Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
HiFiMan Edition XS
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
HiFiMan Edition XS
The Hifiman Edition XS delivers exceptional sound quality with a wide, holographic soundstage and detailed, well-controlled bass. However, comfort is a major concern due to the large earcups and a headband design that can cause pressure on the head, especially for smaller heads. Build quality feels cheap with plastic parts, and there are occasional QC issues like driver rattling. Despite these flaws, many users find the audio performance outstanding for the price, making it a strong recommendation for those who prioritize sound over ergonomics.
Pros
- Exceptional soundstage and imaging
- Detailed and well-controlled bass
- Great value for the price
- Comfortable earpads for large ears
- Responds well to EQ
Cons
- Uncomfortable headband for small heads
- Cheap plastic build quality
- Large earcups may not fit small heads
- Occasional driver rattling/buzzing issues
- Short stock cable
Scores
Specifications
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | HiFiMan Edition XS | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | open |
| Foldable | ✗ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.30 kg★ | 0.41 kg |
| Ear Cushion | Leather | memory foam |
| Headband | Aluminum, Leather | refined matte black material |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | planar magnetic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | — | 8 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | — | 50 kHz★ |
| Impedance | — | 18 Ω |
| Sensitivity | — | 92 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX LL, SBC | HIFIMAN Edition XS Full-Size Over-Ear Open-Back Planar Magnetic Hi-Fi Headphones with Stealth Magnets Design, Adjustable Headband, Detachable Cable for Audiophiles, Home, Studio-Black |
| 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 | — |
| 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 | ✗ | — |
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
HiFiMan Edition XS
- Strong build (76th percentile)
- Strong social proof (72nd percentile)
- Below average comfort (10th percentile)10th %ile
- Below average mic (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Pricing
HiFiMan Edition XS offers 1.3x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 15 of 39 specs.
