Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
Sony PULSE Elite
What Buyers Say
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
The B&W PX7 S3 headphones receive overwhelmingly positive feedback for their exceptional sound quality, with many users praising the balanced bass, clear highs, and overall audio performance. Several reviewers switched from Bose or Sony models and found the PX7 S3 superior, particularly in bass response. However, a few concerns were raised about comfort during extended wear, with one user experiencing headband pressure and ear cup discomfort after about 90 minutes. Build quality and battery life are also highlighted as strong points, though the companion app and occasional connectivity blips were noted as minor drawbacks.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Balanced bass and clear highs
- Superior to Bose and Sony
- Good build quality
- Long battery life
Cons
- Uncomfortable after 90 minutes
- Headband pressure point
- Ear cups push into ears
- Companion app could be better
- Occasional connectivity blips
Sony PULSE Elite
The PULSE Elite headset receives largely positive feedback for its sound quality, comfort, and battery life, especially from users who appreciate the planar magnetic drivers. However, several reviews note durability concerns with the hinge area and a cheap plastic wall mount, while the charging method (wall-mounted hanger) is considered inconvenient by some. Connectivity issues were reported but resolved by moving the USB adapter.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality with planar magnetic drivers
- Very comfortable for long sessions
- Great battery life
- Easy connectivity
- Good built-in microphone
Cons
- Durability concerns with hinge area
- Cheap plastic wall mount piece
- Inconvenient charging method (wall hanger)
- Audio input not best for audiophiles
- Initial connectivity disconnection issues
Scores
Specifications
| Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 | Sony PULSE Elite | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.30 kg★ | — |
| Ear Cushion | memory foam | plush |
| Headband | fabric | — |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | planar magnetic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | 5 Hz★ | — |
| Freq Max | 40 kHz★ | — |
| Impedance | 33 Ω | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓★ | — |
| Codecs | AAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX LL, SBC | — |
| Surround | Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 Over-Ear Headphones, High-Resolution Sound, Comfortable Fit, Bluetooth, Active Noise Cancelling & Transparency Mode, 30-Hour Playtime, Quick Charge Support, Indigo Blue | Bower | — |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | active |
| Transparency | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3★ | 5.0 |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP | — |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | USB-C |
| Detachable Cable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cable Length | 1.2000000476837158 m | — |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 30 hrs | 30 hrs |
| Charge Time | 0.25 hrs | 0.17000000178813934 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | 15 Minutes for 7 Hours | 10 min for 2 hours playback |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 8★ | — |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri, Google Assistant | Apple Home |
| Touch Controls | ✗ | ✗ |
| App | Bowers & Wilkins Music | — |
| Volume Limiting | ✗ | — |
| Gaming Mode | ✗ | — |
| Water Resistance | — | IPX0 |
Pros & Cons
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
- Strong sound (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong anc (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong connectivity (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Below average affordability (6th percentile)6th %ile
Sony PULSE Elite
- Strong mic (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong connectivity (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong anc (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Strong battery (78th percentile)
- Below average affordability (21st percentile)
- Below average comfort (30th percentile)
Pricing
Sony PULSE Elite offers 1.9x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 93 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 9 of 40 specs.
