Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
What Buyers Say
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) receive generally positive feedback for their exceptional comfort, effective noise cancellation, and good sound quality. Many users find them a significant upgrade from older models, praising the lightweight design and long battery life. However, there are notable complaints about build quality feeling cheaper than predecessors, connectivity issues, and a lack of battery level indication without the app. Some users also report that the noise cancellation is not as strong as expected, especially compared to Sony competitors, and that the controls are less intuitive than previous versions.
Pros
- Exceptional comfort for long wear
- Effective noise cancellation
- Good sound quality
- Lightweight and compact design
- Long battery life
Cons
- Build quality feels cheap and flimsy
- Connectivity and Bluetooth issues
- No battery level indicator without app
- Noise cancellation weaker than expected
- Controls less intuitive than previous models
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
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen | Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.48 kg | 0.30 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | plush cushions | Leather |
| Headband | metal | Aluminum, Leather |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | — | 40 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | BREAKTHROUGH SPATIALIZED AUDIO: Super immersive sound spatializes everything, taking the music out of your head and placing it in front of you to push the boundaries of listening. | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX LL, SBC |
| Surround | Spatial Audio | 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 | 5.4★ | 5.3 |
| Profiles | A2DP, HFP, AVRCP | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cable Length | 1 m | 1.2000000476837158 m |
| Range | 9.100000381469727 m★ | — |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 30 hrs | 30 hrs |
| Charge Time | 3 hrs | 2 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | 15 min for 2.5 hours playback | 15 Minutes for 7 Hours |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 2 | 8★ |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri, Google Assistant | Siri |
| Touch Controls | ✓★ | ✗ |
| App | Bose | Bowers & Wilkins Music |
| Volume Limiting | ✗ | ✗ |
| Gaming Mode | ✗ | — |
| Water Resistance | Waterproof | — |
Pros & Cons
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen
- Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong build (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong anc (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Below average comfort (6th percentile)6th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (22nd 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
Pricing
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen offers 1.6x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 6 of 7 usage categories and 5 of 39 specs.
