Noble FoKus Apollo
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
What Buyers Say
Noble FoKus Apollo
The Noble Audio headset receives mixed feedback: while many praise its excellent sound clarity, powerful bass, and effective noise cancellation, a significant number of users report hardware defects out of the box, poor build quality with earcups detaching, and uncomfortable fit for long sessions. Customer service responsiveness is also criticized. The sound quality is often described as superior to competitors like Sony XM6 and Sennheiser Momentum 4, but reliability issues and high price deter recommendations.
Pros
- Excellent sound clarity and detail
- Powerful bass without muddiness
- Effective noise cancellation
- Good microphone quality for calls
- Comfortable for long hauls with adjustments
Cons
- Hardware defects out of the box
- Poor build quality (earcups detaching)
- Uncomfortable for long sessions (head pressure)
- Insufficient volume and bass for some
- Poor customer service responsiveness
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
Scores
Specifications
| Noble FoKus Apollo | Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | — | ✗ |
| Weight | 1.40 kg | 0.30 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | memory foam, premium protein leather | Leather |
| Headband | Alcantara | Aluminum, Leather |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic + planar magnetic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers | 2★ | 1 |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | LDAC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, SBC | 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 | hybrid | adaptive |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Profiles | — | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cable Length | — | 1.2000000476837158 m |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 80 hrs★ | 30 hrs |
| Charge Time | — | 2 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 15 Minutes for 7 Hours |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 6 | 8★ |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | — | Siri |
| Touch Controls | ✗ | ✗ |
| App | Noble FoKus app | Bowers & Wilkins Music |
| Volume Limiting | — | ✗ |
| Gaming Mode | ✓★ | — |
Pros & Cons
Noble FoKus Apollo
- Strong mic (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong sound (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong connectivity (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong battery (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (5th percentile)5th %ile
- Below average comfort (10th percentile)10th %ile
- Below average social proof (21st percentile)
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
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 3 of 37 specs.