Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones vs Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones unless you prioritize luxury materials. The Bose model offers 24 hours of battery life, while the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 delivers an impressive 30 hours, perfect for long travel days. Key specs: Weight: 8.96 oz vs 11.29 oz and Battery: 30h vs 24h.
Why compare these? Both the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones are premium flagship headphones competing in the same market segment. This makes them direct rivals for buyers looking for premium flagship features and performance in 2026. Understanding their differences helps you choose the right one for your specific needs.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Bose QuietComfort | Bowers & |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.2★ (8,908 reviews) | ✓4.6★ (256 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Market-leading ANC suppresses virtually all background noise | Exquisite build quality with die-cast aluminum and Nappa leather |
| Main Drawback | High price tag compared to competitors | Microphone does not function in wired mode (audio only) |
| Market Position | Flagship | Flagship |
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Over-ear (closed-back, foldable)
Bluetooth 5.3 + 2.5mm wired
5.3
SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive (Snapdragon Sound)
Over-ear (Closed-back)
Bluetooth 5.2; USB-C Audio (Hi-Res 24-bit); 3.5 mm Analog (via included USB-C cable)
5.2
aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC
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 Ultra Headphones vs Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
| Criterion | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones | Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.2(8,908)Amazon | ★4.6(256)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back, foldable) | Over-ear (Closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 + 2.5mm wired | Bluetooth 5.2; USB-C Audio (Hi-Res 24-bit); 3.5 mm Analog (via included USB-C cable) |
Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.2 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive (Snapdragon Sound) | aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC |
ANC | Yes (World-class Quiet Mode & CustomTune) | Yes (Hybrid Noise Cancellation with 4 mics) |
Transparency | Yes (Aware Mode with ActiveSense) | Yes (Ambient Pass-Through) |
Drivers | Custom-designed proprietary drivers | 2 × 40 mm Carbon Cone dynamic drivers |
Frequency Response | N/A (Not published by manufacturer) | N/A (Manufacturer does not publish) |
Microphones | Advanced array (12 microphones total) | 6 total (4 for ANC, 2 for telephony with CVC technology) |
Battery Life | Up to 24 hrs (18 hrs with Immersive Audio) | Up to 30 hours |
Battery Life | N/A (Headphones only) | N/A (Headphones only) |
Charging | USB-C; ~3 hrs full; 15 min = 2.5 hrs playback | USB-C (Fast Charge: 15 min = 7 hours playback) |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (Connect two devices simultaneously) |
Low Latency Mode | Via aptX Adaptive (requires compatible source) | Yes (via aptX Adaptive automatically) |
Wired Mode | Yes (2.5mm to 3.5mm cable included) | Yes (USB-C and 3.5 mm supported; Audio playback only – microphone does not work in wired mode) |
Water Resistance | None (IPX4 rating unconfirmed/absent) | No (No IP rating) |
Weight | 254 g (0.56 lb) | 320 g (11.3 oz) |
Controls | Touch strip (volume) + Physical buttons (power/mode) | Physical buttons (Play/Pause, Vol +/-, ANC toggle, Power/Slider) |
App Eq | Bose Music App (3-band EQ + Immersive settings) | Bowers & Wilkins Music App (Bass/Treble tone controls only; no graphic EQ) |
Extras | Bose Immersive Audio, Snapdragon Sound, Google Fast Pair, SimpleSync, On-head detection | Wear-Detection Sensor; Nappa Leather & Cast Aluminum arms; Included hard shell carrying case |
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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Over-ear (closed-back, foldable)
Bluetooth 5.3 + 2.5mm wired
5.3
SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive (Snapdragon Sound)
Yes (World-class Quiet Mode & CustomTune)
Yes (Aware Mode with ActiveSense)
Pros
- Market-leading ANC suppresses virtually all background noise
- Bose Immersive Audio creates a wider soundstage
Cons
- High price tag compared to competitors
- 2.5mm audio jack is less convenient than standard 3.5mm
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Over-ear (Closed-back)
Bluetooth 5.2; USB-C Audio (Hi-Res 24-bit); 3.5 mm Analog (via included USB-C cable)
5.2
aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC
Yes (Hybrid Noise Cancellation with 4 mics)
Yes (Ambient Pass-Through)
Pros
- Exquisite build quality with die-cast aluminum and Nappa leather
- Class-leading sound clarity via Carbon Cone drivers and 24-bit DSP
Cons
- Microphone does not function in wired mode (audio only)
- Expensive compared to competitors with similar feature sets
Which one is better?
The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 is the better buy for most people - its 30-hour battery life crushes the Bose's 24 hours. That said, grab the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones if you need superior noise cancellation with 12 microphones onboard.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones if: you want world-class noise cancellation, appreciate plush comfort for long sessions, or prefer advanced features like Snapdragon Sound. (8.96 oz weight)
Choose the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones if: you value exquisite build quality, need longer battery life for travel, or prefer tactile controls over touch-sensitive ones. (11.29 oz weight)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.6★ vs 4.2★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Bowers &
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 8,908 reviews vs 256
→ Choose Bose QuietComfort
Market-leading ANC suppresses Priority
Market-leading ANC suppresses virtually all background noise
→ Choose Bose QuietComfort
Exquisite build quality Priority
Exquisite build quality with die-cast aluminum and Nappa leather
→ Choose Bowers &
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Bottom line: The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones leads with a 4.6★ rating versus 4.2★. That said, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones could still be the right pick depending on your specific priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones or Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones?
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones is the better choice if you prioritize market-leading anc suppresses virtually all background noise. Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones wins if you value exquisite build quality with die-cast aluminum and nappa leather. Both are rated highly (4.2★ vs 4.6★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones?
Key differences: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones offers market-leading anc suppresses virtually all background noise, while Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones stands out with exquisite build quality with die-cast aluminum and nappa leather. Consider that Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones high price tag compared to competitors. Meanwhile, Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones microphone does not function in wired mode (audio only). Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: February 7, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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