Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 vs PX7: What's the difference?

Bowers & Wilkins are one of the most popular and well-respected brands in the noise-cancellation audio industry.

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However, competition in this field is fierce, and many companies are constantly innovating and releasing new products like the recent release of Sony’s WH-1000XM5 and last year’s release of Bose’s noise cancellation 700.

Despite this, Bowers & Wilkins have managed to stay relevant with their PX7 and now with the recent release of PX7 S2.

So, what’s the difference between these two models? That is why I am here to help explain and break down what new features the S2 has more than the original ANC over-ears PX7.

Price: Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 vs PX7

When it comes to the price I didn’t find any big difference, While the PX7 retails for $399 / £349 / AU$599, The S2 comes in at $399 / £379/ AU$599.

However, both headphones are available right now in different stores like Amazon, Currys PC World, and Argos.

There is no big gap in price between the original B&W PX7 and the new one (PX7 S2). Many of us believe that we can see a price difference as we saw between the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the new XM5.

For example, we should pay a few pennies for XM5 as it offers extra comfort, better ANC, EQ control within the app, and longer battery life.

It is important to note that the original PX7 is a great pair of headphones and if you find them at a lower price, they are still definitely worth buying.

General Comparison: Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 vs PX7

	Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2	Bowers & Wilkins PX7
Release Date	June 2022	September 2021
Predecessor	Bowers & Wilkins PX7	Bowers & Wilkins PX5
Parent Company	Bowers & Wilkins	Bowers & Wilkins
Type	Over-ear headphones	Over-ear headphones
Chip	Qualcomm chip	Qualcomm’s QC5100 chip
Weight	about 307 grams	about 310 grams
Dimensions	7.45 x 9.2 x 2.5 inches	3.1 x 6.9 x 8.7 inches
Colors	Grey, Blue, and Black	Space Grey, Silver, Carbon
Water-protection	No	No
Bluetooth	version 5.0	version 5.0
Bluetooth codecs	aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, and SBC	aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX Classic, AAC, and SBC
Wireless range	about 30 to 32 ft	about 30 to 32 ft
Battery type		Rechargeable Lithium Polymer
Battery life	about 30 hours with ANC	about 30 hours with ANC
Charging	Wired USB-C charging	Wired USB-C charging
Inputs	USB-C	USB-C
Case Charging Type	USB-C Charging Case	USB-C Charging Case
Driver Size	2 x 43.6mm full range	2 x 43.6mm full range
Frequency Response	10Hz to 30kHz	10Hz to 30kHz
Noise cancellation	Yes	Yes
Ambient noise mode	Yes	Yes
Live Listen	Not specified	Not specified
Spatial Audio	Yes	Yes
Controls	Physical Buttons	Physical Buttons
Microphones	4 Microphones for ANC and 2 Microphones for Telephony	4x mics for ANC and 2x mics for telephony (CVC2 – Clear Voice Communication v2)
Voice assistant	No	No
App	Bowers & Wilkins Headphones	No application is available
EQ settings	Yes	No

Design: B&W PX7 S2 vs PX7

When you look at the design of the PX7 S2, you see that it’s essentially the same as the original PX7. However, Bowers and Wilkins have modified the S2 cans to provide greater comfort and fit when worn.

The overall design of the headphones has been improved to provide a better seal from the outside world, while the headband has been made softer to provide more comfort during extended listening sessions.

Furthermore, the PX7’s case shape and size have remained consistent. The S2 comes with the same hard-shell carrying bag as the previous model.

The weight of the successor has decreased by 3 grams ( 310g v s 307g). However, the weight does not make any big difference it is the material in the padding and earcups that make the headphones feel lighter on your head.

The PX7 S2s are also available in light grey (Silver) and Black (Carbon) color options just like its predecessor.

Both features physical controls including a power/pairing button, track navigation buttons, volume up/down buttons, phone call control buttons, and one additional customizable button.

It would not be wrong to say the PX7 S2 doesn’t stray too far from its predecessor. Bowers & Wilkins have just made a few slight changes to improve the comfort and fit of the headphones.

Features: Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 vs PX7

PX7-S2-buttons — (Image credit: Bowers & Wilkins)

Just Bowers & Wilkins’ sound signature is available when the PX7 comes out. but in the case of PX7 S2, it is not just the sound signature that caught my attention it’s the equalization (EQ) adjustment that is quite interesting.

The PX7 S2 also includes a new app that lets you adjust the headphones’ functions, including the new EQ settings. However, the app also offers a few additional features and settings. The EQ, on the other hand, is the most intriguing.

The Bowers & Wilkins’ EQ is a basic slider, thus you won’t be able to do multiband changes. You can, however, set it to three different modes: Bass Boost, Reference, and Treble Boost.

Both headphones also feature the same capabilities, such as managing the file that includes aptX Adaptive technology, which can help to produce higher-resolution music in changing wireless environments.

However, one of the other striking modifications you may notice is a greater active noise-canceling (ANC) in the subsequent model.

For me, it would be the app’s EQ settings and the new ANC feature that really makes the PX7 S2 stand out from its predecessor in this section.

PERFORMANCE: Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 vs PX7

There is no doubt that both the PX7 S2 and the PX7 have identical designs. You might be wondering if they will be similar on the inside as well. Well, the answer is no, The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 has improvements in the Drivers, power management, and control system.

The PX7 S2 has a revised 40mm driver, with improved magnets and motor technologies. so that headphones can produce sound with better accuracy, wider dynamic range, and lower distortion.

Last but not least, the battery life: I didn’t notice any difference in the PX7 S2. Even if you use ANC all of the time, you must expect 30 hours of playback time from a headphone.

The USB adapter has also been updated in the upgrade. PX7 S2 now takes only 2 hours to charge completely, as opposed to 3.

Conclusion

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 and PX7 are both high-quality headphones, each with its own unique strengths. The PX7 S2 has been tweaked for better fit and comfort and offers a more balanced and neutral sound profile.

It also has a better build quality and a more customizable sound experience thanks to a new app. On the other hand, the original PX7 provides a more subdued and warm sound, making it a more relaxing listening experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 and PX7 will depend on your personal preferences and needs.

FAQs

Which one has a better design and build quality?

The PX7 S2 doesn’t look dramatically different to the original PX7, but the second-gen cans have been tweaked for better fit and comfort. The headphones’ “redesigned form and shape” give a better seal to the outside world, while sitting on your head better whilst you wear them, and into the case better when they’re stowed. A good fit and comfort are crucial for long listening sessions, so always consider this aspect when choosing headphones.

How does the sound quality of Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 and PX7 compare?

Both are great headphones, just with different sound characters. The S2 is more surgical and clear, with the high range becoming much more of a presence. The original PX7 is more subdued and warm, making it more of a relaxing listening experience, even if it sacrifices some quality. Sound quality is subjective and depends on personal preference, so it’s best to try them out yourself if possible.

What about the battery life of Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 and PX7?

Both headphones should give you 30 hours of playtime with one complete charge. Long battery life is essential for uninterrupted listening, especially when you’re on the go or don’t have easy access to a charger.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 vs PX7: What’s the difference?