Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
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 5
Users are overwhelmingly positive about this headset, praising its build quality, comfort, and sound clarity across multiple platforms. The Bluetooth adapter's USB shape is a minor annoyance for some PS5 users, and the mic picks up background noise, but overall it is seen as a budget-friendly, high-value purchase.
Pros
- Build quality
- Comfortable fit
- Great audio clarity
- Multi-platform compatibility
- Lightweight design
Cons
- USB adapter shape blocks other ports
- Microphone picks up background noise
- Slightly pricey for some
Scores
Specifications
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.30 kg | 0.28 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | Leather | AirWeave memory cushion |
| Headband | Aluminum, Leather | Aluminum |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | neodymium |
| Driver Size | 40 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | — | 20 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | — | 22 kHz★ |
| Impedance | — | 36 Ω |
| Sensitivity | — | 93 dB★ |
| 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 | 7.1 Virtual Surround |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | — |
| Transparency | ✓★ | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP | — |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | — |
| Detachable Cable | ✓★ | — |
| Cable Length | 1.2000000476837158 m | 1.5 m |
| Range | — | 9.100000381469727 m★ |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 30 hrs | 60 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | 2 hrs | 0.25 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | 15 Minutes for 7 Hours | 6 hours of use in just 15 minutes |
| 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 Nova 5 Companion App |
| 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
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5
- Strong mic (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong social proof (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong battery (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong connectivity (91st percentile)91st %ile
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 6 of 7 usage categories and 5 of 40 specs.