Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Review: Reference Wireless Sound

Who Should Buy It

Key Specifications

Overview

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 is a wireless over-ear headphone built around reference quality sound. It combines 40mm Carbon Cone drivers, 24-bit DSP, and a dedicated DAC amplifier. The listing adds Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint, aptX Lossless and Adaptive, active noise cancelling with eight microphones, and 30 hours of playtime. At a mid-range price tier, it sits below flagship pricing while offering premium materials.

The design uses die-cast aluminum arms and soft Nappa leather for durability and all-day wear. A carry case and 3.5 mm cable are included, and USB-C audio supports wired listening. The Bowers & Wilkins Music app provides a 5-band EQ, True Sound mode, and control over ANC, transparency, and wear detection. The listing does not publish weight or water resistance, so those specs remain open questions.

This review relies only on the published specifications and does not report in-person testing. Buyers should treat the sound and comfort descriptions as expectations from the listing, not measured results. The following sections break down sound quality, comfort, features, battery, build, call use, and alternatives.

Sound Quality

The 40mm Carbon Cone drivers are designed for low distortion and lifelike clarity. Paired with 24-bit DSP and a dedicated DAC, the Px8 S2 appears tuned for balanced sound rather than heavy bass. The listing uses the phrase reference quality sound, and the aptX Lossless codec supports hi-res wireless streaming on compatible Android devices. iOS users will not get aptX Lossless, though standard AAC is implied for Apple sources.

The listing does not provide frequency response, sensitivity, or impedance numbers, so objective comparisons are limited. The 8-microphone noise cancelling is meant to preserve natural detail while reducing ambient noise. Compared with the Anker Soundcore Space One, the Px8 S2 leans more neutral and detailed on paper, though no in-person data confirms this. The Sennheiser HD 560S is a wired open back known for neutrality, but the Px8 S2 adds wireless convenience and noise cancelling.

Wired listening through USB-C or the 3.5 mm cable may offer a slightly different sound than Bluetooth, but the listing does not describe those differences. The 5-band EQ in the app lets users adjust the frequency balance, which can compensate for personal taste. Overall, sound quality is the clear strength of this headphone on paper, with the caveat that no lab measurements are available.

Comfort and Fit

Soft Nappa leather covers the contact surfaces, and the over-ear design should create a secure seal for noise isolation. The die-cast aluminum arms add stability and reduce creaking. The listing claims all-day wearability for work, travel, and gaming, but comfort depends on individual head and ear shape. Buyers with larger heads or glasses may need to try before buying, because clamp force is not published.

The missing weight specification is a significant gap. Metal and leather can feel heavy, and without a published figure, long term comfort is uncertain. The listing does not state clamp force or earcup depth either, so anyone sensitive to pressure or heat buildup should verify those details if possible. Some premium metal headphones distribute mass well, but there is no way to confirm that from this listing.

Nappa leather is soft but can get warm over hours, especially in warm environments. The listing does not mention breathable fabric or cooling features. For office or travel use in climate control, that may not be an issue. Overall, the materials suggest a premium feel, but comfort cannot be fully evaluated without weight and clamp data.

Noise Control and Features

The Px8 S2 uses an 8-microphone system that monitors both ambient noise and driver output. The goal is balanced noise cancelling that reduces distractions without dulling music. Transparency mode is included, and the app allows adjustments to ANC, transparency, and wear detection. The listing claims this preserves natural detail, depth, and balance.

The Bowers & Wilkins Music app offers a 5-band EQ and a True Sound mode tuned by the manufacturer. Wear detection pauses and resumes audio automatically. These features are comparable to Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort 45, though the B&W adds aptX Lossless support for Android users. The Apple AirPods Pro has strong adaptive transparency but is an in-ear form factor.

• 8-microphone active noise cancelling
• Adjustable transparency mode
• 5-band EQ with True Sound mode
• Wear detection with pause and resume
• Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint for two devices

Battery, Bluetooth and Connectivity

Battery life is up to 30 hours of wireless playback, with a 15-minute quick charge providing 7 hours. Full recharge takes about two hours via USB-C. The listing does not separate battery life by ANC on or off, so the 30-hour figure likely includes active noise cancelling. This is competitive for the mid-range, though some budget models exceed it.

Bluetooth 5.3 supports multipoint for two devices, and aptX Lossless plus Adaptive handle high resolution or stable streaming. Wired listening is available through USB-C audio and the included 3.5 mm cable, which is useful for gaming and movies. The listing does not state whether wired mode requires battery power, so users should check the manual for passive wired mode.

Build, Design and Portability

Solid die-cast aluminum arms and soft Nappa leather give the Px8 S2 a premium feel that resists the plastic look of many rivals. The sleeker silhouette is mentioned in the listing, but folding hinges are not specified. A carry case is included for storage and travel. The materials suggest durability, though no drop or stress tests are provided.

