Bose QuietComfort Headphones vs Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
Bose QuietComfort Headphones is the premium offering here, known for its legendary comfort and best-in-class physical buttons. If you’re looking for a high-quality audio experience, the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e shines with its luxurious build and sophisticated 24-bit DSP tuning. The Bose QuietComfort Headphones excels with 24 hours of battery life, perfect for long flights, while the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e boasts an impressive 30-hour battery. After using both, the comfort and reliable controls of the QC45 make it a no-brainer for casual listeners, but the Px7 S2e's superior sound quality is worth considering for audiophiles.
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Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Bose QuietComfort Headphones vs Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
Bose QuietComfort Headphones
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
| Criterion | Bose QuietComfort Headphones | Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(16,733)Amazon | ★4.4(1,676)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, 2.5mm to 3.5mm analog cable | Bluetooth 5.2 + USB-C Digital Audio + 3.5mm Analog (via included USB-C cable) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC | aptX™ Adaptive, aptX™ HD, aptX™, AAC, SBC |
ANC | Yes (Quiet & Aware modes + Custom modes) | Yes (Hybrid Noise Cancellation with 4 sensing mics) |
Transparency | Yes (Aware Mode) | Yes (Ambient Pass-Through) |
Drivers | Custom dynamic drivers (Size/Type undisclosed by manufacturer) | 2 x 40mm Dynamic Full Range Bio-Cellulose Drivers |
Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20 kHz (Measured) | 10 Hz – 30,000 Hz |
Microphones | Microphone system with noise-rejecting boomless array | 6 Microphones total (4 for ANC + 2 for clear telephony) |
Battery Life | Up to 24 hrs | Up to 30 hours |
Battery Life | N/A (Headphones only) | N/A (No charging case) |
Charging | USB-C; 2.5 hrs for full charge; 15 min = up to 2.5 hrs play | USB-C Fast Charge; 15 min charge = 7 hours playback; Full charge ~2 hours |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices with seamless switching) | Yes (Simultaneous connection to 2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | No (SimpleSync available only for Bose Soundbars) | No (Relies on aptX™ Adaptive dynamic latency) |
Wired Mode | Yes (Active or Passive - passive sounds different) | Yes (Supports both USB-C digital audio and 3.5mm analog sources via included cables) |
Water Resistance | None | No (No IP rating) |
Weight | 238 g | 10.8 oz (307 g) |
Controls | Physical buttons (Volume, Play/Pause, Mode Switch) | Physical Buttons (Volume, Play/Pause, Power Slider, Quick Action Button) |
App Eq | Bose Music app (3-band EQ + Presets) | Bowers & Wilkins Music App (Basic Bass/Treble tone controls only) |
Extras | Wind Block feature; Spotify Tap; Foldable design; Hard carry case included | Wear-Detection Sensor; 24-bit DSP Engine; Hard-shell carrying case included |
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Bose QuietComfort Headphones
✓ Pros:
- • Legendary comfort (low clamping force, deep ear pads)
- • Best-in-class physical buttons (preferred by many over touch)
- • Excellent noise cancellation consistency
- • Foldable design is travel-friendly (unlike Sony XM5/Bose Ultra)
✗ Cons:
- • No wear sensors (music does not auto-pause when taken off)
- • 2.5mm audio jack limits third-party cable options
- • Still uses older Bluetooth 5.1 compared to competitors
- • No high-bitrate codecs (no LDAC or aptX)
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Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
✓ Pros:
- • Luxurious build quality with memory foam and fine fabric detailing
- • Sophisticated 24-bit DSP tuning offers a significant sonic upgrade over the standard S2
- • Support for high-quality codecs (aptX™ Adaptive/HD) ensures fidelity on Android
- • USB-C port functions as a direct digital audio interface for computers
- • Physical buttons provide reliable control without accidental touches
✗ Cons:
- • App EQ is restricted to simple Bass and Treble sliders (no multi-band equalization)
- • Active Noise Cancellation is effective but trails behind top-tier Sony and Bose models
- • No official water resistance rating (IP) warns against use in rain or heavy workouts
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Which one is better?
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones is the better buy for most people - its legendary comfort and physical button controls crush the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Bose QuietComfort Headphones if: you prioritize comfort for long listening sessions, you want easy-to-use physical buttons, or you travel frequently with a foldable design. (8.40 oz weight)
Choose the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e if: you enjoy high-quality sound and want a luxurious build, you need 30 hours of battery life for extended use, or you appreciate the latest audio codecs for superior playback.
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Bose QuietComfort Headphones excels if you value legendary comfort (low clamping force, deep ear pads). Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e is better if you prioritize luxurious build quality with memory foam and fine fabric detailing. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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