Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones Review: The Audiophile’s Choice for Wireless Serenity

There’s a unique frustration that comes with trying to lose yourself in music, a podcast, or an important call, only to have the outside world crash in. I remember one particularly long train commute where I was desperately trying to review an album, but the clatter of the tracks, the loud conversation from the seats behind me, and the constant announcements made it impossible. My budget earbuds were simply outmatched. This experience isn’t unique; it’s the daily reality for commuters, open-office workers, and anyone seeking a personal oasis of calm in a cacophonous world. The quest isn’t just for headphones; it’s for a portable sanctuary. Failing to find a quality solution means compromising on focus, relaxation, and the pure enjoyment of audio as the artist intended. It’s this very pursuit of untainted, immersive sound that leads discerning listeners to premium options like the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones.

What to Consider Before Buying Noise-Cancelling Headphones

A pair of noise-cancelling headphones is more than just an accessory; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your personal auditory space. It’s about creating focus in a distracting office, finding peace on a turbulent flight, or rediscovering the subtle details in your favourite songs. The main benefits extend beyond simply blocking noise; they enhance clarity, reduce listening fatigue by allowing you to listen at lower, safer volumes, and provide a truly immersive experience for music, movies, and calls. For many, they are an indispensable tool for modern life, transforming stressful environments into pockets of productivity and calm.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who frequently travels, works in a shared space, or is a dedicated music lover who values high-fidelity audio. They understand that sound quality is a combination of excellent drivers, advanced processing, and effective isolation. If you’re a commuter who wants to replace the city’s roar with a symphony, or a remote worker needing to silence household distractions, these are for you. However, they might not be the best fit for those who prioritize a super-compact form factor for intense gym workouts (where true wireless earbuds might be better) or for users who only listen in quiet environments and don’t require active noise cancellation. For those individuals, high-quality open-back headphones or simpler wireless earbuds could be more suitable alternatives.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Comfort & Fit: You’ll likely be wearing these for hours. Look for plush, breathable earpads, a well-padded headband, and a clamping force that is secure but not crushing. The weight of the headphones (the PX7 S2e is 307g) is also a factor in long-term comfort, as is how well they accommodate glasses.
• Audio Performance & Codecs: This is paramount. Look beyond marketing terms and check for driver size and type (B&W uses custom 40mm drivers), digital signal processing (DSP) capabilities, and support for high-quality Bluetooth codecs like Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive. This codec is crucial as it dynamically adjusts the bitrate to ensure a stable, high-resolution connection, which is a feature that really sets it apart and is worth investigating further on its product page.
• Build Quality & Durability: Premium headphones are an investment. Scrutinize the materials used in the headband, yokes, and earcups. A combination of metal, high-quality plastics, and durable fabrics or leathers suggests a product built to last through daily use and travel. The quality of the included carrying case also speaks volumes about the manufacturer’s commitment to longevity.
• Noise Cancellation & Battery Life: Evaluate the effectiveness of the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Some models excel at blocking low-frequency rumbles (planes, trains), while others are better with higher-pitched chatter. A long battery life (30+ hours is the new standard) and a quick-charge feature are essential for ensuring your headphones are always ready when you are.

Making the right choice involves balancing these factors to find the perfect companion for your listening habits and lifestyle.

While the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing a Statement in Audio Engineering

From the moment you handle the box, the Bowers & Wilkins experience begins. There’s a certain weight and density to the packaging that immediately signals a premium product. Inside, you’re greeted not by the headphones themselves, but by a sleek, sturdy, fabric-covered hard case. This case feels far more luxurious than the soft pouches or flimsy shells provided with many competitors. Opening it reveals the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones nestled securely, their Anthracite Black finish and refined metal accents catching the light. The immediate feeling is one of substance and meticulous craftsmanship. They feel solid, with no creaks or rattles. The earpads are exceptionally soft, and the headband has a reassuring tension. Hidden in a clever magnetic compartment within the case are the USB-C to USB-C charging cable and a USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable. Setting them up is a breeze; a long press on the power slider puts them in pairing mode, and the Bowers & Wilkins Music app finds them instantly. It’s a seamless and sophisticated introduction that lives up to the brand’s heritage and the product’s price point, leaving a far more premium first impression than many plastic-heavy rivals.

A Deep Dive into the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e’s Performance

After spending considerable time with the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones—on commutes, in the office, and during dedicated listening sessions at home—it’s clear that this is a product engineered with a specific philosophy: sound first. While other brands may lead with noise cancellation as their headline feature, B&W puts the musical experience front and centre, and every other feature is built in service to that goal.

