Bowers & Wilkins, or simply B&W (phonetically similar to the popular German car), is a premium audio brand owned by Harman International, who is also owned by Samsung Electronics. For many years, the wireless headphones have received accolades from media review sites, so I finally got a chance to review them thanks to NXT magazine whom I write for as a freelancer.
Design-wise, both Px7 and Px8 are identical in shape and form, differing only with the use of materials and accents. The Px7 S3 is the third generation Px7 series launched in April 2025. It uses fabric to cover the headband and the cups. The drivers are made using bio-cellulose, producing better bass saturation which makes the music sound fuller.
The Px8 S2 is wrapped with fine Nappa leather and braided cabling that runs along the glossy aluminium arms. The drivers are made of carbon, a lighter diaphragm which translates to faster audio responses, producing more details, more treble air, less muddiness in the upper bass. This clear aural distinction between the two, in addition to the build quality, may justify the more expensive price point for the Px8 S2.
Between the two models, the Px8 S2 sounds more polished, cleaner, articulated, while the Px7 S3 sounds fuller, more compact, more immersive. The flagship Px8 S2 retails in Singapore at S$999 while the Px7 S3 is S$699, making the latter more value-priced, though there are more affordable and better-valued wireless headphones.
Comparing To JBL Tour One M3 and Sennheiser HDB 630
Compared to these two competitors, I would recommend B&W for its build quality. If you want headphones built of the most premium materials, then the B&W wins hands down. In terms of audio quality, if you have read my earlier review of the Sennheiser HDB 630, you would have a better understanding of how the headphones sound relative to the JBL Tour One M3.
The HDB 630 delivers a better audiophile-grade sound balance, and by that I mean the bass is well-balanced in strength, the midrange is stellar in details, and the treble is tuned with sparkle without too pushy. The Px8 S2, on the other hand, is a consumer-friendly V-shaped sound, with bright treble, intense sub-bass, and a light-presence mids. Finally, the JBL Tour One M3 is more neutral, less exciting, more spatial and warm.
Among the three, I prefer the JBL for its lightweight foldable design and easier access to the buttons, loving the clear power lever to turn on-off the headphones. While the B&W has similar buttons, they are smaller and harder to find. The Sennheiser design is the least interesting and has the fewest buttons. I also dislike the multi-functional power button which makes turning on and off less direct.
In addition, the JBL Tour One M3 comes with a separate smart transmitter, and its app have many features, including “Relax Mode” to play nature sounds. All these for just S$499 makes the JBL a leading choice when it comes to value.
For ANC, the JBL tops, followed by the Sennheiser, and finally the B&W not trailing far. The same ranking goes for battery life.
Verdict
The B&W Px8 S2 headphones are priced as premium luxury headphones with build quality fit for celebrities like David Beckham. They are your choice for design and style. The Px7 S3 is just a small step down with fabric materials and fuller sound. If you are prioritising sound quality, then the Sennheiser HDB 630 is still my recommendation. If you are on a budget, then the JBL Tour One M3 offers excellent value.
