Bowers & Wilkins Px8 vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Comparison

Welcome to the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 vs Sony WH-1000XM5 comparison!

In the ever-evolving world of premium headphones, two notable contenders have captured the attention of audio enthusiasts and casual listeners alike: the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 and the Sony WH-1000XM5. These headphones represent the pinnacle of wireless audio technology, each offering a unique set of features and capabilities that cater to diverse audiophile preferences.

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8, a flagship model from the renowned audio manufacturer, stands out with its exquisite design and commitment to audio excellence. Crafted with premium materials, cast aluminum arms, and adorned with fine Nappa leather trim, the Px8 headphones exude a sense of luxury and comfort. They promise a high-resolution 24-bit DSP, precisely angled Carbon Cone drive units, and aptX Adaptive wireless technology for an immersive audio experience. Bowers & Wilkins has also integrated a proprietary hybrid noise cancelation technology to ensure exceptional sound quality, even in noisy environments. With a dedicated app and impressive battery life, the Px8 headphones have garnered attention for their quality and craftsmanship.

On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM5 represents Sony’s relentless pursuit of perfection in the headphone market. Weighing in at a mere 250 grams, these closed-back headphones offer comfort through soft-fit leather and innovative design elements. Sony has introduced a newly developed 30mm driver, DSEE – Extreme technology, and Hi-Res audio support, promising awe-inspiring sound quality. What truly sets them apart is their industry-leading noise cancelation, powered by 8 microphones and the Auto NC Optimizer, ensuring crystal-clear call quality and immersive audio experiences. Sony’s companion app enhances the headphones’ capabilities, offering spatial sound personalization and a host of other features.

Here’s a comparison table between the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 and Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones based on their features and specifications:

Feature/Spec	Bowers & Wilkins Px8	Sony WH-1000XM5
Design and Build	Premium materials, aluminium arms, Nappa leather trim, weighs 320g	Lightweight, soft-fit leather, collapsible design, weighs 250g
Sound Quality	24-bit DSP, 40mm drivers, Carbon Cone drive units	30mm drivers, DSEE – Extreme, Hi-Res audio support through LDAC
Noise Cancelation	Hybrid noise cancelation technology	Industry-leading noise cancelation, Auto NC Optimizer
Microphones	6 built-in microphones	8 built-in microphones
App Functionality	Bowers & Wilkins Music app, customization options	Sony Headphones Connect app, 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer app, spatial sound
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.2, aptX Adaptive	Bluetooth 5.2, LDAC, multipoint connection
Voice Assistant Integration	Yes -native voice assistant	Google Assistant, Alexa, Siri, native voice assistant
Battery Life	Up to 30 hours with ANC on, 7 hours with 15-min charge	Up to 24 hours with ANC on, 32 hours with ANC off, 3-hour playback in 3 minutes
Additional Features	Wear-detection sensor, Ambient Pass-Through, Quick Action button	Speak-to-Chat, Quick Attention modes, LDAC audio, 360 Reality Audio, capacitive sensor, Fast Pair, Swift Pair
Price	Approx. $700	Approx. $400
Pros	Premium sound, comfort, build quality, high-resolution codecs	Superior accurate, sound profile, superior noise cancelation, robust EQ, immersive audio
Cons	Higher price, button controls, closed-back design, not water-resistant	May not fit smaller heads comfortably, some design elements, not water-resistant

Both headphones come with their unique strengths, making them favorites among discerning listeners. In this detailed Bowers & Wilkins Px8 vs Sony WH-1000XM5 comparison, we will delve deeper into the design, sound quality, noise cancelation, app integration, connectivity, battery life, additional features, pricing, and their pros and cons. Whether you prioritize comfort and craftsmanship or seek cutting-edge technology and audio excellence, this comparison will help you make an informed choice.

