Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
Bowers & Wilkins
97 Overall Score
vs
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1
SteelSeries
39 Overall Score
What Buyers Say
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
87 out of 100 high confidence 60 reviews
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
Sound quality 45
Build quality 30
Comfort 25
Noise cancelling 20
Battery life 15
Price 12
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1
No customer feedback yet
Scores
Gaming
Budget
Studio
Music
Work
Calls
Commute
Specifications
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.30 kg | 0.24 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | Leather | AirWeave memory foam |
| Headband | Aluminum, Leather | — |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Codecs | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX LL, SBC | SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Multi-System Gaming Headset Hi-Fi Drivers 360° Spatial Audio Comfort Design Durable Ultra Lightweight Noise-Cancelling Mic PC, PS5/PS4, Switch, Xbox - White |
| 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 | Spatial Audio |
| 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 | Sonar Software |
| 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
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1
- Strong mic (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong comfort (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Below average social proof (24th percentile)
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
- Below average build (34th percentile)
Pricing
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S20.129score per dollar
vs
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 10.399score per dollar
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 offers 3.1x better value for money
Verdict
Winner: Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
Scores 97 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 14 of 36 specs.
