A new pair of headphones is not something you buy every day. Typically, investing in a good pair can last you five to eight years (maybe even longer). I myself have only really bought two or three pairs in my entire career and that includes DJ, studio, and consumer headphones for listening to music during walks and at the gym.

With all this in mind, when a new pair of headphones comes on my radar, especially those offering something different than most other options on the market, I always give it some extra attention.

Why?

Well, if they are all they claim to be, I’ll likely be using them for the next half-decade or more of my life, and that’s not something to take lightly. And that’s exactly the sequence of events that led up to my snagging and then reviewing the new Bowers & Wilkins’ PX8, created in partnership with David Beckham.

I got my hands on a sleek, and dare I say, sexy burgundy pair to see how they performed, and you’re about to hear all my thoughts on them. I took them around town while running errands, tested their noise cancellation, and listened to some of my favorite music and more to really put these cans under a stress test. This helped me assess these headphones’ full scope and quality and see what they can do. In this comprehensive review of the Bowers & Wilkins PX8s, I’ll share my thoughts on what I liked and didn’t, who they’re for, and everything in between.

Let’s start with the basics—what these headphones are—before diving into the more detailed and interesting aspects later in the article.

Learn More About These Headphones Here

What Are The Bowers & Wilkins Px8?

The PX8 headphones from Bowers & Wilkins are a premium offering that combines exceptional performance with luxury materials and intelligent technology. These over-ear, noise-canceling headphones are available in elegant finishes like Tan, Black, and the striking new Royal Burgundy. As the flagship wireless headphone, the PX8 delivers exquisite sound quality, making them a top choice for those seeking both style and substance.

Developed in collaboration with David Beckham, the PX8 headphones represent a commitment to excellence and timeless elegance. They feature high-resolution 24-bit DSP and 40mm Carbon Cones, which reduce distortion and enhance high-frequency detail, ensuring you capture every nuance of your music. The precisely angled Carbon Cone drive units improve stereo imaging and clarity, providing unparalleled accuracy and realism. The aptX™ Adaptive wireless technology and powerful Digital Signal Processing also guarantee outstanding sound quality from compatible streaming services.

Designed for comfort and durability, the PX8 headphones boast aluminum arms, Nappa leather, and memory foam earpads for all-day wear. The Bowers & Wilkins Music app allows for effortless setup and control and supports various streaming services like Deezer, Last.FM, Qobuz, TIDAL HiFi Plus, and Pandora. With features like proprietary noise-canceling technology, six microphones for clear voice calls, and a luxurious design, the PX8 headphones offer an exceptional audio experience, making them a worthy investment for discerning listeners.

Now with the more vanilla stuff our of the way, let’s chat about my hot takes!

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Review – The Pros!

The Noise Canceling Does The Trick Just Fine

Noise-canceling technology in headphones is becoming more and more commonplace, and as the technology gets more accessible, budget and entry-level headphones are starting to use the buzzword in all their marketing. But I’ve tested enough of these so-called noise-canceling headphones to know that just because it says noise-canceling, it doesn’t always mean they knock a meaningful amount of decibels off of the outside world around you. That’s fine if you just want to dampen the city static on a walk around your neighborhood. But if you’re traveling on planes where there is a lot of background noise and commotion, you want the noise-canceling technology that lives up to its name.

And I will say that the PX8 headphones knock the noise-canceling out of the park!

When A-B testing with the noise canceling turned off and on, there’s a significant, if not complete, canceling out of almost all the background noise I experienced while sitting in the back of my car while my wife was driving around town. I haven’t been on any airplanes lately, or else I would have tested it live in such a setting, but driving down the freeway in the backseat of a car with a noisy toddler sitting next to me is about as close as I could get, and in doing so, was blown away by the true amount of noise reduction that these headphones were giving me.

Bravo B&W!

Great Drivers = Punchy Drums And Lows

The real workhorse components of the PX8 headphones are the twin 40mm dynamic full-range carbon drivers, which are the defining components in terms of sound quality and amplitude. I do not risk my hearing by listening to music at extreme volumes and that is why I appreciate high-fidelity audio that sounds crispy, clean, bright, and warm at low-to-medium decibel levels more so than ever. With a decade of experience in producing, mixing, and mastering music, I’d at least like to assume I’m decently attuned to subtle differences in audio quality, and these headphones measure up to even higher-caliber studio headphones models like my go-to beyerdynamics that I use daily in my professional work in the studio.

Additionally, the app allows you to customize the audio output further. Although I am not particularly fond of apps for tech like this—something I will elaborate on later—the customization options allow you to tailor the audio to your specific preferences if that suits your style.

Working in the electronic music world, I listen to a lot of music with punchy drums and warm low-end, which makes this genre a great litmus test when doing headphone reviews like this. Cranking up the bass on some of our assistant gear editor’s techno releases (one linked below), I could hear the punchy warmth of the kick drums and bass, and these headphones passed the test with flying colors.

Here’s our gear editor’s latest track that I was blasting and loving on the Px8s.

Sure, it doesn’t have the overly boomy, over-driven bass you might get from Beats by Dre headphones, but after years working in the line of work that I do, I don’t really like that type of sound and profile anyway. That style seems more suited for super casual listeners and gym bros rather than real audio lovers, but I could be wrong (it’s been known to happen before). Even out of the box, without using the app, the Px8s have a warm, rounded response with rich lows, making those dance music kick drums sound as massive as they should (and as they do on my full studio monitors).

They Look SLICKKK

B&W has always been a brand that’s pushed the envelope on style, sleekness, and aesthetics, often making even the purposely trendy-looking stuff at Sharper Image look tacky and dated by comparison. They really are the very last word in suave, and that’s why they partner with people like David Beckham and brands like McLaren in these creative initiatives to make these types of products.

