The new Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 flagship wireless headphones are the best cans the British audio company has ever produced, it said Wednesday. Available now for an eye-watering $799, the premium over-ear headphones feature significant design improvements and enhanced audio capabilities that should make would-be AirPods Max buyers look twice.
“We are incredibly proud to launch the Px8 S2, the best headphone we have ever created. When we introduced the Px8 in 2022, it redefined what was possible in wireless headphone performance. The Px8 S2 sets the benchmark once again, recalibrating expectations for sound quality, design and craftsmanship,” said Giles Pocock, VP of Brand Marketing at B&W.
“It’s the ultimate expression of our mission: to bring listeners even closer to the artist’s performance — and of course, the beautiful design and finish only adds to that real pride of ownership,” he added.
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 wireless headphones: Premium design, Apple integration
The new Px8 S2 cans represent a thoughtful evolution of Bowers & Wilkins’ iconic design language. The set features a notably slimmer profile than its predecessor while maintaining the luxury materials the brand is known for. Nappa leather wraps across all primary surfaces, with an aluminum arm mechanism that combines lightweight construction with mechanical stiffness. You can choose from two color options: Onyx Black and Warm Stone. Each features color-coordinated leather and aluminum detailing.
Of note to AirPods Max, Beats Studio Pro and other Apple users, the headphones include high-resolution USB-C connectivity, making them compatible with the latest iPhone models and providing an excellent option for Mac users who want wired audio quality via USB-C or the included 3.5mm cable.
Advanced audio technology for discerning listeners
At the heart of Px8 S2 sit newly designed 40mm Carbon Cone drive units. They angle toward the listener’s ears to ensure consistent distance and improved stereo imaging. These drivers are powered by a dedicated discrete headphone amplifier that provides enhanced scale and energy to the sound.
The headphones support both aptX Adaptive 24/96 wireless technology and Qualcomm’s latest aptX Lossless standard, automatically optimizing wireless transmission from compatible devices. This ensures optimal sound quality when streaming high-resolution music from services like Apple Music, Amazon Music, Qobuz and TIDAL through the companion Music app, delivering 24-bit/96kHz audio quality.
Industry-leading noise cancellation
Bowers & Wilkins equipped Px8 S2 with what it claims is its most powerful active noise cancellation system yet. Eight high-performance microphones work together around each ear cup.
Two monitor each driver’s output. Four track ambient noise. And two additional microphones ensure clear voice calls using ADI Pure Voice technology.
Extended battery life and smart features
Px8 S2 offers impressive 30-hour battery life with full noise cancellation active. And a 15-minute quick charge provides up to seven hours of additional listening time. The Bowers & Wilkins Music app allows users to customize noise cancellation settings, adjust a five-band EQ, and control various features, though physical controls on each ear cup ensure full functionality without the app.
Future updates will add spatial audio support and Bluetooth LE Audio with Auracast broadcast functionality, the company said. That should ensure the headphones remain current with evolving audio standards that Apple continues to adopt across its devices.
