Bowers and Wilkins is a name that commands respect when it comes to quality sound. The British audio giant, known for manufacturing some of the best loudspeakers in the world, has been gradually making inroads into the wireless headphone and earbuds market.
As Bowers and Wilkins release Pi8, the brand is offering a listening experience that is both technologically advanced and incorporates a timeless, sophisticated sound profile.
However, the question here is, are the Pi8 really as good as they are hyped to be, or are they another pair of expensive wireless earbuds? There are many choices to make regarding Apple AirPods Pro or Sony WF-1000XM5, and making a decision has never been harder. This is why this review goes deeper and touches every aspect that counts, including design, sound quality, noise cancellation, battery life, and value.
Looking to get earbuds that are a little more detailed, have high-end build quality and are looking to get earbuds that feel one step further than the others, the Pi8 are calling your name. Whether they keep that promise or not, we would like to unpack.
Design & Build Quality – Luxury You Can Feel
The first thing you’ll notice about the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 is how effortlessly they balance elegance with practicality. These earbuds don’t just look premium — they feel it too. Made with a sleek, polished finish and high-quality materials, the Pi8 immediately stands out from the crowd of plastic-heavy competitors.
Comfort is another area where Bowers & Wilkins clearly invested thought. The Pi8 fit snugly without creating pressure points, making them suitable for extended listening sessions, whether you’re working, commuting, or relaxing at home. The ear tips are soft and adaptive, designed to create a secure seal while avoiding that “stuffed ear” feeling many earbuds cause.
Durability also feels solid. With a robust case and an IPX rating for water resistance, these earbuds are built to withstand everyday use. Whether it’s a quick workout, light rain, or a long-haul flight, the Pi8 is made to be your reliable audio partner.
What really makes them feel luxurious is the attention to detail. From the tactile click of the case to the subtle branding, everything about the Pi8 reinforces the impression that these earbuds aren’t just tools for listening — they’re a lifestyle accessory.
Sound Quality – A True Audiophile Experience
Bowers & Wilkins has always been about sound first, and the Pi8 makes that abundantly clear the moment you press play. These earbuds don’t just deliver music — they reveal it. The tuning is refined, leaning toward natural clarity rather than exaggerated bass or sharp highs, giving you a balanced profile that works across genres.
The bass response is deep and confident, but it never overwhelms the mids. Instead, it provides a strong foundation, perfect for hip-hop, EDM, or cinematic scores without drowning out vocals or instruments. Speaking of vocals, the midrange is where the Pi8 truly shines.
Voices sound intimate and lifelike, whether you’re listening to acoustic folk tracks or podcasts. High frequencies are crisp, detailed, and airy, but never harsh — cymbals shimmer, strings sing, and every subtle detail feels intentional.
What’s even more impressive is the sense of space. The soundstage on the Pi8 feels wider than most true wireless earbuds, giving you the feeling of being in a live performance rather than just plugged into a device. This is something audiophiles will especially appreciate, as it’s a rare quality in the earbud market.
Whether you’re a casual listener who wants rich music or a detail-obsessed audiophile, the Pi8 delivers a listening experience that feels more like wearing miniaturized hi-fi speakers than everyday earbuds.
Noise Cancellation & Transparency Mode – Blocking Out the World
Great sound means nothing if your environment gets in the way, and the Pi8 rises to the challenge with powerful active noise cancellation (ANC). Bowers & Wilkins designed the ANC to adapt dynamically, reducing background noise without affecting the natural quality of your music. On a crowded train, in a noisy café, or during an airplane flight, the Pi8 manages to mute the chaos and keep your sound intact.
The real highlight here is how natural the ANC feels. Unlike some earbuds that create an artificial pressure sensation when canceling noise, the Pi8 remains comfortable even during long sessions. You don’t feel like your ears are being “sucked in” — just pure silence, filled with music.
Then there’s Transparency Mode, which is equally impressive. With a quick switch, the earbuds let in external sound, so you can hold a conversation, listen for announcements, or stay aware during outdoor walks. The transition between ANC and Transparency is smooth and intuitive, without the sudden jumps or tiny distortions some competitors suffer from.
Together, these features make the Pi8 not only great for immersive listening but also highly practical for everyday life. Whether you need total escape or situational awareness, the earbuds give you full control over your sound environment.
Battery Life & Charging – Power That Lasts
Battery performance can make or break wireless earbuds, and the Pi8 holds its ground firmly. On a single charge, you can expect up to 7 hours of continuous playback with noise cancellation enabled, and around 9 hours without it. Add the charging case, and total playtime extends to roughly 24–28 hours — plenty for long commutes, flights, or just a busy week of listening.