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 vs Sony WH-1000XM5: Showdown

Design and Comfort

Bowers & Wilkins Px8:

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 headphones are a testament to luxury and craftsmanship. They are meticulously designed with a focus on both aesthetics and comfort. Here’s what sets them apart:

• Premium Materials: The Px8 headphones feature premium materials, including cast aluminum arms and fine Nappa leather trim. These high-quality materials not only enhance the headphones’ durability but also contribute to their elegant appearance.
• Weight: Weighing in at 320 grams, the Px8 strikes a balance between sturdiness and comfort. While they’re not the lightest headphones on the market, their weight is well-distributed for extended wearing.
• Comfort-Oriented Design: Bowers & Wilkins has paid meticulous attention to comfort. The soft materials used in the ear cups and headband ensure long listening sessions remain comfortable. The design aims to envelop your ears without causing discomfort.

Sony WH-1000XM5:

Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones offer a different take on design and comfort, emphasizing lightweight construction and practicality:

• Lightweight: These headphones are notably lighter, weighing approximately 250 grams. The reduced weight contributes to a more effortless wearing experience, making them suitable for long flights or commutes.
• Soft-Fit Leather: Sony has chosen soft-fit leather materials for the ear cups and headband, ensuring a plush and comfortable feel against your ears and head. This choice enhances overall comfort.
• Collapsible Design: The WH-1000XM5 headphones feature a collapsible design. This makes them highly portable and convenient for travelers, as they can be easily stowed away in the provided carrying case.

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 headphones prioritize premium materials and a luxurious aesthetic while maintaining a comfortable fit, albeit with slightly more weight. On the other hand, Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones focus on lightweight construction and practicality, with an emphasis on portability and soft comfort. 

Sound Quality

Bowers & Wilkins Px8:

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 headphones are engineered to deliver a premium audio experience, characterized by several key features:

• High-resolution 24-bit DSP: Px8 headphones incorporate a high-resolution 24-bit Digital Signal Processor (DSP). This advanced processing technology is designed to faithfully reproduce audio with exceptional clarity and detail, ensuring that you hear nuances in your music that might otherwise go unnoticed.
• 40mm Driver Technology: These headphones are equipped with 40mm driver units. These drivers are precisely engineered to deliver outstanding resolution and minimize distortion, resulting in an audio experience that is both immersive and precise.
• aptX Adaptive Wireless Technology: To ensure that you experience high-resolution sound wirelessly, the Px8 headphones utilize aptX Adaptive wireless technology. This technology is designed to maintain excellent sound quality even when streaming audio wirelessly from compatible devices.

Sony WH-1000XM5:

Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones are known for their impressive, accurate sound quality and technological innovations:

• Newly Developed 30mm Driver: Sony has introduced a newly developed 30mm driver in the WH-1000XM5. This driver is optimized for delivering exceptional accurate audio quality, emphasizing clarity and depth in the sound.
• DSEE – Extreme and Hi-Res Audio Support: Sony’s DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) – Extreme technology is designed to upscale compressed digital music files in real-time. This results in improved audio quality, especially for lower-quality audio sources. Additionally, the headphones support Hi-Res audio through their proprietary LDAC codec, ensuring that you can enjoy your high-resolution audio files with precision.
• Enhanced Noise Cancelation: While not a direct sound quality feature, the enhanced noise cancelation in the WH-1000XM5 contributes to an immersive listening experience by minimizing external distractions and allowing you to focus on your music.

Both the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 and Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are dedicated to delivering outstanding sound quality. The Px8 emphasizes high-resolution audio and precision with its 24-bit DSP and 40mm drivers, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 combines advanced driver technology, DSEE – Extreme, and Hi-Res audio support for a compelling listening experience. 

Noise Cancelation

Bowers & Wilkins Px8:

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 headphones bring a dedicated approach to noise cancelation with their proprietary hybrid technology:

• Proprietary Hybrid Noise Cancelation: Px8 headphones employ proprietary hybrid noise cancelation technology. This approach combines active noise cancelation (ANC) with other noise-canceling techniques to effectively reduce external distractions. This technology aims to create an immersive listening experience by minimizing unwanted background noise.
• 6 Built-in Microphones: To support their noise cancelation functionality and voice call quality, the Px8 headphones are equipped with a total of 6 built-in microphones. Four of these microphones are dedicated to noise cancelation, ensuring that external sounds are effectively blocked out.

