The catch
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
Next to Px7 S3, the frame carries an extra 7 g.
Side by side
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e vs Px7 S3: Phone Bluetooth drops on both during USB listening
Quick verdict
Px7 S3 is the one to pick for five-band EQ or a verified aptX Lossless source. Px7 S2e is still sensible if bass/treble adjustment and its existing connections meet your needs. When traveling, the analog cable needs battery power on both. At work, USB audio disconnects Bluetooth on both, so work out how phone calls will reach you.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
On a flight, a cable cannot save you from an empty battery
Analog listening needs the headphones charged and switched on, on both. Pack and charge with that in mind. During analog playback, adjust volume and playback on the source and do not expect the headphone controls to work.
Where this comes from
Powered analog operation and playback controls on the source side are documented in both English manuals. An airline seat adapter still depends on the aircraft connector.
The catch
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
Getting aptX Lossless takes a compatible source and wireless conditions that suit it.
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
- Why pick it
- For your listening, bass and treble controls do the job.
- The USB, analog-source and Bluetooth options it offers suit your devices.
- The catch
- Next to Px7 S3, the frame carries an extra 7 g.
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
- Why pick it
- You want finer five-band EQ and no need to replace your phone.
- A verified, compatible aptX Lossless source is something you have.
- The catch
- Getting aptX Lossless takes a compatible source and wireless conditions that suit it.
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What this page compares
Px7 S2e and Px7 S3 compared on weight, codec source requirements and wired options. The 30-hour advertised playback claim stays the same on the newer model.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
I need audio on the plane once the battery dies
Using the supplied analog connection means the headphones have to stay charged and switched on.
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
- Not suitable
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
- Not suitable
I want USB music from my laptop and Bluetooth phone calls both available
Bluetooth is disconnected in USB mode. If wireless laptop audio is acceptable, use the documented wireless multipoint setup.
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
- Not suitable
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
- Not suitable
I want finer control of tone on the phone I have now
Five-band EQ comes with S3, and S2e has bass and treble controls. That is useful whether or not aptX Lossless is compatible.
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
- Good
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
- Better fit
USB is how I mostly listen
USB audio is already supported on both. The new codec has no effect on that wired path.
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
- Good
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
- Good
I own an aptX Lossless transmitter that is verified
The additional codec works on S3 once source and connection requirements are met.
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
- Good
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
- Better fit
Longer advertised battery life is what I want
On paper the newer model does not meet that request, since both claim 30 hours.
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
- Similar
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
- Similar
In practice
Differences you will notice
On a flight, a cable cannot save you from an empty battery
Analog listening needs the headphones charged and switched on, on both. Pack and charge with that in mind. During analog playback, adjust volume and playback on the source and do not expect the headphone controls to work.
How we worked this out
Powered analog operation and playback controls on the source side are documented in both English manuals. An airline seat adapter still depends on the aircraft connector.
Here, USB music and Bluetooth phone access cannot be combined
On both, plugging in USB audio disconnects Bluetooth. If you want laptop listening to be interrupted by phone calls, the relevant setup is their documented two-device Bluetooth mode.
How we worked this out
USB audio and Bluetooth multipoint are treated separately in the manuals. Multipoint takes one audio stream at a time and lets a call from the second connected device interrupt the first.
The saving in weight is 2.3%
Next to the published S2e weight, S3 is lighter by 7 g.
How we worked this out
2.3% = (307 − 300) ÷ 307 × 100.
Two battery claims stay the same
Each lists 30 hours of playback, plus seven hours from a 15-minute charge.
How we worked this out
Playback: 30 − 30 = 0 hours. Quick-charge playback: 7 − 7 = 0 hours.
A USB-only routine gets no benefit from the new codec
USB audio is on both. aptX Lossless applies to the wireless path and not to that cable.
How we worked this out
The codec requirement is about Bluetooth transmission. A USB audio interface is listed in the product records from both manufacturers.
