Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 vs Sony WH-1000XM5

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 and Sony WH-1000XM5 are both formidable premium headphones, each with their own set of characteristics and capabilities. This comparison will examine these two great headphones, allowing you to make an informed decision.

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones are a more affordable alternative to their more expensive sibling, the PX8. They shine with a significant emphasis on aesthetics and audio quality, providing a premium listening experience.

With luscious memory foam earpads and a beautiful fabric finish, these headphones not only provide comfort but also ooze sophistication. The PX7 S2 headphones, which are available in black, blue, and gray, allow customers to combine style and substance.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, on the other hand, are noted for their lightweight design and high-quality sound. They are designed for comfort, with soft-fit leather and a variety of innovative features, like as adaptive noise suppression adapted to your environment. The WH-1000XM5 headphones are built for portability, with a collapsible design for on-the-go ease.

This complete comparison will go into many elements of these headphones, including as design, sound quality, noise-canceling capabilities, microphone performance, app features, connectivity options, battery life, additional features, cost, and the pros and disadvantages of each.

By the end of this study, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about which headphones best suit your own preferences and needs. So, let us begin our quest of discovery between the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 and Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 vs Sony WH-1000XM5: A Comprehensive Comparison

Specification

Feature	Sony WH-1000XM5	Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
Form Factor	Over Ear	Over Ear
Frequency Response	4 Hz – 40000Hz	10 Hz – 2000Hz
Impedance	48 Ohms	Unknown
Driver Unit size	30mm	40mm
Battery Life	30h	30h
Charging Time	3.5 h	2h
Bluetooth Range	10m	10m
Bluetooth Version	5.2	5.2
Color	Black, Midnight Blue, Silver	Black, Blue, Gray
Weight	250g	307g
Check Details	See More	See More

What’s in the box

Sony WH-1000XM5	Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
Headphone	Headphone
Carrying Case	Protective Case
Connection Cable	Cable
User Guide	User Guide

Fit & Comfort

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 and Sony WH-1000XM5 both deliver comfort throughout lengthy use.

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones offer a delicate and opulent listening experience. They provide outstanding comfort, even during long listening periods, thanks to memory foam earpads that gently envelop your ears.

The memory foam not only improves comfort but also helps to good noise isolation, letting you immerse yourself in your music without being distracted by outside noises. These headphones have been built with both style and comfort in mind, making them an excellent choice for individuals who like a bit of sophistication in their headphones.

In contrast, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones prioritize lightweight comfort and mobility. They are one of the lighter alternatives in their class, weighing around 250g, making them perfect for long listening sessions without creating discomfort.

The soft-fit leather ear cushions have a luxurious feel and a soothing touch on the skin, adding to the comfort aspect. The Sony headphones’ collapsible shape adds to their portability and ease of storage when not in use.

Both headphones are developed with user comfort in mind, although they adopt slightly different techniques.

It Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 leans toward a rich and exquisite comfort experience with its memory foam earpads, whilst the Sony WH-1000XM5 focuses on lightweight comfort and mobility, making them ideal for on-the-go customers who value both comfort and convenience.

Finally, the choice between the two will be determined by your particular preferences for fit and comfort throughout listening experiences.

Design & Build

When it comes to style and construction, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones exemplify elegance and quality craftsmanship. Weighing 307g, these headphones emphasize comfort with memory foam earpads that encircle your ears, giving both luxury comfort and good noise isolation.

They offer a variety of styles to fit particular preferences, with color options like as Black, Blue, and Gray. The fabric finish on the earcups gives a physical and visual touch of refinement.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, on the other hand, prioritize lightweight comfort and portability. They are one of the lighter options in their class, weighing around 250g, making them excellent for long listening sessions.

The soft-fit leather ear cushions provide further comfort, while the collapsible design allows for convenient transportation for on-the-go users.

These two headphones cater to various design priorities. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 strikes a compromise between design and comfort, appealing to those seeking a luxury look and feel. Meanwhile, the Sony WH-1000XM5 excels at simplicity, making it an excellent choice for travelers and those who seek lightweight comfort.

Sound Quality

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones are a testament to superb sound quality. The 40mm custom-designed drive units, precisely manufactured to create rich, natural, and immersive sound, are key to their audio capabilities.

These headphones include a wireless architecture that supports 24-bit audio, allowing you to enjoy high-resolution audio with exceptional clarity and precision.

The PX7 S2 headphones have a well-balanced sound profile that is adapted to a wide variety of music genres. Whether you’re listening to classical music or bass-heavy dance tracks, these headphones are designed to give an immersive and pleasurable listening experience.

Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones have a fantastic sound profile as well, with a newly developed 30mm driver and compatibility for DSEE-Extreme and Hi-Res audio. This combination results in awe-inspiring audio quality that reveals the most minute subtleties in your music.

Notably, the Sony headphones have a more neutral sound profile with a modest touch of bass accent. This balanced sound quality appeals to audiophiles who value precision and a broad soundstage for an authentic and immersive listening experience.

It is critical to consider your personal audio tastes while evaluating the sound quality of these headphones. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones are designed for a detailed and immersive listening experience, making them a versatile choice across a wide range of music genres.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, on the other hand, focus on offering a neutral and accurate sound profile, bolstered by features such as DSEE-Extreme and Hi-Res audio support, catering specifically to audiophiles wanting precision and clarity in their music.

Noise Cancellation

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones use Hybrid Noise Cancelation technology in conjunction with Ambient Pass-Through capabilities.

This novel mix combines active noise cancellation with the flexibility to enable external sounds as necessary, a useful feature for circumstances needing awareness without removing the headphones.

The PX7 S2 headphones prioritize noise reduction and call quality with a total of six microphones, four of which are dedicated to noise cancellation.

Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones, recognized for their industry-leading noise cancellation, have an innovative technology with Auto NC Optimizer, which dynamically adjusts noise cancellation based on parameters such as wear conditions and external atmospheric pressure.

This adaptive method ensures excellent noise suppression in a variety of settings. With eight dedicated microphones, these headphones improve call quality and noise-cancelling performance even further.

When it comes to noise cancellation capabilities, both headphones provide premium experiences with distinct techniques. The Sony WH-1000XM5 excels at successfully minimizing external noise, making it perfect for travelers or those seeking peace and quiet.

In comparison, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones provide adaptability with their hybrid noise cancelation and Ambient Pass-Through, catering to circumstances where situational awareness is critical, albeit with slightly less noise reduction in excessively noisy areas. Finally, the choice among them is determined by your individual demands and preferences.

Microphone or Call Quality

When it comes to microphone and call quality, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 and Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones each have their unique advantages.

Six microphones are used in the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones, four of which are dedicated to noise cancellation. These microphones are critical not just for efficiently suppressing external noise, but also for improving call quality.

Thanks to the advanced microphone array, users can expect clear and comprehensible calls with low background noise. Furthermore, the PX7 S2 headphones include superior speech pickup technology, which ensures that your voice is heard loud and clear throughout calls.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, on the other hand, perform admirably in terms of call quality. They include eight microphones dedicated to noise cancellation and call clarity.

Sony’s beamforming technology uses these microphones to capture your voice while eliminating environmental noise. This results in an equally high-quality call experience, with clear voice transmission and minimized background noise.

Both headphones provide excellent microphone and call quality, making them ideal for consumers who prioritize communication clarity during calls or virtual meetings.

Whether you choose the PX7 S2 with its sophisticated microphone array or the WH-1000XM5 with beamforming technology, you can anticipate dependable and high-quality call performance, ensuring that your voice is heard clearly even in noisy surroundings.

Battery Life

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones have an amazing battery life, especially when using active noise cancellation (ANC). When using ANC, these headphones can give up to 30 hours of continuous listening on a single charge.

This extended battery life allows customers to immerse themselves in their music for extended periods of time without the need for frequent recharging.

Furthermore, the PX7 S2 headphones have a quick charge capability, which adds to their convenience. A single 15-minute charge provides users with up to 7 hours of playback, making them great for anyone on the go who needs a quick power boost.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones have an impressive battery life. Even with ANC enabled, they provide up to 24 hours of continuous playback on a single battery. This long battery life allows for uninterrupted listening sessions.

The Sony headphones, like the PX7 S2, have quick charging functionality. A quick 3-minute charge gives up to 3 hours of playback time, guaranteeing that customers may quickly recharge the battery as needed.

When comparing the battery life and charging options of both headphones, noticeable commonalities appear. Both versions have a long battery life with active noise cancellation, with the PX7 S2 lasting 30 hours and the WH-1000XM5 lasting 24 hours. This should meet the needs of most users for extended listening sessions.

Furthermore, the existence of quick charging capabilities in both headphones adds to their appeal by providing the convenience of quickly obtaining several hours of listening with minimal charging time.

Control System

The control systems of the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 and Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are developed with user comfort in mind, providing straightforward methods to interact with your audio and manage calls.

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones provide a simple control system with physical buttons and touch gestures. Touch-sensitive controls on the right earcup let you play or pause music, skip songs, adjust volume, and answer or end calls with simple motions.

