Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
Focal Bathys
What Buyers Say
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
The B&W PX7 S3 headphones receive overwhelmingly positive feedback for their exceptional sound quality, with many users praising the balanced bass, clear highs, and overall audio performance. Several reviewers switched from Bose or Sony models and found the PX7 S3 superior, particularly in bass response. However, a few concerns were raised about comfort during extended wear, with one user experiencing headband pressure and ear cup discomfort after about 90 minutes. Build quality and battery life are also highlighted as strong points, though the companion app and occasional connectivity blips were noted as minor drawbacks.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Balanced bass and clear highs
- Superior to Bose and Sony
- Good build quality
- Long battery life
Cons
- Uncomfortable after 90 minutes
- Headband pressure point
- Ear cups push into ears
- Companion app could be better
- Occasional connectivity blips
Focal Bathys
The Focal Bathys are widely praised for their exceptional sound quality, which rivals wired audiophile headphones, especially in Bluetooth mode. Users highlight the warm, detailed audio, effective EQ customization, and comfortable fit, though some note the ANC is not top-tier and the lack of a passive mode is a drawback. A few reviewers mention durability concerns, such as driver rattling after two years, and the heavy weight can cause fit issues for some. Overall, they are seen as a top choice for audiophiles seeking wireless convenience.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Warm and detailed audio
- Effective EQ customization
- Comfortable for long wear
- Built-in DAC mode
Cons
- ANC not top-tier
- No passive mode
- Heavy weight
- Large volume steps
- No LDAC or aptX HD
Scores
Specifications
| Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 | Focal Bathys | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.30 kg★ | 0.35 kg |
| Ear Cushion | memory foam | real leather and microfiber |
| Headband | fabric | real leather and microfiber |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Freq Min | 5 Hz★ | 15 Hz |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz★ | 22 kHz |
| Impedance | 33 Ω | 80 Ω |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | AAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX LL, SBC | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, SBC |
| Surround | Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 Over-Ear Headphones, High-Resolution Sound, Comfortable Fit, Bluetooth, Active Noise Cancelling & Transparency Mode, 30-Hour Playtime, Quick Charge Support, Indigo Blue | Bower | — |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | Silent/Soft |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3★ | 5.1 |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cable Length | 1.2000000476837158 m | 1.2000000476837158 m |
| Range | — | 15 m★ |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 30 hrs | 30 hrs |
| Charge Time | 0.25 hrs★ | 1.5 hrs |
| Fast Charging | 15 Minutes for 7 Hours | 15 Minutes for 5 Hours |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Capacity | — | 1,060 mAh★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 8★ | 2 |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | — |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Touch Controls | ✗ | ✓★ |
| App | Bowers & Wilkins Music | Focal & Naim App |
| Volume Limiting | ✗ | ✗ |
| Gaming Mode | ✗ | — |
Pros & Cons
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
- Strong sound (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong anc (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong connectivity (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Below average affordability (6th percentile)6th %ile
Focal Bathys
- Strong connectivity (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong sound (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong anc (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong battery (78th percentile)
- Below average affordability (3rd percentile)3rd %ile
- Below average comfort (17th percentile)17th %ile
Pricing
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 offers 2.4x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 93 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 6 of 41 specs.