Fast charging is another welcome feature. Just 15 minutes in the case can give you up to 2 hours of playback, which is a lifesaver when you’re in a rush. The case itself supports USB-C charging, and in line with the premium positioning, wireless charging is included as well. Place the case on a Qi pad, and you’re good to go.
What’s equally impressive is how consistent the battery performance is. Some earbuds suffer from quick drain when switching between ANC and transparency, but the Pi8 manages its power efficiently across all modes. For frequent travelers or heavy listeners, that reliability matters.
In short, the Pi8 won’t leave you anxiously checking your battery percentage. They deliver the endurance expected from high-end earbuds, wrapped in the convenience of fast and wireless charging.
Smart Features & Connectivity – More Than Just Sound
Premium earbuds are about more than audio, and Bowers & Wilkins has packed the Pi8 with a suite of smart features that add real value. First, connectivity: the earbuds use the latest Bluetooth technology to ensure a stable, high-quality connection. Multipoint pairing is supported, so you can seamlessly switch between your phone, laptop, or tablet without hassle.
The companion app is simple but powerful. From it, you can fine-tune the sound EQ, customize controls, toggle ANC modes, and even update firmware. Everything feels streamlined, designed to enhance your experience without overwhelming you with unnecessary options.
Controls on the earbuds themselves are intuitive and responsive. Touch or press gestures allow you to adjust volume, skip tracks, answer calls, or activate your voice assistant with ease. Speaking of assistants, the Pi8 integrates smoothly with Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa, so managing tasks hands-free feels natural.
Call quality is another area where these earbuds shine. With advanced microphone arrays and noise-reduction technology, your voice remains clear even in windy or noisy environments — a must for professionals taking calls on the go.
Altogether, the Pi8 offers a blend of high-tech features that complement its excellent sound. They don’t just play music; they adapt to your lifestyle.
Price & Value – Are the Pi8 Worth Your Money?
And these are the details that most people are looking forward to–the price tag. The Bowers and Wilkins Pi8 are squarely in the high-end segment, and they command a higher cost than the entry-level offerings of Apple AirPods Pro or Samsung Galaxy Buds. On the surface, the price will cause some eyebrows to raise, particularly when alternatives that offer comparable sound and ANC come at more affordable prices.
What you are buying here is taste. The Pi8 has a degree of craft, tuning, and detail that cannot be found in a budget earbud. Luxurious construction all the way up to the size of the sound stage has been carefully worked out. To any real music fan, such an added expense equals an experience that is significantly more enjoyable.
Value, however, depends on your priorities. If you want “good enough” earbuds for casual listening, the Pi8 might feel like overkill. But if you’re someone who notices the difference between compressed and lossless audio, appreciates premium design, and expects your earbuds to perform like miniature hi-fi speakers, the Pi8 justifies every penny.
In short, the Pi8 are not cheap, but they’re not trying to be. They’re made for listeners who want the best wireless audio experience without compromise.
Final Verdict – Should You Buy the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8?
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 are not just another pair of earbuds that are wireless earbuds. Their luxurious design, their smooth sound signature, and all other elements are the manifestation of the brand philosophy of excellence. Unless you need a couple of earbuds that feel as high-end as they sound, the Pi8 accomplishes that in spades.
Their advantages are indisputable: the sound quality of audiophile standards, strong and natural noise reduction, the stability of the battery life, and the design, which gives an impression of being made to last. Add thoughtful touches such as multipoint connectivity, wireless charging and a smooth companion app, and you get a product as functional as luxurious.
Naturally, there are no products that do not have their disadvantages. The pricing of the Pi8 places them in an upper-end market, meaning they are not immediately the right fit.
There are cheaper alternatives that might be satisfactory to casual listeners. However, when people appreciate the finer side of music, the immersive soundstage and the artistry of a brand with a long hi-fi legacy, the Pi8 represents less of a cost and more of an investment.
So, should you buy them? If your budget allows and you want earbuds that marry performance with prestige, the answer is a confident yes. The Pi8 don’t just compete with the best in the market — they redefine what wireless earbuds can be.
FAQs
Are the Bowers and Wilkins Pi8 good?
Yes, the Pi8 are excellent premium earbuds with refined sound, strong noise cancellation, and luxury build quality. They’re designed for audiophiles who want more than just average earbuds.
Is the Bowers and Wilkins Pi8 better than the Sony WF 1000XM5?
The Pi8 delivers more natural, hi-fi-like sound, while the Sony WF-1000XM5 excels in ANC and smart features. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize pure sound quality or versatility.
Is the Bowers and Wilkins Pi8 better than the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless?
The Pi8 offers a wider soundstage and a more premium design, while Sennheiser leans slightly warmer in tuning. Both are excellent, but the Pi8 feels more refined overall.
Do Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 have noise cancelling?
Yes, they feature advanced adaptive active noise cancellation that blocks out background noise effectively while keeping audio quality natural and detailed.