Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Headphones Review: The Pinnacle of Wireless Audio Excellence

Introduction: A Legacy of Audio Excellence

Bowers & Wilkins has been at the forefront of high-fidelity audio for over five decades, consistently pushing the boundaries of what's possible in sound reproduction. Their latest flagship offering, the Px8 S2 wireless headphones, represents the culmination of this expertise—a product that has earned TechRadar's "Headphones of the Year" award for the second consecutive year. After extensive testing, it's clear why these headphones have garnered such acclaim.

As someone who has tested numerous premium headphones, I approached the Px8 S2 with high expectations. Bowers & Wilkins has built a reputation for uncompromising audio quality, and the Px8 S2 needed to deliver on that promise while competing in an increasingly crowded market of premium wireless headphones.

Design and Build Quality: Luxury Meets Functionality

The moment you unbox the Px8 S2, it's immediately apparent that these are no ordinary headphones. The attention to detail in the design and construction is exceptional. Available in two sophisticated finishes—Onyx Black and Warm Stone—the headphones exude an understated elegance that speaks to Bowers & Wilkins' commitment to premium aesthetics.

The ear cups are crafted from genuine Nappa leather, which not only looks luxurious but feels incredibly soft against the skin. This premium material choice ensures comfort during extended listening sessions, a crucial factor for professionals and audiophiles who wear headphones for hours at a time. The headband features the same high-quality leather treatment, with memory foam padding that distributes weight evenly across the head.

What sets the Px8 S2 apart from competitors is the thoughtful engineering behind every component. The hinges are robust and allow for smooth adjustment, while the replaceable ear cushions mean these headphones can last for years with proper maintenance. The overall build quality feels substantial without being heavy—a delicate balance that Bowers & Wilkins has mastered.

The Px8 S2 features premium Nappa leather and sophisticated design

Sound Quality: Where the Magic Happens

At the heart of the Px8 S2 are the proprietary 40mm Carbon Cone drivers—the same technology found in Bowers & Wilkins' acclaimed 700 Series speakers. These drivers are engineered to minimize distortion and deliver a remarkably clean, detailed sound signature that audiophiles will appreciate.

During my testing, I was immediately struck by the clarity and precision of the audio reproduction. Whether listening to classical symphonies, jazz, rock, or electronic music, the Px8 S2 handled each genre with remarkable finesse. The soundstage is impressively wide for closed-back headphones, creating a sense of space and depth that makes music feel immersive.

The bass response is particularly noteworthy. It's deep and impactful without being overwhelming, maintaining clarity even at higher volumes. The midrange is where these headphones truly shine—vocals are rendered with exceptional clarity and presence, making every lyric and nuance audible. The treble is crisp and detailed without being harsh, even during extended listening sessions.

One of the standout features is the support for aptX™ Lossless technology, which enables high-resolution audio streaming up to 24-bit/96 kHz. When paired with a compatible source device, the difference in audio quality is immediately apparent. The Px8 S2 also supports aptX™ Adaptive, ensuring optimal performance across various connection qualities.

Active Noise Cancellation: Silence is Golden

The Px8 S2 features advanced active noise cancellation (ANC) technology that utilizes eight strategically placed microphones. This system continuously monitors and adapts to your environment, effectively reducing ambient noise without the "pressure" feeling that plagues some ANC implementations.

I tested the noise cancellation in various environments—on crowded commuter trains, in busy coffee shops, and during flights. In each scenario, the ANC 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 natural-sounding.

What impressed me most was the ability to adjust ANC levels through the Bowers & Wilkins Music App. This customization allows users to find the perfect balance between noise cancellation and awareness of their environment—a feature that's particularly useful for commuters and travelers.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Built for Real-World Use

Battery life is often a weak point for premium wireless headphones, but the Px8 S2 excels in this area. With up to 30 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, these headphones can easily last through a week of regular use. Even more impressive is the quick-charge feature: just 15 minutes of charging provides an additional 7 hours of playback—perfect for those moments when you realize your headphones are about to die.

