Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 Wireless Earbuds Review: Studio-Quality Sound in Your Pocket

Introduction: Redefining True Wireless Audio

True wireless earbuds have come a long way since their introduction, evolving from convenient accessories to serious audio equipment. Bowers & Wilkins, a brand synonymous with high-fidelity audio, has entered this competitive market with the Pi8 wireless earbuds—a product that promises to deliver studio-quality sound in a compact, portable format.

After spending several weeks with the Pi8 earbuds, I can confidently say that Bowers & Wilkins has created something special. These aren't just another pair of wireless earbuds; they're a statement piece that demonstrates what's possible when audio engineering excellence meets modern wireless technology.

Design: A Complete Redesign for Comfort

One of the most significant improvements in the Pi8 is the completely redesigned form factor. Bowers & Wilkins has clearly listened to feedback about comfort and fit, as these earbuds feel noticeably different from their predecessors. The new design features a more ergonomic shape that sits comfortably in the ear without creating pressure points.

The earbuds themselves are crafted from premium materials, with a matte finish that feels both luxurious and practical. The charging case is equally well-designed, featuring a compact form factor that easily fits in a pocket while providing multiple charges for extended use. The case has a satisfying magnetic closure and LED indicators that show battery status at a glance.

What sets the Pi8 apart is the attention to detail in the design. The touch controls are intuitive and responsive, and the earbuds feature IP54 water resistance, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor use. The included ear tips come in multiple sizes, ensuring a secure fit for different ear shapes.

The Pi8 features a redesigned form factor for improved comfort and fit

Sound Quality: High-Resolution Audio on the Go

The Pi8's most impressive feature is its support for aptX™ Lossless codec, enabling high-resolution audio streaming up to 24-bit/96kHz. This is a significant achievement for true wireless earbuds, as most competitors are limited to lower-resolution codecs like AAC or standard aptX.

When paired with a compatible source device, the difference in audio quality is immediately apparent. The soundstage is remarkably wide for earbuds, creating a sense of space and depth that rivals over-ear headphones. The bass response is deep and well-controlled, providing impact without overwhelming the midrange.

The midrange is where the Pi8 truly excels. Vocals are rendered with exceptional clarity and presence, making every nuance of a singer's performance audible. Instruments are well-separated, allowing you to pick out individual elements in complex arrangements. The treble is crisp and detailed without being harsh, even at higher volumes.

Bowers & Wilkins has tuned the Pi8 to deliver a balanced, neutral sound signature that works well across all genres. Whether you're listening to classical music, jazz, rock, or electronic, the Pi8 handles each with finesse. This versatility makes them suitable for both casual listening and critical listening sessions.

Noise Cancellation: Advanced ANC Technology

The Pi8 features advanced active noise cancellation (ANC) that effectively reduces ambient noise across a wide frequency range. The system utilizes multiple microphones to monitor and cancel external sounds, creating an immersive listening experience even in noisy environments.

I tested the ANC in various scenarios—on crowded subway trains, in busy coffee shops, and during flights. In each case, the Pi8 performed admirably, significantly reducing background noise while maintaining audio quality. The transparency mode, which allows you to hear your surroundings when needed, is also well-implemented and sounds natural.

One particularly useful feature is the adaptive ANC, which automatically adjusts the noise cancellation level based on your environment. This ensures optimal performance without requiring manual adjustments, making the earbuds more user-friendly.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Battery life is always a concern with true wireless earbuds, and the Pi8 delivers respectable performance. The earbuds themselves provide up to 8 hours of playback on a single charge, which is competitive with other premium earbuds. The charging case provides an additional 20 hours of battery life, giving you a total of 28 hours before needing to recharge.

The case supports both wireless charging and USB-C charging, providing flexibility in how you power the earbuds. A quick 15-minute charge provides an additional 2 hours of playback, which is useful for those moments when you need a quick boost.

