The name Bowers and Wilkins cannot be mentioned without one of your first thoughts being craftsmanship, luxuriousness, and sound of world standard. The PX8 is the first brand to venture into the ultra-premium headphone market; its design is exquisite, and its audio technology is up to date.
But with a price that firmly anchors them towards the upper end of the consumer headphone market, there is one question: are they really worth it? We will have a closer look at the PX8 in this review, including the design, comfort, sound, features, and general value, to determine whether they match the hype.
First Impressions: A Headphone That Feels Like Pure Luxury
The moment you unbox the Bowers & Wilkins PX8, the premium factor hits you instantly. From the sleek packaging to the headphones themselves, everything feels meticulously designed. The PX8 doesn’t scream luxury with flashy colors or oversized branding—it whispers it through understated elegance and attention to detail.
Holding them for the first time, you notice the plush leather, the precision-machined aluminum arms, and the overall weight that suggests substance without being overbearing. They feel less like a gadget and more like a luxury accessory—something you’d expect from a high-end fashion house rather than just a tech brand.
Even before you press play, the PX8 communicates a clear message: these are not just headphones; they’re a statement piece. Whether you’re at home, on a flight, or at a café, the PX8 gives off an aura that blends sophistication with modern technology. It’s the kind of first impression that instantly raises your expectations for everything else that follows—especially the sound.
Design and Build: Where Premium Meets Perfection
Bowers & Wilkins has long been celebrated for its attention to craftsmanship, and the PX8 takes that reputation to new heights. From the moment you hold them, it’s clear these aren’t just headphones—they’re a showcase of premium engineering. Built with die-cast aluminum arms, Nappa leather cushions, and a reinforced headband, the PX8 blends durability with elegance in a way few competitors manage.
The finishing is precise and deliberate. Unlike plastic-heavy designs common in this market, the PX8 feels solid and sophisticated. The hinges move smoothly yet hold firmly in place, while the sliders adjust with reassuring clicks, allowing for a tailored fit. The rotating ear cups enhance flexibility, making them feel custom-fitted whether you’re at your desk or on a long-haul flight.
Visually, the PX8 embraces understated luxury. Available in refined shades like black or tan, the design avoids flashy accents or oversized branding. Instead, it radiates quiet confidence—a product that complements your style rather than shouting for attention.
Adding to its practicality, Bowers & Wilkins chose physical buttons over touch-sensitive controls. This decision, though unconventional in 2025, ensures reliability in all conditions, from sweaty workouts to winter gloves. It’s a small but smart choice that underscores the PX8’s thoughtful design philosophy.
Comfort for Long Listening Sessions: Do They Truly Deliver?
When it comes to premium headphones, comfort is just as important as sound quality. The Bowers & Wilkins PX8 manages to strike a thoughtful balance, offering a design that feels luxurious yet practical for extended use.
At 320 grams, they’re slightly heavier than rivals like Sony’s WH-1000XM5 or Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra, but the clever weight distribution prevents that heaviness from becoming a burden. The clamping force is snug without being overly tight, ensuring the headphones stay secure without creating pressure headaches.
The ear cushions are one of the PX8’s strongest features. Made with Nappa leather and memory foam, they mold gently to your ears while maintaining breathability—something synthetic materials often struggle with.
This keeps the experience comfortable, even across hours of listening. The headband, equally padded, eliminates hotspots by evenly spreading pressure across the head.
Another subtle comfort advantage is the passive isolation. The cushions form a natural seal that blocks a surprising amount of ambient noise, reducing distractions even without ANC. For long workdays, commutes, or travel, this helps create an immersive yet comfortable bubble.
In short, while slightly heavier than competitors, the PX8’s premium ergonomics and materials make it a pleasure to wear for extended sessions.
Sound Quality: Breaking Down the PX8’s Sonic Signature
The true magic of the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 lies in its sound. Equipped with 40mm carbon cone drivers, angled within each ear cup, these headphones are designed to replicate the natural positioning of high-end loudspeakers. The result is a listening experience that feels wide, spacious, and remarkably lifelike—something most wireless headphones struggle to achieve.
The sound signature is best described as balanced and refined. The bass is deep and powerful yet tightly controlled, avoiding the bloated low end that plagues many consumer headphones. This makes electronic and hip-hop tracks punchy but never overwhelming. The mids, however, are where the PX8 truly shines.
Vocals and instruments are rendered with stunning clarity and warmth, giving music a natural presence that feels intimate and real.
High frequencies are crisp without being sharp, allowing cymbals, strings, and subtle details to sparkle without listener fatigue. It’s the type of treble tuning that makes long sessions not only possible but enjoyable.
What sets the PX8 apart is its soundstage. Instruments feel distinct and layered, as though you’re seated in front of a live performance. Paired with support for aptX HD and aptX Adaptive codecs, the PX8 delivers near-wired quality for those with compatible devices, making it a true audiophile’s wireless dream.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode: How Well Do They Compete?
Active noise cancellation has become a defining feature of premium headphones, and the PX8 proves that Bowers & Wilkins takes it seriously. While it may not unseat Bose or Sony—the long-standing champions of ANC—it delivers a level of performance that feels highly competitive.
