Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2

Bowers & Wilkins
97 Overall Score
vs
Beats Studio Pro

Beats Studio Pro

Beats
72 Overall Score

What Buyers Say

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2

87 out of 100 high confidence 60 reviews

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
👍 Sound quality 45
👍 Build quality 30
👍 Comfort 25
🤔 Noise cancelling 20
👍 Battery life 15
👎 Price 12

Beats Studio Pro

35 out of 100 low confidence 9 reviews

The Beats Studio Pro headphones receive mixed to negative feedback from users. While many praise the sound quality and noise cancellation, a significant number report persistent issues with crackling or static in one ear, often requiring replacements. Comfort is a major concern, with several users finding the ear cups too tight and painful after short use. Build quality is also criticized as cheap and plasticky, leading some to recommend competitors like Bose or Sony.

Pros
  • Great sound quality
  • Effective noise cancellation
  • Sleek and stylish design
  • Good bass response
  • Convenient volume control
Cons
  • Crackling or static in one ear
  • Uncomfortable tight ear cups
  • Poor build quality (cheap plastic)
  • Wind noise issues with ANC
  • Short battery life
👍 Sound quality 5
👍 Noise cancellation 3
👎 Comfort 3
👎 Build quality 3
👎 Defects 4
👎 Battery life 2

Scores

Budget
Bowers & Wilkins
91
Beats
81
Gaming
Bowers & Wilkins
91
Beats
76
Studio
Bowers & Wilkins
89
Beats
74
Music
Bowers & Wilkins
86
Beats
75
Work
Bowers & Wilkins
83
Beats
66
Commute
Bowers & Wilkins
72
Beats
74
Calls
Bowers & Wilkins
74
Beats
54

Specifications

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2Beats Studio Pro
Design
Form Factorover-earover-ear
Open/Closedclosedclosed
Foldable✗✓★
Weight0.30 kg0.26 kg★
Ear CushionLeatherUltraPlush engineered leather
HeadbandAluminum, Leather—
Audio
Driver Typedynamicdynamic
Driver Size40 mm40 mm
Drivers11
Freq Min—20 Hz★
Impedance—1 Ω
Hi-Res Audio✓✓
CodecsAAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX LL, SBCBeats Studio Pro Premium Wireless Over-Ear Headphones- Up to 40-Hour Battery Life, Active Noise Cancelling, Great for Travel & Commuting, USB-C Lossless Audio, Apple & Android Compatible - Deep Brown
SurroundBowers & 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 Spatial Audio
Noise Control
ANC✓✓
ANC Typeadaptivefully-adaptive
Transparency✓✓
Connectivity
Wireless✓✓
Bluetooth5.35.3
ProfilesA2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP—
Multipoint✓★—
Wired Connector3.5mm3.5mm
Detachable Cable✓✓
Cable Length1.2000000476837158 m—
Battery
Battery Life30 hrs40 hrs★
Charge Time2 hrs2 hrs
Fast Charging15 Minutes for 7 Hours10 Minutes for 4 Hours
ChargingUSB-CUSB-C
Microphone
Microphone✓✓
Mic Count8★—
NC Mic✓✓
Boom Mic✗✗
Detachable Mic✓★—
Features
Voice AssistantSiriSiri
Touch Controls✗✓★
AppBowers & Wilkins MusicAndroid Only
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

Beats Studio Pro

  • Strong anc (98th percentile)98th %ile
  • Strong connectivity (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
  • Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
  • Strong sound (89th percentile)89th %ile
  • Below average user sentiment (1st percentile)1st %ile

Verdict

★ Winner: Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2

Scores 97 overall, wins 6 of 7 usage categories and 3 of 37 specs.

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Better at:

WorkCallsMusicBudgetGamingStudio

Beats Studio Pro Better at:

Commute