Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
Focal Lensys Professional
What Buyers Say
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
Focal Lensys Professional
The Focal Lensys closed-back headphones receive high praise for their neutral yet engaging sound signature, wide soundstage for a closed-back design, and exceptional vocal clarity. Build quality is described as solid plastic that feels durable, though some users note the coiled cable is heavy and pulls on one side, and the earpad material may wear over time. Overall, they are considered a strong value in the sub-$1k range, especially for audiophiles and music producers, but the $700 price tag gives some buyers pause.
Pros
- Neutral yet engaging sound signature
- Wide soundstage for closed-back headphones
- Exceptional vocal clarity and presence
- Solid build quality for the price
- Comfortable for long listening sessions
Cons
- Coiled cable is heavy and pulls on one side
- Earpad material may wear over time
- Plastic build feels less premium
- Price considered high at $700
- Not perfectly flat for critical monitoring
Scores
Specifications
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | Focal Lensys Professional | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | — |
| Weight | 0.30 kg★ | — |
| Ear Cushion | Leather | memory foam |
| Headband | Aluminum, Leather | sturdy yet flexible |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | 1 | 2★ |
| Impedance | — | 26 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 | — |
| Detachable Cable | ✓★ | — |
| Cable Length | 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
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
Focal Lensys Professional
- Strong user sentiment (72nd percentile)
- Strong comfort (67th percentile)
- Below average connectivity (4th percentile)4th %ile
- Below average mic (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
- Below average build (34th percentile)
Pricing
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 offers 3.0x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 16 of 36 specs.
