The world of premium wireless headphones sees constant innovation. Companies race to deliver better sound and advanced features. Among these competitors, Bowers & Wilkins stands out with their PX7 S2 headphones.
These headphones combine exceptional audio quality with sophisticated design. The PX7 S2 model represents a significant upgrade from its predecessor. It offers improvements in comfort, sound quality, and noise cancellation.
This comprehensive review explores every aspect of the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2. We examine their build quality, sound performance, and overall value.
Key Takeaways
Here are the essential points about the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones:
- Exceptional Sound Quality: The PX7 S2 delivers powerful and detailed audio with improved 40mm drivers that significantly reduce harmonic distortion compared to the original PX7 model
- Premium Build Materials: These headphones feature high-quality plastic construction with luxurious memory foam ear pads and technical fabric finishes that provide both durability and comfort for extended listening sessions
- Impressive Battery Performance: Users get 30 hours of continuous playback with active noise cancellation enabled, plus rapid charging that provides 7 hours of use from just 15 minutes of charging time
- Advanced Connectivity Options: The headphones support Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint pairing, aptX Adaptive codec, and can connect to two devices simultaneously for seamless switching between sources
- Strong Value Proposition: Priced at $399, the PX7 S2 offers premium audio performance that competes with headphones costing significantly more, making them excellent value for serious music listeners
Design and Build Quality Excellence
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 showcases remarkable design philosophy. These headphones maintain the signature aesthetic that defines the brand. The exterior features technical fabric materials that resist fingerprints and smudges. This material choice sets them apart from competitors like Sony headphones that show marks easily.
The construction uses high-quality plastic that feels almost metallic. The ear cups feature knit fabric detailing instead of brushed metal found on higher-end models. This design choice keeps costs reasonable while maintaining premium appeal. The headphones come in three attractive color options: black, blue with gold accents, and light gray.
Build quality impresses with attention to detail throughout. The hinges feel robust and well-engineered. The yokes sit closer to the ear cups compared to the original PX7 model. This design change improves both aesthetics and functionality. The headband construction feels more sturdy than previous generations.
The square-shaped ear cups represent another design improvement. Many users prefer this shape over the oval design of earlier models. The overall construction suggests these headphones will withstand daily use for years. Bowers & Wilkins clearly prioritized durability without sacrificing style.
Comfort and Ergonomics for Extended Use
Comfort represents a major upgrade in the PX7 S2 design. The memory foam ear pads provide excellent cushioning for extended listening sessions. These pads perfectly encapsulate the ears without creating excessive pressure. The leatherette material feels soft against the skin and resists wear over time.
The headphones weigh approximately 0.68 pounds, making them lighter than many competitors. This weight reduction comes from careful material selection and engineering optimization. Users with large heads will appreciate the comfortable clamping force that secures fit without being tight.
However, some users with smaller heads may experience movement during active use. The headband can create two pressure points on the sides of the head during very long sessions. This issue affects users with smaller head sizes more than others.
The adjustable headband accommodates various head sizes effectively. The padding distributes weight evenly across the top of the head. Users report comfortable wear for several hours without significant fatigue. The ear cups can swivel to lay flat but do not fold for compact storage.
Sound Quality That Defines Premium Audio
The PX7 S2 delivers sound quality that justifies its premium positioning. The upgraded 40mm dynamic drivers feature significant improvements over the original model. These drivers use bio-cellulose materials that reduce total harmonic distortion dramatically. The result is cleaner, more accurate sound reproduction.
The sound signature leans towards bass-heavy delivery that adds thump and energy to music. This tuning works exceptionally well with hip-hop, electronic, and pop genres. The bass response extends deep into sub-bass frequencies without overwhelming other frequencies. Mid-range frequencies remain clear and present throughout the spectrum.
Vocals cut through with excellent clarity that showcases the engineering improvements. The soundstage feels impressively wide for closed-back headphones. Instruments maintain proper separation and positioning within the stereo image. The overall presentation feels large and emotive.
