Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
Focal Bathys
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 Bathys
The Focal Bathys are widely praised for their exceptional sound quality, which rivals wired audiophile headphones, especially in Bluetooth mode. Users highlight the warm, detailed audio, effective EQ customization, and comfortable fit, though some note the ANC is not top-tier and the lack of a passive mode is a drawback. A few reviewers mention durability concerns, such as driver rattling after two years, and the heavy weight can cause fit issues for some. Overall, they are seen as a top choice for audiophiles seeking wireless convenience.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Warm and detailed audio
- Effective EQ customization
- Comfortable for long wear
- Built-in DAC mode
Cons
- ANC not top-tier
- No passive mode
- Heavy weight
- Large volume steps
- No LDAC or aptX HD
Scores
Specifications
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | Focal Bathys | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.30 kg★ | 0.35 kg |
| Ear Cushion | Leather | real leather and microfiber |
| Headband | Aluminum, Leather | real leather and microfiber |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Min | — | 15 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | — | 22 kHz★ |
| Impedance | — | 80 Ω |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX LL, SBC | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, 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 | Silent/Soft |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3★ | 5.1 |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cable Length | 1.2000000476837158 m | 1.2000000476837158 m |
| Range | — | 15 m★ |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 30 hrs | 30 hrs |
| Charge Time | 2 hrs | 1.5 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | 15 Minutes for 7 Hours | 15 Minutes for 5 Hours |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Capacity | — | 1,060 mAh★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 8★ | 2 |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | ✓★ | — |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Touch Controls | ✗ | ✓★ |
| App | Bowers & Wilkins Music | Focal & Naim |
| 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 Bathys
- Strong connectivity (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong sound (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong anc (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong battery (77th percentile)
- Below average comfort (15th percentile)15th %ile
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 4 of 40 specs.
