Bowers & Wilkins Pi6
Shure SE535-CL
What Buyers Say
Bowers & Wilkins Pi6
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 earbuds receive generally positive feedback for their excellent sound quality, comfort, and effective noise cancellation. However, many users express frustration with the limited app features, lack of wireless charging, and occasional connectivity issues. While the audio performance is often praised as outstanding, the overall value is questioned at this price point due to these shortcomings.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Comfortable fit
- Effective noise cancellation
- Good battery life
- Premium build quality
Cons
- Limited app features
- No wireless charging
- Connectivity issues
- Touch controls finicky
- Case doesn't stand up
Shure SE535-CL
The Shure SE425 earphones deliver outstanding sound quality with crystal-clear vocals and a balanced soundstage, making them ideal for pop music and female vocals. However, the included cables are a major letdown—users report flimsy construction, crackling sounds from the wired cable, and a cheap plastic clip that breaks easily. While the audio performance is praised, the build quality of accessories and the stiff behind-ear cable detract from the overall experience.
Pros
- Crystal-clear vocals
- Balanced soundstage
- Excellent for pop music
- Great treble and mids
- Tight solid bass
Cons
- Flimsy included cables
- Crackling sound from wired cable
- Cheap plastic clip breaks easily
- Stiff behind-ear cable
- Overpriced compared to SE425
Scores
Specifications
| Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 | Shure SE535-CL | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | over-the-ear |
| Ear Tips | XS, S, M, L | S, M, L |
| Weight | 0.01 kg★ | 0.44 kg |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | balanced armature |
| Driver Size | 12 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | 1 | 3★ |
| Freq Min | — | 18 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | — | 19 kHz★ |
| Impedance | — | 36 Ω |
| Sensitivity | — | 119 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓★ | — |
| Codecs | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, SBC | Shure SE535 Isolating In-Ear Stereo Headphones with Detachable Cable, Frequency Range 18 Hz - 19 kHz, Clear |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓★ | — |
| ANC Type | adaptive | — |
| Transparency | ✓★ | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓★ | — |
| Bluetooth | 5.4★ | — |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP | — |
| Multipoint | ✓★ | — |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 8 hrs★ | — |
| Charge Time | 2 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | 15 Minutes for 2 Hours | — |
| Charging | USB-C★ | — |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 24 hrs★ | — |
| Case Charging | USB-C★ | — |
| Wireless Charging | ✗ | — |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 3★ | — |
| NC Mic | ✓★ | — |
| Features | ||
| Touch Controls | ✓★ | — |
| App | Bowers & Wilkins Music App | — |
| Volume Limiting | ✗ | — |
| Gaming Mode | ✗ | — |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | — |
| Water Resistance | IP54 | — |
Pros & Cons
Bowers & Wilkins Pi6
- Strong anc (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong sound (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong comfort (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong connectivity (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (33rd percentile)
- Below average build (34th percentile)
Shure SE535-CL
- Strong sound (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong social proof (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Below average comfort (1st percentile)1st %ile
- Below average connectivity (12th percentile)12th %ile
- Below average anc (31st percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (33rd percentile)
Pricing
Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 offers 7.7x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 78 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 16 of 36 specs.