Sonic Performance: The Heart of the B&W Experience

This is where the PX7 S2e truly distances itself from much of the competition. Bowers & Wilkins leverages its decades of high-end speaker expertise, and it shows. The headphones are equipped with custom-designed 40mm bio-cellulose drivers, which are angled within the earcups. This angling is a subtle but brilliant piece of engineering that creates a more natural, speaker-like soundstage in front of you, rather than a sound that feels like it’s being beamed directly into the centre of your head. Paired with a re-tuned 24-bit Digital Signal Processor (DSP) inspired by their flagship Px8 headphones, the result is nothing short of stunning clarity. When listening to Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide,” as one user did, every delicate pluck of the acoustic guitar is rendered with texture and precision, while Stevie Nicks’ voice is presented with an intimacy and presence that can be genuinely moving. We found ourselves rediscovering details in familiar tracks; the subtle reverb trails in a Radiohead song, the crisp attack of a snare drum in a jazz recording, the rich timbre of a cello. The bass is taut, deep, and musical, never bloated or overpowering the midrange. This is a sound signature for those who appreciate nuance and balance. The support for Qualcomm aptX Adaptive ensures this high-resolution signal is delivered reliably from compatible devices. While some users coming from more bass-heavy brands might initially find the sound “flat,” we, like many others, found it to be exceptionally well-balanced and true to the original recording. It’s an audiophile-grade performance that you can experience for yourself by checking the latest price.

Design, Materials, and All-Day Comfort

Holding the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones is a tactile pleasure. The combination of woven fabric on the headband, soft-touch materials on the earcups, and gleaming metal arms creates an aesthetic that is both modern and timelessly elegant. They look and feel significantly more premium than many similarly priced competitors that rely heavily on plastic. At 307 grams, they have a reassuring heft without feeling heavy on the head during extended use. We wore them for a full 4-hour work session and experienced no significant discomfort or “hot spots” on the ears. The memory foam earpads are plush and create a good passive seal for most users. This was confirmed by multiple user reports, including one who noted they were comfortable even with glasses on, and another whose wife appreciated that her hair didn’t get caught in the adjustment mechanism—a small but significant real-world detail. However, comfort is subjective. One user with a larger head found the clamping force a bit too tight, even when fully adjusted. Another pointed out a potential design flaw where the cups didn’t pivot enough to create a perfect seal at the bottom of their jawline, which could impact both comfort and the effectiveness of the noise cancellation. While our experience was overwhelmingly positive, potential buyers with larger head sizes may want to keep this in mind.

Noise Cancellation and Real-World Usability

Bowers & Wilkins has equipped the PX7 S2e with an advanced six-microphone array to handle both Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and voice calls. In our testing, the ANC is very, very good. It effectively erases the low-frequency drone of air conditioners, train engines, and airplane cabins. The constant hum of an open-plan office is reduced to a barely perceptible whisper, allowing for deep focus. One user recounted how the headphones were a lifesaver on a flight with a crying toddler nearby, demonstrating their capability in challenging environments. The implementation is subtle and doesn’t produce the noticeable “eardrum suck” or pressure that some aggressive ANC systems can. However, it’s not the absolute quietest on the market. Competitors from Sony and Bose may have a slight edge in attenuating more unpredictable, higher-frequency sounds like nearby conversations. We found that a small amount of office chatter could still break through, which aligns with feedback from users who described the ANC as “good but not excellent.” The “pass-through” or transparency mode is also effective, allowing you to hear your surroundings with a single button press, though one user noted the microphone placement could pick up wind noise. For calls, the microphones do an admirable job of isolating your voice, delivering clear and intelligible audio to the person on the other end, a vast improvement over more budget-oriented headphones.

Battery Life, Connectivity, and App Control

The practical features of the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones are as well-executed as their design and sound. The claimed 30-hour battery life with ANC on is accurate in our experience. This is more than enough for several days of commuting, a full day of work, or the longest international flights. The quick-charge feature is a fantastic addition; a mere 15-minute charge provides up to 7 hours of playback, a lifesaver for those moments you forget to charge them overnight. The connectivity is rock-solid. Pairing is instant, and the ability to connect to two devices simultaneously (e.g., a laptop and a phone) is seamless. We could be listening to music from our laptop, and the headphones would automatically switch to an incoming call on our phone without a hitch. The Bowers & Wilkins Music app is clean, simple, and stable. It allows for basic EQ adjustments (bass and treble), management of device connections, and toggling the ANC modes. We particularly appreciate that B&W has stuck with physical buttons for core controls—play/pause, volume, and track skipping. They are intuitive, reliable, and provide tactile feedback that is often lost with the imprecise touch controls found on other headphones. You can explore its full feature set and user reviews online to see how these elements come together.

