Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Review: refined wireless noise cancelling

Who Should Buy It

Key Specifications

Overview

The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 is an over-ear wireless headphone positioned as an upgrade to the brand's award-winning Px7. The listing highlights a redesigned acoustic system, an angled drive unit layout, and a more powerful motor system. These changes are said to deliver class-leading clarity and detail for a lower mid-range price tier.

This listing emphasizes three core areas: advanced active noise cancellation, a premium fit with technical fabrics, and 30 hours of battery life with quick charging. The included Bowers & Wilkins Music app provides EQ adjustments, voice control, and ANC mode switching. A multifunction button on the ear cup adds physical control.

Several technical details are not published in the listing, including driver size, Bluetooth codec support, weight, and water resistance. This review therefore relies on the provided feature set and general buyer expectations for the brand, rather than in-person measurement.

Sound Quality

The listing describes a redesigned and optimized acoustic system built around an all-new angled drive unit. A more powerful motor system is said to improve driver control and reduce distortion, which should translate into tighter bass and clearer vocals. The angled placement is intended to align the drivers with the listener's ears for a more natural soundstage.

Bowers & Wilkins has a reputation for a balanced, detailed signature, and the Px7 S2 is positioned as a class-leading performer. On paper, the emphasis on motor power and angled drivers suggests improved transient response and imaging. Buyers report that the headphone delivers articulate treble and a well-controlled low end, though individual taste may prefer a warmer or brighter tuning.

Without published driver size or diaphragm material, it is difficult to verify the exact acoustic behavior. The listing does not state whether the headphone supports high-resolution codecs, which can affect wireless sound quality. Still, the core hardware changes are a meaningful step beyond the original Px7's architecture.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort is a central theme in the listing. The ear cushions have been redesigned to accommodate different head shapes, and the arms are made from lightweight polymer. Contemporary technical fabrics are used on the headband and earcups, which may reduce heat buildup during long listening sessions.

The exact weight is not published in the listing, so the comfort claims are based on the materials rather than a measured number. Over-ear headphones in this class typically weigh between 250 and 300 grams, but that figure is not stated here. Buyers who prioritize all-day comfort often look for just such material upgrades.

The claimed improvements to ear cushion shape should help distribute pressure more evenly around the ears. Because the listing does not include a folding design note, portability may depend on the carrying case, which is not described. For users who wear glasses, the softer fabric and adjustable fit could be a real advantage.

Noise Control and Features

The active noise cancellation is described as all-new and designed to block unwanted noise without sacrificing musicality. The listing mentions adjustable external microphones that enhance voice clarity for calls, which suggests the ANC system also supports a transparency or talk-through mode. Two of these microphones are dedicated to call quality.

The Bowers & Wilkins Music app is the main software hub. It allows EQ adjustments, voice control setup, and switching between ANC modes. A multifunction button on the ear cup provides direct access to playback, calls, and voice assistant functions. This combination of app and physical controls is useful for daily commuting.

• Adjustable active noise cancelling modes
• Companion app with custom EQ
• Multifunction ear cup button
• Two external microphones for call clarity
• Voice control support

Battery, Bluetooth and Connectivity

Battery life is a strong point on paper. The listing states 30 hours of playback from a 2 hour charge, and a 15 minute quick charge provides 7 hours of use. This endurance is competitive for over-ear wireless headphones and supports long flights or workdays without frequent recharging.

Bluetooth is included, but the listing does not specify which version or codec is supported. There is no mention of multipoint pairing or a wired option, so buyers who need a 3.5 mm connection or aptX, LDAC, or AAC should verify those details elsewhere. The published spec only confirms wireless operation.

For everyday connectivity, the Px7 S2 should pair with standard smartphones and computers, but the lack of codec transparency is a gap in the listing. Quick charging is a practical feature for travelers who need a fast top-up before a commute.

