Welcome to Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Comparison!
In the world of premium headphones, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 and Sony WH-1000XM5 stand out as formidable contenders, each offering a unique set of features and capabilities. In this comparison, we’ll take a closer look at these two exceptional headphones to help you make an informed decision.
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones present themselves as a compelling alternative to their pricier counterpart, the PX8. With a focus on design and audio quality, these headphones promise a luxurious listening experience. They boast a premium design featuring sumptuous memory foam earpads and an elegant fabric finish. Available in Black, Blue, and Gray, the PX7 S2 headphones offer not only comfort but also a touch of sophistication.
On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are known for their lightweight construction and impressive sound quality. Designed for comfort, they feature soft-fit leather and come equipped with a range of innovative features, including noise cancelation that adapts to your environment. The WH-1000XM5 headphones also offer a collapsible design for easy storage and portability.
Here’s a comparison table between the features and specs of the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 and Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones:
| Feature Aspect | Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
| Design | Premium design with memory foam earpads and fabric finish, Weighs 307g. Available in Black, Blue, and Gray. | Lightweight design with soft-fit leather and collapsible structure, weighs 250g |
| Sound Quality | Custom-designed 40mm drive units, 24-bit-capable wireless platform for detailed, natural sound. | Newly developed 30mm driver with DSEE-Extreme and Hi-Res audio support. |
| Noise Cancelation | Hybrid Noise Cancelation with Ambient Pass-Through, six microphones. | Industry-leading noise cancelation with Auto NC Optimizer, eight microphones. |
| Microphone Quality | Six microphones for noise cancelation and call quality. | Eight microphones for noise cancelation and call quality. |
| App Features | Bowers & Wilkins Music app for customization. | 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer app and additional features. |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC, multipoint pairing. | Bluetooth 5.2 with SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs, multipoint connection. |
| Battery Life | Up to 30 hours with ANC on, 7 hours with 15-minute charge. | Up to 24 hours with ANC on, 32 hours with ANC off, 3-minute charge for 3 hours playback. |
| Additional Features | Ambient Pass-Through, wear-detection sensor, voice assistant integration. | Intuitive touch controls, Speak-to-Chat, Quick Attention modes, LDAC audio, Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing, 360 Reality Audio. |
| Price | Approx. $330 | Approx. $400 |
| Pros | Great sound quality, impressive noise cancelation, impressive battery life, comfortable, premium design | Superior sound quality, industry-leading noise cancelation, impressive battery life, multi-point pairing, comfortable design |
| Cons | Noise cancelation lags behind that of only WH-1000XM5 and SM4 Wireless, fierce competition from other headphones, not water-resistant | Small heads might find fit less comfortable, some features may not match the price, are not water-resistant |
Our Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 vs Sony WH-1000XM5 comparison will delve into various aspects of these headphones, including their design, sound quality, noise cancelation capabilities, microphone quality, app features, connectivity options, battery life, additional features, pricing, and pros and cons of each. By the end of this comparison, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of how these headphones stack up against each other, helping you decide which one aligns better with your preferences and needs. So, let’s dive into the detailed evaluation of the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 and Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones.
Table of Contents
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 vs Sony WH-1000XM5: Showdown
Design and Comfort
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2:
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones exude elegance in their design. They’ve carefully integrated various design elements to provide a premium and comfortable listening experience. Weighing 307g, these headphones feature memory foam earpads that envelop your ears, offering exceptional comfort during extended listening sessions. The memory foam not only enhances comfort but also aids in noise isolation, allowing you to immerse yourself in your music without outside distractions.
From an aesthetic standpoint, the PX7 S2 headphones are available in three distinctive colors: Black, Blue, and Gray. This range of color options ensures that users can choose a style that aligns with their personal preferences while maintaining a touch of luxury. The fabric finish on the earcups adds both tactile appeal and visual elegance to the design.
