Looking for premium wireless headphones that deliver exceptional sound quality? After spending several weeks testing the B&W Px7 S2e, we can confidently say these over-ear headphones are serious contenders in the high-end audio market.
The Px7 S2e headphones showcase Bowers & Wilkins’ commitment to audio excellence with their custom-designed 40mm drivers and 24-bit processing. The sound profile is remarkably balanced, offering crisp highs and detailed mids, though bass lovers might find them slightly restrained compared to some competitors.
- PREMIUM "EVOLVED" HEADPHONES- Hear music exactly as the artist intended with Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e over-ear bluetooth headphones features a 24-bit DSP with custom-designed 40mm drive units angled inside each earcup & Qualcomm aptX Adaptive
- COMFORTABLE DESIGN & PERFECT FIT - Experience comfort & elegance with these over-ear wireless Bluetooth headphones over the ear premium design. The luxurious foam earpads with fabric finish and metal detailing cushion ears, ensuring comfortable listening
- NOISE-FREE, CLEAR CONVERSATIONS - Immerse yourself in dynamic music and enjoy crystal-clear call quality. These over-ear wireless headphones feature 6 microphones with outstanding noise cancellation that shuts out unwanted intrusions
Comfort is a standout feature with these headphones. The plush foam earpads with fabric finish make extended listening sessions a pleasure, while the premium build quality with metal detailing gives them a luxurious feel. At just over 10 ounces, they’re substantial without becoming burdensome during long wear.
The active noise cancellation performs admirably in most environments, though it may not completely silence the loudest surroundings like some competitors. The transparency mode works well for quick conversations without removing the headphones. Battery life meets the claimed 30 hours, and the quick-charge feature provides several hours of playback from just a brief charging session.
Bottom Line
The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e headphones deliver exceptional sound quality, premium build, and solid noise cancellation in a stylish package.
For listeners who prioritize audio fidelity and comfort over absolute noise isolation, these headphones represent an excellent investment.
Ready to elevate your listening experience? Click here to purchase the B&W Px7 S2e headphones on Amazon today!
Overview of Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e Over-Ear Headphones
Premium audio quality meets sophisticated design in these high-end wireless headphones. The Px7 S2e delivers impressively balanced sound through custom-designed 40mm drivers angled perfectly within each earcup.
Battery life is exceptional, offering a full 30 hours of playback on a single charge with quick-charging capabilities for those on-the-go moments. The active noise cancellation performs admirably in various environments, effectively blocking unwanted ambient noise.
Comfort is clearly a priority in the design, with luxurious foam earpads featuring a fabric finish that remains comfortable during extended listening sessions. The headband provides good support without excessive clamping force.
Call quality stands out thanks to the six-microphone array that keeps conversations clear even in noisy settings. The Bowers & Wilkins music app provides useful customization options, though some may find the bass response could use enhancement depending on musical preferences.
Immersive Audio Quality
The sonic landscape created by these headphones is nothing short of impressive. The Px7 S2e delivers a remarkably detailed soundstage that makes music feel three-dimensional rather than flat.
Instrument separation is particularly noteworthy, allowing listeners to distinguish individual elements within complex compositions. The 40mm custom-designed drivers produce clear, articulate highs without harshness, while the midrange reproduction brings vocals forward with natural warmth.
Bass response is well-controlled rather than overwhelming, providing enough punch for modern genres without muddying the overall sound profile. The 24-bit processing and high-resolution DSP contribute significantly to this clarity, especially when paired with aptX Adaptive-compatible devices.
While audiophiles might find the default tuning slightly colored toward excitement rather than strict neutrality, most users will appreciate the engaging presentation. The B&W Music app offers EQ adjustments for those who prefer to customize their listening experience.
Noise cancellation works effectively to preserve audio quality in noisy environments without creating the “pressure” sensation common in lesser headphones.
Luxurious Comfort and Elegance
Wearing these Px7 S2e headphones for extended listening sessions feels like a genuine treat. The plush foam earpads with fabric finish create a soft cushion against the ears, preventing the discomfort that typically comes with long-term wear.
The premium construction is immediately apparent through thoughtful design elements. Metal detailing adds a sophisticated touch without adding unnecessary weight. At just the right pressure, they provide a secure fit without clamping too tightly on the head.
The Anthracite Black finish offers a refined aesthetic that works equally well in professional settings or casual environments. Unlike some competitors, these B&Ws strike an excellent balance between luxury and practicality.
Even after several hours of continuous use, ear fatigue is minimal. The ergonomic design distributes weight evenly across the headband, making them comfortable enough to forget you’re wearing them. This level of comfort complements the premium sound quality, creating a truly immersive listening experience.