High-frequency reproduction sparkles with detail without becoming harsh. The angled drivers contribute to superior spatial placement and stereo imaging. This design creates a more immersive listening experience than many competitors. The sound quality rivals headphones costing significantly more money.
Active Noise Cancellation Performance
The PX7 S2 features significantly improved noise cancellation compared to its predecessor. The system uses six microphones strategically positioned for optimal performance. This configuration provides effective noise reduction without affecting music dynamics. The noise cancellation adapts automatically to different environments.
Low-frequency noise cancellation handles airplane engines and air conditioning systems well. The headphones attenuate approximately 22.45 dB across all frequencies. They perform particularly well in mid and high-frequency ranges where passive isolation combines with active cancellation.
However, the noise cancellation does not match Sony or Bose industry-leading performance. Users seeking maximum isolation might prefer those alternatives. The PX7 S2 provides adequate noise reduction for most daily situations. Coffee shops, offices, and public transportation become more manageable environments.
The transparency mode allows ambient sound to pass through when needed. This feature helps users stay aware of their surroundings without removing the headphones. The implementation sounds natural though not quite as refined as Apple AirPods Max transparency mode.
Battery Life and Charging Capabilities
Battery performance excels with 30 hours of continuous playback including active noise cancellation. This duration matches or exceeds most premium competitors in the market. The battery life varies depending on volume levels and codec usage. Most users will easily get through several days of normal use.
Charging speed has improved significantly from the original PX7 model. The headphones charge from empty to full in approximately two hours. This represents a meaningful improvement from the three hours required by the previous generation. The USB-C charging port supports modern charging standards.
Quick charging capabilities provide exceptional convenience for busy users. A mere 15-minute charge delivers up to seven hours of playback time. This feature proves invaluable when preparing for flights or long commutes. The charging case includes a dedicated compartment for storing cables.
The headphones feature wear sensors that automatically pause playback when removed. This smart feature helps conserve battery life during brief interruptions. Users can disable this feature through the companion app if desired. Standby mode further extends battery life between uses.
Controls and User Interface Design
The PX7 S2 features excellent physical controls that provide tactile feedback. The right ear cup houses the main control cluster including power, volume, and play/pause buttons. The power switch slides rather than requiring button presses, eliminating confusion about on/off status.
Volume controls respond quickly with clear tactile feedback for each press. The multi-function button handles play/pause, track navigation, and call management. These controls work reliably even when wearing gloves during cold weather.
The left ear cup features a customizable quick action button. By default, this button cycles through noise cancellation modes including ANC on, ANC off, and transparency mode. Users can remap this function to activate voice assistants through the companion app.
Button placement feels intuitive after a brief learning period. The controls never feel accidentally triggered during normal handling. This reliability improves the overall user experience significantly. Physical buttons consistently outperform touch controls in real-world use scenarios.
Connectivity and Bluetooth Performance
Bluetooth connectivity impresses with Bluetooth 5.2 support and advanced codec compatibility. The headphones support aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, and SBC codecs. This wide compatibility ensures optimal performance across different devices and platforms.
Multipoint pairing connects two devices simultaneously for seamless switching between sources. The main device maintains priority when playing audio content. Users must pause the primary source to switch to the secondary device. This implementation works well for managing phone and computer audio.
Connection stability remains excellent during testing across various environments. The headphones maintain strong connections up to 285 feet in ideal conditions. Real-world performance stays solid within typical use ranges. Interference rarely disrupts the connection quality.
The companion app occasionally causes connection issues that require closing and reopening the application. This problem affects both connected devices when using multipoint pairing. These connectivity hiccups represent the main weakness in an otherwise solid implementation.
App Features and Customization Options
The Bowers & Wilkins Music app provides basic but functional customization options. Unlike many competitors, the app offers only bass and treble sliders instead of full equalizer control. Each slider provides up to 6dB of adjustment range in either direction.
App functionality includes battery monitoring and multi-device connection management. Users can check remaining battery percentage and adjust stream quality settings. The wear sensor toggle and quick action button remapping provide additional customization options.
Environmental controls can be adjusted through the app interface. Users can modify how the quick action button cycles through different modes. Voice assistant integration provides hands-free control when properly configured through the app.
