
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
Reference‑quality sound, luxury build and balanced ANC—premium pick for discerning listeners.
The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 is the pared‑back luxury headphone that aims to put music first while still serving travelers and remote workers who want quieter, longer listening sessions. Reviewers and users praise its 40 mm Carbon Cone drivers and 24‑bit DSP with dedicated DAC for an unusually detailed, spacious presentation, and most real‑world feedback supports B&W’s claim of premium feel thanks to Nappa leather and die‑cast aluminum construction; where brand claims wobble is ANC performance, which experts say is balanced and musical but does not outperform the very best noise cancelling on long flights. Connectivity and battery life are practical for on‑the‑go use, though occasional Bluetooth quirks and an initial clamp for some wearers temper the value proposition against the $799 price, and those tradeoffs shape the overall recommendation for buyers weighing sound versus silence.

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Publications
10 LEADING PUBLICATION REVIEWS
What Hi‑Fi?’s Andy Madden is broadly impressed and leans positive about the Px8 S2. He praises the luxurious build, comfortable fit and notably improved sound—punchy, detailed, dynamically engaging and more natural than the original—calling it five‑star audio in listening. However, he stops short of unqualified praise: ANC is good but not class‑leading, controls are fiddly, and occasional app/connection quirks undermined confidence. Unique strengths include a refined carbon driver chassis, expanded mic array and a richer app EQ, while practical trade‑offs are ergonomics and slightly imperfect noise suppression for the price. Overall the review recommends auditioning the Px8 S2 for listeners who prioritise premium materials and superb sound, but cautions those who need best‑in‑class ANC or flawless wireless reliability.
SoundGuys’ Christian Thomas is cautiously positive about the Px8 S2 overall. He likes the high-end build, travel-friendly case, solid connectivity and thoughtful physical controls, and finds the ANC and microphones competent for real-world use, but he’s reserved about fit comfort for some users, the lack of IP protection, and an unusual, sometimes piercing peak in the high frequencies that makes these headphones sound “boutique” and uncomfortably loud at low volumes. The review is measured rather than gushy: Thomas tested the company-provided unit for a week, ran objective measurements (though some charts were pending), and repeatedly warns that this is not a straight upgrade from the Px8 — it’s a different-sounding choice best suited to affluent listeners who prefer a bass-forward, distinctive signature and don’t mind hunting for alternatives if they want cleaner tuning or stronger ANC.
What Hi‑Fi?’s Andy Madden is broadly impressed and leans positive about the Px8 S2. He praises the luxurious build, comfortable fit and notably improved sound—punchy, detailed, dynamically engaging and more natural than the original—calling it five‑star audio in listening. However, he stops short of unqualified praise: ANC is good but not class‑leading, controls are fiddly, and occasional app/connection quirks undermined confidence. Unique strengths include a refined carbon driver chassis, expanded mic array and a richer app EQ, while practical trade‑offs are ergonomics and slightly imperfect noise suppression for the price. Overall the review recommends auditioning the Px8 S2 for listeners who prioritise premium materials and superb sound, but cautions those who need best‑in‑class ANC or flawless wireless reliability.
SoundGuys’ Christian Thomas is cautiously positive about the Px8 S2 overall. He likes the high-end build, travel-friendly case, solid connectivity and thoughtful physical controls, and finds the ANC and microphones competent for real-world use, but he’s reserved about fit comfort for some users, the lack of IP protection, and an unusual, sometimes piercing peak in the high frequencies that makes these headphones sound “boutique” and uncomfortably loud at low volumes. The review is measured rather than gushy: Thomas tested the company-provided unit for a week, ran objective measurements (though some charts were pending), and repeatedly warns that this is not a straight upgrade from the Px8 — it’s a different-sounding choice best suited to affluent listeners who prefer a bass-forward, distinctive signature and don’t mind hunting for alternatives if they want cleaner tuning or stronger ANC.