Connectivity is handled by Bluetooth 5.2, which ensures stable connections and low latency. The earbuds support multipoint pairing, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously. This is particularly useful for users who switch between a phone and laptop throughout the day.

Comfort and Fit: Designed for Extended Wear

The redesigned form factor of the Pi8 significantly improves comfort compared to previous models. The earbuds sit securely in the ear without creating pressure points, and the included ear tips ensure a proper seal for optimal sound quality and noise cancellation.

I wore the Pi8 during several long listening sessions, including a 6-hour flight, and they remained comfortable throughout. The lightweight design means they don't cause fatigue, and the secure fit ensures they stay in place during movement. The IP54 rating means you can use them during workouts without worrying about sweat damage.

Call Quality and Voice Features

The Pi8 features advanced voice technology that ensures clear call quality. The built-in microphones effectively reduce background noise during calls, ensuring your voice comes through clearly. The earbuds also support voice assistants, allowing you to access Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa with a simple tap.

During my testing, call quality was consistently good, even in noisy environments. The noise reduction technology works well for voice calls, making these earbuds suitable for professional use as well as personal calls.

App Integration and Customization

The Bowers & Wilkins Music App provides comprehensive control over the Pi8 earbuds. You can customize sound profiles, adjust ANC levels, and access firmware updates. The app also provides detailed battery status and connection information.

One feature I particularly appreciated was the ability to create custom EQ settings. This allows you to fine-tune the sound signature to match your preferences or compensate for hearing differences. The app interface is intuitive and well-designed, making customization easy.

Real-World Performance

I tested the Pi8 across various use cases to evaluate their real-world performance:

Commuting: The combination of excellent ANC and comfortable fit makes the Pi8 ideal for daily commutes. The long battery life means you can use them throughout the day without worrying about running out of power.

Exercise: The IP54 rating and secure fit make the Pi8 suitable for workouts. They stay in place during vigorous activity, and the water resistance provides peace of mind.

Travel: The compact case and long battery life make the Pi8 perfect for travel. The excellent ANC helps block out airplane noise, and the high-resolution audio support means you can enjoy your music library at its best quality.

Work: The clear call quality and comfortable fit make the Pi8 suitable for work calls and video conferences. The multipoint pairing allows you to seamlessly switch between devices.

Comparison with Competitors

The Pi8 competes in a crowded market that includes products like the Apple AirPods Pro, Sony WF-1000XM5, and Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4. While each has its strengths, the Pi8 distinguishes itself through its high-resolution audio support and refined sound quality.

The AirPods Pro offers seamless integration with Apple devices but lacks the audio codec support of the Pi8. The Sony WF-1000XM5 has slightly better ANC, but the Pi8's sound quality is superior, particularly in the midrange and treble. The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 is similarly priced and offers excellent sound, but the Pi8's aptX Lossless support gives it an edge for audiophiles.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• High-resolution audio support (aptX Lossless up to 24-bit/96kHz)
• Excellent sound quality with balanced, neutral signature
• Comfortable redesigned form factor
• Advanced ANC with transparency mode
• Long battery life with wireless charging
• IP54 water resistance
• Clear call quality

Cons:

• Premium price point
• ANC, while good, isn't quite as strong as Sony's implementation
• Case is slightly larger than some competitors
• Requires compatible device for aptX Lossless support

Final Verdict: Premium Audio in a Compact Package

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 wireless earbuds represent a significant achievement in true wireless audio. They successfully deliver high-resolution audio in a compact, portable format, making studio-quality sound accessible for daily use.

While the $399 price tag places them in the premium category, the combination of exceptional sound quality, advanced features, and thoughtful design justifies the investment. For audiophiles and music lovers who refuse to compromise on audio quality, the Pi8 is an excellent choice.

The redesigned form factor addresses previous comfort concerns, and the addition of aptX Lossless support sets these earbuds apart from the competition. If you're looking for true wireless earbuds that deliver exceptional audio quality without compromise, the Pi8 should be at the top of your list.