Advanced Noise Cancellation Technology
The noise cancellation capabilities on these B&W Px7 S2e headphones truly stand out from the competition. With six strategically placed microphones working together, the system effectively creates a peaceful listening environment by blocking out ambient noise without compromising sound quality.
When testing the headphones in a busy café, the technology impressively filtered out background chatter and clinking dishes. For travelers, the Px7 S2e performs admirably against airplane engine noise and terminal announcements. The intensity of noise cancellation can be adjusted through the companion app, allowing for customization based on different environments.
The transparency mode is equally impressive, letting in just enough external sound when needed for awareness of surroundings. Switching between modes is seamless with responsive touch controls. While not quite reaching the absolute silence of some competitors, the balance between noise cancellation effectiveness and audio fidelity makes these headphones stand out in real-world use.
Intuitive Controls and Customization
The control system on the Px7 S2e strikes an impressive balance between simplicity and functionality. Physical buttons along the right earcup provide tactile feedback that’s far more reliable than temperamental touch controls found on competing models. Users can easily manage volume, track navigation, and calls without removing their gloves or fumbling with gestures.
The Bowers & Wilkins music app transforms these headphones from good to exceptional. Through the clean interface, listeners can fine-tune their audio experience with customizable EQ settings that actually make meaningful differences to the sound profile. The app also offers direct music streaming capabilities and seamless voice assistant integration.
Switching between noise cancellation and transparency modes requires just a simple button press. This thoughtful design means you can quickly transition from immersive listening to awareness of your surroundings without interrupting your music flow. The headphones remember your preferences between sessions, eliminating the need for constant readjustments.
Extended Battery Life for All-Day Listening
Battery life is a crucial factor when investing in premium wireless headphones, and the Px7 S2e doesn’t disappoint. These headphones deliver an impressive 30 hours of continuous playback with active noise cancellation enabled. This extended runtime means you can confidently use them throughout an entire workday and commute without reaching for a charger.
Quick-charge capability is another standout feature. When the battery does run low, a brief charging session provides several hours of additional listening time. The USB-C charging port ensures compatibility with modern cables and adapters.
During testing, the battery indicator in the companion app provided accurate readings of remaining power. The headphones also maintained consistent performance even as battery levels decreased, without compromising sound quality or noise cancellation effectiveness. This reliable battery management makes the Px7 S2e an excellent travel companion for long flights or extended workdays.
Pros and Cons
After extensive testing across various environments, these premium headphones deliver impressive performance with some notable advantages and a few drawbacks to consider before making your purchase.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality with well-balanced audio profile and impressive clarity
- Premium build quality featuring luxurious foam earpads and elegant metal detailing
- Long battery life offering 30 hours of playback, perfect for extended trips
- Effective noise cancellation that blocks ambient sounds without compromising audio quality
- Comfortable fit for extended listening sessions, even with glasses
- Intuitive controls that are responsive and easy to access while wearing
- High-quality microphone array providing clear call quality in most environments
Cons
- Bass performance may feel slightly underwhelming for those who prefer more powerful low frequencies
- Price point sits on the higher end of the premium headphone market
- App required for full functionality and customization options
- No multi-device connectivity which can be inconvenient for users who frequently switch between devices
- Slightly heavier than some competing models in the same class
- Carrying case is bulkier than some competitors, taking up more space in bags
The Px7 S2e strikes an impressive balance between audio performance, comfort, and features. While they excel in sound quality and build materials, bass enthusiasts might find them slightly restrained in the low end, and the price reflects their premium positioning.
Customer Reviews
Users consistently praise the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e for its exceptional sound quality and premium build. With over 1,000 ratings and a strong 4.4-star average, these headphones have made a positive impression on most buyers. Many reviewers highlight the excellent battery life, with the promised 30-hour playback holding up well in real-world use.
The headphones receive particularly high marks for their elegant design and comfortable fit. While most users are satisfied with the audio performance, some mention that bass response could be stronger, though many find it perfectly balanced for their listening preferences. Connectivity appears seamless for most users, with Bluetooth pairing working reliably across devices.
Several customers noted they switched from other premium brands and found the Px7 S2e to exceed their expectations, especially when purchased during sale events like Prime Day. The noise cancellation features receive positive mentions, though they aren’t always the central focus of customer feedback.
Conclusion
After thorough testing, these Px7 S2e headphones deliver exceptional value for discerning audio enthusiasts. The enhanced noise cancellation performs admirably in various environments, effectively blocking unwanted noise while the transparency mode provides awareness when needed. Battery life consistently reaches the promised 30 hours, making them reliable companions for extended use.
