Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is the smarter buy for most users thanks to its top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and superb comfort. You'll get 30 hours of battery life, making it perfect for long flights or daily commutes. In contrast, the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones shines with its luxurious build featuring die-cast aluminum and Nappa leather. However, at 11.3oz, it's heavier, and. Key specs: Weight: 8.96 oz vs 11.29 oz and Battery: 30h vs 30h (equal, but Sony charges faster: 10min = 5h vs Bowers & Wilkins 15min = 7h).
Why compare these? Both the Sony WH-1000XM4 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 | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Bowers & |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.5★ (623 reviews) | ✓4.6★ (256 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Exquisite build quality with die-cast aluminum and Nappa leather |
| Main Drawback | No official IP water resistance rating | Microphone does not function in wired mode (audio only) |
| Market Position | Flagship | Flagship |
Sony WH-1000XM4
Over-ear (closed-back)
Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC
Bluetooth 5.0
SBC, AAC, LDAC
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: Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM4
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
| Criterion | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(623)Amazon | ★4.6(256)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 Audio (Hi-Res 24-bit); 3.5 mm Analog (via included USB-C cable) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 | 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 mics) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) | Yes (Ambient Pass-Through) |
Drivers | 40 mm, Dome type (CCAW Voice coil) | 2 × 40 mm Carbon Cone dynamic drivers |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz (Wired) | N/A (Manufacturer does not publish) |
Microphones | 5 mics (Precise Voice Pickup + Dual Noise Sensor) | 6 total (4 for ANC, 2 for telephony with CVC technology) |
Battery Life | Up to 30 h (ANC On) / 38 h (ANC Off) | Up to 30 hours |
Battery Life | N/A (Not TWS) | N/A (Headphones only) |
Charging | USB-C (Fast charge: 10 min ≈ 5 h playback) | USB-C (Fast Charge: 15 min = 7 hours playback) |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (Connect two devices simultaneously) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Video sync is good, but no dedicated Gaming Mode) | Yes (via aptX Adaptive automatically) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5 mm) | Yes (USB-C and 3.5 mm supported; Audio playback only – microphone does not work in wired mode) |
Water Resistance | No IP Rating | No (No IP rating) |
Weight | 254 g (8.96 oz) | 320 g (11.3 oz) |
Controls | Touch sensor (Right earcup); Physical buttons (Power, Custom) | Physical buttons (Play/Pause, Vol +/-, ANC toggle, Power/Slider) |
App Eq | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) | Bowers & Wilkins Music App (Bass/Treble tone controls only; no graphic EQ) |
Extras | Speak-to-Chat; DSEE Extreme; Wearing Detection (Auto-pause); 360 Reality Audio | Wear-Detection Sensor; Nappa Leather & Cast Aluminum arms; Included hard shell carrying case |
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Sony WH-1000XM4
Over-ear (closed-back)
Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC
Bluetooth 5.0
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Yes (Industry-leading Digital Noise Cancelling)
Yes (Ambient Sound Mode)
Pros
- Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Excellent folding design (more portable than XM5)
Cons
- No official IP water resistance rating
- Microphone quality is good, but not best-in-class anymore
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 Sony WH-1000XM4 is the better buy for most people - its top-tier ANC crushes the Bowers & Wilkins Px8. That said, grab the Px8 if you prioritize exquisite build quality and sound clarity - it's worth the extra weight.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM4 if: you need superb noise cancellation for travel, prefer a lighter design at 8.96oz, or want faster charging.
Choose the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones if: you appreciate premium materials like Nappa leather, want tactile controls instead of touch, or are okay with a heavier 11.3oz design.
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.6★ vs 4.5★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Bowers &
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 623 reviews vs 256
→ Choose Sony WH-1000XM4
Top-tier Active Noise Priority
Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
→ Choose Sony WH-1000XM4
Exquisite build quality Priority
Exquisite build quality with die-cast aluminum and Nappa leather
→ Choose Bowers &
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Bottom line: The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones leads with a 4.6★ rating versus 4.5★. That said, Sony WH-1000XM4 could still be the right pick depending on your specific priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Sony WH-1000XM4 or Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones?
Sony WH-1000XM4 is the better choice if you prioritize top-tier active noise cancellation (anc). 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 (4.5★ vs 4.6★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones?
Key differences: Sony WH-1000XM4 offers top-tier active noise cancellation (anc), 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 Sony WH-1000XM4 no official ip water resistance rating. 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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