate the Bond franchise anniversary. These are cosmetic changes but show B&W’s marketing approach. There was also a PX8 “Royal Burgundy” color variant that came out news.knowledia.com. Internally they’re the same PX8. If you’re a collector or want something unique, these editions are worth noting (they often cost the same or a slight premium). In terms of technology, the PX8 is likely to get a successor eventually – perhaps a PX9 – but given the PX8’s strong reception, B&W might be taking time to significantly innovate (maybe something with even better drivers or spatial audio in the future). For now, B&W’s Pi8 earbuds and PX7 S2e cover other price points. And the Mark Levinson No.5909 (by another Harman-owned brand) is a competitor in the $999 range often compared with PX8 and H95. But within B&W, no new flagship yet. There was also news of B&W being acquired by Sound United (Masimo) – but that hasn’t negatively affected product quality; if anything B&W has more resources now. Summing up, the PX8 will likely continue as B&W’s top wireless headphone through 2025, with possible firmware refinements, and if you fancy a different look, the McLaren or Bond editions add variety.
• Focal: After the successful debut of Bathys, Focal doubled down with the Bathys MG in 2024. The Bathys MG is essentially an “upgraded Bathys” for the audiophile purist: it uses Magnesium drivers (hence MG) instead of Aluminum/Magnesium alloy focal.com focal.com. Magnesium is lighter and stiffer, often yielding even clearer sound (Focal’s Clear MG headphone proved that). Bathys MG also comes in a new Chestnut brown color with a more retro-chic design focal.com. It’s priced at $1299, indicating Focal’s intent to compete at the very high end. According to Focal, Bathys MG pushes “the boundaries of wireless sound excellence”, promising “pure, ultra-precise high-fidelity sound” for those willing to pay focal.com focal.com. It also bumps Bluetooth to 5.2 and retains everything we loved about Bathys (30h battery, ANC modes, DAC mode, etc.) focal.com focal.com. Early reviews of Bathys MG have been positive, noting subtle but appreciable improvements in sound (especially in treble clarity and bass tightness) – but it’s an expensive step up. Aside from Bathys MG, Focal has no other wireless headphones yet. They are still primarily known for their wired hi-fi headphones (Utopia 2022, Stellia, Clear MG, etc.) which cost up to $5k. The Bathys line is Focal’s answer to bringing that hi-fi pedigree into wireless, and so far it’s been well-received. We wouldn’t be surprised if Focal eventually does a successor or expansion – perhaps a Bathys 2 down the line – but for now Bathys and Bathys MG cover the premium wireless segment for them. Also, Focal might explore more software features; for instance, they could potentially add more EQ bands or spatial audio via updates, but nothing announced yet. One more thing: Focal has teased a bit about possibly integrating Sonic DNA from their high-end speakers into future headphones (the way B&O cited their speaker tech in H100). Bathys MG’s marketing referencing “Clear MG” inspiration and using tech from their $150k speakers (like the dispersion improving driver) shows a trend of trickle-down tech.

Other competitors worth noting in this high-end wireless space: the aforementioned Mark Levinson No. 5909 (Harman Luxury Audio’s headphone) is around $999 and often compared favorably (it has slightly less rich build than H95 but excellent sound with tuning by Harman curve). Apple’s AirPods Max (though older now) at $549 still attract some with their seamless Apple integration and spatial audio – but they fall short on battery and no hi-res codec. Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra are the mainstream champs at $350 range, not directly in the luxury category but offering top-notch ANC and comfort if not matching sound quality or build of the likes of H95/PX8/Bathys. Master & Dynamic MW75 and Montblanc MB01 are other fashion-audio headphones also playing in this space. But Bang & Olufsen, B&W, and Focal have really distinguished themselves by combining audiophile-grade sound with wireless convenience.

For someone in the market now: If you want absolute cutting-edge from these brands, keep an eye on Beoplay H100 (if budget allows) and Focal Bathys MG. If you want proven excellence for a bit less, the existing H95, PX8, and Bathys are all at the top of their game and likely to remain highly relevant for the next few years. As experts have noted, the pace of change in high-end headphones isn’t as frantic as in smartphones – a well-made headphone can be delightful for many years.

