Odi Productions
In this article, I’m going to share my HONEST Bowers and Wilkins Px8 review for those who are wondering whether they are WORTH IT in 2025. I’ll also be comparing the Bowers and Wilkins Px8 vs Px7 S3, Px7 S2e, Sony WH-1000XM6, Apple AirPods Max, Sennheiser Momentum 4, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and more!
I’m going to do my best to share whether these headphones are worth it, and ideally who these headphones are for. I’ve owned these headphones for a while now and have quite a few thoughts.
I’ll be sharing my critical opinion with 10 years of experience as a professional music producer, audio engineer, and tech journalist.
Let’s dive right in!
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 review in short
The Bowers and Wilkins Px8 has excellent sound quality for those who prefer a warmer, darker, smoother sound signature that excels mostly for older genres. Combine that with excellent comfort, build quality, and some of the most premium materials we’ve tested, it justifies the price. Competes very well against Sony WH-1000XM6, Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S3, Sennheiser Momentum 4, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, Apple AirPods Max, Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e, Focal Bathys, and Bang & Olufsen H95.
Bowers and Wilkins Px8 Pros and Cons
- Audiophile-level sound quality
- Excellent comfort
- Premium materials and build quality
- Decent noise cancelling
- Sound profile not for everybody
- Expensive
- Lacks sub-bass slam and treble
- Smaller soundstage
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Bowers and Wilkins Px8 Sound Quality
At its $700 retail pricetag, the expectations going into my review of the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 were rather high.
Not to mention, I had just reviewed the excellent Px7 S2e which impressed me greatly, so the natural instinct is that the flagship Px8 is simply a better version of the Px7, right?
… Right?
Well, to my surprise, my first impression of the Px8 was a bit disappointing, honestly.
*Gasp*
How is this even possible? The “cheaper” Px7 S2e impressed me upon first listen and continues to impress.
Well, the main “issue” of my first impression with the Px8 is its stock sound profile and tonality.
I would describe listening to the Px8 as a darker, warmer, smaller intimate soundstage, and almost entirely mid-focused sound profile that is definitely NOT for everyone, and is the opposite of my personal listening preference.
(My listening preference is neutral bright, big open soundstage, vocal-forward, detailed, and slightly recessed mids to focus more on sub-bass and treble. For the audiophiles reading, the Hifiman house sound, essentially.)
To my ear, the Px8 is missing out on the sub-bass slam and treble detail, in favor of a somewhat unnaturally forward upper-bass and lower mid bump.
The result of this sound profile is a perception of muddiness, with vocals not always taking the center spotlight and sometimes playing second fiddle to other instruments. Excuse the pun. (Is that a pun?)
Now that was my FIRST impression, but interestingly, something happened after spending 50+ hours with the Px8… I began to truly enjoy it.
So I’ve read online the Px8 is quite polarizing, and I think it’s 80-90% to do with the notes mentioned above. Mainly, sound profile and listening preference.
BUT there are 3 things that I believe changed my perception of the Px8:
- “Brain burn-in” of getting used to the darker sound profile
- The leather earpad cushions loosening up and forming a better physical seal, leading to better tonality and bass
- Listening to the headphones in Wired mode
My description of the Px8’s sound profile is NOT a negative, just meant to point those in the right direction if you know what you like or dislike.
There are benefits to the Px8’s sound profile, and I believe those are:
- Excellent timbre for this class (vocals, drums, instruments sound “realistic” and believable)
- The smoothest and most relaxing sounding headphones
- Emotion over critical listening (intimate soundstage)
So, with that said, let me run through some quick comparisons below and wrap up my thoughts after.
vs Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
The newer Px7 S3 is the exact polar opposite of the Px8’s warm and lush sound signature, opting for the most consumer-friendly V-shaped response in the Bowers and Wilkins family thus far.
The Px7 S3 excels where the Px8 lacks, namely in its strong sub-bass response and forward treble which has a bit more detail and clarity.
