Best Bowers & Wilkins Headphones

Updated August 2021

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Bottom line

Pros

Cons

Best of the Best

Bowers & Wilkins

P7 Wired Over Ear Headphones, Black

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Bottom Line

Wired headphones with frequency range 10 hertz to 20 kilohertz, designed more like a hi-fi speaker than typical headphones.

Pros

This series by B&W features a driver designed more like a hi-fi speaker than headphones, i.e. consistent volume of air around drive units, for more accurate, clear, and balanced sound. Detachable ear pads made of quality sheep's leather, cover ear completely and block out external sound. Can be folded for compactness and stored or carried in included quilted case.

Cons

There were a few complaints about Bluetooth connectivity with the wireless model. Comfort issues with the headset over longer periods of listening.

Best Bang for the Buck

Bowers & Wilkins

P5 Series 2 On Ear Headphones with HiFi Drivers, Wired, Black

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Bottom Line

Headphones with wired connectivity, easily compatible with latest-technology phones, ipods, and ipads.

Pros

This edition features new design on drive unit for improved sound quality. Exceptional materials – aluminum and supple sheep’s leather – used on these headphones makes for a soft, comfortable fit. Easy to take with you. Remote and microphone supported by most current mobile devices.

Cons

A few highly attuned purchasers felt there was some compromise in bass sound quality at certain levels.

Bowers & Wilkins

PX Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones

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Bottom Line

Bluetooth headphones featuring Adaptive Noise Cancellation, with pause and shut-off controlled by physical positioning: SMART.

Pros

Features Adaptive Noise Cancellation to provide superior sound anywhere you are. Built with same drive units as B&W's P9 signature headphones to optimize quality, and slightly angled drivers for a natural stereo effect. Pauses or stops in response to lifting ear cup or putting headphones down. Long listening time. Free downloadable app .

Cons

Some buyers found the headset uncomfortable, and there were also a few mixed reviews on sound quality compared to other manufacturers.

Bowers & Wilkins

P5 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

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Bottom Line

High-performance combination building on B&W's proven drivers and Bluetooth aptX.

Pros

Combines great acoustics from B&W's drivers, with advanced aptX Bluetooth streaming, to access exceptional sound from smart phones, tablets, and computers. Drive units based on award-winning design from B&W's line, which have a diaphragm like traditional loudspeakers. Full 17 hours of wireless playback between charges. Charges via USB, but can also be used with included cable to save battery.

Cons

Some purchasers complained about poor Bluetooth performance, however, this feature is known to sometimes require several hours of play time before it is "broken in" and working at its best.

Bowers & Wilkins

C5 Series 2 In-Ear Headphones

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Bottom Line

Excellent set of in-ear headphones with secure loop feature and improved drive unit technology for better sound.

Pros

Redesigned C5 Series with new drive units for better sound and new, more comfortable cable. iPhone remote and microphone compatible cable, for control of iPhone or smartphone and switching between music and making calls. More secure with padded loop that curls around the ear’s inner rim to hold them in place. Richer sound with Micro Porous Filter, which acts as a sonic diffuser. 2-year limited warranty from B&W.

Cons

Biggest complaint appears to be issues with fit and lack of comfort, even with the added loop feature (and sometimes because of it!).

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Models
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122

Consumers
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Hours
Researched

Bowers & Wilkins is a trusted brand for professional-quality headphones constructed from durable materials. Many of their headphones have portions made from sheep’s leather and clean metal for a sleek black-and-chrome style. With comfortable over-ear, on-ear, and earbud designs, it’s easy to find a pair of Bowers & Wilkins that fits your preferences. Their active noise-cancelling headphones provide quality sound with no unwanted noise. If you’re looking for wireless listening, their Bluetooth wireless headphones are convenient and have great battery life without sacrificing any of Bowers & Wilkins’ classic quality sound. Most Bowers & Wilkins headphones fall on the more expensive end, but you’re paying for high-quality sound and classy designs.

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