Bowers & WilkinsPx7 S2 Over-Ear Headphones - Advanced Noise Cancellation, Technical Fabrics, 30-Hour Battery Life, 15-Min Quick Charging, Black

The hype and internet consensus is justified: the Px7 S2s sound phenomenal. I prefer the soundstage over that of my Sony WH-1000XM5s, which I use for calls and on flights (or in other noisy situations), since their noise cancellation and microphones are definitely better than those on the Px7 S2. Compared to the Px7 S2s, the XM5s sound muddy and condensed, whereas the Px7 S2s feel expansive and crisp, while maintaining a robust lower register of bass to fill out the overall soundstage.I'll cover 5 main areas in this review, often comparing the Px7 S2s to my experience with the Sony WH-1000XM5s (XM5s), the Airpods Max's (APMs), and the first-generation B&W Px7s:1. Sound Quality2. Build Quality3. Bluetooth & Corded Connection Technology4. Included Case5. New Bowers & Wilkins App— SOUND QUALITY —I should preface this by saying that I purchased the Px7 S2s to be my listen-at-home-for-best-sound-quality-using-bluetooth headphones. I have a pair of open-back Beyerdynamic 990s that I use to mix and produce music, my XM5s for traveling and phone/video calls, the APMs (which I've since returned), the in-ear Sony WF-1000XM4s for the gym and exercising, and now these new Px7 S2s from B&W (which I'll just call "S2s" from here on).It took a little time for the S2s to "run in", basically like "breaking in" any pair of headphones, over the course of about 24 hours of listening time – and the sound really just got better and better. I noticed better channel separation over time, especially when listening via the corded connection and internal DAC to get true HiFi sound (using TIDAL).I did adjust the EQ in the app over time, basically increasing the bass by 4.5 dB and the treble by 2.5 dB to get even more dialed in to the sound I prefer. Now, the S2s offer an impressively wide soundstage with a level of detail and precision that I've never heard in any other pair of wireless headphones. The highs are clear and articulate, while the mids remain warm and rich, providing an incredibly immersive listening experience. I also appreciate that the S2s don't sacrifice bass response in pursuit of clarity; the low-end is powerful and well-defined, never overpowering or muddy. As a true audiophile, I can confidently say that the S2s deliver a level of Hi-Fi audio quality that is unmatched in the wireless headphone market.— BUILD QUALITY —When it comes to build quality, the S2s are simply outstanding. Crafted from a high-quality plastic that feels almost indistinguishable from aluminum or other light metals, the entire build of the headphones exudes a premium feel. The materials used make them lightweight yet durable, perfect for extended listening sessions without discomfort. The ear cups are plush and comfortable, providing excellent passive noise isolation. The S2s also boast a sleek and elegant design, making them as visually impressive as they are sonically.— BLUETOOTH & CORDED CONNECTION TECHNOLOGY —The S2s feature the latest Bluetooth technology, ensuring a stable and high-quality wireless connection. I've experienced no latency issues or connection drops, making for a seamless listening experience. The inclusion of a USB-C to 3.5mm cord and a USB-C to USB-C cord allows users to enjoy Hi-Res music quality, which is a fantastic addition for those who desire the best possible audio experience. I find that using the corded connection with the built-in DAC delivers superior sound quality compared to Bluetooth alone, especially when listening to lossless audio formats such as FLAC or TIDAL's Dolby Atmos tracks.— INCLUDED CASE —The Px7 S2s come with a fantastic case that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The case is smaller and less bulky than the XM5s, making it easier to carry around without taking up too much space. Made from a nice canvas-type material, the case feels durable and offers excellent protection for your headphones. The case is far superior to the AirPods Max's, which don't even come with a case, and it's clear that Bowers & Wilkins put thought into creating a case that is both protective and stylish.— NEW BOWERS & WILKINS APP —The Bowers & Wilkins music app is a fantastic addition to the Px7 S2 experience. The app enables you to adjust EQ settings, including treble and bass, allowing you to fine-tune your listening experience to your preferences. Additionally, the app integrates multiple streaming platforms like TIDAL, Spotify, and Soundcloud into one centralized music hub, making it easy to access and enjoy all your favorite music from a single location.I particularly appreciate the ability to listen to TIDAL's Dolby Atmos songs in a standard FLAC format, which sounds much better to my ears. The app is user-friendly and responsive, and I find it to be a valuable tool in getting the most out of my Px7 S2s.— FINAL THOUGHTS —Ultimately, the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 over-ear headphones have exceeded my expectations in every way. With unparalleled sound quality, exceptional build quality, versatile connection options, a fantastic case, and a highly functional app, the Px7 S2s have quickly become my go-to headphones for enjoying Hi-Fi audio at home. As an audiophile, I can confidently say that these headphones offer a listening experience that is unmatched in the wireless market. If you're seeking a truly premium audio experience, look no further than the Px7 S2s.