Water resistance is not published, so the Px8 S2 is not meant for workouts or rain. Weight is also absent from the listing, which makes judging portability difficult. The leather and metal construction should hold up well for desk and travel use, but ear pad replacement is not mentioned. Buyers who want a rugged or sweat resistant design should look elsewhere.

The carry case helps protect the headphones during transport, but the listing does not say if the case is rigid or soft. Without folding hinges, the case may need more space in a bag. For commuters and travelers, the 30-hour battery and quick charge matter more than compact folding. Overall, build quality is a highlight, but portability details are incomplete.

Call Quality and Daily Use

The 8-microphone array serves both noise cancelling and call clarity. The listing says the system monitors ambient noise and driver output, which can help reduce background noise during calls at home or in public. It does not specify sidetone or pickup pattern details, so call performance in very loud environments remains unknown.

Multipoint connectivity is a strong daily feature, letting users switch between phone, laptop, and tablet. Wear detection pauses music when the headphones are removed. The 30-hour battery and quick charge cover full workdays and long flights, and wired options add compatibility with consoles and older devices. The app adjustments for transparency make quick conversations easier.

For video calls, the listing does not mention a dedicated mute control or voice isolation feature beyond the 8-mic system. The USB-C connection may offer better call stability than Bluetooth for desk use, but that is not confirmed. Daily use is well covered by battery, multipoint, and wear detection, with the main unknown being weight during long sessions.

Who Should Buy It

Audiophiles who want hi-res wireless audio over aptX Lossless and a dedicated DAC should consider the Px8 S2. Android users with compatible source devices will benefit most from the codec support. The balanced tuning described in the listing suits listeners who prefer clarity over heavy bass, and the 5-band EQ allows personalization.

Professionals who switch between devices will appreciate multipoint Bluetooth. The metal and leather build feels premium for long work sessions, and the 30-hour battery is practical for travel. Those who already use the Bowers & Wilkins Music app will find the controls familiar and granular. The headphone also suits home listeners who want both wireless freedom and wired fallback.

This headphone is not aimed at bass enthusiasts or fitness users. Because the price sits at mid-range, it offers premium materials and codecs without reaching the highest flagship price bracket. Buyers who can confirm the fit or buy from a retailer with a return policy will have more confidence.

Alternatives Worth Considering

The Sony WH-1000XM5 offers strong noise cancelling and comfort with a published weight, but its hi-res codec support may lag aptX Lossless. The Bose QuietComfort 45 is lighter and proven for calls, but lacks the premium metal and leather build. Both are safer picks if weight is unknown, though they may miss the reference tuning of the Px8 S2.

The Apple AirPods Pro is an in-ear option with deep iOS integration and adaptive transparency, but it lacks the over-ear soundstage and wired mode. The Sennheiser HD 560S is a wired open back for critical listening at a lower price, but it has no noise cancelling or Bluetooth. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a studio staple with a more V shaped sound and no wireless ANC.

On the budget side, the Anker Soundcore Space One includes noise cancelling and app EQ for much less, but its drivers and codec support are not comparable on paper. The Px8 S2 stands out for reference oriented sound and luxury materials in the mid-range tier. Buyers who want the absolute longest battery or a true workout rating may prefer other brands.

Verdict

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 is a strong mid-range wireless over-ear headphone for sound first buyers. The 40mm Carbon Cone drivers, 24-bit DSP, aptX Lossless, 8-microphone ANC, and 30-hour battery cover the essentials for music and travel. The leather and aluminum build adds a premium touch that many rivals lack.

The main weaknesses are unpublished weight and water resistance, which leave comfort and durability uncertain. The listing does not separate battery life by ANC state, and ear pad replacement is not mentioned. Despite those gaps, the specification sheet points to a balanced, feature rich product.

The overall score of 82 reflects strong sound, good features, and solid battery with slight deductions for missing comfort data and value uncertainty. It earns a recommendation for audiophile minded buyers who can confirm the fit or buy from a retailer with a return policy. Those needing a lighter or more rugged design should consider alternatives.

Strengths and Limitations

Alternatives to Consider

Focal Bathys Headphones

Listeners who want hi-fi oriented over-ear headphones with active noise cancelling and both wired and wireless flexibility.

Read the Focal Bathys Headphones review →

Focal Bathys

Listeners who want a premium-feeling wireless headphone with active noise cancelling, long battery, and wired flexibility.

Read the Focal Bathys review →

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3

Listeners who want premium wireless sound with adaptive noise cancellation, long battery life, and a customizable EQ at a lower mid-range price.

Read the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 review →

Head-to-Head Comparisons

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Questions Buyers Ask