Bowers & Wilkins is a company that always makes people take them seriously when discussing high-end headphones. Reputable for producing top-quality speakers and headphones, the firm boasts products whose sound fits like a glove and is highly indulgent.
Building on the incredible success of the PX7 S2 headphones, Bowers & Wilkins has once again upgraded its formula to focus on both sound quality and comfort, thereby enhancing the listening experience.
In an already saturated market, with stiff competition from the Sony WH-1000XM5, Apple AirPods Max, and Bose QuietComfort Ultra, can the PX7 S2e stand out? More to the point, is it worth your money to spend on these headphones?
In this review, we’ll break everything down step by step—from design and comfort to sound performance, noise cancellation, battery life, and value for money. By the end, you’ll know exactly whether the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e deserves a spot on your head—or in your shopping cart.
Design and Build Quality – Premium Feel in Every Detail
Right out of the box, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e gives off a sense of luxury. These headphones are crafted with the kind of attention to detail you’d expect from a brand famous for designing high-end audio equipment for decades.
The first thing you’ll notice is the sleek, modern aesthetic. Available in stylish finishes like Anthracite Black, Ocean Blue, and Cloud Grey, the PX7 S2e looks elegant without being flashy.
The build is a mix of premium fabrics, memory foam cushioning, and durable plastics with metal reinforcements—making them not only attractive but also robust for long-term use.
Comfort is another area where Bowers & Wilkins shines. The ear cups are generously padded with memory foam and wrapped in soft fabric, ensuring they sit gently around your ears.
Unlike some competitors that feel bulky after an hour, the PX7 S2e distributes weight evenly through its well-padded headband, reducing pressure during long listening sessions. At around 307 grams, they are slightly heavier than Sony’s XM5 but still comfortable enough for day-long use.
The physical controls are non-touch sensitive, which many users will welcome. You have tactile buttons to control volume, change tracks, enable ANC, or switch to transparency mode. All of this is very intuitive and feels well constructed, which adds to the high-quality perception.
Overall, the design and build quality of the PX7 S2e strike a fine balance between style, comfort, and durability—making them headphones that feel just as good as they sound.
Sound Performance – A Refined Listening Experience
The heart of any pair of premium headphones is the sound—and this is where the PX7 S2e truly shines. Bowers & Wilkins has fine-tuned its drivers and acoustic platform to deliver a sound signature that feels balanced, rich, and engaging across all genres.
- Clarity: Vocals sound clean and natural, without being overshadowed by heavy bass. Whether you’re listening to Adele’s soulful ballads or a podcast, every word feels crystal clear.
- Bass: Unlike some brands that overemphasise low-end, the PX7 S2e offers tight, controlled bass. You’ll feel the depth in hip-hop and EDM, but it never muddies the mids or highs.
- Mids and Highs: Instruments like guitars, violins, and pianos sound textured and lively. Treble is crisp without being harsh, giving the music a realistic presence.
- Soundstage: The PX7 S2e creates a wide, immersive soundstage. It feels as though instruments are placed around you, rather than squished together, which is ideal for live performances or orchestral tracks.
This makes the PX7 S2e perfect for audiophiles who appreciate refined detail rather than exaggerated bass. It competes closely with the Sony XM5 and even edges out in naturalness, though the AirPods Max may still offer slightly more openness in certain tracks.
Sound Quality – Clarity, Bass, and Balance Explained
Noise Cancellation – How Well Does It Block the World?
The PX7 S2e comes with ANC, which is powerful enough to deal with most common settings. When commuting on a noisy train or sitting in a busy cafe, or when travelling by air, the headsets greatly reduce ambient noise so you can listen to your music or audiobook.
What’s impressive is how natural the noise cancellation feels. Some headphones create a pressurised effect in your ears, but the PX7 S2e avoids that discomfort.
You also get a transparency mode, which allows external sounds like voices or announcements to pass through clearly without taking your headphones off—a feature frequent travellers will love.
While Bose and Sony still lead slightly in ANC performance, the PX7 S2e delivers a more balanced approach, prioritising comfort while still offering enough isolation for most users.
Comfort and Fit – Can You Wear Them All Day?
Comfort is crucial, especially for headphones at this price point, and Bowers & Wilkins doesn’t disappoint. The earcups are cushioned with memory foam that moulds to your ears, creating a snug yet breathable fit. The fabric covering feels soft against the skin and avoids the sweaty feeling that leather pads sometimes cause.
The headband is also well-designed to distribute the 307 grams of weight evenly. After several hours of listening, you will not get the sensation of any pressure on the top of your head. Even those who wear glasses will find the fit fairly accommodating, as the padding can be adjusted without causing much clamp pressure.
