The catch
Bowers & Wilkins Px8
Px8 S2 weighs 10 g less than its 320 g.
Side by side
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 vs Px8 S2: Rated playback remains 30 hours, S2 is lighter
Quick verdict
Px8 S2 is the pick when its current codec support and lighter build matter for your setup. The original Px8 is the pick when its exact offer is better and aptX Adaptive plus the included cables cover what you need. Each advertises 30 hours of playback.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
The frame weighs 3.1% less
Against the original’s 320 g figure, Px8 S2 is lighter by 10 g.
Where this comes from
3.1% = (320 − 310) ÷ 320 × 100.
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 Px8
- Why pick it
- aptX Lossless does nothing for you, and you like the older offer better.
- The original Px8 is a model you already know fits you well.
- The catch
- Px8 S2 weighs 10 g less than its 320 g.
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
- Why pick it
- Your source is able to use aptX Lossless.
- The updated frame at 310 g beats 320 g for you.
- 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
Px8 and Px8 S2 compared on weight, compatible Bluetooth codecs and wired listening. Battery life gives no reason to upgrade, since both advertise 30 hours.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Most of my listening is over a USB cable
That path is supported by both, so the new wireless codec is not needed.
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8
- Good
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
- Good
I want longer between charger visits
The 30-hour playback claim is the same for both.
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8
- Similar
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
- Similar
My source supports aptX Lossless
The codec comes with S2, depending on transmitter and connection conditions.
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8
- Good
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
- Better fit
I came across an appealing price on the original Px8
Its wired options and playback claim still count. Check the condition and what accessories are included.
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8
- Good
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
- Depends
In practice
Differences you will notice
The frame weighs 3.1% less
Against the original’s 320 g figure, Px8 S2 is lighter by 10 g.
How we worked this out
3.1% = (320 − 310) ÷ 320 × 100.
Neither battery number gets better
Equal figures are published for the standard and quick-charge playback claims.
How we worked this out
Playback is 30 = 30 hours. The seven hours after 15 minutes of charging is shared too.
Someone who puts cables first already has the main paths
Connections for digital USB and analog-source listening are included on both.
How we worked this out
Each of the two product records lists a USB-C audio interface and a USB-C-to-3.5 mm audio cable.
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 Px8
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, Px8
Px8
This leather-and-aluminum model advertises the same playback duration as Px8 S2. At a better offer the older one can deserve a look, though its materials do not prove it sounds better.
- Best for
- An earlier Px8 offer with leather trim
Facts we checked
- Without the case, the headphones weigh 320 g.
- Advertised playback comes to 30 hours.
- USB-C and analog-source audio cables come in the package.
- Codec support covers 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 Px8 | Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 320 g | 310 g | S2 saves 10 g. |
| Advertised playback | 30 hours | 30 hours | No extra playback hours are published for the new generation. |
| Quick-charge claim | 7 hours from 15 minutes | 7 hours from 15 minutes | The stated quick-charge result stays put as well. |
| USB audio | Supported | Supported | Direct USB listening is covered by both. |
| Analog-source cable | Included | Included | The specific USB-C-to-3.5 mm path is provided by both. |
| aptX Lossless | Not listed | Listed | A compatible wireless source is what the upgrade depends on. |
| Construction emphasis | Leather and aluminum | Leather and aluminum | Materials are part of shared positioning and are not evidence of a measured audio improvement. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Bowers & Wilkins Px8
- The published codec list does not include aptX Lossless.
With Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
- You need source hardware that is compatible with aptX Lossless.
Decision guide
How to decide
Go with Px8 S2 if current codec support and a lighter build matter for your setup. Stick with the original Px8 when the exact offer is better and aptX Adaptive plus the included cables are enough. Both advertise 30 hours of playback.
Identify your source before picking a codec
The S2 codec upgrade is relevant when your phone or transmitter supports aptX Lossless, because support on the headphone side alone is not enough. For listening over USB, that wireless feature is no reason to choose the newer pair.
More luxury does not bring better battery life here
The 30-hour playback claim and the 15-minute quick-charge claim are the same on both. What should decide it is the supported features you will use, the fit and the exact offer, and not an imagined gain in hours.
Materials are a matter of taste
Leather and aluminum can count for feel and appearance. Without relevant evidence, they do not prove better frequency response, noise cancellation or durability. A careful comparison can honor that preference without turning it into a performance claim nobody has backed up.
What this page can’t tell you
- Nobody should read the reviewed 30-hour playback figures as verified ANC-mode runtime.
- This page does not claim any measured comparison of sound, microphones or noise reduction.
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 Px8 |
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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 Px8
aptX Lossless does nothing for you, and you like the older offer better.
See price & reviews on AmazonBowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
Your source is able to use aptX Lossless.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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