Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
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
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
The SteelSeries Arctis Elite Wireless is widely praised for its exceptional comfort, impressive sound quality, and versatile features like simultaneous multi-channel audio and active noise cancellation. Users highlight its premium unboxing experience and reliable wireless range, though some note the high price tag and suggest that pure audiophiles might look elsewhere for sound quality alone. Overall, it is considered a top-tier do-it-all headset for gaming and work.
Pros
- Exceptional comfort for long sessions
- Impressive sound quality with detail
- Simultaneous multi-channel audio support
- Effective active noise cancellation
- Transparency mode for awareness
Cons
- High price point
- Sound quality may not satisfy pure audiophiles
Scores
Specifications
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | open |
| Foldable | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.30 kg★ | 0.34 kg |
| Ear Cushion | Leather | Vegan Leather |
| Headband | Aluminum, Leather | Steel, Aluminum |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | — | 10 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | — | 40 kHz★ |
| Impedance | — | 38 Ω |
| Sensitivity | — | 101 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX LL, SBC | LC3+ |
| 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 | 30 hrs |
| Charge Time | 2 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | 15 Minutes for 7 Hours | 15 min=4 Hours |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 8★ | — |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Detachable Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri | — |
| Touch Controls | ✗ | ✓★ |
| App | Bowers & Wilkins Music | Arctis Companion |
| Volume Limiting | ✗ | — |
| Gaming Mode | — | ✓★ |
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
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite
- Strong social proof (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong mic (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong anc (85th percentile)85th %ile
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 7 of 40 specs.
