Description
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones
The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones use 2 x 40mm dynamic full-range Carbon Cone drivers, a high-performance DSP with dedicated amplifier / DAC, Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Lossless, active noise cancellation, 8 microphones, USB-C audio, and up to 30 hours of battery life. They also support a 15-minute quick charge for up to 7 hours of playback.
They are crafted from Nappa leather and aluminium, with a slimmer design than the previous Px8. Bowers & Wilkins describes the Px8 S2 as its best headphones yet, with reworked comfort, noise cancellation, call quality, and sound performance.
What We Think
At Rapallo, the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 are for customers who want wireless headphones that feel and sound genuinely premium.
The main strength is sound quality. Bowers & Wilkins has used Carbon Cone drivers, high-resolution Bluetooth support, a dedicated amplifier / DAC, and a 24-bit DSP platform. As a result, the Px8 S2 are aimed at listeners who value detail, dynamics, and musical refinement more than simply buying the strongest noise cancelling on the market. (bowerswilkins.com)
We also like the materials. Nappa leather, aluminium arms, and a slim over-ear shape give them a more luxurious feel than most mainstream travel headphones. They are still practical, though. You get 30-hour battery life, USB-C audio, analogue listening with the supplied USB-C to 3.5mm cable, multipoint Bluetooth, Google Fast Pair, Apple MFi support, and a proper carry case.
For NZ customers who travel, work in shared spaces, or want high-quality wireless listening at home, the Px8 S2 make a lot of sense. If absolute ANC strength is the top priority, Sony or Bose may still be worth considering. However, if premium sound and build are the main goals, the Px8 S2 are a standout choice.
View User Manual >> View Specifications >> View Bowers & Wilkins >>
The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Are Ideal For
- Premium wireless music listening
- Frequent travellers
- Work and home office use
- Listeners who value sound quality over maximum ANC strength
- High-resolution Bluetooth listening with compatible devices
- Customers wanting luxury materials and long-term comfort
- Users who want both wireless and wired listening options
What the Experts Say
- Sound & Vision gave the Px8 S2 a Top Pick, praising their deep, disciplined bass, lively dynamics, comfort, and luxury design. It also noted that stronger ANC is available elsewhere, but that the Px8 S2 offer a compelling mix of sound, comfort, and style. (soundandvision.com)
- Headphonecheck rated the Px8 S2 4.63 / 5 and praised their excellent sound, comfort, build quality, hi-res audio support, noise cancelling, and transparency mode. The review also noted the high price and that some future features were not yet available at the time of testing. (headphonecheck.com)
- Digital Trends said the Px8 S2 justify their premium price for music fans who prioritise sound quality and luxury design. It praised the sound quality, aptX Lossless support, and build, while noting that noise cancellation should be stronger at this price level. (digitaltrends.com)
- Engadget found the Px8 S2 rich, detailed, and wide-sounding, with a soundstage that feels immersive. It also confirmed strong real-world battery performance during testing. (engadget.com)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2?
The Px8 S2 are flagship over-ear wireless noise-cancelling headphones from Bowers & Wilkins. They use Carbon Cone drivers, premium materials, aptX Lossless Bluetooth, ANC, USB-C audio, and 30-hour battery life. - Are the Px8 S2 noise cancelling?
Yes, the Px8 S2 include active noise cancellation. They use an 8-microphone system to support ANC, transparency, and call quality. - How long does the Px8 S2 battery last?
Battery life is rated at up to 30 hours. A 15-minute quick charge gives up to 7 hours of playback. - Do the Px8 S2 support aptX Lossless?
Yes, the Px8 S2 support aptX Lossless. They also support aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX Classic, AAC, and SBC. - Do the Px8 S2 work with iPhone?
Yes, they work with iPhone and support Apple MFi. However, iPhone Bluetooth playback will use AAC rather than aptX Lossless. - Can I use the Px8 S2 wired?
Yes, the Px8 S2 support USB-C audio and include a USB-C to 3.5mm stereo cable for analogue sources. They also include a USB-C to USB-C cable. - Are the Px8 S2 good for calls?
Yes, they use 8 microphones and the ADI Pure Voice algorithm for voice call quality. This is an upgrade over the earlier Px8 microphone system. - Are the Px8 S2 waterproof?
No IP rating is publicly listed for the Px8 S2. They are not designed as sports or waterproof headphones. - How are the Px8 S2 different from the Px7 S3?
The Px8 S2 sit above the Px7 S3. They use Carbon Cone drivers, leather and aluminium materials, and Bowers & Wilkins’ flagship headphone tuning. The Px7 S3 uses bio-cellulose drivers and a fabric finish. - Who are the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 best suited to?
They are best for listeners who want premium wireless sound, luxury materials, strong comfort, ANC, hi-res Bluetooth support, and wired USB-C listening in a flagship travel headphone.
Key Features
40mm Carbon Cone Drivers
The Px8 S2 use 2 x 40mm dynamic full-range Carbon Cone drivers. These are designed to deliver the most refined Bowers & Wilkins headphone sound to date, with strong detail, speed, and control.