But, the Px8 exposes the recessed mids of the Px7 S3, and has more full body to the vocals with a more realistic timbre overall.
Both are technically excellent when it comes to sound quality, but the choice boils down to listening preference.
vs Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
I much prefer the tonality and sound profile of the Px7 S2e, which is actually quite similar to the Px8, but just slightly more balanced enough to even out the “wonky” Px8 frequency response.
The Px7 S2e has more prominent sub-bass slam, and slightly more detailed treble pushing forward.
The Px8 has better mids and more realistic timbre, but not as exciting to listen to, especially for modern music genres like Pop, Hip Hop, and EDM.
The Px8 is the more technically-excellent, but it’s hampered by its sound profile IMO.
vs Sennheiser Momentum 4
The Momentum 4’s stock profile is the opposite of the PX8, focused heavily on sub-bass and treble. Even then, I’d still say it’s more balanced than the Px8, because it has 2 of the 3 main frequency bands instead of just 1.
Sennheiser’s 5-band EQ or Sound Personalization makes a great effort to balance out the Momentum 4 for even better tonality.
The Px8 is the more “audiophile” headphone when it comes to resolution, separation, and timbre, but the Momentum 4 wins on soundstage, airiness, and “fun” for modern genres. Prefer the Px8 for older genres and acoustic music like Classical, and most definitely Jazz, which I think no headphone touches the Px8 on.
vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra
My Bose QuietComfort Ultra has custom EQ, which is important to note for this comparison.
(Stock for stock, the Px8 is more enjoyable and a step above in sound quality.)
The QC Ultra with EQ is able to create a balanced tonality similar to the Focal Bathys and EQ’d Sennheiser Momentum 4.
It’s a step down in timbre and resolution compared to the Px8, but has better layer separation and detail due to simply having more forward treble and being balanced as a whole.
The sub-bass is much more impactful on the QC Ultra.
The Ultra has a much bigger and open soundstage with much more airiness. It’s a better choice for movies and gaming than the narrow soundstage of Px8.
vs Focal Bathys
I think the Focal Bathys is the best tuned sound profile out of this entire wireless ANC headphone class.
It’s got everything. Bass, mids, treble. Open soundstage and spacing with some airiness. Resolution and clarity is top-notch for this category. With some good, round, dynamic driver sub-bass slam and quantity to enjoy. Very musical and engaging sound.
I actually think both headphones are on the same technical level of sound quality, but the Bathys is tuned so much more “correct” IMO.
The Px8 has the better timbre, but is a bit boring and “dry” to listen to compared to the exciting Bathys.
When watching movies, the Bathys is much more exciting and expansive as a whole, but the Px8 has the better dialogue.
vs Bang & Olufsen H95
The Bang & Olufsen H95 really is the completely opposite of the Px8. It’s almost entirely bass and treble-forward, with a bigger dip in the mids than the well-balanced Focal Bathys.
Think of the Bathys like the Goldilocks in terms of balance.
The H95 is more of my listening preference versus the Px8, but not as much as the Bathys. It’s pushing forward a ton of treble energy which can get sibilant which I do not like, but most of the time, this results in a very resolving and detailed sound.
The bass is very pleasing, it’s impactful and good slam while still being very controlled. I think I like the H95’s bass the best in this class.
The Px8 has much better mids and timbre, with similar level of sound quality as a whole. Again, it’s really just that sound profile holding it back.
vs Apple AirPods Max
The Px8 is a step above in overall sound quality compared to the AirPods Max.
The APM has plenty of detail and is much more treble-forward, but is sounding thin against the Px8 back to back.
Both have similarly cleaner bass response, not as much slam as the others above. I prefer the Px8’s bass.
Overall thoughts on sound quality…
I’m somewhat torn here.
The Px8 has improved immensely since my first impressions, and I’ve grown to truly enjoy its relaxing and smooth sound signature that has better timbre than anything I’ve heard in this class.