I bought the Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S2 a couple of years ago, refurbished like new. Its sound is excellent, and its soundstage is good as they claim. However, its microphone was not as good as I had hoped.Fast-forward to 2024, the Sony WH1000MX7 was on sale for nearly 50% off the original MSRP. Of all of the Bluetooth headphones with ANC, it was consistently rated the best or runner-up. Notably, its microphone was well-regarded.I bought one, refurbished like new.I will compare these two as they were contemporaries and direct competitors.My general use cases consist of listening to music while I work, participating in a virtual meeting, and talking on the phone while I do chores around the home.Music on the Bowers and Wilkins is where the headphones shine. The Px7 S2 was reported to have a very neutral sound out of the box. I found that to be very true. Its soundstage magic and clarity of drivers gave each part of the music very good separation.I listened to the Jurassic Park theme song from years ago — don’t judge. It is orchestral with many instruments contributing to the detailed delight of sound. I use this track to sound-check every new pair of headphones I get, so this would have been the sixth or seventh pair of headphones I used to listen to that theme song. For the first time, I heard two or three instruments whereas before I thought there was only one.How did the Sony’s do? They were pristine headphones, but they couldn’t achieve that level of detail and separation.Out of the box, the Sony headphones are said to be a bit bass-heavy. However, the customization feature of the app allowed me to tune the bass to my preferences.Sony partially compensates with its app and five-channel equalizer, but it could not better B&W’s music-playing prowess.For the second challenge, the Px7 S2’s were wasted on video conferencing calls. Yes, my managers never sounded so life-like except when they were in person. My tuned Sony cans were more than capable of reproducing their sound. Sony wins this round, because my colleagues described me as sounding more loud with my Sony’s.And in the final challenge, I switched between the two headphones while taking telephone calls. For the most part, the Px7 S2’s was overqualified in sound production. Background sounds on my end were also filtered out by the mic, except on two occasions when I got ice from my ice dispenser and ripped open a package at chest height. Meanwhile, the Sony sounded just fine, but the ice dispenser was not so annoying at the other end.Other notes:The Px7 S2 has a physical button to toggle on-off. It’s a quick flip of the switch, and within seconds it is connected and ready to go.The Sony’s power button is a press-and-hold button. It’s a little more annoying, because if you hold it too long, it does something else. It takes just as long to get connected.Gone are the days I tell my conversation partner to wait while I get bluetooth connected and have to put on elevator music for them.Of the two designs, I prefer Bowers and Wilkins’s.The Sony headphones rely mostly on touch controls. Although all manner of functions can be done via touch, I can’t remember which gesture does what. The Px7 S2 uses physical buttons for volume control, play/pause, and connect and disconnect. Once more, I prefer the physical controls.Finally, the B&W headphones are noticeably heavier than the Sony ones. If you’re sitting and staying still, the extra weight doesn’t matter. On the other hand, if you’re up and about and turning your head often, the Sony’s feel much more planted on the head.The Sony’s are generally regarded as having better ANC. In my experience around the house, they’re very close. It still surprises me which sounds get through ANC and which don’t. With enough happening around you, the Sony’s seem to block more sound.You can’t go wrong with either pair of headphones. It’s very much up to your preferences. If you like strawberry — I don’t know — go with one of them. If you prefer chocolate, then go with the other one, I’d say.Ok fine. If you want a more feature-filled app or better EQ or better mic or lighter weight => Sony.Sound or materials and style => B&W.How about that?