What Hi‑Fi?’s Andy Madden is broadly impressed and leans positive about the Px8 S2. He praises the luxurious build, comfortable fit and notably improved sound—punchy, detailed, dynamically engaging and more natural than the original—calling it five‑star audio in listening. However, he stops short of unqualified praise: ANC is good but not class‑leading, controls are fiddly, and occasional app/connection quirks undermined confidence. Unique strengths include a refined carbon driver chassis, expanded mic array and a richer app EQ, while practical trade‑offs are ergonomics and slightly imperfect noise suppression for the price. Overall the review recommends auditioning the Px8 S2 for listeners who prioritise premium materials and superb sound, but cautions those who need best‑in‑class ANC or flawless wireless reliability.
SoundGuys’ Christian Thomas is cautiously positive about the Px8 S2 overall. He likes the high-end build, travel-friendly case, solid connectivity and thoughtful physical controls, and finds the ANC and microphones competent for real-world use, but he’s reserved about fit comfort for some users, the lack of IP protection, and an unusual, sometimes piercing peak in the high frequencies that makes these headphones sound “boutique” and uncomfortably loud at low volumes. The review is measured rather than gushy: Thomas tested the company-provided unit for a week, ran objective measurements (though some charts were pending), and repeatedly warns that this is not a straight upgrade from the Px8 — it’s a different-sounding choice best suited to affluent listeners who prefer a bass-forward, distinctive signature and don’t mind hunting for alternatives if they want cleaner tuning or stronger ANC.
What Hi‑Fi?’s Andy Madden is broadly impressed and leans positive about the Px8 S2. He praises the luxurious build, comfortable fit and notably improved sound—punchy, detailed, dynamically engaging and more natural than the original—calling it five‑star audio in listening. However, he stops short of unqualified praise: ANC is good but not class‑leading, controls are fiddly, and occasional app/connection quirks undermined confidence. Unique strengths include a refined carbon driver chassis, expanded mic array and a richer app EQ, while practical trade‑offs are ergonomics and slightly imperfect noise suppression for the price. Overall the review recommends auditioning the Px8 S2 for listeners who prioritise premium materials and superb sound, but cautions those who need best‑in‑class ANC or flawless wireless reliability.
SoundGuys’ Christian Thomas is cautiously positive about the Px8 S2 overall. He likes the high-end build, travel-friendly case, solid connectivity and thoughtful physical controls, and finds the ANC and microphones competent for real-world use, but he’s reserved about fit comfort for some users, the lack of IP protection, and an unusual, sometimes piercing peak in the high frequencies that makes these headphones sound “boutique” and uncomfortably loud at low volumes. The review is measured rather than gushy: Thomas tested the company-provided unit for a week, ran objective measurements (though some charts were pending), and repeatedly warns that this is not a straight upgrade from the Px8 — it’s a different-sounding choice best suited to affluent listeners who prefer a bass-forward, distinctive signature and don’t mind hunting for alternatives if they want cleaner tuning or stronger ANC.
What Hi‑Fi?’s Andy Madden is broadly impressed and leans positive about the Px8 S2. He praises the luxurious build, comfortable fit and notably improved sound—punchy, detailed, dynamically engaging and more natural than the original—calling it five‑star audio in listening. However, he stops short of unqualified praise: ANC is good but not class‑leading, controls are fiddly, and occasional app/connection quirks undermined confidence. Unique strengths include a refined carbon driver chassis, expanded mic array and a richer app EQ, while practical trade‑offs are ergonomics and slightly imperfect noise suppression for the price. Overall the review recommends auditioning the Px8 S2 for listeners who prioritise premium materials and superb sound, but cautions those who need best‑in‑class ANC or flawless wireless reliability.
SoundGuys’ Christian Thomas is cautiously positive about the Px8 S2 overall. He likes the high-end build, travel-friendly case, solid connectivity and thoughtful physical controls, and finds the ANC and microphones competent for real-world use, but he’s reserved about fit comfort for some users, the lack of IP protection, and an unusual, sometimes piercing peak in the high frequencies that makes these headphones sound “boutique” and uncomfortably loud at low volumes. The review is measured rather than gushy: Thomas tested the company-provided unit for a week, ran objective measurements (though some charts were pending), and repeatedly warns that this is not a straight upgrade from the Px8 — it’s a different-sounding choice best suited to affluent listeners who prefer a bass-forward, distinctive signature and don’t mind hunting for alternatives if they want cleaner tuning or stronger ANC.