Sony WH-1000XM5:

Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones are renowned for their industry-leading noise cancelation and advanced microphone setup:

• Industry-Leading Noise Cancelation: Sony has established a reputation for delivering industry-leading noise cancelation capabilities in its WH-1000XM series. The WH-1000XM5 continues this tradition, providing exceptional noise reduction to create a quiet listening environment, whether you’re on a noisy plane or in a bustling city.
• 8 Microphones: Sony takes noise cancelation and call quality seriously by incorporating 8 microphones into the WH-1000XM5. These microphones work together to enhance both noise cancelation performance and voice call quality, ensuring that you can enjoy crystal-clear audio in various situations.
• Auto NC Optimizer: A notable feature of the WH-1000XM5 is the Auto NC Optimizer. This technology automatically adjusts the noise-canceling performance based on factors like your wearing conditions and external environmental factors such as atmospheric pressure. This adaptive approach ensures that you receive optimal noise cancelation at all times.

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 and Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones offer effective noise-cancelation solutions. The Px8 utilizes proprietary hybrid noise cancelation technology with 6 built-in microphones, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is known for its industry-leading noise cancelation supported by 8 microphones and an Auto NC Optimizer. 

App and Connectivity

Bowers & Wilkins Px8:

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 headphones provide users with an app for customization and feature-rich connectivity:

• Bowers & Wilkins Music App: Px8 headphones can be customized and fine-tuned through the Bowers & Wilkins Music app. This app enables users to control and adjust various features, such as noise cancelation settings, Ambient Pass-Through, and EQ adjustments for treble and bass. It’s available for both iOS and Android devices.
• Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive: These headphones are equipped with Bluetooth 5.2 technology, ensuring a reliable and high-quality wireless connection to compatible devices. The inclusion of aptX Adaptive enhances the audio streaming quality, delivering high-resolution sound from compatible sources.
• Multipoint Bluetooth Connection: Px8 supports multipoint Bluetooth connection, allowing users to pair and switch between up to two devices simultaneously. This feature adds convenience for users who want to seamlessly switch between different audio sources.

Sony WH-1000XM5:

Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones offer their own unique set of app and connectivity features:

• Sony Headphones Connect App: Sony offers the Headphones Connect app, which provides extensive customization options. Users can fine-tune the headphones’ settings, including equalizer (EQ) adjustments, ANC (Active Noise Cancelation) settings, and more. This app empowers users to tailor their audio experience to match their preferences.
• 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer App: Sony provides the 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer app, allowing users to capture and analyze their ear shape. This analysis enables the headphones to create a personalized spatial sound field when connecting to compatible BRAVIA XR TVs. This feature enhances the immersive audio experience.
• Bluetooth 5.2 with Multipoint Connection: Similar to the Px8, the WH-1000XM5 headphones also feature Bluetooth 5.2 technology with multipoint connection support. This feature enables quick and convenient switching between two connected devices.
• Voice Assistant Integration: Sony’s headphones come equipped with voice assistant integration, including support for Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri. This allows users to access their preferred voice assistant directly through the headphones, adding convenience to everyday tasks.

Both the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 and Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones offer robust app and connectivity features. The Px8 utilizes the Bowers & Wilkins Music app for customization, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 relies on the Sony Headphones Connect and 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer apps for extensive settings adjustments. Both headphones feature Bluetooth 5.2 and support multipoint connection, making them versatile choices for wireless connectivity. 

Battery Life

Bowers & Wilkins Px8:

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 headphones are designed to provide long-lasting battery life with convenient charging options:

• Up to 30 Hours with ANC On: With active noise cancelation (ANC) enabled, the Px8 headphones offer an impressive battery life of up to 30 hours on a single charge. This extended playback time ensures that you can enjoy your music, podcasts, or calls without worrying about frequent recharging.
• Quick 15-Minute Charge: In situations where you need a quick boost of power, the Px8 headphones offer the convenience of a 15-minute charge providing up to 7 hours of playback. This rapid charging feature is particularly useful when you’re on the go and need to extend your listening time.

