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1 / 7Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 generation 2
At 8.2, its noise cancelling beats 48% of over-ear headphones we've measured.
Measured on 63 of the 245 we've cataloged.
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below average for over-ear headphones — based on 159 of 245 we've cataloged.
Usb-c is the most common — on 88% of the 139 over-ear headphones we've cataloged (of 245).
5.3 appears on 26% of the 152 over-ear headphones we've cataloged (of 245).
Bluetooth is the most common — on 43% of the 253 over-ear headphones we've cataloged (of 245).
Objective measurements from the SoundGuys test lab — overlay other models to see how this one compares.
Measured frequency response (dB relative) against the SoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve. When the measurement goes above the dashed line, that frequency is louder than our preference curve, and when it goes below: it's quieter. Use the curve for comparison purposes only, as your taste may vary.
| Frequency (Hz) | Response (dB) |
|---|---|
| 20 | 7.0 |
| 25 | 6.7 |
| 32 | 6.5 |
| 40 | 6.5 |
| 50 | 7.3 |
| 63 | 6.1 |
| 80 | 9.0 |
| 100 | 8.5 |
| 125 | 5.5 |
| 160 | 1.7 |
| 200 | -0.3 |
| 250 | -1.0 |
| 315 | -2.0 |
| 400 | -2.8 |
| 500 | -1.8 |
| 630 | -0.3 |
| 800 | 0.2 |
| 1000 | 0.0 |
| 1250 | -0.3 |
| 1600 | 1.1 |
| 2000 | 3.9 |
| 2500 | 5.1 |
| 3150 | 1.8 |
| 4000 | 6.0 |
| 5000 | 5.6 |
| 6300 | 4.4 |
| 8000 | 13.1 |
| 10000 | 7.7 |
| 12500 | 2.6 |
| 16000 | -3.6 |
| 20000 | -10.4 |
Passive isolation (dB) with ANC off — how much ambient noise the fit blocks on its own. Higher on the chart means more attenuation.
| Frequency (Hz) | Attenuation (dB) |
|---|---|
| 21 | 2.0 |
| 26 | 0.3 |
| 33 | 0.6 |
| 41 | -0.2 |
| 52 | -0.0 |
| 65 | -1.0 |
| 82 | -2.0 |
| 103 | 0.6 |
| 130 | 2.6 |
| 163 | 4.3 |
| 205 | 5.2 |
| 259 | 6.0 |
| 325 | 7.9 |
| 410 | 8.0 |
| 516 | 7.3 |
| 613 | 8.2 |
| 772 | 10.8 |
| 972 | 15.6 |
| 1220 | 19.5 |
| 1540 | 22.0 |
| 1940 | 22.7 |
| 2440 | 34.5 |
| 3070 | 35.3 |
| 3870 | 34.9 |
| 4870 | 39.7 |
| 6130 | 33.7 |
| 7720 | 35.2 |
| 9720 | 37.0 |
| 12200 | 36.3 |
| 15400 | 38.6 |
| 19400 | 31.6 |
Total attenuation (dB) with ANC on — passive isolation plus active noise cancelling. Higher on the chart means more attenuation.
| Frequency (Hz) | Total attenuation (dB) |
|---|---|
| 21 | 11.1 |
| 26 | 14.1 |
| 33 | 15.8 |
| 41 | 11.7 |
| 52 | 15.1 |
| 65 | 14.5 |
| 82 | 20.8 |
| 103 | 23.3 |
| 130 | 27.1 |
| 163 | 26.7 |
| 205 | 27.6 |
| 259 | 23.8 |
| 325 | 23.6 |
| 410 | 20.2 |
| 516 | 18.4 |
| 613 | 20.1 |
| 772 | 15.3 |
| 972 | 18.0 |
| 1220 | 16.9 |
| 1540 | 18.2 |
| 1940 | 21.5 |
| 2440 | 34.5 |
| 3070 | 35.1 |
| 3870 | 36.1 |
| 4870 | 38.4 |
| 6130 | 33.2 |
| 7720 | 36.4 |
| 9720 | 35.8 |
| 12200 | 39.3 |
| 15400 | 41.4 |
| 19400 | 33.8 |
The verdict
Luxury headphones are always a gamble, and the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 has a lot to offer the right buyer. However, the sound isn't for everyone, and that's a bit of a risk at this price.
✓Liked: Easy maintenance, Connectivity, Comfort, Aesthetics
✕Could be better: Price, Odd sound, No IP rating
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What readers ask about the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2, answered by the people who own it.
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Commentary and deep dives from the SoundGuys editorial team.
Christian ThomasEditor-at-large5 ways headphones are going to change in 2027Here's where things are headed.Christian ThomasEditor-at-largeWired vs wireless headphones: Which should you buy?Wired headphones do not automatically sound better.
Tom TriggsContributor
1 of 2 would buy again
2 owners · owners report ~40 h per charge vs 40 h claimed
The noise cancelling beat their expectations
Expected more from comfort
1 of 1 would buy again
1 owner
Nothing surprising about comfort
0 of 1 would buy again
1 owner · 1 photo-verified
Expected more from comfort
0 of 2 would buy again
2 owners · 2 photo-verified
The noise cancelling beat their expectations
The battery beat their expectations