YouTube
15 LEADING EXPERT & INFLUENCER REVIEWS
Ed Selley is clearly impressed and mostly enthusiastic. He calls the Px8 S2 a sensational, flagship wireless headphone that bests the PX7 S3 in sound thanks to stiffer carbon drivers, with solid battery life, a useful app EQ, and smarter metal and leather finishes—while acknowledging Sony still leads in ANC, spatial audio support is pending, and the app’s login is annoying. Overall he frames the Px8 S2 as the best wireless headphone under £1,000 for day‑to‑day use, praising its musicality and build while flagging a few practical caveats and ethical concerns around real leather.
Picky Audio is positively impressed. He praises the Px8 S2’s premium build, improved comfort and slightly tighter, more open sound versus the PX7 S3, calling it a meaningful though not massive upgrade; ANC and call mics are very good, transparency is usable, and battery/controls behave predictably. He flags a high price, a basic five‑band EQ, minor transparency/loudness quirks that firmware could fix, and that the PX7 S3 may be the better value for most. Overall tone is favorable and measured—enthusiastic about sound and materials, cautious about cost and small software/feature tradeoffs.
Ed Selley is clearly impressed and mostly enthusiastic. He calls the Px8 S2 a sensational, flagship wireless headphone that bests the PX7 S3 in sound thanks to stiffer carbon drivers, with solid battery life, a useful app EQ, and smarter metal and leather finishes—while acknowledging Sony still leads in ANC, spatial audio support is pending, and the app’s login is annoying. Overall he frames the Px8 S2 as the best wireless headphone under £1,000 for day‑to‑day use, praising its musicality and build while flagging a few practical caveats and ethical concerns around real leather.
Picky Audio is positively impressed. He praises the Px8 S2’s premium build, improved comfort and slightly tighter, more open sound versus the PX7 S3, calling it a meaningful though not massive upgrade; ANC and call mics are very good, transparency is usable, and battery/controls behave predictably. He flags a high price, a basic five‑band EQ, minor transparency/loudness quirks that firmware could fix, and that the PX7 S3 may be the better value for most. Overall tone is favorable and measured—enthusiastic about sound and materials, cautious about cost and small software/feature tradeoffs.
Ed Selley is clearly impressed and mostly enthusiastic. He calls the Px8 S2 a sensational, flagship wireless headphone that bests the PX7 S3 in sound thanks to stiffer carbon drivers, with solid battery life, a useful app EQ, and smarter metal and leather finishes—while acknowledging Sony still leads in ANC, spatial audio support is pending, and the app’s login is annoying. Overall he frames the Px8 S2 as the best wireless headphone under £1,000 for day‑to‑day use, praising its musicality and build while flagging a few practical caveats and ethical concerns around real leather.
Picky Audio is positively impressed. He praises the Px8 S2’s premium build, improved comfort and slightly tighter, more open sound versus the PX7 S3, calling it a meaningful though not massive upgrade; ANC and call mics are very good, transparency is usable, and battery/controls behave predictably. He flags a high price, a basic five‑band EQ, minor transparency/loudness quirks that firmware could fix, and that the PX7 S3 may be the better value for most. Overall tone is favorable and measured—enthusiastic about sound and materials, cautious about cost and small software/feature tradeoffs.
Ed Selley is clearly impressed and mostly enthusiastic. He calls the Px8 S2 a sensational, flagship wireless headphone that bests the PX7 S3 in sound thanks to stiffer carbon drivers, with solid battery life, a useful app EQ, and smarter metal and leather finishes—while acknowledging Sony still leads in ANC, spatial audio support is pending, and the app’s login is annoying. Overall he frames the Px8 S2 as the best wireless headphone under £1,000 for day‑to‑day use, praising its musicality and build while flagging a few practical caveats and ethical concerns around real leather.
