Pick Your Perfect Bowers & Wilkins Headphones
Looking for the best Bowers & Wilkins headphones? Whether you want the ultimate flagship over-ears for immersive listening, compact in-ears for life on the go, or a pair that excels at blocking out the world with powerful noise cancellation, B&W has something for every listener.
In this guide, we break down the top models for 2025, explain what makes each one special, and help you choose the perfect pair for your needs.
Best Bowers & Wilkins Headphones at a Glance:
| Category | Model | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall: | Px8 S2 | Audiophile-grade sound and flagship design |
| Best For Travel: | Px7 S3 | Balance of ANC, comfort, battery life and price |
| Best In-Ear: | Pi8 | Compact size with premium audio and adaptive ANC |
| Best Value: | Pi6 | Strong performance at a more accessible price |
Why Choose Bowers & Wilkins
Bowers and Wilkins headphones are crafted for listeners who demand more from their audio experience. Known for their high-fidelity sound, luxurious materials, and attention to detail, these headphones are perfect for those who prioritise sound quality and comfort in equal parts.
| Who Are They Best For? |
|---|
| ✅ Audiophiles seeking accurate and immersive sound ✅ Commuters or travellers needing premium noise cancellation ✅ Design-conscious users who value aesthetics and build quality ✅ Music producers and professionals requiring detailed audio reproduction |
| Who Aren't They Right For? |
|---|
| ❌ Budget-conscious buyers (B&W headphones are premium-priced) ❌ Gamers needing specialised features like low-latency modes |
Best Bowers & Wilkins Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones are all about big, immersive sound and all-day comfort. With a larger soundstage, they deliver richer bass, clearer mids, and crisp highs, making music, movies, and podcasts sound more natural and detailed. Need to focus? Better noise cancellation also keeps distractions out so you can stay in the zone.
Bowers & Wilkins takes things up a notch with luxury materials, precision engineering, and cutting-edge tech, creating some of the best wireless headphones out there. Whether you’re after audiophile-grade sound, everyday premium performance, or something in between, there’s a perfect pair for you.
Best for Travel: Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3, released on 24th April 2025, is the latest addition to the brand’s over-ear headphone lineup, following on from the Px7 S2e as the mid-range over-ear option. With an RRP of £399, the S3 arrives at £20 more than the S2e originally launched, but brings a series of focused upgrades that aim to improve both performance and comfort.
While the Px7 S3 keeps the same 40mm bio-cellulose drivers as its predecessor, the acoustic design has been completely reworked. The chassis, motor system, and suspension have all been redesigned to help reduce distortion and deliver a cleaner, more dynamic sound overall.
Comfort has seen some important changes too. The Px7 S3 features a slimmer and lighter profile, with softer memory foam padding and a reengineered headband and arm structure designed for longer, more comfortable listening sessions. Battery life remains solid at 30 hours with fast charging support for added convenience.
Noise cancelling and call quality have also had an upgrade. The Px7 S3 uses an expanded eight-microphone array along with Bowers & Wilkins’ latest ADI Pure Voice processing. These additions help the headphones block out more external noise and deliver clearer calls, even in busier environments.
Rather than a complete overhaul, the Px7 S3 focuses on smart refinements that build on what the S2e already did well. If you would like to explore these changes in more detail, take a look at our Px7 S3 First Look.
| Feature: | Specification: |
|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation: | Advanced adaptive ANC |
| Battery Life: | 30 hours (15 min quick charge = 7 hours playback) |
| Audio Quality: | 40mm bio-cellulose drivers, Hi-Res Audio |
| Connectivity: | Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless |
| Weight: | 0.30kg |
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3: Pros & Cons
| Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 Pros |
|---|
| ✅ Premium build quality with a refined, elegant finish ✅ Well-equipped with a strong selection of modern features ✅ Evolved design and performance over the previous generation |
| Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 Cons |
|---|
| ❌ Lots of competition at this price point ❌ More expensive than predecessor |
Best For: Frequent travellers, audiophiles, and those working in noisy environments.
