What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Choose the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 if you want the less expensive route into the brand’s current over-ear lineup; choose the Px8 S2 if stronger noise cancellation and more premium materials are worth the extra cost to you. RTINGS’ direct comparison finds the Px8 S2 blocks more noise overall, while the two models perform similarly in everyday battery life, app support, and wired connectivity. This comparison draws on published testing, not a hands-on test by this article’s author.
Px8 S2 vs Px7 S3 at a glance
| What matters | Px7 S3 | Px8 S2 |
|---|---|---|
| Position in the lineup | High-performance wireless noise-cancelling headphones, according to Bowers & Wilkins. | Bowers & Wilkins’ flagship wireless noise-cancelling headphone, announced on 24 September 2025. |
| Price snapshot | In the US, Bowers & Wilkins’ product category showed $429, reduced from $479, on 8 October 2026. Its Great Britain product page listed £399 on that date. | A current US price was not established in the sources available for this comparison. |
| Noise cancellation | RTINGS says it blocks less noise overall than the Px8 S2. | RTINGS says it blocks more noise overall than the Px7 S3. |
| Everyday use | RTINGS describes battery life, app support, and wired connectivity as similar to the Px8 S2. | RTINGS describes battery life, app support, and wired connectivity as similar to the Px7 S3. |
| Materials | See the Bowers & Wilkins Great Britain Px7 S3 listing for product details. | HARMAN says the primary surfaces use Nappa leather and the arm mechanism is aluminum. |
Prices are regional snapshots, not a like-for-like price comparison: the Px7 S3 figures are from separate US and Great Britain pages, while no verified current US Px8 S2 price was captured. Check the price in your market before buying.
Which one wins for noise cancellation?
The Px8 S2 is the evidence-backed choice between these two if reducing outside noise is your priority. RTINGS’ comparison, using its methodology v2.3 and updated on 23 June 2026 for the Px8 S2 and 16 June 2026 for the Px7 S3, says the Px8 S2 blocks more noise overall. That result applies to this pair; it does not establish that the Px8 S2 is the best noise-cancelling headphone on the market.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Is the Px8 S2 worth paying more for?
It may be worth the premium if you place a high value on its stronger noise cancellation and more luxurious construction. HARMAN’s launch announcement describes Nappa leather on the primary surfaces and an aluminum arm mechanism. Those are meaningful differences for someone seeking a more premium finish, but the leather may rule it out for buyers who avoid animal-derived materials.
#1 Best Overall
- McLaren-Inspired Design That Stands Out: Turn heads with these wireless over-ear headphones that combine Bowers & Wilkins audio excellence with McLaren’s racing heritage. The Papaya finish, slim aluminium arms, and exposed cable detailing make these noise cancelling Bluetooth headphones a stylish choice for audiophiles and McLaren fans
- Unrivalled Audio Precision: Hear every detail of your music with custom 40mm drive units, advanced DSP processing, and True 24-bit connection. Whether streaming high-resolution tracks or enjoying movies and games, Px8 S2 Bluetooth headphones delivers crisp highs, deep lows & immersive sound, making every listening moment unforgettable
- Adaptive Wireless Sound and Connectivity: Enjoy seamless, high-fidelity audio with Bluetooth 5.3, aptX Lossless, and Adaptive codecs. Multipoint connectivity allows effortless switching between devices, while high-resolution performance dynamically adjusts to optimize sound for music, movies, gaming or at the office, home studio or anywhere you go
- Advanced Noise Cancellation & Voice Clarity: Block out distractions with 8 precision microphones and active noise cancellation that preserves music dynamics even in noisy environments. Calls stay clear thanks to next-generation voice technology, letting you focus on conversations or content with absolute clarity and confidence
- Comfort, Control & Effortless Customization: Luxurious memory foam Nappa leather ear cushions and a refined silhouette ensure all-day comfort. Control music, noise cancellation, and EQ settings with the Bowers & Wilkins Music app, now featuring a five-band EQ for personalized sound, plus voice assistant integration for effortless hands-free use
Do not assume you are paying more for a clear advantage in every routine feature. RTINGS reports that the models perform similarly in everyday battery life, app support, and wired connectivity. Its comparison states that “The Px7 S3 perform similarly in many everyday areas, including battery life, app support, and wired connectivity.”
Why the Px7 S3 is the value pick
The Px7 S3 costs less in the available US snapshot and keeps much of the everyday functionality RTINGS found similar between the pair. Bowers & Wilkins’ Great Britain listing, accessed 8 October 2026, specifies up to 30 hours of playback and up to seven hours of playback from a 15-minute charge, two 40 mm bio-cellulose drivers, eight microphones total (four per earcup), aptX Lossless support, and USB-C audio and charging. These are manufacturer-listed specifications, not independent performance measurements.