Sony WH-1000XM5:

Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones also offer notable battery life and fast charging options:

• Up to 24 Hours with ANC On, 32 Hours with ANC Off: These headphones provide up to 24 hours of playback time with active noise cancelation enabled. However, if you choose to disable ANC, you can extend the battery life to an impressive 32 hours on a single charge. This extended battery life ensures you have plenty of listening time throughout the day.
• Quick 3-Minute Charge: When you’re running low on battery, a quick 3-minute charge can provide up to 3 hours of playback time. This feature is invaluable when you need to charge your headphones in a hurry.

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 and Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones offer competitive battery life and fast charging options. The Px8 provides up to 30 hours of playback with ANC on and offers a quick 15-minute charge for 7 hours of playback. On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM5 offers up to 24 hours of playback with ANC on and an impressive 32 hours with ANC off. It also offers a quick 3-minute charge for 3 hours of playback. 

Added Features

Bowers & Wilkins Px8:

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 headphones come with several unique features designed to enhance the user experience:

• Wear-Detection Sensor: The Px8 headphones feature a wear-detection sensor. This sensor intelligently detects when you’re wearing the headphones and can automatically pause and resume playback when you lift either earpiece on or off your ear. This feature adds convenience and ensures that your music plays only when you want it to.
• Ambient Pass-Through: Px8 includes an Ambient Pass-Through feature, which allows external sounds, such as conversations or safety announcements, to be heard clearly without the need to remove the headphones. This feature enhances awareness of your surroundings without taking off the headphones.
• Quick Action Button for Voice Assistant: The headphones are equipped with a Quick Action button that allows you to access your voice assistant with ease. You can assign your device’s voice assistant to this button through the Bowers & Wilkins Music app.

Sony WH-1000XM5:

Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones offer a wide array of advanced features and technology:

• Intuitive Touch Control Settings: The headphones feature intuitive touch controls, enabling you to control playback, adjust volume, and manage calls with simple touch gestures.
• Speak-to-Chat and Quick Attention Modes: These modes allow you to interact with your environment effortlessly. Speak-to-Chat pauses your music when you start speaking, while Quick Attention mode temporarily stops playback and lets in ambient sound when you place your hand over the ear cup.
• Instant Pause and Play: A capacitive sensor on the WH-1000XM5 headphones allows for instant pause and play when you wear or remove the headphones. This feature enhances convenience and saves battery life.
• Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing: Sony’s headphones optimize noise cancelation based on atmospheric pressure changes, ensuring consistent performance even at high altitudes.
• Ambient Sound Mode: This mode allows you to adjust how much external sound you want to let in, giving you control over your listening environment.
• LDAC Audio Coding Technology: LDAC technology provides high-resolution audio streaming over a wireless connection, delivering exceptional sound quality.
• DSEE Extreme: DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) Extreme technology upscales compressed digital music files in real time, enhancing the audio quality of lower-quality sources.
• Fast Pair and Swift Pair: These features simplify the pairing process, making it easy to locate the headphones and quickly pair them with compatible devices, including Windows 11 or Windows 10 laptops, desktop PCs, or tablets.
• 360 Reality Audio: Sony’s 360 Reality Audio technology creates an immersive sound experience by simulating a 360-degree audio environment, allowing you to enjoy music in a new dimension.

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 and Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones offer a range of impressive additional features. The Px8 emphasizes wear detection, ambient pass-through, and a Quick Action button for voice assistants. In contrast, the Sony WH-1000XM5 provides more advanced features such as intuitive touch controls, advanced modes like Speak-to-Chat and Quick Attention, LDAC audio, and 360 Reality Audio for an immersive sound experience. 

Price & Accessories

Bowers & Wilkins Px8:

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 headphones are positioned at a premium price point, offering a range of high-end features and exceptional audio quality. They are priced at approximately $700.

Accessories Included with Bowers & Wilkins Px8:

• A Carry Case: The headphones come with a convenient carry case for storage and protection during travel.
• A 1.2m USB-C to 3.5mm stereo jack audio cable: This cable allows you to connect the Px8 headphones to devices with a headphone jack for wired audio.
• A 1.2m USB-C to USB-C cable: This cable is included for charging and connectivity purposes, particularly with devices that use USB-C ports.