And I’d like to also put aside my personal listening preference which is pretty much the exact opposite of the Px8’s sound profile.
Objectively, the Px8’s technical sound quality is in that upper tier belonging with the Bathys and H95. But it’s the sound profile (mixed with a borderline useless EQ) holding it back IMO.
If you listen to mostly older genres like Classic Rock, Acoustic, Classical, and Jazz, the Px8 is excellent and is probably for you. I have not heard a better Jazz headphone in this class.
BUT, if you also listen to modern genres and enjoy sub-bass slam, open soundstage, and airy treble, there’s simply better options for this…
Sound Quality Score: 8.9 out of 10
Bowers and Wilkins Px8 Comfort
The Bowers and Wilkins Px8 is actually one of the heavier in this class, as weighed on my scale:
- Bose QuietComfort – 236.1 grams
- Sony WH 1000XM5 – 245.9 grams
- Sony WH 1000XM4 – 251.6 grams
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra – 254.4 grams
- Beats Studio Pro – 268.6 grams
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 – 292.9 grams
- Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S2e – 305.2 grams
- Sonos Ace – 318.1 grams
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8 – 320.1 grams
- Bang & Olufsen H95 – 323 grams
- Focal Bathys – 350 grams
- Apple AirPods Max – 387.8 grams
I find the comfort on the Px8 to be excellent like the Px7 S2e, but I slightly prefer the Px7 S2e which is objectively lighter, and feels that way too.
The Px8 is more comfortable to me than the AirPods Max and Momentum 4, but slightly less comfortable than the much lighter Bose QuietComfort Ultra.
The headband and earpad cushions are great, clamping force and top-of-head pressure is minimal, so it’s really just the weight.
Comfort Score: 4.5 out of 5
Features / Build Quality / Battery Life / Noise Cancelling
Features
The Px8 was released in September 2022 and has the typical modern wireless ANC headphone features:
- Multiple built-in microphones for taking calls
- Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive
- Active Noise Cancelling
- Transparency Mode
- Ability to turn either mode OFF
- Companion Smartphone app to customize EQ, settings, and update firmware
- Includes an average-sized premium Hard Shell case
- USB-C to USB-C charging cable
- USB-C to stereo cable
Bowers and Wilkins Px8 Build Quality
Bowers & Wilkins positions the brand as more high-end luxury, and this is displayed in the design and premium materials used in their headphones.
The Px8’s build quality and materials is excellent, potentially the best in the class.
A mixture of nicely colored metal in the headband, hinges, buttons, and earcup covers. Leather on the earcups, headband, and cushions.
Dare I say, these actually do look and feel like $700 headphones.
It’s a step above the Px7 S2e’s materials with more durability thanks to the metal, at the cost of more weight.
Bowers and Wilkins Px8 Battery Life
The Bowers and Wilkins Px8 is rated at 30 hours of battery life on a single charge, which is above average in this class.
This is more than the AirPods Max at 20 hours, and Bose QC Ultra at 24 hours.
Tied with the Px7 S2e, Sony XM5 and Sonos Ace at 30 hours, but overshadowed by the Sennheiser Momentum 4 at a class-leading 60 hours.
Bowers and Wilkins Px8 Noise Cancelling Performance
The Px7 S8 has pretty good, but not elite noise cancelling performance compared to the current leaders like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, Sony XM5, and Sonos Ace.
I find it to be around the same tier as the Sennheiser Momentum 4. Maybe slightly worse than the AirPods Max.
I think the rectangular-ish earcups (similar to the AirPods Max) create less of a complete seal towards the rear of the ears, causing a bit of sound to leak in and out.
Overall, these could work for flights, but will excel better in everyday environments like an office or public transport.
The Transparency mode is pretty good, and I like the ability to turn OFF either mode.