Picky Audio is positively impressed. He praises the Px8 S2’s premium build, improved comfort and slightly tighter, more open sound versus the PX7 S3, calling it a meaningful though not massive upgrade; ANC and call mics are very good, transparency is usable, and battery/controls behave predictably. He flags a high price, a basic five‑band EQ, minor transparency/loudness quirks that firmware could fix, and that the PX7 S3 may be the better value for most. Overall tone is favorable and measured—enthusiastic about sound and materials, cautious about cost and small software/feature tradeoffs.
Ed Selley is clearly impressed and mostly enthusiastic. He calls the Px8 S2 a sensational, flagship wireless headphone that bests the PX7 S3 in sound thanks to stiffer carbon drivers, with solid battery life, a useful app EQ, and smarter metal and leather finishes—while acknowledging Sony still leads in ANC, spatial audio support is pending, and the app’s login is annoying. Overall he frames the Px8 S2 as the best wireless headphone under £1,000 for day‑to‑day use, praising its musicality and build while flagging a few practical caveats and ethical concerns around real leather.
Picky Audio is positively impressed. He praises the Px8 S2’s premium build, improved comfort and slightly tighter, more open sound versus the PX7 S3, calling it a meaningful though not massive upgrade; ANC and call mics are very good, transparency is usable, and battery/controls behave predictably. He flags a high price, a basic five‑band EQ, minor transparency/loudness quirks that firmware could fix, and that the PX7 S3 may be the better value for most. Overall tone is favorable and measured—enthusiastic about sound and materials, cautious about cost and small software/feature tradeoffs.
Ed Selley is clearly impressed and mostly enthusiastic. He calls the Px8 S2 a sensational, flagship wireless headphone that bests the PX7 S3 in sound thanks to stiffer carbon drivers, with solid battery life, a useful app EQ, and smarter metal and leather finishes—while acknowledging Sony still leads in ANC, spatial audio support is pending, and the app’s login is annoying. Overall he frames the Px8 S2 as the best wireless headphone under £1,000 for day‑to‑day use, praising its musicality and build while flagging a few practical caveats and ethical concerns around real leather.
Picky Audio is positively impressed. He praises the Px8 S2’s premium build, improved comfort and slightly tighter, more open sound versus the PX7 S3, calling it a meaningful though not massive upgrade; ANC and call mics are very good, transparency is usable, and battery/controls behave predictably. He flags a high price, a basic five‑band EQ, minor transparency/loudness quirks that firmware could fix, and that the PX7 S3 may be the better value for most. Overall tone is favorable and measured—enthusiastic about sound and materials, cautious about cost and small software/feature tradeoffs.
Ed Selley is clearly impressed and mostly enthusiastic. He calls the Px8 S2 a sensational, flagship wireless headphone that bests the PX7 S3 in sound thanks to stiffer carbon drivers, with solid battery life, a useful app EQ, and smarter metal and leather finishes—while acknowledging Sony still leads in ANC, spatial audio support is pending, and the app’s login is annoying. Overall he frames the Px8 S2 as the best wireless headphone under £1,000 for day‑to‑day use, praising its musicality and build while flagging a few practical caveats and ethical concerns around real leather.
Picky Audio is positively impressed. He praises the Px8 S2’s premium build, improved comfort and slightly tighter, more open sound versus the PX7 S3, calling it a meaningful though not massive upgrade; ANC and call mics are very good, transparency is usable, and battery/controls behave predictably. He flags a high price, a basic five‑band EQ, minor transparency/loudness quirks that firmware could fix, and that the PX7 S3 may be the better value for most. Overall tone is favorable and measured—enthusiastic about sound and materials, cautious about cost and small software/feature tradeoffs.
Ed Selley is clearly impressed and mostly enthusiastic. He calls the Px8 S2 a sensational, flagship wireless headphone that bests the PX7 S3 in sound thanks to stiffer carbon drivers, with solid battery life, a useful app EQ, and smarter metal and leather finishes—while acknowledging Sony still leads in ANC, spatial audio support is pending, and the app’s login is annoying. Overall he frames the Px8 S2 as the best wireless headphone under £1,000 for day‑to‑day use, praising its musicality and build while flagging a few practical caveats and ethical concerns around real leather.
