Bowers & Wilkins Px7 vs Sony WH-1000XM4: A Comparison

In the world of premium noise-canceling headphones, two standout models have captured the attention of audiophiles and casual listeners alike: the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e and the Sony WH-1000XM4. Both brands are renowned for their cutting-edge technology, sound quality, and sleek designs, but how do these two models compare when it comes to performance, comfort, and value for money? Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a remote worker, or someone who simply enjoys immersive audio experiences, choosing the right pair of headphones can be a daunting task. In this report, we will dive into the features, advantages, and potential drawbacks of each pair, helping you make an informed decision on which one suits your needs best.

1. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e Over-Ear Headphones

The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e Over-Ear Headphones offer an exceptional audio experience with a premium build and a host of advanced features. The sound quality is rich and clear, thanks to the custom-designed 40mm drive units and 24-bit DSP technology. These headphones provide an immersive listening experience, accurately conveying the artist’s intention. Active noise cancellation works effectively to block external noise, ensuring uninterrupted enjoyment of music and calls. Additionally, the six microphones enhance call clarity, making conversations crystal-clear even in noisy environments. The design is both stylish and comfortable, with luxurious foam earpads and a fabric finish that offers a snug fit for extended listening sessions. With a remarkable 30-hour playback time and quick-charge capabilities, the Px7 S2e is ideal for those on the go.

While the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e impresses with its sound, comfort, and noise-canceling features, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Some users have noted that the fit may not be comfortable for everyone, especially during long listening sessions. Additionally, Bluetooth connectivity has received mixed reviews, with occasional dropouts or difficulty pairing.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key features:

1. 24-bit DSP with custom 40mm drive units for high-resolution sound.
2. Advanced active noise cancellation for an immersive listening experience.
3. Six microphones for crystal-clear call quality.
4. 30-hour battery life with quick-charge support.
5. Customizable sound environment via the Bowers & Wilkins Music app.

Pros:

1. Excellent sound quality with clear, immersive audio.
2. Effective active noise cancellation for focused listening.
3. Comfortable design with premium materials for extended use.
4. Long battery life and quick charging capabilities.
5. Direct streaming and voice assistant support through the B&W Music app.

Cons:

1. Mixed experiences with Bluetooth connectivity, including occasional dropouts.
2. The earpad design may not provide the best noise isolation for some.

2. Sony WH-1000XM4 Overhead Headphones

The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Headphones are a top-tier option for anyone seeking immersive sound and cutting-edge technology in a comfortable package. Featuring Sony’s Dual Noise Sensor technology, the active noise cancellation is superb, effectively shutting out background noise for an uninterrupted listening experience. With a battery life of up to 30 hours and a quick-charge feature that provides 5 hours of playback from just a 10-minute charge, these headphones are perfect for long journeys or extended listening sessions. The touch sensor controls allow for easy operation, letting users pause music, adjust volume, or take calls without reaching for their phone. The addition of Speak-to-Chat functionality automatically lowers the volume when you start talking, ensuring you never miss an important conversation.

These headphones also excel in comfort, with an updated design that minimizes pressure during extended wear. The adaptive sound control personalizes your listening experience, adjusting the audio based on your environment, while the multipoint connection feature ensures seamless device switching. The clear call quality, driven by five microphones and advanced audio signal processing, is a standout feature, making them ideal for work calls and virtual meetings. While the headphones generally impress with their sound quality, comfort, and functionality, some users have voiced concerns about the build quality and the value for money compared to other premium options.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key features:

1. Dual Noise Sensor technology for premium active noise cancellation.
2. Up to 30 hours of battery life with quick charge (5 hours playback from 10-minute charge).
3. Touch sensor controls for easy operation.
4. Speak-to-Chat feature that automatically reduces volume during conversations.
5. Adaptive Sound Control and multipoint connection for a personalized and seamless experience.

Pros:

1. Excellent sound quality with immersive soundstage.
2. Top-tier noise cancellation for a quiet, focused listening experience.
3. Comfortable design that relieves pressure for long-term wear.
4. Long battery life and quick charging support.
5. Seamless device pairing and good call quality with built-in microphones.