Sony WH-1000XM5:

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are positioned as a more budget-friendly option without compromising on quality and features. They are priced at approximately $400.

Accessories Included with Sony WH-1000XM5:

• A Carrying Case: Sony provides a carrying case that makes it easy to transport and protect the headphones when not in use.
• Headphone Cable (Approx. 1.2m): This cable allows you to use the headphones in wired mode, which can be handy in situations where wireless connectivity is not available.
• USB Charging Cable: Sony includes a USB charging cable for convenient recharging of the headphones.

When it comes to pricing, the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 headphones are positioned at a higher price point, reflecting their premium design and an urge to capture a particular niche -those who want something unique and easily notable. They come with a carry case and two different cables for versatile connectivity. On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones offer a more affordable option while still providing impressive features and accurate sound quality. They also come with a carrying case and necessary cables for user convenience. 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Bowers & Wilkins Px8:

• Premium Sound Quality: The Px8 headphones deliver premium sound quality with a focus on high-resolution audio and clarity.
• Impressive Noise Cancelation: They offer effective noise cancelation, creating an immersive listening experience.
• Comfortable Design: The headphones are designed with comfort in mind, thanks to their premium materials and thoughtful ergonomics.

Sony WH-1000XM5:

• Superior Sound Quality: The WH-1000XM5 headphones deliver an accurate sound profile for immersive listening.
• Superior Noise Cancelation: Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones are known for their industry-leading noise cancelation, providing a quiet listening environment.
• Robust EQ in Companion App: The companion app offers a robust EQ, allowing users to customize their audio experience.
• Virtual Soundstage Feature: These headphones include a virtual soundstage feature, enhancing the spatial audio experience.
• Comfortable design: The headphones provide a well-built design with a comfortable fit

Cons:

Bowers & Wilkins Px8:

• Higher Price Point: The Px8 headphones come with a higher price tag, making them a premium investment.
• Button Controls (No Touch Controls): They rely on button controls for operation, lacking touch controls that some users may prefer.
• Closed-Back Design Limits Soundstage: The closed-back design can limit the sense of spaciousness in the soundstage.
• Not Water-Resistant: The headphones should not be used in high-humidity environments.

Sony WH-1000XM5:

• May Not Fit Smaller Heads Comfortably: Some users with smaller head sizes may find these headphones less comfortable.
• Some Design Elements Feel Plasticky: Despite their impressive features, some design elements may feel plasticky.
• Not Water-Resistant: The headphones are not water-resistant, so caution is needed in wet conditions.

Final Thoughts: Recommendation and Verdict

Choosing between the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 and Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones ultimately comes down to your specific preferences and priorities. Here are some key considerations to help you make an informed decision:

If you prioritize premium design and comfort:

• The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 headphones offer a luxurious design with premium materials, cast aluminum arms, and Nappa leather trim. They are also known for their comfortable fit, making them ideal for long listening sessions. If design aesthetics and comfort are high on your list, the Px8 is a strong contender.

If you seek top-tier sound quality:

• Both headphones deliver impressive sound quality, but the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 places a strong emphasis on high-resolution audio and precision. If you’re an audiophile looking for premium sound reproduction, the Px8 may align better with your preferences.

If industry-leading noise cancelation is your priority:

• The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are renowned for their superior noise-cancelation technology. If blocking out external distractions and enjoying a quiet listening environment is crucial to you, the WH-1000XM5 is a standout choice.

If advanced app features and customization matter:

• The Sony WH-1000XM5 offers a robust companion app with features like customizable EQ settings and a virtual soundstage feature. If you enjoy fine-tuning your audio experience, these features may be appealing.

If budget is a key consideration:

• The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones provide an impressive combination of features, including excellent noise cancelation and sound quality, at a more budget-friendly price point compared to the Px8.

In conclusion, the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 and Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones both offer exceptional qualities, but they cater to slightly different priorities. The Px8 shines in design, comfort, and high-resolution sound quality, while the WH-1000XM5 excels in noise cancelation and advanced app features, all at a more accessible price point. Consider your specific needs and preferences to determine which of these headphones aligns best with your lifestyle and listening habits.