Picky Audio is positively impressed. He praises the Px8 S2’s premium build, improved comfort and slightly tighter, more open sound versus the PX7 S3, calling it a meaningful though not massive upgrade; ANC and call mics are very good, transparency is usable, and battery/controls behave predictably. He flags a high price, a basic five‑band EQ, minor transparency/loudness quirks that firmware could fix, and that the PX7 S3 may be the better value for most. Overall tone is favorable and measured—enthusiastic about sound and materials, cautious about cost and small software/feature tradeoffs.
Social
2 INFLUENCER REVIEWS
Smart Home Sounds sounds cautiously optimistic about the Px8 S2. They like the sleeker, lighter build, two premium finishes, and the upgraded internals — 40mm carbon-cone drivers, Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX adaptive/lossless, and expanded mics and EQ — and call battery life and fast charging acceptable. Their tone is interested rather than ecstatic: they flag the £629 price and say "if they deliver on the promise" these could be the ultimate luxury headphones, implying curiosity and a need for real-world confirmation rather than an outright endorsement.
Nafis A is clearly impressed and leans enthusiastic about the PX8 S2. He calls it a luxury, well-built headphone that’s comfortable and a noticeable upgrade over the PX8, citing Bluetooth 5.3, aptX Lossless, an upcoming Spatial Audio/LE Audio firmware update, a 5-band EQ, and a bass-forward yet natural sound with wider soundstage and minimal sibilance. He tempers enthusiasm by noting ANC isn’t quite Sony/Bose level and admits the H100 may beat it in bass clarity—though at a much higher price—so his overall tone is excited but measured and practical.
Forum Reviews
CUSTOMER REVIEWS FROM 1 FORUM
Redditors generally like the PX8 S2 but are split between enthusiast praise and picky criticisms. Many applaud B&W’s refined sound, improved tuning, strong detail and premium materials—users say EQ makes them versatile and they outclass prior PX models—while others find the default tuning harsh, bass-heavy or muddy until EQ’d. ANC is competent but not class-leading, comfort and build divide opinion (some love the leather and fit, others report weight or fit issues), and value judgments hinge on budget and alternatives. Upgraders often note meaningful improvements over PX8; new shoppers are urged to audition and plan to tweak EQ.
Many comments
In-Depth Review
Highlights
- •Reference-quality soundWide, detailed soundstage and clarity.
- •Balanced noise cancellationDesigned to reduce noise, preserve detail.
- •Premium materials buildNappa leather and die-cast aluminum.
- •All-day comfortSoft cushions; comfortable after break-in.
Considerations
- •High purchase costHigh price (~$799) narrows appeal.
- •ANC limits in-flightMay not match Sony/Bose isolation.
- •Intermittent connectivity quirksOccasional multipoint and volume inconsistencies.
- •Initial clamp pressureTighter headband initially; may loosen.
Bowers & Wilkins has leaned into its hi‑fi heritage to craft a flagship that aims to trade feature-showmanship for pure listening pleasure. Designed for audiophiles, frequent flyers, and professionals who prioritize tonal accuracy and build, this model centers on 40 mm Carbon Cone drivers, a 24‑bit DSP with dedicated DAC/amplifier, and hybrid ANC tuned to preserve musical detail rather than simply erase noise. Compared with earlier Px models and rival flagships, it favors luxurious Nappa leather and die‑cast aluminum construction, a slimmer cup profile for easier travel, and practical battery life boosted by a 15‑minute quick charge = ~7 hours. Expect trade-offs — slightly less aggressive ANC than some competitors and occasional connectivity quirks — so review the sections on comfort, noise cancellation, battery and codecs to see which strengths matter to you; if you want sonic refinement over maximum suppression, read on and bring your favorite tracks.

Connectivity and codecs
Connectivity is broad and future-aware, offering multiple high-res options and practical features for device switching. The Px8 S2 supports Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint, plus aptX Lossless/Adaptive/HD, AAC and SBC, and includes USB-C and 3.5 mm wired options for critical listening. Most reviewers found pairing reliable and multipoint useful, but intermittent Bluetooth quirks and occasional volume differences between wireless and USB-C have been reported and may be smoothed via firmware updates.
