Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
Sony PULSE Elite
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
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 Px8 S2 | Sony PULSE Elite | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.30 kg★ | — |
| Ear Cushion | Leather | plush |
| Headband | Aluminum, Leather | — |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | planar magnetic |
| 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 | 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 | 2 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 | Apple Home |
| Touch Controls | ✗ | ✗ |
| App | Bowers & Wilkins Music | — |
| Volume Limiting | ✗ | — |
| Water Resistance | — | IPX0 |
Pros & Cons
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
- Strong mic (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong sound (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong anc (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong connectivity (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Below average affordability (3rd percentile)3rd %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 3.3x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 8 of 36 specs.
