The catch
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
Getting aptX Lossless takes a compatible source and wireless conditions that suit it.
Side by side
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 vs Px8 S2: The key listening paths match, Px7 is lighter
Quick verdict
Px7 S3 is the one to get when you want the shared current connections in the lighter pair. Px8 S2 is worth it if its leather-and-aluminum build and your personal fit justify the actual price gap. Neither battery duration nor the key listening paths set them apart.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Spending more gets you no extra published hours here
Standard and quick-charge playback come to the same figures.
Where this comes from
Playback: 30 − 30 = 0 hours. Quick-charge playback: 7 − 7 = 0 hours.
The catch
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
With the same battery and connection specifications, there is no proof it serves you better than Px7 S3.
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
- Why pick it
- The lighter 300 g pair with the current Bowers connection set is what you want.
- Your main priorities are the USB and Bluetooth features both share.
- The catch
- Getting aptX Lossless takes a compatible source and wireless conditions that suit it.
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
- Why pick it
- You specifically like the leather-and-aluminum build better.
- Having tried both, you find that the Px8 S2 fits better.
- The catch
- With the same battery and connection specifications, there is no proof it serves you better than Px7 S3.
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What this page compares
The key cable options, codec list and 30-hour playback claim are the same on Px7 S3 and Px8 S2. See how weight and build compare, with no made-up sound winner.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
I am after the lighter current Bowers pair
The listed key connections stay in place while Px7 S3 saves 10 g.
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
- Better fit
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
- Good
I like leather and aluminum best
That specific material preference is met by Px8 S2. It does not prove an advantage in sound.
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
- Good
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
- Better fit
I want both USB and aptX Lossless
The connections are supported by both, and the codec needs a compatible source.
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
- Similar
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
- Similar
If I pay more, I want longer advertised playback
Both state 30 hours, and quick charge gives the same result.
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
- Similar
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
- Similar
In practice
Differences you will notice
Spending more gets you no extra published hours here
Standard and quick-charge playback come to the same figures.
How we worked this out
Playback: 30 − 30 = 0 hours. Quick-charge playback: 7 − 7 = 0 hours.
The same main paths stay with the lighter frame
Px7 S3 weighs 3.2% less and still has USB audio, analog-source audio and the listed codec options.
How we worked this out
3.2% = (310 − 300) ÷ 310 × 100. The overlap in features was checked against both product records.
A source limitation hits both alike
On either pair, a phone lacking aptX Lossless cannot use that codec.
How we worked this out
A compatible transmitting device is needed for both. Codec support on the headphones is not enough on its own.
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 S3
Passes these checksPlays over Bluetooth.
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
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 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
- A current Bowers pair that is lighter and offers two wired ways to listen
Facts we checked
- Without the case, the headphones weigh 300 g.
- A 15-minute charge gives up to 7 hours, and advertised playback is 30 hours.
- The 1.2 m USB-C-to-USB-C and USB-C-to-3.5 mm audio cables are included.
- Its list covers aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC and SBC.
Option B
Bowers & Wilkins, Px8 S2
Px8 S2
Go for this one if the leather-and-aluminum build is what you specifically want and you have tried the fit. Px7 S3 offers the same 30-hour playback claim and key cable options in a frame that is 10 g lighter.
- Best for
- A leather-and-aluminum build that comes with current Bowers connections
Facts we checked
- Without the case, the headphones weigh 310 g.
- A 15-minute charge gives up to 7 hours, and advertised playback is 30 hours.
- The 1.2 m USB-C and USB-C-to-3.5 mm audio cables are included.
- With compatible sources, multipoint and aptX Lossless are supported.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 | Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 300 g | 310 g | Px7 S3 weighs 10 g less. |
| Advertised playback | 30 hours | 30 hours | No benefit in playback hours is stated for the Px8 S2. |
| Quick-charge claim | 7 hours from 15 minutes | 7 hours from 15 minutes | Identical figures are given for quick charge. |
| Digital USB audio | Supported | Supported | The compatible USB source requirement is passed by both. |
| Analog-source cable | 1.2 m cable included | 1.2 m cable included | The same type of analog-source path is provided by both. |
| Bluetooth codec options | aptX Lossless, Adaptive, HD, aptX, AAC, SBC | aptX Lossless, Adaptive, HD, aptX, AAC, SBC | The key published codec list gives the more expensive model no edge. |
| Build emphasis | Fabric finish | Leather and aluminum | A preference about materials is at work here. No sound-quality measurement was reproduced. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
- Although the earcups swivel flat, the headband does not fold inward.
With Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
- You need source hardware that is compatible with aptX Lossless.
Decision guide
How to decide
Pick Px7 S3 to get the shared current connections in the lighter pair. Pick Px8 S2 if its leather-and-aluminum build and personal fit justify the actual price gap. Battery duration and the key listening paths are the same, so they cannot decide it.
Resist the urge to invent a winner here
Where a model sits in the price lineup proves nothing. Because runtime, cable paths and codec list are shared, several easy reasons to spend more fall away. Px8 S2 can still be the right pick if you like its fit and materials, but say so as the reason.
Try on the frame before you pay for the finish
Ten grams is a small gap, and pad contact, headband shape and your glasses can count for more. Trying them on tells you more than an arbitrary comfort score taken from the product sheet.
Do not lose sight of the source requirement
aptX Lossless is listed for both, though the source and wireless conditions have to support it. At a desk, both also give you digital USB audio, so you do not need the higher model just to get that route.
What this page can’t tell you
- Measured sound quality is not inferred from driver materials.
- The playback claims reviewed are not offered as directly comparable ANC tests.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the headphones we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
Only 18 of the 60 models checked meet every need here: “I go back and forth between laptop and phone” and “I want to get audio over a USB-C cable”.
18 models fit, out of 60 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “I go back and forth between laptop and phone” and “I want to get audio over a USB-C cable”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 |
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| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 |
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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 S3
The lighter 300 g pair with the current Bowers connection set is what you want.
See price & reviews on AmazonBowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
You specifically like the leather-and-aluminum build better.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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