Best Overall: Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
If you want the best Bowers & Wilkins headphones money can buy, the Px8 S2 sits confidently at the top of the range.
This latest flagship model is a major step forward from the previous generation, building on the success of the Px7 S3 and original Px8, this new model refines almost every element of the experience, from sound quality and design to comfort and control.
At the heart of the upgrade are re-engineered 40mm dynamic drivers with a new chassis, voice coil, suspension, and magnet system, all angled for a more natural and detailed soundstage. Backed by a re-tuned 24-bit DSP, the Px8 S2 delivers outstanding clarity, balance, and precision across the frequency range.
It’s not just the audio that’s been enhanced. The Px8 S2 feels every bit as premium as it sounds, combining luxurious Nappa leather, die-cast aluminium details, and new exposed cable accents for a timeless, high-end look. The slimmer and slightly lighter build makes them more comfortable for long sessions, while physical button controls keep things intuitive and reliable on the go.
There’s plenty of tech under the hood too. Bluetooth has been upgraded to 5.3 for faster, more stable connectivity, while support for aptX Lossless now reaches up to 24-bit/96kHz (up from 24/48), giving you even more detail from high-res streaming services like Qobuz and Tidal.
Noise cancellation and call quality also see a significant boost, now powered by an eight-microphone array, with six dedicated to ANC for more adaptive and natural isolation that doesn’t compromise sound quality. Battery life remains excellent at 30 hours, with quick charging for added convenience.
If you’re after the very best wireless headphones Bowers & Wilkins has ever made, the Px8 S2 is the one to beat.
| Feature: | Specification: |
|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation: | Advanced adaptive ANC |
| Battery Life: | 30 hours (15 min quick charge = 7 hours playback) |
| Audio Quality: | 40mm Dynamic full-range carbon drivers, Hi-Res Audio |
| Connectivity: | Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless |
| Weight: | 0.31kg |
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2: Pros & Cons
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Pros |
|---|
| ✅ Outstanding sound with new driver design and hi-fi tuning ✅ Premium build and materials with improved comfort and slimmer design ✅ aptX Lossless 24-bit/96kHz and Bluetooth 5.3 for better streaming |
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Cons |
|---|
| ❌ Premium price tag ❌ ANC is improved but still not quite class-leading |
Best For: Discerning listeners and those who appreciate premium build quality.
Read More: Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Review (First Look): Ultimate Luxury Headphones?
Best Bowers & Wilkins In-Ear Headphones
In-ear headphones are all about portability, convenience, and great sound on the go. Lightweight and compact, they’re perfect for commutes, workouts, or quick escapes into your favourite playlist. With advanced noise cancellation, long battery life, and premium materials, Bowers & Wilkins delivers high-end audio in a travel-friendly package.
Bowers and Wilkins' true wireless earbuds stand out with studio-quality sound, impressive Bluetooth connectivity, and a sleek, comfortable design perfect for both audiophile-grade performance or everyday listening.
Best Value: Bowers & Wilkins Pi6
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 brings signature B&W sound to a sleek, more affordable true wireless earbud that doesn’t skimp on performance.
With custom-designed 9.2mm dynamic drivers and aptX Adaptive support, the Pi6 delivers rich, balanced audio with deep bass and crisp highs—perfect for everything from your morning playlist to late-night podcasts.
It also packs in adaptive noise cancellation, so you can block out distractions when you need to, plus ambient pass-through for when you want to stay aware of your surroundings. Dual mics ensure clear call quality, and with up to 24 hours of total battery life (including the case), the Pi6 keeps up with your day.
