In a world saturated with excellent noise-cancelling headphones, the field is generally divided into two camps: the functional traveller and the dedicated audiophile. Bowers & Wilkins, however, has always operated in a third, more exclusive category — the intersection of sonic excellence and genuine luxury. The PX8 S2 doesn’t just block out the world; it insists on an experience of elevated listening, delivered in a package that looks as good as it sounds.
The Look and Feel
The design of the PX8 S2 from its tailored carry case to the actual headphones is an exercise in minimalist elegance. Bowers & Wilkins has draped the headband and plush ear cups in soft Nappa leather, available in rich shades like Onyx Black (featured here) and Warm Stone. This luxurious material choice instantly sets it apart from the polycarbonate shells favoured by most other over-ear headphones.
The structural components — the gimbals and arms — are crafted from machined aluminium, lending the headphones a reassuring, cool-to-the-touch weight without feeling heavy (weighing in at 310g, which is 10g lighter than its predecessor). The profile is notably slimmer than its predecessor, providing a sleek, low-profile look that feels less like bulky travel gear and more like a carefully considered accessory. It’s a design language built on discretion and tactile quality, confirming that in the realm of premium audio, style and substance can — and should — coexist.
Pros on Design:
– True luxury materials (Nappa leather, aluminium).
– Sleek, refined, and comfortable for extended wear.
– Tactile physical controls (no fiddly touchpads).
Cons on Design:
– The premium materials require a level of care.
– Exposed cable design is polarising.
The Intelligence Under the Hood
Beyond the sophisticated exterior, the PX8 S2 packs a suite of contemporary wireless features. B&W has equipped it with Bluetooth 5.3 and class-leading codec support, notably aptX Lossless, allowing for high-resolution 24-bit/96kHz wireless streaming from compatible devices. This focus on maximising digital fidelity is where the PX8 S2 truly separates itself.
Battery life is a solid, if standard, 30 hours with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) engaged, keeping pace with most competitors. A quick 15-minute charge will net you approximately seven hours of playback.
The headphone utilises a sophisticated eight-microphone array for both ANC and call clarity, employing B&W’s ADI Pure Voice algorithm. While the noise cancelling is highly effective at muffling low-frequency drone (like engine noise), it’s important to note that if market-leading, near-silent ANC is your absolute priority, there are other headphone models that still hold a slight edge in suppressing unpredictable high-frequency sounds. However, the call quality in the PX8 S2 is pristine, making them excellent for hybrid work.
The Definitive Sound
The ultimate purpose of the PX8 S2 is, of course, the sound, and this is where Bowers & Wilkins delivers its masterstroke. At the heart of each ear cup are new, custom-designed 40mm Carbon Cone drive units. Derived from technology used in B&W’s high-end loudspeakers, these drivers are exceptionally rigid and light, resulting in remarkably low distortion and high precision.
The sonic signature is best described as dynamic and wonderfully musical. It avoids the clinical sterility of some reference headphones, instead delivering a warm, expansive soundstage. The bass is deep, rich, and impactful — a signature B&W trait — but is tightly controlled, never bloating the lower mids. Crucially, the clarity and separation across complex arrangements are superb; instruments occupy distinct spaces, making tracks feel three-dimensional. Whether you’re listening to orchestral works or dense electronica, the PX8 S2 retrieves nuances that lesser headphones simply miss.
The Listener
The Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2 occupies the premium tier of wireless audio. While there are tons of other headphone models that offer slightly superior noise cancellation and are considerably more accessible in price, they cannot match the PX8 S2 on sheer build luxury or outright sonic finesse. For example, the Apple AirPods Max offers unbeatable ecosystem integration and excellent features, but the B&W edges it out for raw audio detail and clarity.
If your priority is the deepest immersion in your music — a listening experience that feels indulgent, detailed, and truly high-fidelity — and you value Nappa leather and machined metal over class-leading ANC metrics, the PX8 S2 is the definitive choice. It is a set of headphones designed for listening, not just commuting.
PROS:
Audiophile Sound: Reference-quality clarity and superb detail.
Luxurious Build: Nappa leather and machine aluminium construction.
aptX Lossless: High-resolution wireless audio support.
CONS:
Price: Significantly more expensive than main rivals.
ANC: Effective, but not the absolute market leader.
App: Functional, but less feature-rich than brands like Sony and Apple.
The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 is priced at $999 and is available at the TC webstore at tcacoustic.asia, TC Acoustic Store @The Adelphi, the brand’s official stores at Lazada and Shopee, as well as other selected retailers.
