Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
Audio-Technica 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 ATH-M50x
These headphones are widely praised for their superb sound quality, balanced audio, and excellent value for the price, making them a top choice for both casual listening and professional studio work. However, a significant number of users report durability issues, particularly with the ear pads and headband padding flaking or disintegrating after a year or two of use. Some also mention a tight clamping force that can become uncomfortable over time, and the Bluetooth model has occasional firmware or battery problems. Overall, the audio performance is exceptional, but prospective buyers should be aware of the potential longevity concerns.
Pros
- Superb sound quality
- Balanced and clear audio
- Great value for the price
- Excellent passive noise isolation
- Comfortable for long sessions
Cons
- Ear pad peeling/disintegration
- Headband padding flaking
- Tight clamping force
- Plastic hinge breakage risk
- Bluetooth freezing issues
Scores
Specifications
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.30 kg | 0.28 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | Leather | faux-leather |
| Headband | Aluminum, Leather | professional-grade material |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm | 45 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1 | 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 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones (Black) with Carrying Case, 6Ave Cleaning Kit and 1-Year |
| 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 | ✗ | — |
| Gaming Mode | — | ✗ |
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 ATH-M50x
- Strong social proof (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong comfort (80th percentile)80th %ile
- Strong sound (79th percentile)
- Strong build (76th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average mic (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Pricing
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x offers 2.7x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 13 of 40 specs.
