Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
JVC HARX500
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
JVC HARX500
Users consistently praise the JVC HA-RX500 headphones for their exceptional value at around $18, highlighting comfortable oversized ear pads and clear sound quality. A few note the very long 11-foot cord as either a pro or con depending on use, and one long-term owner reports they lasted over six years with minor repairs. Overall, buyers find them a reliable budget choice for everyday listening.
Pros
- Exceptional value for under $18
- Comfortable oversized ear pads
- Clear sound quality
- Long 11-foot cord
- Durable build lasting 6+ years
Cons
- Very long cord may be excessive for some
- Top padding can irritate bald users
- Sliding sides may detach over time
- Connector may wear out
- Not suitable for headphone amplifier use
Scores
Specifications
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | JVC HARX500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | — |
| Weight | 0.30 kg★ | 0.40 kg |
| Ear Cushion | Leather | cushioned |
| Headband | Aluminum, Leather | cushioned |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | — | 10 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | — | 22 kHz★ |
| Impedance | — | 70 Ω |
| Sensitivity | — | 105 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 | 3.5 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 | ✗ | — |
| Water Resistance | — | Water-Resistant |
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
JVC HARX500
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong social proof (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong sound (77th percentile)
- Strong user sentiment (72nd percentile)
- Below average comfort (10th percentile)10th %ile
- Below average mic (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Pricing
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
No current pricing available
JVC HARX500
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 15 of 40 specs.