Noise-canceling headsets have come a long way, and several of them are featured in our roundup of the greatest Bluetooth headphones. They’re no longer powered by Alkaline batteries, and noise cancellation is no longer an easy on/off switch.
Bowers & Wilkins’ new PX7 Wireless Headphones are a shining example of such improvement. Bowers has created a premium set of headphones that give the market’s best a push for their cash by bringing more advanced noise-canceling, significantly better audio quality, a polished appearance, and even a world first to the table.
- Charging USB-C
- Battery life 30 hours
- Bluetooth Yes (aptX Adaptive Support)
- Noise-cancelling Yes
- Weight 310g
Pricing
The PX7s were retired in September of 2019, with the Bowers & Wilkins PX5 Wireless Headphones. The brand’s more compact and economical new entry to date is now available for purchase at an MSRP ($399 / £349) that remains closely tied bothurally competing models like Sony WH-1000XM3 or others on this list – but expect them discounts soon enough.
Build
The PX7s are among the greatest headsets to support Qualcomm’s aptX HD Bluetooth – a high-quality codec that for wireless transmission of 24bit/192kHz audio. However, they’re not just standard wired earbuds; their siblings come with different features and prices: there is also an on-ear model (the £270Px5) as well as sporty versions priced at $20 less per pair ($150).
The aptX Adaptive codec was also created to increase the bluetooth connection’s resilience by considering the surrounding world to lessen the amount of drop-outs. You may cycle across the settings (‘low, medium, and high’) by pushing the trigger on the left side of the headset. ‘Low’ is good for blocking out workplace noise and ambient noise, while ‘high’ completely nests you in quiet, even in the most noisy real-life situations.
Ambient mode is activated by squeezing and holding the noise cancelling trigger for 2 seconds. So you can have a conversation without taking the headsets.
Although the previous PXs had a battery capacity of 22 hours of bluetooth ANC playing, the PX7s ups that to 30 hours, matching his competitor the Sony WH-1000XM3s. 5 hours of streaming music may be obtained after a 15-minute charge using the USB-C connector.
Comfort
With a trademarked emblem and synthetic texture on the elliptic headset, the PX7s are unmistakable evolutions of their predecessors. The design has also undergone significant changes in the pursuit of comfortable fit.
Particularly importantly, the limbs are now composed of an unique carbon fiber composite, which is lighter than the metals utilized in the development of the PXs. Although we’ve typically found the PXs to be comfy, they were hefty enough just to take a toll on your ears during extended listening sessions – but at 310g vs 335g, the PX7s seem noticeably lighter. The headband is highly cushioned, and the earpads clasp with calibrated pressure to ensure a tight fit.
The wires now are covered within the headband, and the earcup’s center round logo is flat against the newer, smoother material for a far more slim silhouette. The Space Grey surface remains, but the PXs’ Light Golden has been replaced with a more refined Platinum.
Aside form its noise-cancelling switch, the playback controls are logically placed on the right earcup. Together in a three-button slot, the power slider activates Wirelessly pairing configuration, and also play, pause, and skip song and volume keys. The PX7s, like the PXs, contain a proximity detector, so lifting an earcup off your head instantly pauses music, while putting it to your ears neatly resumes playing.
These PX7s appear and seem a bit less expensive than its previous model, but we’d choose them for the added comfort. Finally, they’re one of most eye-catching pairs of headsets on the market.
Sound
The PX7s’ 43mm cones are the biggest in B&W’s headset lineup, so what can they do? In a nutshell, a lot. The PX7s and their predecessors have a sonic DNA, with a strong, precise, and harmonically balanced audio that prioritizes rhythmic accuracy and transmits music in an enjoyable way. However, B&W’s designers have definitely not been relaxing on their victories in the last 2 years, as they try to match the criteria established by the emergence of new market competition.
The PX7s enhance the bass’s dynamic expressiveness while revealing additional layers of knowledge into the following guitar rips and red-raw voice. This translates to a significantly superior overall efficiency that is on par with its nearest competitors.
The PX7s are not just smart, but their sonic personality prioritizes enjoyment – they are the headset equal of that buddy who seems to have an endless sources of power.
- Sound quality that is unrivaled in the industry
- Battery life that is successful in the market
- Bluetooth connection that is reliable
- Stylish design
- Earcups aren’t designed to fold inside.
Performance
Check for a smart architecture, excellent noise cancellation, and attractive features. All they have to do now is sound excellent, which, as anyone who have seen our rating system will have surmised, undoubtedly do. These PX were sonic trailblazers when they debuted 2 years ago, but competitor headsets makers have since caught up — it’s the way of the ever-changing world of electronics, admittedly.
Melodically, it’s all portrayed fairly: the highs are sharp, the mids are flushed out, and the bass is robust yet pliable. While they are a touch on the pricey side, they have the kindness and impartiality that will appeal to the majority of customers.
The PX7s look to have class-leading expertise – both in terms of structure and complexities – but there is no lack of it, and unlike other headsets that over-scrutinize just at price of vitality, these don’t get dragged down in the minutiate.
Considering real numbers, the PX7s have a little more force and definition than the Sonys, although if their delivery isn’t nearly as smooth.