Sony WH-1000XM5:
In contrast, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones prioritize lightweight comfort and portability in their design. Weighing around 250g, they’re among the lighter options in their class, which makes them suitable for long listening sessions without causing discomfort. The design emphasizes user convenience, featuring soft-fit leather ear cushions that provide a plush feel and gentle contact with your skin.
One standout feature of the Sony headphones is their collapsible design, making them highly portable. The stepless slider, seamless swivel, and hanger, along with silent joints, contribute to a customized and comfortable fit. Sony has thoughtfully designed these headphones for on-the-go users who value both comfort and practicality.
Comparing the design of these two headphones reveals distinct priorities. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 leans toward a luxurious, premium design with memory foam earpads and a fabric finish, offering both style and comfort. This design appeals to those who value a sophisticated look and feel.
In contrast, the Sony WH-1000XM5 prioritizes lightweight comfort and portability. With soft-fit leather cushions and a collapsible design, they excel in convenience for travelers or those who prefer lightweight headphones.
Sound Quality
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2:
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones are engineered for an exceptional audio experience. At the heart of their sound quality are the 40mm custom-designed drive units. These specialized drivers have been carefully crafted to deliver detailed, natural, and immersive sound. The audio quality is further enhanced by the headphones’ 24-bit-capable wireless platform, ensuring that you can enjoy high-resolution audio with clarity and precision.
With the PX7 S2 headphones, you can expect a well-balanced sound profile that caters to a wide range of music genres. Whether you’re listening to classical compositions or bass-heavy electronic tracks, these headphones aim to provide a delightful listening experience.
Sony WH-1000XM5:
Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones boast an impressive sound profile as well. They feature a newly developed 30mm driver and offer support for DSEE-Extreme and Hi-Res audio. This combination results in awe-inspiring audio quality that brings out the nuances and subtleties in your music.
One notable aspect of the Sony headphones is their more neutral sound profile, although they retain a touch of bass emphasis. This balanced sound signature caters to audiophiles who prefer accuracy and a wide soundstage for a more natural listening experience.
When evaluating the sound quality of both headphones, it’s essential to consider your personal audio preferences. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones are designed to deliver a detailed and immersive listening experience with their custom-designed 40mm drivers. They aim to provide a versatile sound profile that suits various music genres.
On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones offer a more neutral sound profile with a focus on accuracy and clarity. The inclusion of DSEE-Extreme and Hi-Res audio support elevates the audio quality, making them an excellent choice for audiophiles.
Noise Cancelation
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2:
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones are equipped with Hybrid Noise Cancelation technology, complemented by Ambient Pass-Through functionality. This hybrid approach combines active noise cancelation with the ability to allow external sounds to pass through when necessary. It’s a feature that can be especially handy in situations where you need to be aware of your surroundings without removing the headphones.
The PX7 S2 headphones feature a total of six microphones, with four dedicated to noise-canceling functions. The quality of these microphones plays a crucial role in both noise reduction and call quality.
Sony WH-1000XM5:
Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones are renowned for their industry-leading noise cancelation. They feature an advanced system with Auto NC Optimizer, which adapts noise-canceling performance based on factors such as your wearing conditions and the external environment, including atmospheric pressure. This adaptive approach ensures effective noise reduction in various situations.
Similar to the PX7 S2, the WH-1000XM5 headphones also come equipped with eight microphones, which are dedicated to noise cancelation and improving call quality.
When comparing the noise cancelation capabilities of these headphones, it’s clear that both are designed to offer a premium experience, but they take somewhat different approaches.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are renowned for their industry-leading noise cancelation, thanks to the Auto NC Optimizer and eight dedicated microphones. This makes them highly effective in reducing external noise in various environments, making them a great choice for frequent travelers or anyone seeking peace and quiet.
On the other hand, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones offer a hybrid noise cancelation system with Ambient Pass-Through, providing versatility for users who occasionally need to hear their surroundings. While they might not reach the same level of noise cancelation as the Sony headphones in extremely noisy environments, they excel in situations where awareness is key.