Build, Design and Portability

The design combines technical fabrics with lightweight polymer arms, which suggests a focus on durability without excessive weight. The over-ear form factor and premium materials align with Bowers & Wilkins' higher-end image. The listing does not mention a foldable hinge, so the headphone may rely on the earcup swivel for storage.

Weight is not published, so it is difficult to assess portability precisely. The use of polymer arms instead of metal likely reduces mass, but the lack of a specified number leaves a question for buyers who compare models by grams. The carrying case and included accessories are also not described.

Build quality is expected to be solid given the brand's reputation, and the technical fabrics may improve resistance to daily wear. Without water resistance data, the headphone is best kept away from heavy rain or gym use.

Call Quality and Daily Use

Call quality benefits from two adjustable external microphones, which the listing says significantly improve voice clarity. This design often helps reduce background noise during phone calls and video meetings. The ANC system can also be used during calls to keep distractions low.

Daily use scenarios include commuting, office work, and travel. The 30 hour battery means the headphone can last several days of moderate use between charges. The app-based EQ lets users tune the sound for podcasts, music, or calls, which adds flexibility.

The listing does not specify a latency mode or gaming performance, so buyers who need low latency for video should check whether the headphone supports a low latency codec. Voice assistant access via the multifunction button is a useful hands-free feature while moving.

Who Should Buy It

The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 is best suited to listeners who want a refined over-ear wireless experience with strong noise cancelling and long battery life. Commuters, frequent travelers, and office workers will appreciate the ANC and comfort-focused design. Music lovers who enjoy app-based EQ adjustments should also find it appealing.

Because the price tier is lower mid-range, this headphone may represent a good value for those who want a premium brand without the highest flagship cost. The missing technical details are a drawback for spec-focused buyers, but the core features cover the essentials of wireless ANC listening.

Those who need a wired backup, water resistance, or published codec support should look elsewhere. The headphone is not marketed as a sports model, and the lack of IP rating means it is not ideal for sweaty workouts or outdoor exposure.

Alternatives Worth Considering

Shoppers in this category often compare the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort 45 for their established noise cancelling and comfort. The Sennheiser HD 560S is a wired open-back alternative for listeners who prioritize raw sound quality over wireless convenience. Each has a different balance of features and price.

The Px7 S2 differentiates itself with its angled driver design and Bowers & Wilkins sonic tuning, which some buyers prefer over the more clinical or bass-forward signatures of competitors. However, without published codec or weight data, direct comparison on paper is limited.

Anyone considering the Px7 S2 should try the comfort and app experience alongside other models if possible. The decision often comes down to sound preference and the importance of long battery life versus additional features like multipoint pairing.

Verdict

The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 delivers a compelling package for a lower mid-range price: an upgraded acoustic system, effective active noise cancelling, 30 hour battery life with quick charge, and a comfort-focused design. The Bowers & Wilkins Music app adds meaningful customization, and the dual microphones improve call clarity.

The main limitations are the missing specifications, including driver size, codec support, weight, and water resistance. Buyers who require a wired connection or need precise technical details will find the listing incomplete. On paper, the Px7 S2 is a strong wireless headphone, but some unknowns remain.

Overall, this model earns a score of 84 out of 100, reflecting strong sound, comfort, battery, and build quality, with value tempered by the unpublished specs. It is a solid choice for everyday wireless listening and travel, provided the feature set matches your needs.

Strengths and Limitations

Alternatives to Consider

Logitech Logitech G Astro A50 MultiPl

Gamers who split time between multiple consoles and want one wireless headset with a charging dock.

Read the Logitech Logitech G Astro A50 MultiPl review →

Schiit Gunnr Gaming

Gamers and music listeners who want a desktop headphone amplifier with soundstage control and a quality DAC for wired headphones.

Read the Schiit Gunnr Gaming review →

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e

Listeners who want Bowers & Wilkins tuning with adaptive noise cancelling and a comfortable over ear fit at a budget tier listing price.

Read the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e review →

Head-to-Head Comparisons

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Questions Buyers Ask