Furthermore, these headphones offer a programmable “Quick Action” button on the left earpiece that can be assigned to a variety of functions, such as activating your device’s voice assistant or adjusting noise cancellation levels. This degree of customization gives you more control over the listening experience.

Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones have easy touch controls on the earcups. These touch-sensitive surfaces allow you to control music, modify volume, and handle calls with simple movements. The touch controls are responsive and simple to use, adding to the overall ease of these headphones.

Furthermore, the WH-1000XM5 headphones include novel interaction modes including as “Speak-to-Chat,” which pauses music during chats, and “Quick Attention,” which temporarily allows ambient sound when you cover the right earcup with your hand.

Both headphones have simple control mechanisms, although they employ significantly different techniques. The PX7 S2 headphones have a combination of physical buttons and touch gestures, as well as a programmable “Quick Action” button.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, on the other hand, rely on easy touch controls on the earcups and include novel modes for seamless interaction with your audio and surroundings. The choice between them is determined by your unique preferences for control and interaction with your headphones.

Connectivity

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones come with a plethora of connecting options to ensure a seamless listening experience. These Bluetooth 5.2 headphones offer a stable and quick wireless connection with your devices.

Notably, they support a broad number of audio codecs, including aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, and SBC, assuring high-quality audio streaming via Bluetooth, provided your source device is compatible with these codecs.

One notable feature is the support for multipoint Bluetooth connections, which allows for simultaneous pairing with up to two devices. This feature is especially useful for users who frequently transition between devices, such as a smartphone and a laptop.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones also include Bluetooth 5.2 technology, which provides dependable and efficient wireless connectivity. While they have a little more limited codec compatibility range, including AAC, SBC, and their proprietary LDAC technology, they maintain a strong Bluetooth connection.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, like the Bowers & Wilkins headphones, provide the ease of multipoint connection, allowing simultaneous connecting with two devices. This feature simplifies the process of switching between devices, making it simple to transition between, say, a smartphone and a tablet.

Both headphones excel at providing strong Bluetooth connectivity using the newest Bluetooth 5.2 technology, ensuring a steady and efficient wireless link to your devices.

However, there are differences to consider, such as the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones’ wider variety of supported audio codecs, which offers the potential for higher-quality audio streaming when utilized with compatible sources.

Furthermore, the multipoint connection capability in both models improves the user experience, especially for individuals who regularly transfer between devices.

Support for Bluetooth Codec 

When comparing the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 vs. Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, compatibility for Bluetooth codecs is an important factor to consider because it directly affects the quality of your wireless audio streaming experience.

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones support a wide range of Bluetooth codecs, including aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, and SBC.

This wide selection of supported codecs means that you can enjoy high-quality audio streaming over Bluetooth, providing your source device likewise supports these codecs. AptX Adaptive, in particular, provides adaptive streaming that adapts to the quality of your Bluetooth connection, delivering excellent music performance.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, on the other hand, support the AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs. While they don’t support as many codecs as the PX7 S2 headphones, they nonetheless provide a dependable and high-quality wireless audio experience, especially when coupled with devices that support AAC.

When comparing codec support, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones provide a wider selection, including aptX Adaptive and aptX HD, which can result in higher-quality music when streaming from compatible sources.

However, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones include great support for AAC, a codec known for delivering good audio quality over Bluetooth. The decision between them may be influenced by your unique audio source devices and whether they support the codecs given by each headset.

Extra Feature

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones and the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones both have a slew of innovative features that improve the user experience.

Key characteristics of the PX7 S2 headphones include Ambient Pass-Through, which allows users to hear exterior sounds clearly without removing the headphones, making them excellent for situational awareness.

These headphones also include a wear-detection sensor that can automatically pause and resume music playback when the earpieces are pulled on or off the ears, delivering a seamless listening experience.

Furthermore, they feature native voice assistants, increasing hands-free control with assignable voice assistant integration via the Bowers & Wilkins Music app.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, on the other hand, have intuitive touch controls directly on the earcups, allowing users to manage music, adjust volume, and handle conversations with simple touch motions for enhanced convenience.

Furthermore, unique modes such as “Speak-to-Chat” halt music during discussions, and “Quick Attention” temporarily allow ambient sound by covering the right earcup with your hand, allowing rapid interactions without removing the headphones.

The headphones can optimize noise cancellation based on air pressure, ensuring excellent ANC performance even during flights or altitude fluctuations.

Sony’s 360 Reality Audio technology immerses users in sound from all directions, boosting audio experiences, especially when paired with appropriate content. LDAC audio coding ensures high-quality wireless audio streaming over Bluetooth.