App Features
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2:
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones offer a tailored experience through the Bowers & Wilkins Music app. This app provides users with various features and settings to customize their listening experience. Some of the key functionalities available through the app include:
- Noise Cancelation Control: Users can enable and customize the level of noise cancelation to suit their preferences.
- Ambient Pass-Through: This feature allows users to adjust the amount of external sound they want to let in, providing flexibility for different environments.
- Wear-Detection Sensors: The app enables users to configure the wear-detection sensors, which can automatically pause and resume playback when you put on or take off the headphones.
- EQ Customization: Users have the option to customize the tone of their headphones by adjusting settings such as treble and bass.
Sony WH-1000XM5:
Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones come with the 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer app, which offers a range of features aimed at enhancing the listening experience. Some of the functionalities provided by this app include:
- 360 Spatial Sound: The app captures and analyzes your ear shape to create a personalized spatial sound field when connecting to compatible BRAVIA XR TVs, providing an immersive audio experience.
- Intuitive Touch Control Settings: Users can customize touch control gestures and settings to suit their preferences.
- EQ Customization in App: Users have the option to customize the sound of their headphones by adjusting music settings inside the Sony Headphones app.
- Speak-to-Chat and Quick Attention Modes: These modes stop your music and allow ambient sound in when you need to have a conversation or be aware of your surroundings.
- LDAC Audio Coding: The headphones support LDAC for high-quality audio streaming over Bluetooth.
- Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing: The app adjusts noise cancelation based on atmospheric pressure, ensuring optimal performance during flights.
Both headphones offer dedicated apps that enhance the user experience in different ways. The Bowers & Wilkins Music app focuses on customization, allowing users to fine-tune noise cancelation, ambient sound, and equalizer settings. It also offers wear-detection sensor customization for seamless playback control.
In contrast, the Sony WH-1000XM5’s 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer app provides an immersive audio experience by tailoring the sound field to the user’s ear shape, especially when connected to compatible BRAVIA XR TVs. It also offers more sound customization through the Sony Headphones app and convenience features like Speak-to-Chat and Quick Attention modes for easy interaction with the environment.
Connectivity
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2:
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones offer a comprehensive set of connectivity options. They are equipped with Bluetooth 5.2 technology, which provides a stable and fast wireless connection to your devices. Additionally, these headphones support a range of audio codecs, including aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, and SBC. This codec support ensures that you can enjoy high-quality audio streaming over Bluetooth, provided your source device also supports these codecs.
One notable feature is the support for multipoint Bluetooth connection. This means you can pair the PX7 S2 headphones with up to two devices simultaneously, allowing you to switch between them seamlessly. This feature is particularly convenient for users who frequently switch between devices, such as a smartphone and laptop.
Sony WH-1000XM5:
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are also equipped with Bluetooth 5.2 technology, offering a stable and efficient wireless connection. While they don’t have the same range of supported codecs as the PX7 S2, they do offer reliable Bluetooth connectivity with AAC, SBC, and their proprietary Bluetooth technology LDAC.
Similar to the Bowers & Wilkins headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones also support multipoint connection. This feature allows you to connect the headphones to two devices at the same time, making it easy to switch between, for example, your smartphone and tablet.
Both headphones offer strong Bluetooth connectivity with the latest Bluetooth 5.2 technology, ensuring stable and efficient wireless connections to your devices. However, there are some differences to consider:
- Codec Support: The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones provide a wider range of supported audio codecs, including aptX Adaptive and aptX HD. This can result in higher-quality audio when streaming from compatible sources that support these codecs.
- Multipoint Connection: Both headphones support multipoint connection, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously. This is a convenient feature for users who frequently switch between devices.