High-Performance DSP with Dedicated Amplifier / DAC
A high-performance DSP works with a dedicated amplifier / DAC section to support a true 24-bit audio connection. This helps the Px8 S2 deliver a more focused and controlled listening experience than standard Bluetooth headphones.
aptX Lossless Bluetooth
Bluetooth codec support includes aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX Classic, AAC, and SBC. Therefore, the Px8 S2 can make the most of compatible Android and high-resolution Bluetooth sources, while still working with iPhone through AAC.
Active Noise Cancellation
The Px8 S2 include active noise cancellation to reduce unwanted external sound. Bowers & Wilkins uses 8 microphones across the headphones to support both ANC and call quality.
8-Microphone System
There are 8 microphones in total, with 4 microphones in each earcup. This helps with noise cancellation, transparency, and voice pickup during calls. The headphones also use the ADI Pure Voice call quality algorithm.
30-Hour Battery Life
Battery life is rated at 30 hours. This makes the Px8 S2 suitable for long flights, workdays, travel, and extended listening sessions.
Fast Charging
A 15-minute charge provides up to 7 hours of playback. That is useful if you forget to charge before heading out.
USB-C Audio and Charging
USB-C is used for both charging and audio. This allows high-quality wired digital playback from compatible computers, phones, and tablets.
Analogue Listening Included
A 1.2m USB-C to 3.5mm stereo jack cable is included, so you can connect to compatible analogue sources. A 1.2m USB-C to USB-C cable and carry case are also supplied.
5-Band EQ and TrueSound Mode
The Bowers & Wilkins Music app allows sound adjustment with a 5-band customisable EQ and TrueSound mode. This gives more control than the simpler EQ options used on older models.
Multipoint Connectivity
Multipoint Bluetooth lets the Px8 S2 connect to two devices at once. For example, you can stay connected to a phone and laptop at the same time.
Premium Materials
The Px8 S2 use soft Nappa leather and aluminium construction. This gives them a more luxurious feel than most everyday wireless headphones.
Travel Case Included
A carry case is included for travel and storage. The official specifications list the carry case dimensions as 177mm wide x 60mm deep x 234mm high.
Suggested System Pairing
- Phone: iPhone
- High-Resolution Source: Android device with aptX Lossless / aptX Adaptive support
- Computer: USB-C audio from laptop or desktop
- Streaming: Qobuz, TIDAL, Apple Music, Spotify, local hi-res files, or Bowers & Wilkins Music app sources
- Travel: Use ANC for flights, commuting, work, and shared spaces
- Home Listening: Use USB-C wired audio for best quality where possible
Product Comparison Snapshot
| Model | Best For | Key Difference |
| Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e | More affordable ANC listening | Bio-cellulose driver, aptX Adaptive, fabric finish |
| Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 | High-performance wireless headphones | Bio-cellulose driver, aptX Lossless, lower price than Px8 S2 |
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | Flagship wireless sound and luxury build | Carbon drivers, leather and aluminium, reference positioning |
| Original Bowers & Wilkins Px8 | Previous flagship model | Carbon drivers and leather / aluminium build, but older Bluetooth and app feature set |
Specifications
Brand: Bowers & Wilkins
Model: Px8 S2
Product Type: Over-Ear Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Wearing Style
Over-ear noise-cancelling headphones
Driver Units
2 x 40mm dynamic full-range Carbon Cone drivers
Technical Features
High-performance DSP with dedicated amplifier / DAC
True 24-bit audio connection
5-band customisable EQ
TrueSound mode
Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Lossless technology
Multipoint connectivity
Active Noise Cancellation
USB-C charging and audio interface
Fast charging support
Apple MFi Made for iPhone support
Google Fast Pair
Bluetooth Version
Bluetooth 5.3
Bluetooth Codecs
aptX Lossless
aptX Adaptive
aptX HD
aptX Classic
AAC
SBC
Microphones
8 microphones total
4 microphones per earcup
Call Quality Algorithm
ADI Pure Voice
Battery Life
Up to 30 hours playback
Fast Charging
15-minute charge for up to 7 hours playback
Battery Type
Rechargeable lithium-ion
App Control
Bowers & Wilkins Music app
iOS and Android compatible
Wired Listening
USB-C audio
USB-C to 3.5mm stereo cable included
Included Accessories
1.2m USB-C to 3.5mm stereo jack audio cable
1.2m USB-C to USB-C cable
Carry case
Headphone Weight
0.31kg
310g
Carry Case Dimensions
177mm (W) x 60mm (D) x 234mm (H)
Finish Options
Onyx Black
Warm Stone
Midnight Blue
Pearl Blue
Materials
Nappa leather
Aluminium
Water Resistance
No IP rating publicly listed
Rapallo Product Data
Brand: Bowers & Wilkins
Model: Px8 S2
Product Name: Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Wireless Headphones
Product Type: Over-Ear Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones
MPN: FP45365, Onyx Black listing
SKU: BW-PX8-S2
EAN / UPC / GTIN: 0714346347698
Why Buy From Rapallo
✔ Expert advice on premium wireless headphones
✔ Help choosing between Px8 S2, Px7 S3, and other headphone options
✔ NZ support and after-sales service
✔ Trusted hi-fi and home entertainment specialists
✔ Practical guidance for Bluetooth codecs, USB-C audio, app setup, and travel use
NZ AV specialists available to help before or after your purchase
Over 1800 verified product reviews from genuine NZ verified purchasers
Secure checkout & local warranty, we look after you
NZ price match on identical products so you know you are getting the right price