Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
Audio-Technica M-Series ATH-M50x
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
Audio-Technica M-Series ATH-M50x
Users generally appreciate the comfort and sound quality of these headphones, with many noting their versatility for podcasting, gaming, and music production. However, some complaints about distorted bass and poor fit suggest the experience can be inconsistent. Overall, they are seen as a solid choice for home use, especially given their durability over time.
Pros
- Comfortable fit
- Good sound quality
- Versatile for multiple uses
- Durable build
- Detachable cable with lock-in
Cons
- Distorted bass
- Poor fit for some
- Overrated by some users
Scores
Specifications
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | Audio-Technica M-Series ATH-M50x | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.30 kg | 0.28 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | Leather | leather |
| Headband | Aluminum, Leather | Aluminum |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm | 45 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | — | 15 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | — | 28 kHz★ |
| Impedance | — | 38 Ω |
| Sensitivity | — | 99 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓★ | — |
| Codecs | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX LL, SBC | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Pro Monitor Headphones, Black With Leather Earpads |
| 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 | 3 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
Audio-Technica M-Series ATH-M50x
- Strong build (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong social proof (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong comfort (80th percentile)80th %ile
- Strong sound (79th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (22nd percentile)
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Pricing
Audio-Technica M-Series ATH-M50x offers 2.8x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 13 of 39 specs.
