Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is the flagship option here, and it crushes the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e in Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with industry-leading performance. You'll appreciate the 30-hour battery life, which holds up in real-world use, providing enough juice for long trips without needing a charge. In contrast, the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e offers a luxurious build with memory foam and a sophisticated 24-bit DSP for exceptional sound quality. However, its ANC lags behind the Sony, making the WH-1000XM4 a no-brainer for users prioritizing noise cancellation and all-day comfort in 2026.
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Sony WH-1000XM4
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: Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
Sony WH-1000XM4
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
| Criterion | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(623)Amazon | ★4.4(1,676)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC | Bluetooth 5.2 + USB-C Digital Audio + 3.5mm Analog (via included USB-C cable) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | aptX™ Adaptive, aptX™ HD, aptX™, AAC, SBC |
ANC | Yes (Industry-leading Digital Noise Cancelling) | Yes (Hybrid Noise Cancellation with 4 sensing mics) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) | Yes (Ambient Pass-Through) |
Drivers | 40 mm, Dome type (CCAW Voice coil) | 2 x 40mm Dynamic Full Range Bio-Cellulose Drivers |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz (Wired) | 10 Hz – 30,000 Hz |
Microphones | 5 mics (Precise Voice Pickup + Dual Noise Sensor) | 6 Microphones total (4 for ANC + 2 for clear telephony) |
Battery Life | Up to 30 h (ANC On) / 38 h (ANC Off) | Up to 30 hours |
Battery Life | N/A (Not TWS) | N/A (No charging case) |
Charging | USB-C (Fast charge: 10 min ≈ 5 h playback) | USB-C Fast Charge; 15 min charge = 7 hours playback; Full charge ~2 hours |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (Simultaneous connection to 2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Video sync is good, but no dedicated Gaming Mode) | No (Relies on aptX™ Adaptive dynamic latency) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5 mm) | Yes (Supports both USB-C digital audio and 3.5mm analog sources via included cables) |
Water Resistance | No IP Rating | No (No IP rating) |
Weight | 254 g (8.96 oz) | 10.8 oz (307 g) |
Controls | Touch sensor (Right earcup); Physical buttons (Power, Custom) | Physical Buttons (Volume, Play/Pause, Power Slider, Quick Action Button) |
App Eq | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) | Bowers & Wilkins Music App (Basic Bass/Treble tone controls only) |
Extras | Speak-to-Chat; DSEE Extreme; Wearing Detection (Auto-pause); 360 Reality Audio | Wear-Detection Sensor; 24-bit DSP Engine; Hard-shell carrying case included |
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Sony WH-1000XM4
✓ 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)
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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 Sony WH-1000XM4 is the better buy for most people - its industry-leading ANC crushes the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e. That said, grab the Bowers & Wilkins if you value luxury build quality – it's heavier but offers a unique sound experience.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM4 if: you want top-tier noise cancellation, need a lightweight design for travel, or prioritize long battery life. (8.96 oz weight)
Choose the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e if: you appreciate premium materials, want a sophisticated sound signature, or prefer physical buttons for control. (10.83 oz weight)
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?
Sony WH-1000XM4 excels if you value top-tier active noise cancellation (anc). 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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