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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 16, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerBowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e vs Sony WH-1000XM4
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e vs Sony WH-1000XM4: which is the right fit? We cover performance, value, and use cases to make the call easier.
Ratings: 4.4★ vs 4.5★
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Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
★4.4
(1,676)•Amazon
Form Factor:Over-ear (closed-back)
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.2 + USB-C Digital Audio + 3.5mm Analog (via included USB-C cable)
Bluetooth Version:Bluetooth 5.2
Codecs:aptX™ Adaptive, aptX™ HD, aptX™, AAC, SBC
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Sony WH-1000XM4
★4.5
(623)•Amazon
Form Factor:Over-ear (closed-back)
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC
Bluetooth Version:Bluetooth 5.0
Codecs:SBC, AAC, LDAC
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Comparison: Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e vs Sony WH-1000XM4
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
★4.4(1,676)Amazon
Sony WH-1000XM4
★4.5(623)Amazon
| Criterion | Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,676)Amazon | ★4.5(623)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 + USB-C Digital Audio + 3.5mm Analog (via included USB-C cable) | Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Codecs | aptX™ Adaptive, aptX™ HD, aptX™, AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
ANC | Yes (Hybrid Noise Cancellation with 4 sensing mics) | Yes (Industry-leading Digital Noise Cancelling) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Pass-Through) | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) |
Drivers | 2 x 40mm Dynamic Full Range Bio-Cellulose Drivers | 40 mm, Dome type (CCAW Voice coil) |
Frequency Response | 10 Hz – 30,000 Hz | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz (Wired) |
Microphones | 6 Microphones total (4 for ANC + 2 for clear telephony) | 5 mics (Precise Voice Pickup + Dual Noise Sensor) |
Battery Life | Up to 30 hours | Up to 30 h (ANC On) / 38 h (ANC Off) |
Battery Life | N/A (No charging case) | N/A (Not TWS) |
Charging | USB-C Fast Charge; 15 min charge = 7 hours playback; Full charge ~2 hours | USB-C (Fast charge: 10 min ≈ 5 h playback) |
Multipoint | Yes (Simultaneous connection to 2 devices) | Yes (2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Relies on aptX™ Adaptive dynamic latency) | No (Video sync is good, but no dedicated Gaming Mode) |
Wired Mode | Yes (Supports both USB-C digital audio and 3.5mm analog sources via included cables) | Yes (3.5 mm) |
Water Resistance | No (No IP rating) | No IP Rating |
Weight | 10.8 oz (307 g) | 254 g (8.96 oz) |
Controls | Physical Buttons (Volume, Play/Pause, Power Slider, Quick Action Button) | Touch sensor (Right earcup); Physical buttons (Power, Custom) |
App Eq | Bowers & Wilkins Music App (Basic Bass/Treble tone controls only) | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) |
Extras | Wear-Detection Sensor; 24-bit DSP Engine; Hard-shell carrying case included | Speak-to-Chat; DSEE Extreme; Wearing Detection (Auto-pause); 360 Reality Audio |
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Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
Rating:★4.4(1,676)Amazon
Form Factor:Over-ear (closed-back)
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.2 + USB-C Digital Audio + 3.5mm Analog (via included USB-C cable)
Bluetooth Version:Bluetooth 5.2
Codecs:aptX™ Adaptive, aptX™ HD, aptX™, AAC, SBC
ANC:Yes (Hybrid Noise Cancellation with 4 sensing mics)
Transparency:Yes (Ambient Pass-Through)
Drivers:2 x 40mm Dynamic Full Range Bio-Cellulose Drivers
Frequency Response:10 Hz – 30,000 Hz
Microphones:6 Microphones total (4 for ANC + 2 for clear telephony)
Battery Life:Up to 30 hours
Battery Life:N/A (No charging case)
Charging:USB-C Fast Charge; 15 min charge = 7 hours playback; Full charge ~2 hours
Multipoint:Yes (Simultaneous connection to 2 devices)
Low Latency Mode:No (Relies on aptX™ Adaptive dynamic latency)
Wired Mode:Yes (Supports both USB-C digital audio and 3.5mm analog sources via included cables)
Water Resistance:No (No IP rating)
Weight:10.8 oz (307 g)
Controls:Physical Buttons (Volume, Play/Pause, Power Slider, Quick Action Button)
App Eq:Bowers & Wilkins Music App (Basic Bass/Treble tone controls only)
Extras:Wear-Detection Sensor; 24-bit DSP Engine; Hard-shell carrying case included
✓ 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
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Sony WH-1000XM4
Rating:★4.5(623)Amazon
Form Factor:Over-ear (closed-back)
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC
Bluetooth Version:Bluetooth 5.0
Codecs:SBC, AAC, LDAC
ANC:Yes (Industry-leading Digital Noise Cancelling)
Transparency:Yes (Ambient Sound Mode)
Drivers:40 mm, Dome type (CCAW Voice coil)
Frequency Response:4 Hz - 40,000 Hz (Wired)
Microphones:5 mics (Precise Voice Pickup + Dual Noise Sensor)
Battery Life:Up to 30 h (ANC On) / 38 h (ANC Off)
Battery Life:N/A (Not TWS)
Charging:USB-C (Fast charge: 10 min ≈ 5 h playback)
Multipoint:Yes (2 devices)
Low Latency Mode:No (Video sync is good, but no dedicated Gaming Mode)
Wired Mode:Yes (3.5 mm)
Water Resistance:No IP Rating
Weight:254 g (8.96 oz)
Controls:Touch sensor (Right earcup); Physical buttons (Power, Custom)
App Eq:Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass)
Extras:Speak-to-Chat; DSEE Extreme; Wearing Detection (Auto-pause); 360 Reality Audio
✓ Pros:
- • Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- • Excellent folding design (more portable than XM5)
- • Multi-device pairing works seamlessly
- • Comfortable lightweight fit for long sessions
✗ Cons:
- • No official IP water resistance rating
- • Microphone quality is good, but not best-in-class anymore
- • Touch controls can be sensitive to moisture/cold
- • LDAC disables when using Multipoint (on older firmware)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
Overall, Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e delivers better satisfaction. Sony WH-1000XM4 is still a quality option with specific strengths worth considering.
Who should buy each?
Expert take:
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e suits buyers who need Luxurious build quality with memory foam and fine fabric detailing, Sophisticated 24-bit DSP tuning offers a significant sonic upgrade over the standard S2
- Sony WH-1000XM4 suits buyers who want Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Excellent folding design (more portable than XM5)
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e excels if you value luxurious build quality with memory foam and fine fabric detailing. Sony WH-1000XM4 is better if you prioritize top-tier active noise cancellation (anc). 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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