With ANC switched on, everyday distractions like the drone of airplane engines, office chatter, or the rumble of a train melt into the background. The PX8 doesn’t produce the absolute “vacuum silence” effect some rivals create, but instead offers a balanced reduction that keeps sound natural. Importantly, music quality remains intact—no unwanted compression, dullness, or distortion when ANC is engaged, a flaw that often compromises cheaper models.
The transparency mode is equally polished. A single press lets in outside noise without the harsh, tinny quality that’s common in many headphones. Voices sound lifelike, making it easy to hold a conversation or catch announcements without removing the headset.
There’s also a degree of adaptive performance, with the PX8 subtly tailoring its cancellation depending on your surroundings. Combine that with the excellent passive isolation from its plush leather cushions, and you get an immersive listening bubble that blocks distractions comfortably, without the ear pressure some ANC systems create.
Smart Features, Battery Life, and Everyday Use
Premium headphones should balance luxury with practicality, and the PX8 manages both impressively. Beyond their striking design, they integrate features that make everyday use simple and reliable.
Battery life is one of the strongest points. With up to 30 hours of playback on a single charge—even with ANC active—the PX8 easily covers long workdays, commutes, or even intercontinental flights.
When time is tight, a 15-minute quick charge delivers around 7 hours of listening, which is more than enough to get through an evening or busy commute.
Connectivity is equally smooth. Thanks to Bluetooth 5.2 and multipoint pairing, you can keep the PX8 connected to your phone and laptop at the same time, seamlessly switching between calls, music, and videos. It’s a convenience that quickly becomes indispensable in daily life.
Controls are refreshingly tactile. Rather than unreliable touch panels, the PX8 uses physical buttons for playback, volume, ANC, and voice assistant activation. Paired with the Bowers & Wilkins Music app, you get straightforward customization of ANC, sound modes, and EQ—without the clutter of unnecessary features.
For portability, the PX8 ships with a sleek protective case, making it travel-friendly. Combined with its elegant, understated look, it’s a headphone that feels just as natural in an office, on a plane, or at your favorite café.
Price vs. Value: Are the PX8s Really Worth It?
Here’s the part that makes most people pause: the price. At around $699 / £599, the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 stands firmly in the ultra-premium category. That places them higher than Sony’s WH-1000XM5 and Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra—both industry leaders in ANC—and even pricier than Apple’s AirPods Max.
So, what justifies this lofty price tag? The answer lies in craftsmanship, sound quality, and exclusivity. Most wireless headphones aim to be practical everyday gadgets; the PX8, however, is built as a luxury product.
The use of Nappa leather, machined aluminum, and carbon drivers clearly sets it apart from plastic-heavy competitors. Every detail feels intentional, as though Bowers & Wilkins designed them to last for years rather than just a product cycle.
The PX8 also has one of the most convincing and fine listening experiences that a wireless phone can offer. Any audiophiles who require the specifics and space when listening to music will notice the difference. This is not a purchase to them- it is an investment in better sound.
But value is always subjective. If you’re someone who wants great ANC, long battery life, and solid sound for daily use, Sony or Bose might give you 80–90% of the PX8’s performance at nearly half the price. On the other hand, if you’re after something luxurious, unique, and future-proof, the PX8 justifies its price by offering what others don’t—premium design paired with uncompromising sound.
Final Words
The Bowers & Wilkins PX8 is not a product to suit everyone- and that is purposeful. These are headphones that are targeted at individuals who care about the luxury, craftsmanship and sound refinement more than anything.
To the audiophile, the PX8 provides an amazing listening experience with angled drivers, carbon cones and aptX Adaptive support that bring Bluetooth audio as close to wired sound as possible. These headphones are a superb choice in case you are in search of detail, balance, and space in your music.
Their high-quality construction, in the form of leather cushions, aluminium arms and a finish that screams exclusivity, will also be appreciated by design enthusiasts. The PX8 not only plays music, but it also states a style of sophistication.
That notwithstanding, you may want the ultimate noise canceller, all-day lightweight comfort, or something that fits your budget, which Sony or Bose could offer.
The PX8 is about listening to music, not merely hearing it- clear, refined and unashamedly high-quality.
FAQs
1. Is the PX8 worth it?
Yes, the PX8 is worth it if you’re looking for premium headphones that deliver both luxury and performance. They come with excellent build quality, superb sound tuning, and advanced noise cancellation. However, they are priced higher than most rivals, so they’re best suited for those who value craftsmanship and high-end audio.
2. Which is better, Bose QC Ultra or B&W PX8?
Bose QC Ultra focuses more on comfort, travel-friendly design, and slightly better noise cancellation. On the other hand, the B&W PX8 offers a more refined, audiophile-grade sound with luxury materials. If you want pure comfort and travel ease, Bose wins; if you want premium sound and build, PX8 takes the crown.
3. How long does the PX8 battery last?
The PX8 offers up to 30 hours of playback on a single charge. A quick 15-minute fast charge can give you up to 7 hours of listening time, making it ideal for long journeys or daily use without frequent charging.