Sound quality
These headphones deliver a very engaging, music-first presentation that emphasizes clarity and imaging. The 40 mm Carbon Cone drivers and 24-bit DSP with dedicated DAC/amplifier give tracks a wide, detailed soundstage and controlled bass, though some listeners and reviewers note a slightly forward treble that can feel bright until EQ is applied. In practice wired USB-C or aptX Lossless wireless listening showcases the Px8 S2’s resolution best, while real-world feedback supports the brand’s claims about refinement but advises auditioning for personal taste.

Build and materials
The Px8 S2 leans into a luxury aesthetic with durable, premium choices that also affect feel and longevity. You get die-cast aluminum arms and Nappa leather ear pads and headband, which reviewers praise for solidity and comfort, and the slimmer 10 mm shallower cup profile refines the silhouette while keeping robustness. Reported strengths align with B&W’s claims about craftsmanship, though a few users mention weight and long-term case/cushion maintenance as practical considerations.

Active noise cancellation
ANC here aims to reduce background noise while keeping musical detail intact, favoring sound quality over maximal suppression. Bowers & Wilkins uses an 8-microphone hybrid ANC system that reviewers describe as balanced and effective, however expert and user impressions consistently say it stops short of Sony or Bose class-leading isolation in very loud environments like flights. If you prioritize preserving transient detail while cutting routine office or street noise, the Px8 S2’s ANC performs well, but don’t expect the absolute quietest cabin on a long-haul flight.

Comfort and fit
These are built for extended listening but require a short break-in for ideal fit for some users. The Px8 S2 offers soft Nappa leather cushions, a refined headband structure, and slightly tighter initial clamp that most reviewers say loosens with use, yielding long-session comfort; a minority report persistent pressure or fit issues for very large ears. Practical usability notes include occasional finicky wear-sensing behavior that can pause playback unexpectedly, which is confirmed by multiple user reports and expert tests.

Battery and charging
Battery life is straightforward and travel-friendly with fast top-ups when you need them. The headphones provide up to 30 hours of playback with ANC on, and a 15-minute quick charge for about 7 hours, which reviewers found useful for travel gaps and day trips; full charge times hover around two hours. Real-world feedback generally echoes B&W’s claims on endurance, though battery comparisons should consider codec use and volume, which affect run time in practice.

Conclusion
After weighing the evidence, here’s the tidy verdict: the Px8 S2 prioritizes musicality over headline-grabbing features, delivering a 40 mm Carbon Cone‑driven presentation that reviewers and listeners call unusually detailed and engaging for wireless cans, while its hybrid ANC aims to preserve transients rather than seal you off on a plane. The die‑cast aluminum and Nappa leather construction give it a luxury feel and real durability, even as the slightly firmer initial clamp means some users need a short break‑in period to reach ideal comfort. Battery life and the 15‑minute quick‑charge are practical for travel, and broad codec support — including aptX Lossless and multipoint — makes it flexible across devices despite occasional Bluetooth quirks. If you value top-tier sound and premium build over absolute noise isolation or bargain pricing, this is a compelling, well‑engineered pick that justifies a premium purchase for discerning listeners.
Feature Scores
This reflects reviews and ratings from established critics, journalists, and users who have evaluated the item. Their opinions provide a comprehensive assessment.
Performance
Sound Quality
5/5
Noise Cancellation Effectiveness
4/5
Battery Life
4/5
Value
Price-to-Performance
4/5
Warranty
5/5
Included Accessories
4/5
Design
Comfort
4/5
Build Quality
5/5
Controls
4/5
Health
Hearing Protection
2/5
Material Safety
4/5
Hygiene
3/5
Safety
Battery Safety
4/5
Regulatory Compliance
4/5
Physical Hazards
4/5
Sustainability
Recyclability
2/5
Sustainable Materials Use
2/5
Packaging Sustainability
2/5
Experience Style
Customization
4/5
Multi-Device Pairing
4/5
Ease of Use
4/5
Specifications
This section outlines the product's key facts, covering essential features, details, dimensions, materials, and any unique characteristics that define its functionality and usability.
Performance
Value
Design
Safety
Sustainability
Experience Style
Frequently Asked Questions
6 Questions
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