Which is better for flights and noisy offices?

The Px8. Its six-microphone ANC is the stronger of the two, and reviewers rank it best-in-class. The Bathys cuts noise well but leans on its earpads and Transparency mode more.

Which sounds better for critical listening?

They trade strengths. The Px8's angled carbon drivers give a wide, natural stage and forward vocals. The Bathys' aluminum-magnesium domes are more dynamic, and USB-DAC mode unlocks higher-resolution files.

Which is more comfortable for long sessions?

The Bathys is lighter thanks to its magnesium yoke. The Px8 is heavier but distributes weight well, so most owners still call it comfortable for hours.

Is the Bathys worth stepping up to over the Px8?

Only if wired hi-res playback and multipoint matter to you. If noise cancelling and materials come first, the Px8 is the better pick.

Which lasts longer on a charge?

Both give about 30 hours with ANC on. The Bathys reaches 42 hours in USB-DAC mode, while the Px8 charges faster, adding 7 hours in 15 minutes.

Do either support multipoint?

The Bathys does, via Bluetooth 5.1 Multipoint. The Px8's listed specs do not include multipoint, so check before pairing two devices at once.

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 vs Focal Bathys

Buy the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 for the best noise cancelling, the more premium build and the more forgiving fit. Buy the Focal Bathys if you want a wired USB-DAC path to 24-bit/192kHz and a lighter headphone for long sessions. Reviewers rate the Px8 slightly higher and praise its sculpted aluminum and Nappa leather, while Bathys owners like the made-in-France drivers and multipoint. Both run about 30 hours with ANC on.

Choose the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 if noise cancelling, materials and comfort on long flights matter most to you.
Choose the Focal Bathys if you want a USB-DAC mode for hi-res wired listening and a lighter magnesium frame.

Prices

Bowers & Wilkins Px8: $350.00 at Whatnot (last seen Nov 9)
Focal Bathys: $509.99 at eBay (last seen Nov 8)
Difference: the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 is $159.99 cheaper than the Focal Bathys at the latest prices (Nov 8 and Nov 9)