Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Time to compare Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e with Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones. We will cover the essentials so you can buy with confidence.
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Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Comparison: Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
| Criterion | Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e | Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,676)Amazon | ★4.2(18,670)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed, dynamic) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 + USB-C Digital Audio + 3.5mm Analog (via included USB-C cable) | Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.2 | 5.2 |
Codecs | aptX™ Adaptive, aptX™ HD, aptX™, AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
ANC | Yes (Hybrid Noise Cancellation with 4 sensing mics) | Yes (Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Pass-Through) | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) |
Drivers | 2 x 40mm Dynamic Full Range Bio-Cellulose Drivers | 30 mm (1.18") precision-engineered driver unit |
Frequency Response | 10 Hz – 30,000 Hz | 4 Hz–40,000 Hz (Wired) / 20 Hz–40,000 Hz (LDAC) |
Microphones | 6 Microphones total (4 for ANC + 2 for clear telephony) | 8 total (4 per earcup for NC and calls) |
Battery Life | Up to 30 hours | Up to 30 hrs (NC on) / Up to 40 hrs (NC off) |
Battery Life | N/A (No charging case) | N/A (Headphones only) |
Charging | USB-C Fast Charge; 15 min charge = 7 hours playback; Full charge ~2 hours | USB-C; ~3.5 hrs full charge; 3 min = 3 hrs playback (PD) |
Multipoint | Yes (Simultaneous connection to 2 devices) | Yes (Connect 2 devices simultaneously) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Relies on aptX™ Adaptive dynamic latency) | No dedicated mode (Connection priority via app) |
Wired Mode | Yes (Supports both USB-C digital audio and 3.5mm analog sources via included cables) | Yes (3.5mm cable included) |
Water Resistance | No (No IP rating) | None (No IP rating) |
Weight | 10.8 oz (307 g) | 250 g (approx.) |
Controls | Physical Buttons (Volume, Play/Pause, Power Slider, Quick Action Button) | Touch sensor (right cup) + Physical buttons (power/NC) |
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, 360 Reality Audio, Auto NC Optimizer |
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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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Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
✓ Pros:
- • Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC)
- • Excellent call quality with 8-microphone system
- • Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
- • Fast charging (3 min for 3 hours playback)
- • Multipoint connection works seamlessly
✗ Cons:
- • Non-foldable design reduces portability
- • Price increase compared to previous generation
- • No IP water resistance rating
- • Auto NC Optimizer cannot be manually forced to max
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Which one is better?
Looking at user satisfaction (Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e: 4.4★ vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones: 4.2★), Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e pulls ahead. The gap is small—choose based on the priorities below.
Who should buy each?
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e excels at: Luxurious build quality with memory foam and fine fabric detailing, Sophisticated 24-bit DSP tuning offers a significant sonic upgrade over the standard S2
Watch for: App EQ is restricted to simple Bass and Treble sliders (no multi-band equalization)
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones excels at: Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC), Excellent call quality with 8-microphone system
Watch for: Non-foldable design reduces portability
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
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-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones is better if you prioritize market-leading 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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