The Px8s offer some really sleek color patterns and palettes beyond the conventional black-or-white product launches that so many other headphones offer. Sure, they offer that stylish black if that’s your vibe, but the royal burgundy was my favorite and is one I chose to go with. Tan and a green mix also create a unique, out-of-the-box color that goes beyond the standard, if not a bit boring, black.

They’re sleek, cool, and everything I’ve come to expect from this brand in this modern fashion-forward era.

The Battery Life Is Great

While I’ve mentioned several times throughout this article that I work in music production, mixing, and mastering in the professional audio world, it’s important to note that these headphones are not intended for studio use. They are designed for audio-loving consumers and not for tracking vocals in the studio or working on radio-ready mixdowns.

This is to say that they shine on walks around town, traveling on planes for work, and similar activities. Aside from pure audio quality, battery life is one of the most critical factors for all these situations. The last thing you want is to dig around in your carry-on to plug in your headphones in mid-flight and lose juice miles away from home without a charger.

And I will admit that the battery life of the Px8s is damn impressive.

The website claims a 30-hour battery life, but I always take such claims with a grain of salt. Various factors, such as volume levels and temperature, affect battery performance and give different results than what is espoused on the box. Despite these other factors and variables, the Px8s worked amazingly and put out that crystal-clear audio for almost as long as the box said it would (which is to be expected)

I tested them by playing music slightly louder than the usual volume deemed “safe” to listening and left them on the table in my studio overnight with a clock running. They lasted for 25 hours of nonstop play before the battery gave out and died, which is solid for a fresh pair right out of the box.

What I Wasn’t Crazy About

They’re Pricey

I’ve often considered Bowers & Wilkins as a premium brand and the Px8s live up to that reputation. It’s no secret that these headphones are expensive, priced just shy of USD 600. Luckily, occasional sales are throughout the year, but they are still pricey.

While they still offer a ton of value and quality for this price, it’s important to acknowledge that $600 is substantial for many and shouldn’t never be taken lightly. This wouldn’t be a comprehensive and honest review if I didn’t highlight this expenditure expenditure, which might be enough to dissuade some potential buyers, even if I do truly believe you get a lot of bang for your buck regardless.

It’s Got An App…

Anyone who has been following my gear review columns for some time now will likely be familiar with my strong opinions on apps and technology-based features. As I mentioned, the headphones’ default out-of-the-box sound profile is excellent, which I primarily relied on throughout this review.

However, these headphones do come with an app.

My main issue with tech that requires apps is that it creates an extra barrier, making it feel like you’re not getting the full potential unless you download the app, provide your email, and learn how to use the software. While this may sound a bit like a “boomer” mentality, especially considering I’m in my early 30s, I often roll my eyes when tech requires an app like this. Is it too much to ask for the maximum value and usability right out of the box without relying on my phone, which is usually not what I want to do when I want to immerse myself in the music I’m listening to?! I know I’m probably in the minority here, though, as I know the app does open up a TON more functionality and customization, so it’s definitely worth it for most of you.

Who Are The Px8 For?

Those Who Flirt With HiFi Audio

I recently spoke with another company in the hi-fi audio space about debunking pretentiousness in professional audio, and my experience with these headphones further validates all that we discussed. There is a common assumption that to get involved in hi-fi audio, one needs $10,000 in headphones to experience high-quality sound, but that’s no longer the case. As technology improves, high-quality gear becomes more accessible and affordable, allowing people to enjoy excellent audio fidelity without spending exorbitant amounts.

While $600 is a significant amount, as mentioned earlier, it is relatively modest compared to the potential costs in the HiFi audio world. If you’re looking to explore HiFi audio, this is a reasonable entry point. These headphones offer great value, especially when paired with the app that allows you to customize the settings to your needs and wants. You can achieve a high-end audio experience without dedicating an entire room to vinyl listening or investing thousands in equipment. The Px8s provide an excellent initial step into the HiFi audio world, proving that exceptional audio quality can be enjoyed without excessive spending.

Frequent Travels

I travel a fair amount for work, and once I committed to investing in my comfort and enjoyment on airplane rides, which I’m not particularly fond of, the experience became significantly better and more guilt-free. This investment greatly reduced the discomfort of traveling.

Investing in quality headphones is essential if you travel frequently for work. You use them to listen to music, watch movies and podcasts, and work, making them a crucial part of your travel experience. The PX8 headphones are an excellent investment for travelers. They effectively cancel out noise on planes, trains, and in cars, enhancing your overall travel experience.

If you’re a frequent traveler, get these headphones. You will not regret it. They are an affordable luxury that significantly improves your quality of life while traveling, and this is coming from someone who travels often and isn’t a huge fan of it! But little flashy creature comforts like the Px8s certainly go a long way in making it tolerable!

Trend Chasers

There’s no fault in wanting to keep up with the Joneses. You shouldn’t feel guilty if you’re chasing the latest trends or always wanting the newest flashy items on the market. Many people enjoy that lifestyle, and rest assured, these headphones are perfect for you if you like looking good, appearing sleek, and having people notice your style and gear. Bowers & Wilkins is a highly respected name in the audio and luxury travel industries and I promise these headphones will not go unnoticed.

They’re a conversation starter as they look anything but ordinary (especially if you get the more unique color schemes like the Burgandy ones I got). The creative partnership with David Beckham adds an extra layer of appeal, making them an exciting talking point when you’re out and about. This isn’t something I usually mention in gear reviews, but these headphones are trendy and brand-forward, sure to turn heads and spark conversations. Check out these headphones if you enjoy keeping up with the latest trends. I don’t think you’ll regret it.

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