While some users may find the bass response less powerful than competing models, the overall sound signature offers impressive clarity and detail. The comfortable fit allows for extended listening sessions without discomfort, though those with smaller heads might need to adjust them regularly.
For the price point, the Px7 S2e represents a strong contender in the premium headphone market. The elegant design, solid build quality, and reliable performance make these headphones a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking high-quality wireless audio without venturing into ultra-premium price territory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Navigating the premium headphone market can be overwhelming with so many high-quality options available. After spending considerable time testing the Px7 S2e in various situations, I’ve compiled answers to the most common questions potential buyers have about these impressive over-ears.
How do the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e compare to the Sony WH-1000XM5 in terms of noise cancellation and sound quality?
The Px7 S2e and Sony WH-1000XM5 represent different approaches to premium audio. In noise cancellation, the Sony headphones edge out slightly with more comprehensive blocking of low-frequency sounds and better adaptive ANC. However, the Px7 S2e offers a more natural sound signature with superior instrument separation and midrange clarity.
The B&W headphones deliver a more accurate, detailed sound profile that audiophiles will appreciate, while Sony’s offering has a warmer, more bass-forward presentation. For calls, both perform admirably, though Sony’s eight-microphone array might perform slightly better in very noisy environments than B&W’s six-microphone system.
What improvements have been made in the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e over the previous Px7 model?
The S2e represents a meaningful evolution from previous Px7 models. Key improvements include:
- Refined sound profile with better bass control and more detailed high frequencies
- Enhanced DSP processing for improved noise cancellation performance
- More comfortable fit with redesigned memory foam ear cushions
- Upgraded microphone system for clearer call quality
- Better app integration with the B&W Music app
The overall build quality remains excellent, but the S2e adds subtle refinements to the materials and finish that make them feel even more premium than their predecessors.
Can the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e compete with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra in terms of comfort and battery life?
The Px7 S2e holds its own against the Bose QuietComfort Ultra in both categories. For comfort, the B&W headphones feature plush memory foam earpads with a fabric finish that creates a balanced clamping force suitable for extended listening sessions. The Bose might feel slightly lighter on the head, but the difference is minimal for most users.
Regarding battery life, the Px7 S2e clearly outperforms with 30 hours of playback compared to Bose’s 24 hours. Both headphones offer quick charging capabilities, with the B&W providing 7 hours of playback from a 15-minute charge. The S2e’s superior battery performance makes it a better choice for frequent travelers or those who dislike frequent recharging.
What are the differences in features and performance between the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e and the Sennheiser Momentum 4?
| Feature | Px7 S2e | Sennheiser Momentum 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Life | 30 hours | 60 hours |
| Sound Signature | Detailed, balanced | Warm, bass-focused |
| Noise Cancellation | Very good | Excellent |
| Microphone Quality | Excellent | Very good |
| Comfort | Premium materials, moderate weight | Lightweight, comfortable for extended use |
| App Experience | Good, improving | Comprehensive, mature |
The Momentum 4 offers extraordinary battery life and slightly more effective noise cancellation, while the Px7 S2e delivers a more premium build quality and what many consider a more accurate sound reproduction. The B&W headphones excel in call quality, though both perform admirably in this regard.
Is there a significant difference in audio quality between the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e and the Px8 model?
Yes, there is a noticeable difference between these siblings. The Px8 represents B&W’s flagship model with:
- Carbon fiber composite drivers (vs. S2e’s custom 40mm drivers)
- More refined tuning with better instrument separation
- Superior build quality with real leather and cast aluminum components
- Slightly better noise cancellation performance
The Px7 S2e delivers approximately 85-90% of the Px8’s sound quality at a significantly lower price point. Unless you’re a serious audiophile or particularly value the premium materials of the Px8, the S2e represents the better value proposition for most listeners.
What are users saying about the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e on platforms like Reddit and Rtings?
User sentiment across platforms is generally positive for the Px7 S2e. On Reddit, audio enthusiasts praise the headphones’ balanced sound signature and build quality, though some mention the noise cancellation isn’t quite at Sony or Bose levels. Rtings gives the headphones high marks for sound accuracy and build quality while noting the ANC performance as good but not class-leading.
Common praise points from users include:
- Exceptional sound clarity with well-balanced frequency response
- Premium build quality that justifies the price point
- Comfortable for extended wear despite being slightly heavier than some competitors
Criticisms typically center around the app experience (though recent updates have improved this) and noise cancellation that, while very good, doesn’t quite match the best from Sony and Bose. Many users appreciate the more natural listening experience compared to heavily processed sound from competitors.