Cons:

1. No noise cancellation during phone calls (it relies on microphone sensitivity).

Comparison: Bowers & Wilkins Px7 vs. Sony WH-1000XM4

When choosing premium noise-canceling headphones, the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e and Sony WH-1000XM4 stand out as two of the best options on the market. Both offer top-tier sound quality, advanced noise cancellation, and a range of modern features, but they each come with unique attributes that may appeal to different users.

Sound Quality

Both the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e and Sony WH-1000XM4 offer excellent sound quality, but there are some notable differences in their approach.

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e:
The Px7 S2e focuses on delivering a high-resolution sound experience. Thanks to its custom-designed 40mm drive units and 24-bit DSP technology, the sound is rich, clear, and immersive. The headphones offer an accurate portrayal of the artist’s intention, with great balance across the low, mid, and high frequencies. Audiophiles will appreciate the attention to detail in the soundstage, which is deep and well-separated.

Sony WH-1000XM4:
Sony is known for delivering rich, dynamic sound in its headphones, and the WH-1000XM4 is no exception. With Edge AI technology and DSEE Extreme (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine), it upscales compressed audio files in real-time, giving you a more detailed and vibrant listening experience. The headphones offer a slightly bass-heavy sound, which is appealing to those who prefer a fuller, more immersive low-end, while maintaining clarity in the mids and highs.

Sound Quality Comparison:

Feature	Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e	Sony WH-1000XM4
Driver Technology	Custom 40mm drive units, 24-bit DSP	Edge AI, DSEE Extreme (Upscaling)
Sound Signature	Balanced, clear, natural	Bass-heavy, dynamic, vibrant
Ideal For	Audiophiles seeking high-resolution sound	Users who enjoy a fuller bass experience

Noise Cancellation

Both headphones come equipped with active noise cancellation (ANC) technology, but they approach it slightly differently.

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e:
The Px7 S2e features Dual Noise Sensor technology, which continuously monitors the surrounding environment to adjust the noise-canceling level. The result is effective isolation from outside noise, whether you’re in a crowded space or traveling on a plane. It’s ideal for those looking for a high-quality listening experience in a variety of environments.

Sony WH-1000XM4:
Sony’s ANC is widely regarded as one of the best in the market, and the WH-1000XM4 continues that tradition. It uses adaptive noise cancellation, which tailors the noise-canceling levels based on your surroundings. Additionally, it offers a more robust set of customization options, allowing users to tweak noise cancellation levels through the app for a personalized experience.

Comfort and Fit

Both headphones offer a comfortable, ergonomic design, but there are subtle differences in how they fit and feel during extended listening sessions.

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e:
The Px7 S2e features luxurious foam earpads and a fabric finish, which contribute to a comfortable fit. The design focuses on reducing pressure around the ears, making it suitable for long listening sessions. However, some users may find them slightly heavy compared to other models, which could lead to discomfort during extended use.

Sony WH-1000XM4:
The WH-1000XM4 is known for its excellent comfort. Sony has updated the earcup design, using softer padding that alleviates pressure on the ears. The lightweight construction further enhances comfort, making these headphones suitable for long durations of wear. Many users find the Sony headphones more comfortable for all-day listening.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is a crucial factor when considering wireless headphones, and both the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e and Sony WH-1000XM4 perform admirably in this area.

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e:
The Px7 S2e offers up to 30 hours of battery life on a full charge. Additionally, it supports quick charging, with 5 hours of playback after just 10 minutes of charging. This feature is especially handy for those on the go.

Sony WH-1000XM4:
The WH-1000XM4 also provides up to 30 hours of battery life, with the added benefit of quick charging. A 10-minute charge provides 5 hours of playback, ensuring you’re never without music for long periods.

Battery Life Comparison:

Feature	Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e	Sony WH-1000XM4
Battery Life	Up to 30 hours	Up to 30 hours
Quick Charge	10-minute charge for 5 hours playback	10-minute charge for 5 hours playback

Additional Features

Both headphones offer unique features that enhance the user experience, but they cater to different needs.