If you’re after premium sound in a compact, stylish design, the Pi6 is a solid pick, offering a taste of B&W’s high-end audio expertise in a more affordable true wireless package.
| Feature: | Specification: |
|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation: | Advanced adaptive ANC |
| Battery Life: | 5 hours (plus 19 hours via case) |
| Audio Quality: | 12mm bio-cellulose drivers, aptX |
| Connectivity: | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Water Resistance: | IP55 |
Bowers & Wilkins Pi6: Pros & Cons
| Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 Pros |
|---|
| ✅ Enhanced audio performance with richer bass ✅ Improved ANC and battery life ✅ Comfortable design with water resistance |
| Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 Cons |
|---|
| ❌ Lacks retransmitter feature ❌ Slightly bulkier case |
Best For: Everyday listeners seeking better sound and ANC performance.
Best In-Ear: Bowers & Wilkins Pi8
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 is built to be the ultimate true wireless earbud, designed for those who refuse to compromise on sound quality. With dual-driver technology and a 24-bit DSP, the Pi8 delivers exceptionally detailed, rich, and immersive audio.
The Pi8 comes with adaptive noise cancellation to block out distractions, crystal-clear call quality, and a sleek, comfortable design that looks as premium as it feels. Battery life? Up to 25 hours with the charging case, plus support for aptX Adaptive for top-tier wireless streaming. It also features audio retransmission, allowing you to connect the case to an external audio source—like an in-flight entertainment system—and wirelessly stream sound to your earbuds, so you’re never tied down by cables.
If you want the best of the best in true wireless audio, the Pi8 is B&W’s flagship model, offering a perfect balance of luxury, performance, and cutting-edge technology.
| Feature: | Specification: |
|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation: | Advanced adaptive ANC |
| Battery Life: | 5 hours (plus 20 hours via case) |
| Audio Quality: | 12mm Carbon Cone drivers, aptX Adaptive |
| Connectivity: | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Water Resistance: | IP54 |
Bowers & Wilkins Pi8: Pros & Cons
| Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 Pros |
|---|
| ✅ Unrivalled audio fidelity with Hi-Res Audio certification ✅ Significant improvements in ANC and comfort ✅ Enhanced battery life |
| Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 Cons |
|---|
| ❌ Premium pricing ❌ Charging case is slightly bulky |
Best For: Audiophiles and premium users seeking in-ear headphones with superior sound quality
Bowers & Wilkins Headphones: What's The Difference?
| Model | Type | ANC | Battery | Audio Quality | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Px7 S3 | Over-Ear | Advanced | 30 hours | 40mm bio-cellulose drivers | £399-£429 |
| Px8 S2 | Over-Ear | Advanced | 30 hours | 40mm carbon cone drivers | £599-£629 |
| Pi6 | In-Ear | Advanced | 5 hours | 12mm Carbon Cone drivers | £349-£379 |
| Pi8 | In-Ear | Advanced | 5 hours | 12mm bio-cellulose drivers | £199-£229 |
Which Bowers & Wilkins Headphones Should You Buy?
For Audiophiles:
The Px8 S2 , Px7 S3 or Pi8 deliver unmatched sound quality. Perfect for immersive listening.
For Commuters & Travellers:
The Px7 S3 and Pi8 excel in noise cancellation and comfort.
For Everyday Use:
The Pi6 offers great value for casual listeners.
For Professionals:
The Px8 S2 provides exceptional clarity, making it ideal for critical listening.
Our Verdict:
Bowers & Wilkins headphones are designed for listeners who refuse to compromise on quality. With expertly tuned drivers, premium materials, and cutting-edge features, they deliver a truly high-end audio experience that stands out in the world of wireless headphones and earbuds.
While they might not be the best choice for those on a tight budget, their superior sound performance, exceptional craftsmanship, and long-term durability make them a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about music listening. Whether you’re after deep, immersive over-ear sound or portable, high-fidelity earbuds, B&W offers a model to suit your needs.
SHS Pro Tip: When choosing between over-ear and in-ear models, consider where and how you’ll use them. Over-ear headphones are great for immersive listening, while in-ear models offer a bit more convenience on the go.
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