The connectivity options are comprehensive. Bluetooth 5.2 ensures stable, low-latency connections, and the headphones support multipoint pairing, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously. This is incredibly convenient for users who switch between a phone and laptop throughout the day.

For those who prefer wired listening, the Px8 S2 includes both a 3.5mm audio jack and USB-C port. The USB-C connection also supports high-resolution audio playback, giving you the best of both worlds—wireless convenience and wired quality.

User Experience and App Integration

The Bowers & Wilkins Music App enhances the Px8 S2 experience significantly. Beyond basic controls, the app allows you to customize sound profiles, adjust ANC levels, and access firmware updates. The interface is intuitive and well-designed, making it easy to fine-tune your listening experience.

One feature I particularly appreciated was the ability to save multiple sound profiles. This allows you to create custom EQ settings for different music genres or listening scenarios. The app also provides detailed battery status and connection information, giving you complete control over your headphones.

Comfort and Fit: Designed for Extended Wear

Comfort is crucial for headphones in this price range, and the Px8 S2 delivers. The combination of premium materials and thoughtful design means these headphones can be worn for hours without discomfort. The ear cups provide excellent passive isolation, and the clamping force is perfectly balanced—secure enough to stay in place during movement, but not so tight as to cause pressure points.

I wore the Px8 S2 during several 8-hour workdays, and they remained comfortable throughout. The breathable leather and memory foam padding prevent heat buildup, and the weight distribution ensures there's no strain on the neck or head.

Performance in Real-World Scenarios

To truly evaluate the Px8 S2, I tested them across various use cases:

Music Listening: Whether streaming from Spotify, Apple Music, or Tidal, the Px8 S2 consistently delivered exceptional audio quality. The sound signature is well-balanced and works well across all genres.

Video Calls: The built-in microphones provide clear voice quality for video calls and phone conversations. The ANC helps reduce background noise, ensuring your voice comes through clearly.

Gaming: While not specifically designed for gaming, the Px8 S2 performs admirably. The low latency and wide soundstage create an immersive gaming experience, though dedicated gaming headsets might offer more gaming-specific features.

Travel: The combination of excellent ANC, long battery life, and comfortable design makes the Px8 S2 ideal for travel. The included carrying case provides excellent protection, and the quick-charge feature means you're never without music during long trips.

Comparison with Competitors

In the premium wireless headphone market, the Px8 S2 competes with products like the Sony WH-1000XM5, Apple AirPods Max, and Focal Bathys. While each has its strengths, the Px8 S2 distinguishes itself through its exceptional build quality and refined sound signature.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 offers slightly better ANC, but the Px8 S2's sound quality is superior, particularly in the midrange and treble. The AirPods Max integrates seamlessly with Apple devices but lacks the audio codec support and customization options of the Px8 S2. The Focal Bathys is similarly priced and offers excellent sound, but the Px8 S2's build quality and comfort give it an edge.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional sound quality with detailed, balanced audio
• Premium build quality with genuine Nappa leather
• Excellent battery life with quick-charge capability
• Advanced ANC with customizable levels
• Support for high-resolution audio codecs
• Comfortable for extended wear
• Comprehensive connectivity options

Cons:

• Premium price point may be prohibitive for some
• Heavier than some competitors (though still comfortable)
• ANC, while excellent, isn't quite as strong as Sony's implementation
• Limited color options compared to some brands

Final Verdict: Worth the Investment

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 headphones represent the pinnacle of wireless audio technology. They successfully combine exceptional sound quality, premium materials, and thoughtful engineering into a product that justifies its $799 price tag. While there are less expensive options available, few can match the Px8 S2's combination of audio excellence and build quality.

For audiophiles, music professionals, and anyone who values exceptional audio quality, the Px8 S2 is an investment worth making. These headphones aren't just a purchase—they're a long-term companion that will enhance your listening experience for years to come.

The recognition from TechRadar as "Headphones of the Year" for two consecutive years isn't just marketing—it's a testament to Bowers & Wilkins' commitment to audio excellence. If you're in the market for premium wireless headphones and refuse to compromise on sound quality, the Px8 S2 should be at the top of your list.