Battery Life
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2:
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones offer impressive battery life, especially when used with active noise cancelation (ANC) enabled. With ANC turned on, these headphones provide up to 30 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. This extended battery life ensures that you can enjoy your music for extended periods without needing to recharge frequently.
Additionally, the PX7 S2 headphones feature a quick charge capability. A quick 15-minute charge provides up to 7 hours of playback, making them convenient for users on the go.
Sony WH-1000XM5:
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones also excel in terms of battery life and quick charging. With ANC enabled, they offer up to 24 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. This battery life is still quite impressive and allows for long listening sessions without interruption.
Similar to the PX7 S2 headphones, the Sony headphones feature quick charging. A brief 3-minute charge provides up to 3 hours of playback time, ensuring that you can quickly top up the battery when needed.
When comparing the battery life and charging options of both headphones, there are some similarities:
- Battery Life with ANC On: Both headphones offer substantial battery life with active noise cancelation enabled. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 provides up to 30 hours, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 offers up to 24 hours. This should accommodate the needs of most users for extended listening sessions.
- Quick Charging: Both headphones feature quick charging capabilities, allowing you to get several hours of playback with just a short charging time. The PX7 S2 offers 7 hours of playback with a 15-minute charge, and the WH-1000XM5 provides 3 hours of playback with a 3-minute charge.
Additional Features
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2:
- Ambient Pass-Through: The PX7 S2 headphones feature Ambient Pass-Through, which allows you to hear external sounds clearly without the need to remove the headphones. This is particularly useful when you want to stay aware of your surroundings, such as during conversations or safety announcements.
- Wear-Detection Sensor: These headphones include a wear-detection sensor that can detect when you lift either earpiece on or off your ear. This sensor enables the headphones to pause and resume music playback automatically, providing a seamless listening experience.
- Voice Assistant Integration: The PX7 S2 headphones support native voice assistants, and you can assign your device’s voice assistant to the Quick Action button on the left earpiece using the Bowers & Wilkins Music app. This feature enhances hands-free control of your device.
Sony WH-1000XM5:
- Intuitive Touch Control Settings: The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones offer intuitive touch controls on the earcups. You can control playback, adjust volume, and manage calls with simple touch gestures, adding convenience to your daily use.
- Speak-to-Chat and Quick Attention Modes: These modes are designed to enhance user interaction with the headphones. “Speak-to-Chat” automatically pauses your music when you start speaking and resumes when you stop. “Quick Attention” temporarily stops playback and allows ambient sound to pass through when you cover the right earcup with your hand, so you can have quick conversations without removing the headphones.
- Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing: The WH-1000XM5 headphones can optimize noise cancelation based on atmospheric pressure, ensuring effective ANC performance even during flights or changes in altitude.
- 360 Reality Audio: Sony’s 360 Reality Audio technology provides an immersive sound experience that surrounds you with audio from all directions. This feature enhances audio immersion, especially when paired with compatible content.
- LDAC Audio Coding: The headphones support LDAC, an advanced audio coding technology that allows for high-quality wireless audio streaming over Bluetooth.
Both headphones offer a range of advanced features that enhance the user experience. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 emphasizes features like Ambient Pass-Through, wear-detection sensors, and voice assistant integration, which provide convenience and customization options.
In contrast, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones feature intuitive touch controls, innovative modes like Speak-to-Chat and Quick Attention, atmospheric pressure optimization for travelers, 360 Reality Audio for immersive sound, and support for LDAC audio coding.
Pricing
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2:
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones are approximately priced at around $330. This pricing reflects the premium design, sound quality, and features that these headphones offer.
When you purchase the PX7 S2 headphones, you can expect to receive the following accessories:
- A Carry Case: This protective case allows you to safely transport and store your headphones when not in use.
- A 1.2m USB-C to 3.5mm stereo jack audio cable: This cable enables wired connectivity to audio devices.
- A 1.2m USB-C to USB-C cable: This cable is used for charging and connecting to compatible devices.
