Bowers And Wilkins Headphones: A Review Of The Best B&W Headphones For Music.

1. Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
2. Bowers & Wilkins PI7
3. Bowers & Wilkins PI5
4. Bowers & Wilkins PI3

The noise-cancelling headphone market has a variety of excellent models, such as the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Sennheiser Momentum 4.However, The B&W PX7 S2 can now be considered serious competition. They are an upgrade of the great PX7. They offer better sound, ANC and support Qualcomm's new aptX Adaptive codec.

Design and quality:

The new Bowers and Wilkins headphones maintain the sleek design of the PX7 with oval cups, but are slimmer. The body is made of premium materials, and integrates new drivers that deliver sublime sound.

The band and cup padding are soft and create a good seal without causing significant pressure. Likewise, the band distributes the weight well to avoid discomfort. The cups rotate 180 degrees for easy transportation, but do not have a foldable structure.

On the left cup, there is a button called “quick action” that allows you to choose between three different noise cancellation modes, activate the ambient mode or activate your phone's personal assistant. On the right side, they integrate controls to manage playback, Bluetooth connectivity and power on.

Connectivity:

The Bowers & Wilkins PX was one of the first headphones to use aptX technology to wirelessly stream high-definition audio. The PX7 S2 works with the new aptX Adaptive codec that combines the ability to transmit files at 24bit/48kHz with very low latency.

The aptX Adaptive technology ensures better synchronization between the source and the headphones, and also reduces connectivity problems. These Bowers and Wilkins headphones also support SBC, AAC, atX and aptX HD codecs.

They work with Bluetooth 5.2 technology, and can be synchronized with two devices simultaneously. In addition, the USB port allows you to connect wired devices (comes with 3.5mm adapter). With the B/W Music application, you manage the noise cancellation modes and equalize the bass/treble.

Battery:

The new Bowers & WIlkins PX7 S2 headphones integrate a battery that delivers up to 30 hours of continuous playback with active noise cancellation. They charge very fast through the USB-C port. Only 15 minutes of charging is enough to use them for seven hours.

Sound:

The Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones offer superb sound quality. The sound profile is very well balanced, and the rhythmic precision is remarkable. They maintain the character of the previous model but improve the clarity and quality of detail, especially in the treble. All frequencies are perceived as clear, separate and strong. They integrate new 40mm drivers that do an impeccable job.

Noise cancellation is also very good, and from the left button, you can select three different modes to suit any situation. The Low mode is perfect for the office, while the High mode completely isolates you in very noisy environments. They also have an ambient mode that allows you to listen to a conversation without having to remove your headphones, at the touch of a button.

Conclusion:

The PX7s are great noise-cancelling headphones, but the PX7 S2s sound better and integrate a more robust ANC. They are, without a doubt, one of the best noise cancelling headphones on the market. Interested? Check out the best prices on Amazon.

If you are looking for options from other brands, you can take a look at the new Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless and Shure AONIC 50. We also recommend you check out the Bang Olufsen headphones.

The PI7 is the top model in the PI series of Bowers and Wilkins headphones, and the company's first True Wireless noise-cancelling headphones. They are expensive, and the design doesn't delight us in terms of ergonomics, but they sound excellent and the case can act as an audio relay, so they are special.

Design and quality:

The cups are large and heavy (8 gr). Also, if you have small ears it may be difficult to fit them properly. That said, they are comfortable and you can wear them for long sessions without discomfort. They also come with different sized pads to ensure a good fit.

They stand out for their specifications. Each cup of the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 Bluetooth headphones integrates dual drivers, a balanced armature driver that handles the high frequencies and a 9.2mm dynamic driver for the lower tones, each powered by its own amplifier.

Each cup integrates touch controls with which you can operate the main functions, such as playback, change songs, answer calls, activate your phone's personal assistant and enable or disable active noise cancellation. Also, you can customize them with the application.

The app allows you to activate the sensor that automatically pauses playback if you take them off, and the ambient mode. Unfortunately, you can't control the volume with the app or the controls, so you have to ask the virtual assistant or do it from your mobile device.

Connectivity:

They work with Bluetooth 5.0 and support the aptX Adaptive codec. You can play videos, and the synchronization remains flawless. It supports files with resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz, which is necessary for HiFi music playback.

The most surprising thing about these Bowers & Wilkins headphones is the charging case. The case comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable, and a 3.5mm to USB-C cable. You can connect one end of a cable to the case, and the other to your laptop, for example, so that the case takes care of transmitting the audio information via WiFi with the aptX Low Latency codec to your headphones.

This feature increases the versatility of the headphones, as you can connect them wirelessly to sources that you would not normally be able to.

The six internal microphones allow you to answer calls clearly and activate Siri or Google Assistant. However, the most striking feature of these Bowers and Wilkins headphones is the ANC technology. They integrate adaptive noise cancellation technology to ensure a perfect listening experience.

Sound:

The sound is warm, refined and of high quality. The highs and mids have very good texture and great detail. The bass is well suited as it will not fatigue you with its power, and at the same time provides a depth that is very difficult to find in other In-Ear headphones on the market.

Bass is strong, but the mid and high tones maintain excellent presence. No matter what music you want to play, the PI7's performance is always remarkable. The noise cancellation technology is not the best on the market, but it allows you to enjoy your favorite music clearly in any environment.

Battery:

The battery of the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 headphones yields about four hours of continuous playback in Bluetooth mode and with the ANC on. That's a decent capacity for an In-Ear headset, though not amazing.

