Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
Bowers & Wilkins
98 Overall Score
vs
Skullcandy Icon ANC S5IOW-S740
Skullcandy
76 Overall Score
What Buyers Say
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
87 out of 100 high confidence 60 reviews
The Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2 headphones are overwhelmingly praised for their exceptional sound quality, premium build, and comfort. Users highlight the detailed, balanced audio, luxurious materials, and effective ANC, though some note that ANC is not the best in class and the price is high. A few minor complaints include the bulky case, control placement, and call quality, but overall, these are considered top-tier headphones for audiophiles.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Premium build materials
- Comfortable for long sessions
- Effective noise cancellation
- Good battery life
Cons
- High price
- ANC not best in class
- Bulky carrying case
- Controls placement awkward
- Call quality average
Sound quality 45
Build quality 30
Comfort 25
Noise cancelling 20
Battery life 15
Price 12
Skullcandy Icon ANC S5IOW-S740
No customer feedback yet
Scores
Budget
Gaming
Studio
Music
Work
Calls
Commute
Specifications
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | Skullcandy Icon ANC S5IOW-S740 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.30 kg | 0.23 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | Leather | — |
| Headband | Aluminum, Leather | metal |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Min | — | 20 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | — | 20 kHz★ |
| Impedance | — | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | — | 97.5 dB★ |
| Max SPL | — | 97.5 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓★ | — |
| Codecs | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX LL, SBC | Skullcandy Icon ANC Wireless On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones, Active Noise Cancelling, Up to 60 Hours Battery, Sweat Water Resistant, Foldable and Durable, Microphone for iPhone Android - True Black |
| Surround | Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Active Noise Cancelling & Transparency Mode, High-Res Playback, 30H Playtime with Quick Charge Support, Bluetooth Headphones, Onyx Black | Bowers | — |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | adjustable |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP | — |
| Multipoint | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cable Length | 1.2000000476837158 m | — |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 30 hrs | 60 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | 2 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | 15 Minutes for 7 Hours | 10 Minutes for 4 Hours |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 8★ | 1 |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | — |
| Detachable Mic | ✓★ | — |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri | voice assistant |
| Touch Controls | ✗ | ✗ |
| App | Bowers & Wilkins Music | Mimi |
| Volume Limiting | ✗ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | — | IPX4 |
Pros & Cons
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
- Strong mic (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong sound (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong anc (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong connectivity (98th percentile)98th %ile
Skullcandy Icon ANC S5IOW-S740
- Strong build (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong battery (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong anc (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong connectivity (88th percentile)88th %ile
Verdict
Winner: Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
Scores 98 overall, wins 6 of 7 usage categories and 5 of 41 specs.