Bowers and Wilkins Headphones: PX8, PX7 and Pi8
The official sound partner for BMW, McLaren, Volvo, and Maserati, Bowers & Wilkins doesn’t just make speakers — they craft sonic experiences. In a world flooded with headphone brands, Bowers and Wilkins headphones stand apart by marrying precision engineering with luxurious design. These are not just audio devices; they’re a statement — for those who demand refined sound and refined style.
Now, Bowers and Wilkins make really good speakers, for sure, but what about headphones?
Whether you’re a discerning listener who appreciates tonal balance, build quality, and design elegance or a casual listener who just wants a good noise-canceling experience in the most premium package — the Bowers and Wilkins PX8 and PX7 S2e are here to impress.
Bowers and Wilkins PX8
Audiophile Luxury on Your Ears.
The Bowers and Wilkins PX8 is the brand’s flagship headphone, and it shows. Machined aluminum arms, Nappa leather earcups, and a diamond-cut finish are just the start. Under the hood, the PX8 features 40mm carbon cone drivers, inspired by the tech used in B&W’s high-end loudspeakers — delivering exquisite detail and rich, controlled bass.
Battery life clocks in at 30 hours, and a full charge takes about 2 hours via USB-C. A 15-minute quick charge gives you up to 7 hours of playback. The adaptive ANC cancels noise effectively while preserving the integrity of your music — no artificial flattening here. These headphones are fine-tuned for a wide soundstage with pinpoint imaging, ideal for everything from classical to jazz to lossless TIDAL streams.
To sum it up:
- Luxurious Nappa leather and die-cast aluminum build
- 40mm carbon cone drivers for high-fidelity audio
- Up to 30 hours battery life with fast charging (7 hrs in 15 mins)
- High-performance adaptive ANC
- aptX Adaptive, SBC, AAC support
- $699 price tag — serious luxury for serious audiophiles
Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S2e
Premium Sound — Refined.
The Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S2e is a refined evolution of the award-winning PX7. The “e” stands for “evolved,” and that’s exactly what it is — an improved DSP, tighter tuning, and even better noise cancellation than its predecessor. It’s lighter than the PX8, with memory foam earcups that hug your ears without fatigue.
Battery life remains the same at 30 hours, with USB-C fast charging and Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive. It features 40mm drivers, just like the PX8, but tuned slightly differently for a more forgiving signature. Ideal for listeners who want great sound and premium comfort without breaking into flagship territory.
To sum it up:
- Balanced sound with refined tuning
- 30 hours battery life, USB-C fast charging
- Adaptive noise cancellation and ambient passthrough
- aptX Adaptive and Bluetooth 5.2
- Lightweight, ultra-comfortable design
- $399–$429, depending on color and retailer
But if earbuds are more your style, you can look into the:
Bowers and Wilkins Pi8
True wireless earbuds with luxury sound? That’s exactly what the Bowers and Wilkins Pi8 delivers. Equipped with dual hybrid drivers, advanced ANC with six microphones, and support for aptX Adaptive, these earbuds offer a level of clarity that rivals over-ear headphones — in a pocketable format.
Battery life stands at 5 hours per charge, with the charging case adding an extra 16 hours. A quick 15-minute charge gives you 2 hours of playback. Build quality is superb, and the matte finish with metal accents reflects the same aesthetic finesse as the full-size headphones. Touch controls, wear sensors, and voice assistant integration round out the package.
To sum it up:
- Dual hybrid drivers with audiophile-grade tuning
- Advanced ANC with 6-mic setup
- 5 hours on a single charge + 16 extra from the case
- aptX Adaptive, SBC, AAC codec support
- Luxurious and compact design
- Around $399 retail
Which one of the Bowers and Wilkins Headphones (or Earbud) is for You?
| Feature | PX8 | PX7 S2e | Pi8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver Type | 40mm Carbon Cone Drivers | 40mm Dynamic Drivers | Dual Hybrid Drivers |
| Battery Life | 30 hours | 30 hours | 5 hours + 16 hours (case) |
| Quick Charge | 15 mins = 7 hours | 15 mins = 7 hours | 15 mins = 2 hours |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Adaptive | Adaptive | Advanced (6 mics) |
| Codec Support | aptX Adaptive, SBC, AAC | aptX Adaptive, SBC, AAC | aptX Adaptive, SBC, AAC |
| Build Material | Nappa Leather, Aluminum | Memory Foam, Reinforced Plastic | Metal Accents, Premium Plastic |
| Price | $699 | $399–$429 | ~$399 |
| Ideal For | Audiophiles, Premium Design | Balanced Listeners, Daily Use | Portable Premium Sound |
The Bowers & Wilkins Music App lets you control and adjust their devices, like:
- Adjust ANC levels
- Customize EQ settings
- Update firmware
- Switch between paired devices
- Control playback and noise cancellation
Whether you’re chasing ultra-refined luxury with the Bowers and Wilkins PX8, looking for a balanced daily driver like the PX7 S2e, or want TWS earbuds with real audiophile DNA in the Bowers and Wilkins Pi8, B&W has something special for every high-end listener.
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