Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 Review: Should You Try This?

Are you searching for premium wireless headphones that deliver exceptional audio quality without compromise?

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 has emerged as a compelling choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

This comprehensive review explores every aspect of these sophisticated headphones to help you make an informed decision.

Key Takeaways

• Exceptional Audio Quality: The PX7 S2 features custom-designed 40mm drivers with 24-bit wireless capability, delivering pristine sound reproduction with remarkable clarity and detail
• Outstanding Battery Performance: Enjoy up to 30 hours of continuous playback with active noise cancellation enabled, plus rapid 15-minute quick charging for 7 hours of additional use
• Premium Build Quality: Constructed with high-quality materials including technical fabrics and memory foam ear cushions, weighing just 307g for comfortable extended listening sessions
• Advanced Noise Cancellation: Six strategically placed microphones provide excellent ANC performance while maintaining natural sound quality during calls
• Versatile Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint connection support, allowing seamless switching between devices for enhanced productivity
• Value Proposition: Currently priced around $399, offering competitive features against Sony WH-1000XM5 and other premium alternatives

Design and Build Quality

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 represents a significant evolution in design philosophy. The headphones showcase a refined aesthetic that balances elegance with functionality. The lightweight construction at 307 grams ensures comfort during extended listening sessions without sacrificing durability.

The technical fabrics used in construction provide both visual appeal and practical benefits. The memory foam ear cushions create an effective seal while remaining comfortable for hours of use. The adjustable headband distributes weight evenly, preventing pressure points that often plague heavier headphones.

The foldable design enhances portability, making these headphones ideal for travel. The included leather carry case adds protection while maintaining the premium aesthetic. Build quality improvements over the original PX7 include better consistency in fit and enhanced durability across different head sizes.

Sound Performance and Audio Quality

The custom-designed 40mm drivers form the heart of the PX7 S2’s exceptional audio performance. These drivers deliver 24-bit wireless capability, ensuring high-resolution audio reproduction that reveals subtle details in your favorite tracks.

The sound signature presents a natural, spacious soundstage that audiophiles appreciate. The frequency response remains balanced across the spectrum, with crisp treble, detailed midrange, and controlled bass that never overwhelms the overall presentation.

Dynamic range performance excels across various music genres. Whether you’re listening to classical orchestrations, electronic music, or acoustic performances, the PX7 S2 maintains clarity and separation between instruments. The headphones handle complex passages with ease, revealing layers of detail that lesser headphones might miss.

Streaming quality benefits from the advanced Bluetooth implementation, supporting high-quality codecs that preserve audio fidelity during wireless transmission. The 24-bit-capable wireless platform ensures minimal compression artifacts, maintaining the integrity of your music collection.

Noise Cancellation Technology

The six-microphone array powering the PX7 S2’s noise cancellation system delivers impressive performance. Unlike some competitors that create an artificial or pressurized feeling, these headphones maintain a natural listening experience while effectively blocking external noise.

Low-frequency noise reduction performs exceptionally well, making these headphones excellent for airplane travel, commuting, or noisy office environments. The system adapts automatically to ambient conditions, optimizing performance without requiring manual intervention.

Transparency mode allows external sounds when needed, providing situational awareness during conversations or when monitoring your environment. The seamless transition between modes enhances usability in various scenarios.

Call quality benefits from the sophisticated microphone system, with clear voice transmission even in challenging acoustic environments. The noise cancellation technology filters background noise during calls, ensuring professional-quality communication.

Battery Life and Charging

The 30-hour battery life with active noise cancellation enabled positions the PX7 S2 among the best in its class. This impressive endurance eliminates anxiety about running out of power during long flights or extended listening sessions.

Quick charging capabilities provide additional convenience. A 15-minute charge delivers 7 hours of playback, perfect for last-minute power-ups before important trips. The full charging cycle completes in approximately 7 hours, easily accomplished overnight.

Power management features optimize battery usage without compromising performance. The headphones automatically enter standby mode when not in use, preserving battery life for when you need it most.

USB-C charging provides modern convenience and faster charging speeds compared to older micro-USB implementations. The included cable ensures compatibility with contemporary devices and chargers.

Top 3 Alternatives for Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Sony WH-1000XM5 represents the primary competitor, offering superior noise cancellation and extensive app customization. While the Sony excels in ANC performance, the PX7 S2 provides better sound quality and build materials.

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 delivers exceptional 60-hour battery life and warm, engaging sound. These headphones appeal to listeners who prioritize comfort and extended playback time over premium build materials.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra offers industry-leading noise cancellation with spatial audio features. While Bose excels in ANC technology, the PX7 S2 provides superior audio fidelity and more refined aesthetics.

Comfort and Fit

Extended wearing comfort ranks among the PX7 S2’s strongest attributes. The memory foam ear cushions create a comfortable seal without excessive clamping pressure. The lightweight design at 307 grams reduces fatigue during marathon listening sessions.

Headband padding distributes weight evenly across the head, preventing pressure points that can develop with heavier headphones. The adjustable mechanism accommodates various head sizes while maintaining optimal driver positioning.

Ear cup rotation allows the headphones to conform naturally to different ear shapes and positions. This flexibility enhances both comfort and acoustic seal, improving both sound quality and noise isolation.

Temperature regulation performs well during extended use. The ear cushions allow sufficient airflow to prevent excessive heat buildup, maintaining comfort even during warm weather or active use.

Connectivity and Controls

Bluetooth 5.2 provides stable, high-quality wireless connections with extended range and reduced latency. The advanced implementation supports multipoint connectivity, allowing simultaneous connection to multiple devices.

