Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
Sonos Ace
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
Sonos Ace
The Sonos Ace headphones receive largely positive feedback, with users praising their premium build, comfort, and excellent sound quality, especially for TV audio swap with Sonos soundbars and Dolby Atmos. Noise cancellation is often described as outstanding, though a few users find it too strong or not effective enough in certain situations. Common criticisms include the high price, limited app customization, and occasional Bluetooth connectivity issues. Overall, they are highly recommended for Sonos ecosystem owners, but some users note they may not suit everyone's taste for music or fit.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Premium build and comfort
- Strong noise cancellation
- Seamless TV audio swap
- Long battery life
Cons
- High price
- Limited app customization
- Occasional Bluetooth issues
- Weak bass for some
- Bulky carrying case
Scores
Specifications
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | Sonos Ace | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | — |
| Weight | 0.30 kg★ | 0.31 kg |
| Ear Cushion | Leather | memory foam |
| Headband | Aluminum, Leather | stainless steel |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Max | — | 20 kHz★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓★ | — |
| Codecs | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX LL, SBC | Sonos Ace Wireless Active Noise Canceling Over-Ear Headphones with Arc Premium Smart Soundbar, Black |
| 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 | Active Noise Cancellation |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.4★ |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP | — |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | USB-C |
| Detachable Cable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cable Length | 1.2000000476837158 m | 1.2000000476837158 m |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 30 hrs | 30 hrs |
| Charge Time | 2 hrs | 2 hrs |
| Fast Charging | 15 Minutes for 7 Hours | 3 min for 3 hours playback |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 8 | 8 |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | — |
| Detachable Mic | ✓★ | — |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri | voice assistant |
| Touch Controls | ✗ | — |
| App | Bowers & Wilkins Music | Sonos 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
Sonos Ace
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong social proof (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong build (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Below average comfort (30th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 3 of 36 specs.