Rank #2
- HEAR MUSIC THE WAY THE ARTIST INTENDED: Designed for listeners who prioritize audio fidelity above all, Px8 S2 over-ear headphones give you reference quality sound. Custom 40mm Carbon Cone drivers, 24-bit DSP, and a dedicated DAC amplifier deliver a detailed soundstage with balanced bass and lifelike clarity. All from a sleeker headphone silhouette
- SOLID BUILD FOR STABILITY AND COMFORT: Precision-engineered with solid die-cast aluminum arms and soft Nappa leather, this wireless headset delivers immersive sound with all-day wearability for extended hours at work, for gaming, or travel. Unlike typical plastic alternatives, the design provides durability while maintaining acoustic performance
- BALANCED ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION WITH PURE SOUND: Px8 S2 features an advanced 8-microphone system that monitors ambient noise and driver output. These over-ear noise cancelling headphones help reduce distractions during calls at home or in public while preserving the natural detail, depth, and balance of high-resolution audio
- SEAMLESS CONNECTIVITY ACROSS DEVICES: Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint connectivity lets you connect to two devices at once and switch easily between phone, laptop, or tablet. Support for aptX Lossless and Adaptive enables hi-res wireless streaming, while USB-C audio and the included 3.5 mm cable support wired listening for gaming, movies and podcasts
- POWER THAT LASTS THROUGH YOUR DAY: This Bluetooth headset delivers up to 30 hours of wireless playback to keep music and calls going from the home, office to long flights. A 15-minute fast charge provides up to 7 hours of listening, and the rechargeable lithium-ion battery fully recharges in about two hours. Includes a carry case for easy storage
Tom’s Guide reviewer Tammy Rogers also favored the Px7 S3 for a broad audience in her 2 October 2025 review, writing that “the best headphones you should buy right now for a greater range of people remains the PX7 S3.” That is her recommendation at the time, not a universal verdict or a current price comparison.
What about sound quality?
Sound preference is personal, and the available evidence does not include listening notes from this article’s author. TechRadar praised the Px8 S2 for open, detailed, dynamic sound, but that is the reviewer’s assessment rather than a guarantee that every listener will prefer it over the Px7 S3. If sound is your deciding factor, audition both if you can, using familiar music and a comfortable fit.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- INDUSTRY-DEFINING AUDIO PERFORMANCE - With a redesigned and optimized acoustic system, an all new angled, ultra-high-resolution carbon drive unit, the B&W Px8 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones deliver detailed audio with superior imaging and clarity
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES WITH MIC - The all-new active noise cancelling headphones are designed to block noise and ensure superior musicality. Features (2) adjustable external mics that enhance voice clarity, significantly improving call quality
- PREMIUM LUXURIOUS DESIGN FOR A COMFORTABLE FIT - With soft Nappa leather and lightweight aluminum arms, and all-round improvements to ear cushion fit, this Bluetooth headset ensures optimum comfort across differing head-shapes even after extended use
- EASY OUT-OF-THE-BOX SETUP - The iOS/Android compatible B&W Music App allows you to adjust EQ settings of Bowers & Wilkins Px8, enable voice control, switch between ANC modes, and more. Use the multi-function button on the ear cup to select functions
- PERFECT FOR AN ON-THE-GO LIFESTYLE - With 30-hr battery life from a 2-hour charge, plus quick charging support delivering 7 hours playback from a 15-minute charge, B&W Over Ear Bluetooth Headphones are ideal for commuting, office work, or travelling
Rank #3
- INDUSTRY-DEFINING AUDIO PERFORMANCE - With a redesigned and optimized acoustic system, an all new angled, ultra-high-resolution carbon drive unit, the B&W Px8 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones deliver detailed audio with superior imaging and clarity
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES WITH MIC - The all-new active noise cancelling headphones are designed to block noise and ensure superior musicality. Features (2) adjustable external mics that enhance voice clarity, significantly improving call quality
- PREMIUM LUXURIOUS DESIGN FOR A COMFORTABLE FIT - With soft Nappa leather and lightweight aluminum arms, and all-round improvements to ear cushion fit, this Bluetooth headset ensures optimum comfort across differing head-shapes even after extended use
- EASY OUT-OF-THE-BOX SETUP - The iOS/Android compatible B&W Music App allows you to adjust EQ settings of Bowers & Wilkins Px8, enable voice control, switch between ANC modes, and more. Use the multi-function button on the ear cup to select functions
- PERFECT FOR AN ON-THE-GO LIFESTYLE - With 30-hr battery life from a 2-hour charge, plus quick charging support delivering 7 hours playback from a 15-minute charge, B&W Over Ear Bluetooth Headphones are ideal for commuting, office work, or travelling
How to choose between them
- Pick the Px7 S3 if price matters most and you want a capable Bowers & Wilkins over-ear headphone without paying for the Px8 S2’s premium tier.
- Pick the Px8 S2 if stronger noise cancellation in this pair and its Nappa-leather-and-aluminum construction justify the additional spend for you.
- Compare local prices before ordering. The cited Px7 S3 prices are dated US and Great Britain snapshots, and a current Px8 S2 US price was not established here.
- Consider the materials. Px8 S2 uses Nappa leather on primary surfaces; buyers avoiding animal materials should take that into account.
Sources
- Bowers & Wilkins: Px7 S3 product page (Great Britain)
- Bowers & Wilkins: US headphone category
- HARMAN: Px8 S2 launch announcement
- RTINGS: Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 vs Px8 S2 comparison
- Tom’s Guide: Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 review
- TechRadar: Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 review
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