Physical controls on the right ear cup provide intuitive operation. The power button, volume controls, and play/pause functionality offer tactile feedback for blind operation. The layout prevents accidental activation while maintaining easy access.

Voice assistant compatibility includes support for Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. The integrated microphones accurately capture voice commands even in noisy environments.

Companion app functionality through the Bowers & Wilkins Music App provides EQ customization, firmware updates, and battery monitoring. The app interface remains user-friendly while offering meaningful customization options.

Value and Pricing

The current retail price of approximately $399 positions the PX7 S2 competitively against premium alternatives. Regular sales and promotional pricing often reduce the cost, improving the value proposition significantly.

Feature-to-price ratio compares favorably with competitors. The combination of premium build quality, exceptional audio performance, and 30-hour battery life justifies the investment for serious listeners.

Long-term value benefits from durable construction and ongoing software support. The quality materials and build techniques suggest these headphones will provide years of reliable service.

Warranty coverage provides peace of mind, with Bowers & Wilkins offering standard manufacturer protection against defects and premature failure.

Comparison with Competitors

Against the Sony WH-1000XM5, the PX7 S2 offers superior build quality and more natural sound reproduction. While Sony provides better active noise cancellation and app features, the Bowers & Wilkins excels in audio fidelity and premium materials.

Compared to the Sennheiser Momentum 4, the PX7 S2 provides better noise cancellation and more refined aesthetics. The Sennheiser offers longer battery life and warmer sound signature, appealing to different listener preferences.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra comparison reveals superior noise cancellation from Bose but better audio quality from the PX7 S2. Build quality and material choices favor the Bowers & Wilkins, while Bose excels in comfort and ANC technology.

Performance in Different Use Cases

Commuting performance benefits from excellent noise cancellation and comfortable fit. The headphones effectively block traffic noise, train sounds, and general urban ambient noise while maintaining audio clarity.

Office use advantages include professional appearance, excellent call quality, and multipoint connectivity. The ability to seamlessly switch between devices enhances productivity in modern work environments.

Travel applications showcase the 30-hour battery life and comfortable design. The foldable construction and included case facilitate easy packing and protection during transport.

Home listening reveals the exceptional audio quality and detailed sound reproduction. The headphones excel with high-resolution music files, revealing subtle details that enhance the listening experience.

Pros and Cons

Advantages include outstanding audio quality, premium build materials, excellent battery life, comfortable fit, and effective noise cancellation. The natural sound signature appeals to audiophiles who prioritize accuracy over artificial enhancement.

Disadvantages encompass higher price point, limited app customization compared to Sony, and less aggressive noise cancellation than Bose alternatives. Some users may prefer more bass emphasis or warmer sound signature.

Overall assessment reveals a well-balanced product that excels in audio quality and build construction while providing competitive features across other performance metrics.

Maintenance and Care

Cleaning recommendations include gentle cloth cleaning for the exterior surfaces and careful ear cushion maintenance to preserve hygiene and appearance. The technical fabrics require minimal special care while maintaining their appearance.

Storage suggestions emphasize using the included case for protection during transport and proper folding technique to prevent stress on the hinges and adjustment mechanisms.

Software updates through the companion app ensure optimal performance and access to new features. Regular updates maintain compatibility with evolving Bluetooth standards and device ecosystems.

Final Verdict

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 represents an excellent choice for listeners who prioritize audio quality and premium construction. While the price point places these headphones in the premium category, the combination of features and performance justifies the investment for serious music enthusiasts.

Recommendation strength depends on individual priorities. Audiophiles seeking natural sound reproduction and premium materials will find significant value. Casual listeners might find better value in alternatives with more aggressive pricing or enhanced convenience features.

The PX7 S2 succeeds in delivering reference-quality audio in a wireless package without significant compromises. The 30-hour battery life, effective noise cancellation, and comfortable design create a compelling overall package that competes effectively against established market leaders.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the battery life compare to other premium headphones?

The 30-hour battery life with ANC enabled matches or exceeds most premium competitors. The Sony WH-1000XM5 offers 30 hours, while the Sennheiser Momentum 4 provides 60 hours. The 15-minute quick charge for 7 hours of playback adds practical convenience for daily use.

Are the PX7 S2 headphones good for gaming?

While not specifically designed for gaming, the PX7 S2 performs well for casual gaming due to low latency and accurate sound reproduction. The multipoint connectivity allows simultaneous connection to gaming devices and mobile phones. However, dedicated gaming headsets might provide better microphone quality and gaming-specific features.

How effective is the noise cancellation compared to Bose and Sony?

The PX7 S2 noise cancellation performs well but doesn’t match the industry-leading performance of Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Sony WH-1000XM5. However, the natural implementation avoids the artificial pressure sensation some users experience with aggressive ANC systems. The six-microphone array provides effective noise reduction while maintaining audio quality.

Can I use these headphones for professional audio work?

The PX7 S2 offers excellent audio accuracy suitable for casual professional use. The 24-bit wireless capability and natural sound signature provide reliable monitoring for content creation and audio editing. However, dedicated studio monitors might provide better isolation and more precise frequency response for critical professional applications.

Do these headphones work well with all devices?

Bluetooth 5.2 ensures compatibility with virtually all modern devices including smartphones, tablets, computers, and audio players. The multipoint connectivity supports simultaneous connection to multiple devices. Codec support includes standard profiles ensuring reliable operation across different device ecosystems.

How durable are the PX7 S2 headphones?

The premium construction using high-quality materials suggests excellent long-term durability. The technical fabrics and memory foam cushions resist normal wear while maintaining appearance and comfort. The robust hinge design and quality control improvements over the original PX7 enhance reliability and longevity.

Last update on 2025-12-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API