In short, whether you’re using them for a long-haul flight, work-from-home setup, or all-day music session, the PX7 S2e is built for comfort that matches its sound quality.
Battery Life and Charging – Enough Power for Daily Life
When investing in premium headphones, long-lasting battery life is non-negotiable. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e delivers an impressive 30 hours of playback on a single charge, even with noise cancellation turned on. That’s more than enough for a few days of commuting, a long-haul flight, or a weekend trip without needing to recharge.
If you ever find yourself low on power, the fast-charging feature is a lifesaver. A quick 15-minute charge gives you up to 7 hours of playback, which is excellent compared to most competitors. For context, Sony’s WH-1000XM5 offers similar numbers, but Apple’s AirPods Max fall slightly behind in quick-charge efficiency.
The charging is handled via USB-C, ensuring faster and more reliable power delivery. And since the PX7 S2e supports wired playback through USB-C or 3.5mm cable, you can continue listening even if the battery runs out. This mix of wireless freedom and backup wired support makes them practical for everyday life.
Smart Features and Connectivity – Modern Tech in Action
The PX7 S2e isn’t just about premium sound—it’s also about modern convenience. Equipped with Bluetooth 5.2, these headphones offer a stable and seamless connection. Whether you’re pairing with your phone, laptop, or tablet, the process is fast, and dropouts are rare.
One standout is the Bowers & Wilkins Music App, which lets you fine-tune settings, switch between ANC modes, update firmware, and even personalise sound to match your preferences. It’s intuitive, clean, and doesn’t feel bloated like some companion apps.
The PX7 S2e also supports aptX Adaptive, AAC, and SBC codecs, which means you get high-quality wireless streaming across both Android and iOS devices. Call quality is strong too—the microphones filter out background noise effectively, ensuring your voice remains clear on video calls or phone conversations.
Controls remain physical buttons instead of touch panels, which many users prefer for reliability. Skipping tracks, adjusting volume, or toggling ANC can be done easily without mis-taps.
In short, the PX7 S2e packs smart features and strong connectivity without overcomplicating things—delivering exactly what modern users need.
Price and Value – Are They Worth Your Money?
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e is priced around $399 (as of 2025), placing it firmly in the premium headphone category. At this level, buyers naturally compare them with big players like Sony WH-1000XM5 ($399), Apple AirPods Max ($549), and Bose QuietComfort Ultra ($429).
Here’s where the PX7 S2e finds its balance. While it doesn’t quite beat Sony in ANC or Apple in open soundstage, it offers a unique blend of luxury design, natural sound, and comfort that sets it apart. You’re not just paying for a gadget—you’re paying for a refined listening experience with excellent build quality and timeless styling.
If your top priority is audiophile-grade sound and all-day comfort, the PX7 S2e justifies its price. However, if you value the absolute best ANC or advanced ecosystem integration (like Apple’s seamless device switching), you might find better value elsewhere. Still, for many, the PX7 S2e strikes the sweet spot between premium quality and fair pricing.
Final Verdict – Who Should Buy the PX7 S2e?
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e is not just another pair of noise-cancelling headphones—it’s a statement piece for those who want style, substance, and sonic purity in one package.
✅ Buy these if you:
- Want balanced, natural sound that works across all genres.
- Value, premium build quality, and timeless design.
- Need all-day comfort with long battery life.
- Prefer physical controls over touch-sensitive ones.
❌ Consider alternatives if you:
- Want the absolute best ANC (Sony WH-1000XM5).
- Need deep Apple ecosystem integration (AirPods Max).
- Want a slightly lower price point without sacrificing too much (Bose QuietComfort Ultra).
At the end of the day, the PX7 S2e is built for music lovers who want a headphone that looks as good as it sounds. It’s an excellent choice for frequent travellers, remote workers, or anyone who values sound purity above all else.
If you’re looking for a premium set of headphones that combine luxury, long-lasting comfort, and refined audio, the PX7 S2e should be high on your list.
FAQs
1. Is the Bowers and Wilkins PX7 any good?
Yes, the PX7 was a great headphone, but the newer PX7 S2e offers improved sound and comfort, making it the better choice today.
2. What is the difference between PX7 S2 and S2e?
The PX7 S2e has refined acoustic tuning and better sound clarity, while design and battery life remain the same as the PX7 S2.
3. Which is better: Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S2e or Sony WH-1000XM5?
The PX7 S2e is best for natural, detailed sound, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 excels in noise cancellation and smart features.
4. Does the PX7 S2e have a mic?
Yes, it comes with six built-in microphones for clear calls and effective noise cancellation.