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e:
The Px7 S2e excels in its design, with premium materials that convey a sense of luxury. The headphones come with the Bowers & Wilkins Music app, which provides direct streaming and customizable sound settings. They also feature six microphones for superior call quality and advanced noise cancellation.

Sony WH-1000XM4:
Sony offers an impressive set of additional features, including Speak-to-Chat, which automatically pauses the music when you begin talking, and wearing detection, which pauses playback when you remove the headphones. The WH-1000XM4 also features multipoint connectivity, allowing you to connect to two devices at once, and adaptive sound control, which personalizes your listening experience based on your environment.

FAQ

Which headphones have better sound quality, the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e or the Sony WH-1000XM4?

Both the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e and the Sony WH-1000XM4 offer exceptional sound quality, but they cater to different preferences. The Px7 S2e focuses on delivering a balanced, high-resolution sound that appeals to audiophiles. With its custom-designed 40mm drivers and 24-bit DSP technology, it provides clear, natural audio with a well-separated soundstage. On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM4 offers a more dynamic, bass-heavy sound, which is ideal for users who enjoy a fuller low-end. Sony’s DSEE Extreme upscaling technology enhances compressed audio files in real time, making it a great choice for those who prefer vibrant, immersive sound. Overall, the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e excels in accuracy, while the Sony WH-1000XM4 is better for those who want a more lively listening experience.

Are the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e and Sony WH-1000XM4 comfortable for long listening sessions?

Both the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e and the Sony WH-1000XM4 are designed with comfort in mind, but the Sony WH-1000XM4 has an edge when it comes to long-term wear. The WH-1000XM4 features a lightweight design with soft, pressure-relieving ear padding, making it ideal for all-day listening without discomfort. The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e, while also comfortable with luxurious foam earpads, may feel a bit heavier, which could lead to discomfort during extended sessions. However, this varies from person to person, and those who prefer a more premium, snug fit might find the Px7 S2e equally comfortable.

Do the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e and Sony WH-1000XM4 have similar battery life?

Yes, both the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e and the Sony WH-1000XM4 offer up to 30 hours of battery life on a full charge, which is excellent for extended listening sessions or long trips. Additionally, both headphones come with quick charge capabilities, providing up to 5 hours of playback after just 10 minutes of charging. This makes both models very practical for people who need their headphones to last through long flights or long workdays without frequent recharging.

How does the noise cancellation compare between the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e and the Sony WH-1000XM4?

Both the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e and the Sony WH-1000XM4 offer top-tier active noise cancellation (ANC), but the Sony WH-1000XM4 is generally considered superior in this area. Sony’s Dual Noise Sensor technology and adaptive noise cancellation can be fine-tuned through the app to suit various environments, offering a more personalized ANC experience. The Px7 S2e also features effective ANC, with its Dual Noise Sensor technology continuously adjusting to the surrounding noise. However, Sony’s noise cancellation is widely regarded as the best on the market, providing a more seamless and customizable noise-blocking experience.

Can I use the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e and Sony WH-1000XM4 for making calls?

Yes, both headphones are equipped with microphones that provide clear call quality. The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e has six microphones, ensuring superior clarity during calls even in noisy environments. The Sony WH-1000XM4 features five microphones and also excels in call quality, though it lacks noise cancellation during phone calls. Both models offer excellent call performance, making them great choices for work calls or virtual meetings. However, the Px7 S2e may have a slight edge in terms of microphone sensitivity and noise isolation.

Conclusion

In the battle of the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e versus the Sony WH-1000XM4, both headphones shine in terms of sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort. The Px7 S2e is perfect for audiophiles looking for a balanced, high-resolution sound experience, while the Sony WH-1000XM4 stands out with its versatile features, including adaptive noise cancellation and multipoint connectivity. Both models offer exceptional battery life and quick charging, but the WH-1000XM4 might have the edge in comfort for extended wear.