Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones vs Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
You'll enjoy up to 30 hours of battery life with the Sony, perfect for long flights or commutes. Meanwhile, the Bowers & Wilkins offers stunning sound clarity with 40mm drivers, making it ideal for audiophiles in 2026 looking for exceptional audio quality. Key specs: Weight: 8.82 oz vs 11.29 oz and Drivers: 30mm vs 40mm Carbon Cone.
Why compare these? Both the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless 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 | Sony WH-1000XM5 | Bowers & |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.2★ (18,670 reviews) | ✓4.6★ (256 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC) | Exquisite build quality with die-cast aluminum and Nappa leather |
| Main Drawback | Non-foldable design reduces portability | Microphone does not function in wired mode (audio only) |
| Market Position | Flagship | Flagship |
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Over-ear (closed, dynamic)
Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack)
5.2
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-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones vs Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
| Criterion | Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones | Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.2(18,670)Amazon | ★4.6(256)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed, dynamic) | Over-ear (Closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack) | Bluetooth 5.2; USB-C Audio (Hi-Res 24-bit); 3.5 mm Analog (via included USB-C cable) |
Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.2 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC |
ANC | Yes (Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation) | Yes (Hybrid Noise Cancellation with 4 mics) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) | Yes (Ambient Pass-Through) |
Drivers | 30 mm (1.18") precision-engineered driver unit | 2 × 40 mm Carbon Cone dynamic drivers |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz–40,000 Hz (Wired) / 20 Hz–40,000 Hz (LDAC) | N/A (Manufacturer does not publish) |
Microphones | 8 total (4 per earcup for NC and calls) | 6 total (4 for ANC, 2 for telephony with CVC technology) |
Battery Life | Up to 30 hrs (NC on) / Up to 40 hrs (NC off) | Up to 30 hours |
Battery Life | N/A (Headphones only) | N/A (Headphones only) |
Charging | USB-C; ~3.5 hrs full charge; 3 min = 3 hrs playback (PD) | USB-C (Fast Charge: 15 min = 7 hours playback) |
Multipoint | Yes (Connect 2 devices simultaneously) | Yes (Connect two devices simultaneously) |
Low Latency Mode | No dedicated mode (Connection priority via app) | Yes (via aptX Adaptive automatically) |
Wired Mode | Yes (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 (No IP rating) | No (No IP rating) |
Weight | 250 g (approx.) | 320 g (11.3 oz) |
Controls | Touch sensor (right cup) + Physical buttons (power/NC) | 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, 360 Reality Audio, Auto NC Optimizer | Wear-Detection Sensor; Nappa Leather & Cast Aluminum arms; Included hard shell carrying case |
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Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Over-ear (closed, dynamic)
Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack)
5.2
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Yes (Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation)
Yes (Ambient Sound Mode)
Pros
- Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC)
- Excellent call quality with 8-microphone system
Cons
- Non-foldable design reduces portability
- Price increase compared to previous generation
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-1000XM5 is the better buy for most people - its 30-hour battery life crushes the Bowers & Wilkins Px8's performance. That said, grab the Px8 if you prioritize luxury materials and design - it's 11.3oz vs the Sony's lighter 8.82oz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones if: you want top-tier noise cancellation, need a lightweight option for long wear, or prioritize seamless call quality. (8.82 oz weight)
Choose the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones if: you value premium build quality, prefer tactile physical controls, or need superior sound clarity for music listening. (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 18,670 reviews vs 256
→ Choose Sony WH-1000XM5
Market-leading active noise Priority
Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC)
→ Choose Sony WH-1000XM5
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, Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones could still be the right pick depending on your specific priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones or Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones?
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones is the better choice if you prioritize market-leading 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 (4.2★ vs 4.6★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones and Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones?
Key differences: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones offers market-leading 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-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones non-foldable design reduces portability. 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 12, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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