Conclusion

Choosing between the Beoplay H95, PX8, and Bathys ultimately comes down to your priorities and personal taste, as each of these wireless flagships excels in different ways:

• Sound: All three deliver high-fidelity, best-in-class audio for wireless. The B&O H95 offers an expansive, engaging sound with powerful bass and sparkling highs – a fun “wow factor” tuning (that can be adjusted to taste via app) techradar.com recordingnow.com. The B&W PX8 provides a beautifully clear and balanced sound, with an emphasis on rich midrange detail and natural tonality – a more relaxed, audiophile-oriented signature that’s “outstandingly clear” and non-fatiguing whathifi.com whathifi.com. The Focal Bathys delivers a spacious, immersive soundstage with full-bodied bass and smooth treble – often cited as one of the best sounding wireless headphones with a presentation that’s “first class in every sense” for long listening whathifi.com. In short, Bathys might please those who want a wide, warm sound, PX8 those who prefer refined and smooth playback, and H95 those who enjoy a lively, luxury sound experience.
• Noise Cancellation: Each model has excellent ANC to hush the world. The H95’s adaptive ANC is strong and adjustable, providing near-silence in most environments techradar.com. The PX8’s hybrid ANC is equally top-tier, nullifying noise effectively while also offering ambient awareness mode whathifi.com. The Bathys’ ANC competes at the same level, with the benefit of great passive isolation from its design audio46.com. None will disappoint – they all rank among the best ANC headphones, on par with (or better than) the Bose and Sony of their generation. Minor differences exist (H95’s ANC adjust dial, PX8’s auto mode, Bathys’ passive isolation), but all three will let you enjoy your music in peace.
• Comfort & Build: Here you might find more differentiation. The Bang & Olufsen H95 epitomizes luxury comfort – it’s “beautifully made” with aluminum and lambskin, lightweight yet robust techradar.com. Its plush oval earcups and moderate clamp make it extremely comfortable for most, plus it folds neatly for travel. The Bowers & Wilkins PX8 is sleek and stylish, built “second to none” with metal and Nappa leather whathifi.com. It has a snugger fit – secure and premium-feeling, though a bit tight for some (especially those with larger heads or glasses). The Focal Bathys combines a distinctive design (metal accents, “M”-grille, optional logo light) with very roomy, cushioned earcups, making it great for long sessions. It’s a tad heavier, but distributes weight well; many find it the most comfortable of the three for extended wear whathifi.com. Visually, H95 is understated Scandinavian elegance, PX8 is classic and refined (with options like McLaren orange or sophisticated brown), and Bathys is bold and hi-fi inspired. All feel every bit as expensive as they are.
• Battery: The H95 leads with an astounding up to 38 hours on ANC (50h without) bhphotovideo.com – you can go days on end without charging. The PX8 and Bathys each offer ~30 hours, which is still more than enough for most use cases whathifi.com whathifi.com. The PX8 has a slight edge in quick-charge (15 min for ~7h) bowerswilkins.com, while Bathys gives ~5h in 15 min focal.com. In practical terms, none will leave you anxious about battery life – even marathon travelers will be covered (and Bathys can play indefinitely via its USB-DAC mode). The H95 is the choice if you want the absolute longest endurance, but the others are very close behind.
• Features & Connectivity: All three support multipoint Bluetooth (two simultaneous connections) and high-quality codecs like aptX Adaptive for the best wireless sound bowerswilkins.com focal.com. They each have a companion app: B&O’s app with its intuitive EQ “wheel”, B&W’s app with ANC and bass/treble adjust, and Focal’s app with EQ presets and even a hearing test. The PX8 is the only one with wear detection auto-pause (a convenience if you frequently take headphones on/off) whathifi.com. The Bathys is unique with its USB-DAC mode for hi-res listening via cable focal.com and built-in voice assistant support (Alexa/Google) focal.com. The H95 has its elegant physical dials for ANC and volume, which many find a joy to use bhphotovideo.com. In terms of codec support, PX8 is the most comprehensive (including aptX HD) bowerswilkins.com, but effectively all deliver similar top-tier audio over Bluetooth. If you want the flexibility of true wired digital audio, Bathys has an edge; if you value tactile controls, H95 shines; if auto-pause and absolute simplicity are your thing, PX8 fits in.
• Price: The investment is significant in all cases, but there are differences. The B&W PX8 at around $699 (often on sale near $600) is the least expensive and offers tremendous quality for that price – a strong value in the luxury segment. The Focal Bathys at $799 sits slightly higher, but justifies it with its audiophile pedigree and extra features (and has the $1299 MG version for those seeking ultimate wireless fidelity). The B&O Beoplay H95 was around $899-$999 (now sometimes found ~$950), making it the priciest of these three originally bang-olufsen.com. You pay a premium for the B&O brand’s design and the longer battery. With the new H100 now out (at $1,549), the H95 might see price adjustments or serve as the slightly more accessible luxury B&O option gearpatrol.com gearpatrol.com. Value is subjective here – if you simply want the best sound per dollar, mid-tier options or wired headphones might win. But for a no-compromise wireless headphone experience, these models deliver an exquisite blend of form and function that many enthusiasts find worth the cost. As one expert review of the PX8 said, “Incredible sound comes at a cost” engadget.com – but if you demand that sound, these are up to the task.