What Other Users Are Saying

Diving into feedback from a wider pool of users provides a well-rounded picture that largely confirms our own findings. The overwhelming majority of praise is directed at the sound quality and build. One user, coming from budget headphones, described the experience as being a “convert,” stating they “can’t imagine going back to my old ones now.” Another, who identifies as a long-time Sennheiser fan, was “completely blown away,” calling the sound “amazing, full, broad.” This sentiment—that the PX7 S2e offers a revelatory listening experience—is a common thread.

On the critical side, the most frequent point of discussion is the noise cancellation. While many find it very effective, as we did, those comparing it directly to the top-tier competition sometimes feel it falls slightly short. One review thoughtfully notes, “In noisy places like shopping malls, I prefer to bring along [a competitor].” Another user mentioned the imperfect seal at the bottom of the earcups as a contributing factor to this. It’s also worth noting that a couple of isolated reviews mentioned fulfillment issues, such as receiving previously opened or used products. While this is not a fault of the headphones themselves, it’s a cautionary tale for buyers to check their purchase upon arrival.

How Does the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e Compare to the Alternatives?

While the PX7 S2e is a formidable contender, the market for headphones is vast and diverse. Here’s how it stacks up against three different alternatives for different types of users.

1. 1Mii Y8+ Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones

The 1Mii Y8+ represents a compelling value proposition for those who want high-end features without the premium price tag. Its standout feature is support for the LDAC codec, which can offer even higher bitrate streaming than aptX Adaptive, appealing to Android users with a library of Hi-Res audio files. Furthermore, its staggering 75-hour playtime more than doubles that of the PX7 S2e, making it a marathon runner’s dream. While it likely won’t match the B&W’s nuanced audio tuning, meticulous build quality, or luxurious feel, it’s an excellent choice for the budget-conscious user who prioritizes battery life and codec support above all else.

2. LC-dolida Bluetooth 5.4 Sleep Headband Headphones

This product serves a completely different purpose. The LC-dolida Sleep Headband is not designed for critical, upright listening but for comfort and convenience in specific situations like sleeping, meditating, or light exercise. Its soft, headband-style design with flat, integrated speakers is perfect for side-sleepers who find traditional headphones and earbuds uncomfortable. It’s an ideal choice for someone who wants to listen to calming sounds, audiobooks, or podcasts as they drift off to sleep or during a yoga session. It is not a competitor to the PX7 S2e in terms of audio fidelity or noise cancellation, but rather a specialized tool for a different job entirely.

3. Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 Noise Cancelling True Wireless Earbuds

For the listener who loves the Bowers & Wilkins sound signature but craves ultimate portability, the Pi8 earbuds are the perfect alternative. These true wireless earbuds distill much of the brand’s audio magic into a tiny package, featuring 24-bit wireless connection and effective noise cancellation. They are the ideal companion for the gym, a quick errand, or for anyone who dislikes the bulk of over-ear headphones. While they won’t produce the same expansive soundstage as their larger PX7 S2e sibling, they offer a remarkably similar premium experience—from the build quality to the audio clarity—in a form factor you can slip into your pocket.

Final Verdict: Are the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones Right for You?

After extensive testing, our conclusion is clear: the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones are an exceptional product for a specific type of listener. If your number one priority is pure, detailed, and beautifully balanced audio quality, wrapped in a package that feels every bit as premium as it costs, then your search may well be over. They are a triumph of design and sound engineering, offering a listening experience that will make you fall in love with your music all over again. The long battery life, superb comfort for most, and solid connectivity make them a joy to use day-to-day.

However, if your sole goal is to achieve the most absolute, library-like silence possible, rivals from Sony or Bose may hold a marginal edge in the ANC department. But for those who view noise cancellation as a tool to enhance the music, rather than the end goal itself, the PX7 S2e strikes a near-perfect balance. They are for the discerning commuter, the stylish professional, and the dedicated audiophile who refuses to compromise on sound, even on the go. If that sounds like you, we can wholeheartedly recommend them. Check the latest price and availability to make this outstanding audio experience your own.