Features / Build Quality / Battery Life / Noise Cancelling Performance Score: 4.5 out of 5
Value
Although the Px8 retails at a whopping $699, thankfully it’s market price brand new has been steadily coming down to around $500 to $550 these days.
Seeing that price calls to mind the AirPods Max, and undoubtedly, you are getting more headphone for the money with the Px8.
So in that sense, these are surprisingly a fair value due to the step up in sound quality, comfort, and perhaps even build quality and materials.
Also, the Focal Bathys still goes for over $600 and Bang & Olufsen around an eye-watering $900.
Compared to all of the above, the Px8 starts to look like a great value.
However, the elephant in the room is the competitiveness of headphones costing $300 to $400 like the Sennheiser Momentum 4 and Bose QC Ultra. Those definitely knock the Px8 down to size for value.
So overall, I think the current market price for the Px8 is actually completely fair, but certainly not a bargain by any stretch.
The Px7 S2e is a better value in this regard.
Value Score: 4.0 out of 5
Overall Scoring Breakdown
Sound Quality: 8.9 / 10
Comfort: 4.5 / 5
Features / Build Quality / Battery Life / Noise Cancelling: 4.5 / 5
Value: 4.0 / 5
Total: 21.9 / 25
Is the Bowers and Wilkins Px8 WORTH IT?
I think the question of whether the Px8 is worth it will boil down almost entirely to your listening preference.
If you like the darker, warmer, smoother sound signature that excels for older music, you will absolutely LOVE the Px8.
But if you’re like me, who listens to all genres including the modern ones, you may find the Px8 to be sonically disappointing and limited.
Overall, I do like that the Px8 has dropped down in price closer to $500 to $550 brand new, and find it a better value than say, the AirPods Max, Focal Bathys, or Bang and Olufsen H95.
BUT, due to my listening preference, I would probably pony up an extra $100 or so for the Focal Bathys. The improvement in listening enjoyment and engagement is worth it to me.
OR – another great option is save ~$100 and get the more tonally-balanced Px7 S2e, or Bose QuietComfort Ultra and apply my custom EQ settings. The Momentum 4 is worth a look as well, but I’d probably choose the other two.
Some very Strong Alternatives in this class of noise cancelling headphones are:
- Sony WH-1000XM6
- Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S3
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra
- Apple AirPods Max
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
- Sennheiser Momentum 4
- Sony WH-1000XM5
- Bose QuietComfort (2023 model)
- Beats Studio Pro
Some Relevant Comparisons in this class of noise cancelling headphones are:
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Apple AirPods Max
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Sony WH-1000XM5
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 vs Sony WH-1000XM5
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 vs AirPods Max
- Sonos Ace vs AirPods Max
I highly recommend you check those out next!
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Order Here for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail):
Want to save up to $100 or more?
Disclosure: These affiliate links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to keep this website 100% independent to ensure honest unfiltered reviews 🙂
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Bowers and Wilkins Px8 headphones for audiophiles?
Yes, the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 is geared more towards audiophiles than most of the wireless ANC headphones focused more on other features than pure sound quality.
Are Bowers and Wilkins considered high end?
Yes, with the Bowers and Wilkins Px8’s pricetag of $699, these are firmly in the high end segment of the market for wireless, active noise cancelling headphones, competing with the likes of Focal and Bang & Olufsen.
How We Tested and Our Methodology
RecordingNOW.com is a 100% independent publisher with over 10 years of experience testing and reviewing consumer electronics and headphones.
We currently purchase the products we test with our own money, and are not paid by any company or manufacturer to influence our opinions or decisions.
After purchasing the product, we conduct up to hundreds of hours of detailed hands-on testing in a controlled, acoustically-treated environment.
ODi Productions is our resident expert and author of this article, with 10 years of experience as a professional music producer, tech journalist, and audiophile.
Read Next
Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S3 Review
Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S2e Review
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Review
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Headphone Review
Bose QuietComfort Review (2023 Model)