Sony WH-1000XM5:
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are approximately priced at around $400, positioning them in a similar premium price range as the PX7 S2.
When you purchase the WH-1000XM5 headphones, you can expect to receive the following accessories:
- A carrying case: This case is designed to protect your headphones during travel and storage.
- A headphone cable (approximately 1.2m): This cable allows for wired audio connectivity.
- A USB charging cable: This cable is used for charging the headphones.
Both headphones are priced competitively in the premium segment, reflecting their high-quality design, sound performance, noise-cancelation capabilities, and additional features. The approximate price difference between the two models is relatively minimal, so the choice between them may primarily come down to specific features and design preferences rather than price considerations.
Pros and Cons
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2:
Pros:
- Great Sound Quality: Custom-designed 40mm drive units deliver detailed and immersive sound.
- Impressive Noise Cancelation: Hybrid Noise Cancelation with Ambient Pass-Through provides versatility in managing external sounds.
- Good Build Quality: Premium design, memory foam earpads, and fabric finish offer comfort and style.
- Comfortable Design: Memory foam earpads and a comfortable fit make them suitable for extended use.
- Impressive Battery Life: Up to 30 hours of playback with ANC on and quick charge capability.
- Comprehensive App Control: The Bowers & Wilkins Music app allows for customization of noise cancelation, ambient sound, and EQ.
- Multiple Connectivity Options: Support for various codecs and multipoint Bluetooth connection for versatile connectivity.
- Voice Assistant Integration: Native voice assistant support for hands-free control.
- Quick Charge: Quick 15-minute charge provides up to 7 hours of playback.
Cons:
- Noise Cancelation Could Be Better: While effective, noise cancelation might not match the top competitors.
- Competition: Faces fierce competition from other headphones, such as the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Sennheiser Momentum Truewireless 4.
- Design Not Water-Resistant: The design is not water-resistant, hence not suitable for wet conditions.
Sony WH-1000XM5:
Pros:
- Superior Sound Quality: Newly developed 30mm driver with DSEE-Extreme and Hi-Res audio support provides exceptional audio quality.
- Top-Notch Noise Cancelation: Industry-leading noise cancelation with Auto NC Optimizer ensures effective noise reduction.
- Impressive Battery Life: Up to 24 hours of playback with ANC on and quick charge capability.
- Comfortable Design: Soft-fit leather cushions and a lightweight build offer comfort for extended wear.
- Sony Headphones app: The app allows for customization of noise cancelation, ambient sound, EQ, and other features.
- Intuitive Touch Controls: Touch gestures for playback, volume control, and calls add convenience.
- Advanced Modes: Features like Speak-to-Chat and Quick Attention enhance user interaction.
- 360 Reality Audio: Immersive sound experience with 360 Reality Audio technology.
- LDAC Support: High-quality wireless audio streaming over Bluetooth with LDAC audio coding.
- Voice Assistant Integration: Native voice assistant support for hands-free control.
Cons:
- Small Heads Might Struggle: Some users with smaller heads may find the fit less secure.
- Design Not Water-Resistant: The design is not water-resistant, so caution is needed in wet conditions.
- Plasticky Design: Some users may find the design less premium compared to competitors in the same price range.
Final Thoughts: Recommendation and Verdict
When it comes to choosing between the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 and Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, the decision largely depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both headphones offer a compelling set of features, but they excel in different areas.
- If you prioritize sound quality, especially a more neutral and accurate sound profile, seek top-tier noise cancelation for immersive listening, and want more customization including in sound, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are the recommended choice.
- On the other hand, if comfort and a luxurious design are your primary concerns and support for aptX, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive codecs to help you get better sound quality via Bluetooth, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones offer an appealing alternative.
Ultimately, both headphones offer excellent options within the premium segment, and your decision should be based on your individual preferences and priorities, whether that’s sound quality, comfort, design, or additional features.
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