Sony WH-1000XM6
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
What Buyers Say
Sony WH-1000XM6
The Sony WH-1000XM6 earns praise for its exceptional noise cancellation, clear sound quality, and comfortable fit for many users, with several calling it the best headphones they've owned. However, a significant number of reviews highlight serious drawbacks: uncomfortable clamping force and shallow earcups causing pain, buggy multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, a fingerprint-prone finish, and disappointing customer service regarding warranty repairs and promised free gifts. While the ANC and audio are top-tier, comfort and reliability issues prevent it from being a universal recommendation.
Pros
- Exceptional noise cancellation
- Clear and detailed sound quality
- Comfortable for many users
- Long battery life
- Foldable design
Cons
- Uncomfortable clamping force
- Shallow earcups causing pain
- Buggy multipoint Bluetooth
- Fingerprint-prone finish
- Poor customer service
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
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.25 kg★ | 0.30 kg |
| Ear Cushion | synthetic leather | Leather |
| Headband | synthetic leather | Aluminum, Leather |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 30 mm | 40 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Min | 4 Hz★ | — |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz★ | — |
| Impedance | 48 Ω | — |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB★ | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | LDAC | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX LL, SBC |
| Surround | Sony WH-1000XM6 The Best Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones, HD NC Processor QN3, 12 Microphones, Studio-Quality, New Sandstone Color | Sony WH-1000XM6 The Best Noise Cancelling Wireless | Sony | Sa | 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 | adaptive |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, TMAP, PBP | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cable Length | 1.2000000476837158 m | 1.2000000476837158 m |
| Range | 10 m★ | — |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 30 hrs | 30 hrs |
| Charge Time | 3 hrs | 2 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | 3 minutes for 3 hours playback | 15 Minutes for 7 Hours |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 6 | 8★ |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri, Google Assistant | Siri |
| Touch Controls | ✓★ | ✗ |
| App | Sony | Sound Connect | Bowers & Wilkins Music |
| Volume Limiting | — | ✗ |
| Gaming Mode | ✓★ | — |
| Water Resistance | Waterproof | — |
Pros & Cons
Sony WH-1000XM6
- Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong anc (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong sound (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Below average user sentiment (22nd 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
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 8 of 42 specs.