Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
Audio-Technica ATH-M50XSTS-USB
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
Audio-Technica ATH-M50XSTS-USB
Users generally praise the ATH-M50xSTS StreamSet for its excellent sound quality, comfortable fit, and high-quality microphone, making it ideal for gaming, streaming, and podcasting. It works seamlessly with iPhones and laptops without extra software. However, one reviewer notes the lack of a removable cable, a feature expected from Audio-Technica, which may affect long-term durability.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Comfortable fit
- High-quality microphone
- Easy to use
- Works with iPhone and laptop
Cons
- Non-removable cable
- Missing M50x feature
Scores
Specifications
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | Audio-Technica ATH-M50XSTS-USB | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.30 kg★ | 0.82 kg |
| Ear Cushion | Leather | mesh and leatherette |
| Headband | Aluminum, Leather | — |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm | 45 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | — | 15 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | — | 28 kHz★ |
| Impedance | — | 38 Ω |
| Sensitivity | — | 99 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX LL, SBC | Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB StreamSet Over-Ear Professional Monitor Streaming Headphones, Bundle with Desktop Stand |
| 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 | — |
| Transparency | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3★ | — |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP | — |
| Multipoint | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | USB-C |
| Detachable Cable | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Cable Length | 1.2000000476837158 m | 2 m |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 30 hrs★ | — |
| Charge Time | 2 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | 15 Minutes for 7 Hours | — |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 8★ | 1 |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Detachable Mic | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Mic Pattern | — | Unidirectional |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri | — |
| Touch Controls | ✗ | ✗ |
| App | Bowers & Wilkins Music | — |
| Volume Limiting | ✗ | — |
| Gaming Mode | — | ✗ |
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
Audio-Technica ATH-M50XSTS-USB
- Strong mic (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong sound (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong social proof (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Below average comfort (6th percentile)6th %ile
- Below average connectivity (19th percentile)19th %ile
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
- Below average build (34th percentile)
Pricing
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
No current pricing available
Audio-Technica ATH-M50XSTS-USB
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 12 of 41 specs.