However, the app lacks advanced features found in competitor applications. There are no preset EQ modes, room correction, or advanced audio processing options. The simple interface may appeal to users who prefer straightforward functionality over complex features.
Call Quality and Voice Performance
Voice call performance represents an area where the PX7 S2 shows room for improvement. The six-microphone array provides adequate pickup for casual phone conversations. However, the microphone quality falls short of expectations for a premium headphone.
Voice clarity sounds decent but lacks the body and richness expected from high-end headphones. Background noise rejection works reasonably well in moderate environments. Louder ambient noise can overwhelm the microphone system and affect call quality.
The microphones perform better for voice assistant activation than extended phone conversations. Quick commands and simple interactions work well through the system. Extended business calls or video conferences might benefit from dedicated headset solutions.
Noise handling capabilities separate voice from moderate ambient sound effectively. However, very loud environments like subway platforms can temporarily drown out speech. The overall call experience works for occasional use but not as a primary business tool.
Value Proposition and Competition Analysis
At $399, the PX7 S2 provides exceptional value for audiophiles seeking premium sound quality. This price point positions them below flagship models while delivering comparable audio performance. The cost represents reasonable pricing for the build quality and features provided.
Compared to Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, the PX7 S2 offers superior sound quality but slightly weaker noise cancellation. Sony provides better call quality and more comprehensive app features. However, Bowers & Wilkins excels in audio fidelity and build quality.
Against Bose QuietComfort models, the PX7 S2 delivers more engaging sound with better detail retrieval. Bose maintains advantages in noise cancellation and comfort for some users. The choice depends on priorities between audio quality and maximum noise isolation.
The PX7 S2 competes well with Apple AirPods Max in terms of sound quality while costing significantly less. Apple provides better integration with iOS devices but at a much higher price point. The value proposition strongly favors the Bowers & Wilkins option for most users.
Practical Usage Scenarios
The PX7 S2 excels in home listening environments where audio quality takes priority over portability. The detailed sound reproduction makes them ideal for critical music listening sessions. The comfortable design supports extended listening without fatigue.
Commuting and travel benefit from the solid noise cancellation and excellent battery life. The carrying case protects the headphones during transport. However, the non-folding design requires more bag space than some competitors.
Office environments work well with the transparency mode for staying aware of surroundings. The wear sensors automatically pause audio when stepping away from the desk. The professional appearance suits workplace settings.
Exercise and sports activities may not suit these headphones due to their over-ear design and lack of water resistance. The secure fit prevents them from falling off during light movement. However, dedicated sports headphones provide better solutions for intense activities.
Maintenance and Durability Considerations
The PX7 S2 construction suggests excellent long-term durability with proper care. The high-quality materials resist normal wear and tear effectively. The technical fabric exterior maintains its appearance better than leather alternatives.
Ear pad replacement becomes possible when needed due to the modular design. This serviceability extends the useful life of the headphones significantly. The memory foam maintains its shape well over extended use periods.
Regular cleaning keeps the headphones looking and performing their best. The fabric surfaces resist stains and odors better than some materials. Simple maintenance preserves both appearance and hygiene over time.
Storage in the provided case protects the headphones from damage when not in use. The hard case design prevents crushing and impact damage during transport. Proper storage significantly extends the product lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does battery life compare to competitors?
The PX7 S2 provides 30 hours of battery life with ANC enabled, matching most premium competitors and exceeding some models.
Can I use these headphones for gaming?
Yes, but the lack of 3.5mm input limits compatibility with some gaming devices. USB-C connection works with compatible systems.
Are the ear pads replaceable?
Yes, the ear pads can be replaced when they wear out, extending the headphones’ useful life significantly.
Do these work well with Android phones?
Absolutely. The headphones support all major Bluetooth codecs and work excellently with Android devices.
How good is the noise cancellation for flights?
The noise cancellation effectively reduces airplane engine noise, though Sony and Bose models provide slightly better performance in this area.
Can I adjust the sound signature?
The companion app provides basic bass and treble adjustments, but not a full equalizer like some competitors offer.