Plug in your setup
Which headphones suit the way you listen?
Start with how you listen. Charging over USB is not the same as playing audio over USB, and some headphones need power even on a cable. These answers are placeholders until you apply your own.
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
Passes these checksPlays over Bluetooth.
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
Passes these checksPlays over Bluetooth.
Battery figures are maker claims for the stated mode. They do not reflect measured travel time. Volume, codec, calls and battery age all change runtime. Closed earcups can still leak some sound. Weight alone does not predict comfort. USB audio needs a compatible source and cable. This check does not judge sound quality, mic quality or amplifier power.
Option A
Bowers & Wilkins, Px7 S2e
Px7 S2e
If USB audio, an analog-source cable and a carry case cover what you need, this is a simple alternative to Px7 S3. The newer S3 saves 7 g, but it does not advertise more playback hours.
- Best for
- For your listening, bass and treble controls do the job.
Facts we checked
- Weight: 307 g
- Advertised playback: 30 hours
- Quick-charge claim: 7 hours from 15 minutes
- Digital USB audio: Supported
Option B
Bowers & Wilkins, Px7 S3
Px7 S3
Px7 S3 is the one to get for its 300 g build and updated connection support. Since Px8 S2 has the same 30-hour playback claim and the same included USB and analog-source cables, those features alone are no reason to spend more.
- Best for
- You want finer five-band EQ and no need to replace your phone.
Facts we checked
- Weight: 300 g
- Advertised playback: 30 hours
- Quick-charge claim: 7 hours from 15 minutes
- Digital USB audio: Supported
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e | Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 307 g | 300 g | S3 is 7 g lighter. |
| Advertised playback | 30 hours | 30 hours | No increase in playback hours is published. |
| Quick-charge claim | 7 hours from 15 minutes | 7 hours from 15 minutes | Likewise, the stated quick-charge duration does not change. |
| Digital USB audio | Supported | Supported | Both offer a USB connection for the desk. |
| Analog-source cable | 1.2 m USB-C-to-3.5 mm included | 1.2 m USB-C-to-3.5 mm included | An analog source can be received by both through the specified cable. |
| aptX Lossless | Not listed | Listed | It helps only with a compatible transmitting device and suitable conditions. |
| Headband packing | No inward fold | No inward fold | In this comparison, neither one picks up a folding hinge. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
- Your phone or transmitter has to support aptX Adaptive as well.
With Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
- Although the earcups swivel flat, the headband does not fold inward.
Decision guide
How to decide
Go with Px7 S3 if you want five-band EQ or have a verified aptX Lossless source. Px7 S2e stays a sound pick when bass/treble adjustment and its current connections are enough. On a trip, neither works with the analog cable unless it has battery power. At a desk, both lose Bluetooth when USB audio is used, so plan how calls will reach you.
Start the upgrade check with a compatible source
Not every smartphone supports aptX Lossless. Check the actual transmitter and operating mode before paying for it. If you mainly use USB audio, you do not need the new wireless codec for that routine.
Do not make too much of seven grams
S3 weighs less, yet a 7 g change is small next to differences in pad feel and clamp. If comfort is why you would upgrade, try the new frame. Weight alone cannot name a winner.
The older offer may still be the sensible one
S2e already comes with the two useful cable paths, a case and the same advertised playback duration. Pick S3 for a specific updated capability or a fit you prefer, and not because an unchanged 30-hour claim has been repackaged as a benefit.
What this page can’t tell you
- According to both English manuals, up to 30 hours of wireless playback is with ANC enabled at average volume. Those are manufacturer claims and not a matched real-world endurance test.
- The codec or product generation is not taken as evidence of an audible sound-quality gain.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the headphones we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e |
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| Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
For your listening, bass and treble controls do the job.
See price & reviews on AmazonBowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
You want finer five-band EQ and no need to replace your phone.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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