Both headphones include a comprehensive range of advanced capabilities that appeal to a variety of customer preferences. The PX7 S2 headphones emphasize ease and customization with features such as Ambient Pass-Through, wear-detection sensors, and voice assistant integration.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, on the other hand, have easy touch controls, new interaction modes, atmospheric pressure adjustment for travelers, immersive 360 Reality Audio, and high-quality audio streaming with LDAC coding. The choice between them is determined by the specific features and user experience you value in your headphones.

Which is the Winner?

The decision between the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 and Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones comes down to your individual demands and tastes. Both headphones have significant characteristics, yet they shine in different areas.

If your top priorities are sound quality with a more neutral and precise sound signature, top-tier noise cancellation for immersive listening experiences, and a desire for extensive customization options, including sound adjustments, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are the recommended choice.

Conversely, if you value comfort and an opulent design, as well as support for aptX, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive codecs to improve Bluetooth music quality, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones are an appealing option.

Finally, both headphones are excellent options in the premium headphone segment, and your choice should reflect your particular preferences and priorities, whether they are related to sound quality, comfort, design, or additional functions.

The optimal option is the one that best meets your specific listening needs and enriches your overall audio experience.

Alternative Options

While the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 and Sony WH-1000XM5 are superb premium headphones, there are other alternatives on the market that cater to different preferences and objectives.

Apple AirPods Max: For individuals who are strongly ingrained in the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods Max provides flawless connectivity with iOS devices. They have active noise cancellation, spatial audio, and the H1 chip for rapid pairing and Siri integration.

Sennheiser Momentum 4: Sennheiser’s Momentum series headphones are noted for their excellent sound quality and luxury craftsmanship. The Momentum 4 headphones provide rich audio and a comfortable fit, making them an excellent choice for audiophiles.

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700: Bose is synonymous with noise cancellation, and the Bose 700 headphones live up to that reputation. They offer great ANC performance, a stylish design, and adjustable touch controls.

Sony WH-1000XM4: If you’re considering Sony’s WH-1000XM5, don’t overlook the WH-1000XM4. These headphones are still highly recognized for their exceptional noise cancellation, sound quality, and feature set.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 vs Sony WH-1000XM5 – FAQs

1. Do the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 or the Sony WH-1000XM5 have better sound quality?

Both headphones have excellent sound quality, but the choice is up to you. With compatibility for aptX Adaptive and aptX HD codecs, the PX7 S2 offers a more immersive and customizable sound experience for audiophiles looking for high-resolution audio. The Sony WH-1000XM5 has a more neutral sound profile, making it ideal for individuals who value precision and clarity in their audio.

2. Is the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2’s noise-cancelling capability comparable to that of the Sony WH-1000XM5?

While the PX7 S2 provides great hybrid noise cancelation with Ambient Pass-Through, Sony’s WH-1000XM5 is known for its industry-leading noise-canceling performance. The Sony headphones, which come with eight microphones and the Auto NC Optimizer, excel in reducing external noise in a variety of environments, making them excellent for frequent travelers or those looking for top-tier noise cancellation.

3. Can I change the sound and noise-cancelling settings on both headphones?

Yes, both headphones are customizable. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 supports noise cancellation, ambient pass-through, and equalizer settings via the Bowers & Wilkins Music app. Sony’s WH-1000XM5 boasts straightforward touch controls for playing and volume adjustments, as well as customization via the Sony Headphones app, which gives you control over equalizer settings.

4. Which headphones are more comfortable for extended use?

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 focuses on elegant style and comfort with memory foam earpads, making them perfect for extended listening sessions. The Sony WH-1000XM5 focuses on lightweight comfort with soft-fit leather ear cushions, offering comfort even after extended use. The one you choose should be based on your preferences for materials and design.

5. Do both headphones support voice assistants?

Yes, both the PX7 S2 and the WH-1000XM5 headphones feature voice assistants. The Bowers & Wilkins Music app on the PX7 S2 allows you to assign your device’s voice assistant to the Quick Action button. Sony’s WH-1000XM5 supports voice assistants like as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, allowing you to use your device hands-free. The option you choose is determined by your favorite voice assistant and how seamlessly you want it integrated into your headphones.

Final Thoughts

The decision between the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 and Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones is purely subjective. Both headphones provide excellent audio experiences and premium features.

The PX7 S2 is a solid candidate if you value customized sound quality, luxury aesthetics, and support for several Bluetooth codecs.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the way to go if you value top-tier noise cancellation, a more balanced sound profile, and unique capabilities like Speak-to-Chat and Quick Attention. Finally, your choice should be based on your unique requirements, whether they are for great sound or remarkable noise reduction.

Whichever option you select, you’ll be investing in high-quality headphones that offer an amazing listening experience.