Bottom Line: You really can’t make a “wrong” choice among the H95, PX8, or Bathys – they are all leaders of the pack in 2025. It’s more about finding which aligns with your taste and needs:

• Choose the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 if you want top-tier luxury design, marathon battery life, and a lively, adjustable sound in a gorgeously crafted package. It’s perfect for those who value craftsmanship and comfort as much as audio, and who don’t mind paying for it techradar.com techradar.com.
• Choose the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 if you seek audiophile-grade sound with superb clarity, in a sleek yet understated design, and you appreciate a secure fit. It’s somewhat more wallet-friendly (relatively speaking) while still offering a rich feature set and that B&W sound heritage – an “exceptional headphone in every regard,” as T3 put it bowerswilkins.com.
• Choose the Focal Bathys if sound quality and long-term comfort are your top priorities, and you like a bit of uniqueness in design. For travelers and audiophiles, Bathys is compelling – with spacious sound, effective ANC, and the bonus of hi-res USB DAC functionality for serious listening focal.com whathifi.com. It’s a headphone that bridges high-fidelity and convenience like no other, “maybe the best-sounding wireless headphones you can buy” according to TechRadar focal.com.

All three will let you immerse in music and silence the noise around you with style. It’s a great time for headphone enthusiasts, as these models prove you no longer have to sacrifice sound quality for wireless convenience. As technology and design continue to advance (with B&O’s H100 and Focal’s Bathys MG hinting at the future), the bar keeps rising. But right now, the Beoplay H95, PX8, and Bathys represent the pinnacle of over-ear wireless headphones on the market, each a worthy flagship of its brand. Your ears (and hands and eyes) will be delighted whichever you end up with – just be prepared to indulge in a truly elevated listening experience.

Sources:

• Bang & Olufsen – Beoplay H95 Product Page bang-olufsen.com bhphotovideo.com
• TechRadar – Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 Review (Olivia Tambini) techradar.com techradar.com
• Bowers & Wilkins – PX8 Official Specs bowerswilkins.com bowerswilkins.com
• What Hi-Fi – Focal Bathys vs B&W PX8 Comparison (Joe Svetlik) whathifi.com whathifi.com
• RecordingNow – Beoplay H95 Review (comparison insights) recordingnow.com recordingnow.com
• Audio46 – Focal Bathys vs B&W PX8 Review (comfort and soundstage impressions) audio46.com audio46.com
• Domus – B&O launches Beoplay H100 (News) domusweb.it domusweb.it
• Gear Patrol – Beoplay H100 announcement (Tucker Bowe) gearpatrol.com gearpatrol.com
• Focal – Bathys & Bathys MG Product Info focal.com focal.com
• Engadget – B&W PX8 Review (Billy Steele) engadget.com (via Knowles/Yahoo)
• Trusted Reviews – PX8 initial impressions bowerswilkins.com and PX8 aims to set new reference (news) news.knowledia.com.
• What Hi-Fi – Bathys review snippets and specs whathifi.com whathifi.com
• Rtings.com – Battery and build data on H95 rtings.com.