Sennheiser HD 550
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
What Buyers Say
Sennheiser HD 550
The Sennheiser HD 550 open-back wired headphones receive overwhelmingly positive feedback for their exceptional sound quality, lightweight design, and long-term comfort. Users praise the clear highs, rich mids, and deep bass, noting that the audio performance rivals more expensive models. The included accessories like the carrying pouch and dual adapters add value, while the sturdy build and breathable cloth earpads are frequently highlighted. A few users mention the lack of wireless connectivity and a companion app as minor drawbacks, but overall sentiment is highly favorable.
Pros
- Exceptional sound clarity and detail
- Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
- Breathable cloth earpads
- Sturdy build quality
- Includes carrying pouch and dual adapters
Cons
- Strictly wired connectivity
- No companion app for audio customization
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
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
Scores
Specifications
| Sennheiser HD 550 | Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | open | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.24 kg★ | 0.30 kg |
| Ear Cushion | velour | Leather |
| Headband | synthetic leather | Aluminum, Leather |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | — | 40 mm★ |
| Drivers | — | 1★ |
| Freq Min | 6 Hz★ | — |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz★ | — |
| Impedance | 150 Ω | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Codecs | — | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX LL, SBC |
| 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 |
| Transparency | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.3★ |
| Profiles | — | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP |
| Multipoint | — | ✓★ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cable Length | 1.7999999523162842 m | 1.2000000476837158 m |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | — | 30 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | — | 2 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 15 Minutes for 7 Hours |
| Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Mic Count | — | 8★ |
| NC Mic | — | ✓★ |
| Boom Mic | — | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | — | ✓★ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | — | Siri |
| Touch Controls | — | ✗ |
| App | — | Bowers & Wilkins Music |
| Volume Limiting | — | ✗ |
Pros & Cons
Sennheiser HD 550
- Strong social proof (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong build (76th percentile)
- Strong comfort (67th percentile)
- Below average mic (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
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
Pricing
Sennheiser HD 550 offers 2.5x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 15 of 38 specs.
