Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
Apple EarPods
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
Apple EarPods
The Apple Lightning EarPods are praised for their crisp, well-balanced audio and comfortable, lightweight design that fits securely during daily use. Reviewers highlight the zero-latency Lightning connection as a major advantage over Bluetooth, along with the reliable inline microphone and volume controls. Some users note durability concerns, especially when pulled too hard, and one reviewer found sound quality below average compared to earlier models. The value perception drops when purchased separately versus included with an iPhone, but overall they are seen as an affordable, convenient wired option for Apple users.
Pros
- Zero-latency Lightning connection
- Crisp and balanced audio quality
- Comfortable lightweight design
- Reliable inline microphone
- Responsive volume controls
Cons
- Fragile build quality
- Poor fit during vigorous activity
- Below-average sound quality (some users)
- Lower value when purchased separately
- Requires careful handling to avoid breaking
Scores
Specifications
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | Apple EarPods | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | on-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.30 kg★ | — |
| Ear Cushion | Leather | — |
| Headband | Aluminum, Leather | — |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | — |
| Driver Size | 40 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| 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 | Lightning |
| Detachable Cable | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Cable Length | 1.2000000476837158 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 | Siri |
| Touch Controls | ✗ | ✗ |
| App | Bowers & Wilkins Music | — |
| Volume Limiting | ✗ | — |
| Gaming Mode | — | ✗ |
| 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
Apple EarPods
- Strong social proof (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong build (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Below average sound (20th percentile)20th %ile
- Below average comfort (30th percentile)
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Pricing
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
No current pricing available
Apple EarPods
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 16 of 37 specs.
