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Sound Quality

When it comes to sound quality, the PX8s are in a league of their own. These are hands down my favorite headphones in this price range. The clarity is absolutely stunning — vocals feel intimate and lifelike, and the mids and treble are perfectly balanced. The bass is refined and present, but not overwhelming. If you’re looking for thunderous bass, these aren’t it — but for accurate, detailed listening, they’re outstanding. When I want more low-end punch, I switch to something like the Skullcandy Crushers. That said, for balanced listening across all genres, I give these a 10/10.

Comfort & Fit

The PX8s are surprisingly comfortable for premium headphones. The ear cushions are soft, plush, and covered in real leather, while the memory foam padding underneath provides a secure yet gentle fit. I can wear them for extended periods without experiencing fatigue or pressure, even with glasses on. They feel luxurious on the head without being too heavy.

Build Quality & Design

Build quality is where the PX8 really separates itself from most competitors. The headphones feature a solid metal frame with minimal plastic, giving them a durable and premium feel. Adjusting the headband is smooth and precise, and the earcups rotate neatly for storage. The included case is just as premium — it matches the headphone color and features a soft velour lining. Even the scent of the case speaks to the luxury experience Bowers & Wilkins aims to deliver. This is one of the best-built headphone designs on the market.

Features & Controls

While not loaded with features, the PX8 keeps it simple and effective. The physical buttons are tactile and responsive, allowing easy control over playback and volume. The companion app is clean and functional, but limited — you only get a basic two-band EQ (bass and treble), with no deeper customization. For more advanced EQ tweaking, you’ll need to use third-party apps. Still, the PX8 sounds so good out of the box that most users won’t feel the need to adjust anything.

Connectivity & Compatibility

The PX8 supports Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive, AAC, and SBC codecs. It connects quickly to iOS and Android devices and maintains a strong connection even while moving around the house. Multipoint connectivity (pairing with two devices at once) is included, though switching between them isn’t as seamless as on some competitors like Sony or Apple. It also includes a USB-C to 3.5mm cable for wired listening with supported devices.

Battery Life & Charging

Battery life is solid, delivering up to 30 hours on a single charge with active noise cancellation enabled. Fast charging is also supported — a quick 15-minute charge gives you up to 7 hours of playback. That’s more than enough to get through a long workday or a flight without needing to recharge.

Mic Quality

Call quality on the PX8 is decent but not amazing. In quiet environments, voices come through clearly, but background noise handling could be better. It’s fine for occasional Zoom calls or phone chats, but if crystal-clear mic quality is a priority (like for streaming or frequent video calls), you might want a dedicated mic or a headset built for voice.

Price & Value

The Bowers & Wilkins PX8 can often be found for under $500 on Amazon. I paid around $450 for mine, and I’ve noticed the price sometimes drops even more late at night — worth watching if you’re looking for a deal. For the build quality, sound performance, and luxury factor you get, the PX8 offers solid value — especially when it’s on sale.

Pros & Cons

Pros

✔️ Outstanding sound clarity

✔️ Luxurious design and build

✔️ Comfortable for long sessions

✔️ Great battery life

✔️ High-quality case included

Cons

❌ Limited EQ customization

❌ Mic quality could be better

❌ Lacks some smart features (like wear detection or head tracking)