Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 Outshines Sony XM6 in Key Feature

Aug 23, 2025 - 10:00

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 over-ear headphones on a stand

The British audio powerhouse, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), has long captivated audiophiles with its impeccable loudspeaker designs, marrying superior sound quality with elegant aesthetics. However, their foray into the realm of wireless noise-canceling headphones has been met with mixed reviews, often falling short of the high standards set by their speaker legacy. That sentiment has shifted with the introduction of the PX7 S3 over-ear headphones, marking a significant milestone in the brand's headphone lineup.

For years, Bowers & Wilkins headphones have commanded a premium price point, yet their sound quality and feature set often lagged behind competitors. With the PX7 S3, expectations were cautiously optimistic, given the brand’s past performance. As I slipped these headphones over my ears, I was pleasantly surprised. Not only did they exceed my expectations in sound quality, but they also represent a substantial upgrade over the previous models, particularly when compared to the plastic-heavy designs of competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM6.

Join me as we delve into a comprehensive review of the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 headphones.

The Specs of the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3

Before diving into the experience, let’s outline the key specifications:

Microphones: 8
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 (aptX Adaptive and Lossless support)
Battery Life: 30 hours with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Charge Time: Approximately 3.5 hours
Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation
Spatial Audio: Planned feature (future software update required)
Colors Available: Anthracite Black, Canvas White, and Indigo Blue
Inputs: USB-C
Quick Charge: 7 hours of playback in just 15 minutes
Materials: Fabric, aluminum, and synthetic leather

What’s New in the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3?

The PX7 S3 introduces a range of enhancements over its predecessors, the S2 and S2e. Notable changes include a sleeker, lower-profile design, a redesigned headband, and repositioned controls. The headphones now support aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless codecs, feature an increased number of microphones, and have improved ANC and transparency capabilities. Additionally, the driver design has been revised to enhance sound quality.

Moreover, the Bowers & Wilkins Music companion app has received an update, now offering a five-band equalizer. However, while a future software update is expected to enable spatial audio—a feature that has become commonplace in flagship headphones—its absence at launch is disappointing, especially given the competitive price point that aligns with offerings from brands like Sony.

What Remains the Same?

The PX7 S3 maintains the same impressive battery life of 30 hours with ANC activated and retains the quick-charge feature, allowing for 7 hours of playback after just 15 minutes of charging. The headphones come packaged with a slightly slimmer hard case, USB-C, and a 3.5mm analog cable, supporting lossless high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/96kHz via USB-C.

Design: A Class Apart

Design is often subjective, but the PX7 S3 stands out in a crowded market. The combination of premium materials, including fabric, aluminum, and synthetic leather, gives these headphones a refined and sophisticated look. Unlike the plastic-heavy designs of Sony’s 1000X series or the bulky aluminum shells of Apple’s AirPods Max, the PX7 S3 looks stunning whether worn or displayed on a desk.

For those who prefer different aesthetics, the headphones are available in Anthracite Black, Indigo Blue, and Canvas White. The width of the headband has been increased, and the ear cushions are now more generously padded, enhancing comfort for prolonged listening sessions. The rounded single-sided yokes allow for easy positioning of the earcups around the neck when not in use.

However, a minor critique lies in the included USB-C cable, which is somewhat thick and inflexible, making it cumbersome for comfortable USB audio listening.

Controls and Usability

Observant users will notice that the control buttons have been relocated to the beveled outer edge of the earcups, providing easier access than before. While the volume buttons have been made larger, the multifunction button is now smaller, which might feel counterintuitive for those who frequently change tracks.

The ANC button on the left earcup allows for quick transitions between modes, but it’s puzzling that users must cycle through all three modes (ANC > Transparency > Off) instead of skipping the Off mode directly. Additionally, the dual functionality of this button for ANC control and voice assistant activation is a curious design choice.

However, the wear sensors from the previous model remain a highlight. Removing either earcup pauses audio playback, and replacing it resumes playback seamlessly—an essential convenience for everyday use.

Noise Cancellation and Transparency: A Step Forward

The PX7 S3 features an expanded microphone array, with eight microphones compared to six in its predecessor, which theoretically enhances active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency mode. The ANC does improve, but remains moderately effective when compared to heavyweights like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Sony WH-1000XM6, especially in noisy environments. In contrast, the transparency mode has significantly improved from the S2 model, providing clearer voice quality during calls.

Sound Quality: Where the PX7 S3 Shines

Bowers & Wilkins touts the PX7 S3’s “40mm bio-cellulose drivers,” a description carried over from the S2. However, the reality is that the S3's drivers feature a redesigned chassis, voice coil, suspension, and magnet, culminating in a richer sound experience. The clarity, detail, soundstage, and precision are all markedly enhanced, making the PX7 S3 the first in the series to match its stunning visuals with equally impressive sound quality.

For those fortunate enough to pair these headphones with a compatible phone, the aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless codecs deliver an exceptional audio experience. Even when connected via standard SBC or AAC Bluetooth, the S3’s sound quality stands out—a welcome feature for iPhone users. The sound signature strikes a perfect balance, with bass that is robust without overwhelming, clear mids, and a return to form in the upper-mids and highs that many listeners will appreciate.

Call Quality

The additional microphones contribute to significantly improved call quality, helping to minimize background noise during conversations. While loud environments can still pose challenges, the algorithm largely succeeds in maintaining clarity, allowing callers to hear you without distortion.

Battery Life: Keeping You Going

Bowers & Wilkins confidently claims a battery life of 30 hours, assuming ANC is engaged. This figure should suffice for the longest flights. However, listening at volumes above 50% or in noisy settings may decrease this time by 15-20%. It’s notable that the anticipated spatial audio upgrade may also impact battery performance, as seen with other brands.

Fortunately, if you’re concerned about battery life, disabling ANC can help extend usage, and the quick-charge feature remains impressive, offering 7 hours of playback from just 15 minutes of charging.

A Missing Feature: Auracast Support

While Bowers & Wilkins has included features like hi-res audio and the promise of spatial audio, the omission of Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast support is perplexing. As Bluetooth technology evolves, Auracast will likely become a staple in public spaces, allowing headphones to connect to shared audio streams in environments such as airports and theaters.

Final Verdict: Are the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 Worth It?

At a price point of $449, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 headphones present a compelling case for their value. While they may not offer the absolute best in ANC or spatial audio capabilities compared to competitors like Sony, their unparalleled design and sound quality make them a worthy investment. The premium materials and aesthetic appeal set them apart in a highly competitive market.