The case gives you four additional charges, for a total of 20 hours, and they charge very fast thanks to the USB-C port. 15 minutes of charging is enough to use them for two hours. You can also charge them wirelessly with a certified Qi pad.

Conclusion:

In these headphones, we find the quality of construction and sound to which we are accustomed from Bowers & Wilkins. They are expensive, but the sound quality is really great. In addition, they integrate an adaptive ANC that works well and are very comfortable. To see the best prices on Amazon, click here.

Design and quality:

These Bowers and Wilkins are In-Ear True Wireless headphones. They are quite elegant, and have excellent build quality. The materials used in their production are first class.

PI5s are less expensive than the PI7s, but equally excellent. Each cup integrates a 9.2mm driver and two microphones for active noise cancellation technology.

Each cup weighs 8 grams, but they are quite comfortable, even for long periods of time, so they are ideal for traveling from one city to another or for the office. Like the best True Wireless, they come with a case that serves as a charging base.

Connectivity:

They work with Bluetooth 5.0 technology with aptX functionality. They can play high definition files up to 24 bits. They pair quite easily and the synchronization between the two cups is impeccable. The wireless connectivity range is very wide, and includes four microphones so that we can use them as hands-free for our cell phone. They also allow you to manage your favorite virtual assistant.

Sound:

The sound of the Bowers & Wilkins PI5 is excellent for True Wireless headphones. The spatiality is ample, and the tonal balance remarkable. All frequencies are perceived as clear and with great detail. The profile feels a bit flat, but when the ANC is activated, the sound profile stands out for its quality.

Bass is deep and controlled. When you activate the active noise cancellation technology they sound louder, although they lose some definition. The mids sound neutral and well balanced. They are also amplified with the ANC and stand out for their details. We found well-defined and faithful highs.

Overall, the sound quality is great. The volume is quite powerful, even at 50% you not find it necessary to raise the volume to perceive the sound quality. Noise cancellation works very well and allows you to enjoy your favorite music without distractions in any environment.

The stereo sound is quite accurate and is very enjoyable, making you feel as if you were inside a recording studio with professional monitors. In addition, they do not distort at any volume level.

Battery:

The battery has a life of up to 4 hours of use at 50% volume, a capacity that is not remarkable but still decent for a True Wireless headset with ANC. On the other hand, the charging case gives you four additional full charges, for a total of 20 hours. In addition, they charge very quickly, and 15 minutes of charging is enough to use them for more than two hours.

Conclusion:

The Bowers & Wilkins PI5 are excellent for anyone looking for True Wireless headphones with the best build quality, great sound quality and durability. Interested? Check out the best prices on Amazon.

Design and quality:

PI3s have a necklace design. The silicone and rubber band is flexible, fits well and feels soft to the touch. They are robust and do not fall off as easily as True Wireless earbuds. They are lightweight, and the cups attach with magnets when not in use. They come with different sized ear pads to ensure a good fit with any user. They also create a decent seal against external noise.

The Bowers & Wilkins PI3 headphones are excellent value for money. They integrate dual drivers, one for bass and the other for high and mid tones. The company's unique technology allows you to enjoy clear and detailed sound. In addition, each driver is powered by an individual amplifier. We regret that they are not IPX certified, although the company assures that they can withstand sweat and rain splashes.

Connectivity:

They integrate a button for Bluetooth synchronization on the left side of the band. On the right side, there is a volume button and a multifunction button that allows you to change songs, answer calls and manage playback functions. They also have a microphone that picks up voices clearly for making calls. They work with the Bowers & Wilkins heaphones application. Through the app, you can listen to soothing ambient sounds and update the headphones. Furthermore, they support the new aptX Adaptive codec.

Sound:

These Bowers & Wilkins headphones use the dual driver technology also found in the company's best models. The drivers for the bass, treble and midrange tones found in each cup are powered by individual amplifiers. They produce powerful, rich, crisp and impeccably balanced audio. The best part: they do not distort at any volume level.

The bass sounds deep and strong, but doesn't overshadow the other tonalities and remains controlled. The mid-tones have excellent presence and amazing detail, while the highs sound crisp and clean. The app doesn't allow you to equalize the sound, but it's honestly not necessary.

Battery

The battery provides up to eight hours of continuous playback at medium volume levels, which is quite decent. In addition, they charge very fast thanks to the USB-C port.

Conclusion:

The PI3 is one of the best In-Ear earphones on the market. They offer excellent sound, and the design is comfortable. They are not waterproof, although the company claims they are splashproof. It's an excellent choice if you are looking for a good value In-Ear headphones. If you want to see the best prices on Amazon, follow the link.

Final conclusion:

Most of the Bowers and Wilkins on this list are on the higher end price-wise, but are worth it for the great sound quality and design they offer.

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 are one of the best noise-cancelling headphones available today. They have a comfortable and elegant design and the connectivity is very complete. The sound quality stands out for being very balanced and powerful, and they also have an incredible noise cancellation, for a price that is not too exaggerated.

But wait, because we have a few more wireless options, the B&W PI5 are True Wireless headphones designed for audiophiles, while the PI4 and PI3 have an In-Ear neckloop design. The Bowers and Wilkins PX5 Wireless are On-ear so they are a good choice for walking or indoor use. They offer four-level noise cancellation and support the new aptX Adaptive codec.

We recommend you visit our headphones section. There you will find reviews of the best brands on the market, such as Marshall, Sony or Sennheiser, as well as how to improve the audio quality of your headphones. Also, check out our review of the excellent Bluetooth speakers Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin.

Technical specifications: Bowers and Wilkins Headphones