Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
Philips SHP9500/00
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
Philips SHP9500/00
The Philips SHP9500 open-back headphones are widely praised for their exceptional value, offering audiophile-level sound quality at a budget price. Reviewers highlight the clear, detailed mids and treble, impressive soundstage, and outstanding comfort for long listening sessions. While the bass is tight and accurate, it may be insufficient for bassheads, and the open-back design causes significant sound leakage, making them unsuitable for public use. Build quality is decent for the price, though some note the plastic construction feels less premium.
Pros
- Exceptional value for money
- Clear and detailed mids and treble
- Impressive soundstage
- Very comfortable for long sessions
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Significant sound leakage
- Weak bass for bassheads
- Plastic build feels cheap
- No carrying pouch included
- Weak clamp force for active use
Scores
Specifications
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | Philips SHP9500/00 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | open |
| Foldable | ✗ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.30 kg | 0.30 kg |
| Ear Cushion | Leather | breathable ear cushion |
| Headband | Aluminum, Leather | steel |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | neodymium |
| Driver Size | 40 mm | 50 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | — | 12 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | — | 35 kHz★ |
| Impedance | — | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | — | 101 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓★ | — |
| Codecs | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX LL, SBC | — |
| 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 | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cable Length | 1.2000000476837158 m | 1.5 m |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 30 hrs★ | — |
| Charge Time | 2 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | 15 Minutes for 7 Hours | — |
| Charging | USB-C★ | — |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Mic Count | 8★ | — |
| NC Mic | ✓★ | — |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | — |
| Detachable Mic | ✓★ | — |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri | — |
| Touch Controls | ✗ | — |
| App | Bowers & Wilkins Music | — |
| 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
Philips SHP9500/00
- Strong social proof (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong sound (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong build (76th percentile)
- Below average mic (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average comfort (30th percentile)
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Pricing
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
No current pricing available
Philips SHP9500/00
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 14 of 39 specs.
