Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
Soundcore Life Q30
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
Soundcore Life Q30
The Soundcore Life Q30 headphones are widely praised for their excellent sound quality, strong active noise cancellation, and impressive battery life, especially given the affordable price. Many users find them comfortable and appreciate the customizable EQ in the app. However, several reviewers noted issues with the ear pads splitting over time, and a recurring complaint is that ANC does not work when using the wired AUX connection, which is a significant drawback for some. The lack of a hard case is also a minor disappointment for a few.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Strong active noise cancellation
- Impressive battery life
- Comfortable fit
- Customizable EQ in app
Cons
- ANC not working when wired
- Ear pads split over time
- No hard case included
- Microphone issues when wired
- No low latency codec
Scores
Specifications
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | Soundcore Life Q30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.30 kg | 0.26 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | Leather | protein leather |
| Headband | Aluminum, Leather | memory foam |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers | 1 | 2★ |
| Freq Min | — | 16 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | — | 40 kHz★ |
| Impedance | — | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | — | 95 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX LL, SBC | SBC, AAC |
| 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 | hybrid |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3★ | 5.0 |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP | — |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cable Length | 1.2000000476837158 m | 1.2000000476837158 m |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 30 hrs | 50 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | 2 hrs★ | 5 hrs |
| Fast Charging | 15 Minutes for 7 Hours | 5-minute charge gives you 4 hours of listening |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 8★ | 2 |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Siri, Google Assistant |
| Touch Controls | ✗ | ✓★ |
| App | Bowers & Wilkins Music | Soundcore App |
| Volume Limiting | ✗ | — |
| Gaming Mode | — | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | — | Water-Resistant |
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
Soundcore Life Q30
- Strong sound (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong anc (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
Pricing
Soundcore Life Q30 offers 9.9x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 6 of 7 usage categories and 4 of 41 specs.
