Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2

Name: Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
Brand: Bowers & Wilkins
SKU: 3419

Manufacturer: Bowers & Wilkins

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 is an over-ear headphone designed for both home and travel use, combining wireless and wired connectivity in a foldable, 310 g build. It includes a travel bag and a 1.2 m detachable, tangle-free cable, making it straightforward to pack and carry. Active noise cancellation is complemented by passive noise isolation, and an ambient sound mode lets users stay aware of their surroundings when needed.

On the connectivity side, the Px8 S2 runs Bluetooth 5.3 and supports aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX Lossless, aptX, and AAC codecs, alongside Auracast broadcast audio. Multipoint connection covers two devices simultaneously, and fast pairing is supported. The headphone carries eight microphones with noise-canceling capability for calls, a control panel mounted on the earcup, and a rechargeable battery rated at 30 hours, charged via USB Type-C with a battery level indicator onboard.

Pros

Supports aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, aptX HD, aptX, and AAC codecs, covering a wide range of Bluetooth audio quality options
Both active noise cancellation and passive noise reduction are present, providing two layers of isolation from ambient sound
The foldable build and included travel bag make it practical to pack and carry on the go
Eight microphones with noise-canceling capability support clear call quality when used as a headset
Multipoint connection allows simultaneous pairing with two devices, reducing the need to manually switch sources
Auracast support and fast pairing add flexibility to how the headphone connects to audio sources

Cons

No in/on-ear detection means playback does not pause automatically when the headphones are removed
Wireless charging is not supported, requiring a cable for every charging session
LDAC and LDHC are absent, limiting high-resolution wireless audio options for users reliant on those codecs
NFC pairing is not available, making initial Bluetooth setup slightly less convenient on compatible devices
There is no mute function, which can be a drawback during calls or video meetings

Who is this for?

The Px8 S2 suits users who frequently move between environments and need reliable noise isolation, as the combination of active noise cancellation and passive noise reduction handles distracting surroundings effectively. Its foldable design, travel bag, and 30-hour battery life make it a practical choice for frequent travellers or commuters. Those who take calls or attend video meetings regularly will also benefit from the eight-microphone array and headset functionality, while support for Auracast and multipoint pairing across two devices appeals to users who regularly switch between a phone and a laptop.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who prefer to set down their headphones and have playback pause automatically will find the lack of in/on-ear detection a drawback in everyday use. Those who rely on LDAC or LDHC for high-resolution wireless audio — common among Android users with compatible devices — will find those codecs absent. The headphone also lacks a mute function, which makes it less suited to users who frequently need to silence their microphone quickly during calls or online meetings without reaching for a device.

Design:

Fit	Over-ear
weight	310 g
has a detachable cable	✓
can be folded	✓
is designed for kids	✕
has a tangle free cable	✓
travel bag is included	✓
has an open-back design	✕
cable length	1.2 m
has stereo speakers	✓

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 uses an over-ear fit and weighs 310 g, sitting in a closed-back design with stereo speakers. The headphone folds flat for storage and comes with a travel bag, making it practical to transport. Its 1.2 m cable is both detachable and tangle-free, offering flexibility between wired and cable-free use. The Px8 S2 is not designed for children.

Sound quality:

has active noise cancellation (ANC)	✓
driver unit size	40 mm
supports spatial audio	✓
has a neodymium magnet	✕
has passive noise reduction	✓

The Px8 S2 is equipped with 40 mm driver units and supports both active noise cancellation and passive noise reduction, giving it two layers of isolation from ambient sound. It also supports spatial audio, adding a three-dimensional quality to playback. The drivers do not use a neodymium magnet.

Power:

Battery life	30 hours
Has USB Type-C	✓
has a battery level indicator	✓
has wireless charging	✕
Has a solar power battery	✕
has a rechargeable battery	✓
has a removable battery	✕

The Px8 S2 houses a built-in rechargeable battery rated at 30 hours of battery life, charged via USB Type-C. A battery level indicator is included so users can monitor remaining charge at a glance. The battery is not removable, and the headphone supports neither wireless charging nor solar power.

Connectivity:

connectivity	Wireless & wired
Bluetooth version	5.3
has aptX Adaptive	✓
has aptX	✓
has LDAC	✕
has LDHC	✕
has Bluetooth LE Audio	✕
has aptX Low Latency	✕
has aptX HD	✓
has aptX Lossless	✓
has AAC	✓
has Auracast	✓
maximum Bluetooth range	10 m
has fast pairing	✓
supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC	✕

The Px8 S2 supports both wireless and wired connectivity, running on Bluetooth 5.3 with a maximum range of 10 m. On the codec side, it covers aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, aptX HD, aptX, and AAC, while LDAC, LDHC, Bluetooth LE Audio, and aptX Low Latency are not supported. Auracast broadcast audio is included, and fast pairing is available for quick device setup, though NFC pairing is not. The headphone connects to two devices simultaneously via multipoint.

Features:

has a noise-canceling microphone	✓
has ambient sound mode	✓
has in/on-ear detection	✕
number of microphones	8
has a mute function	✕
multipoint count	2
control panel placed on a device	✓
can be used as a headset	✓
Has an in-line control panel	✕

The Px8 S2 features eight microphones with noise-canceling capability, making it usable as a headset for calls. An ambient sound mode allows environmental audio to pass through when needed. Controls are handled via an on-device panel rather than an in-line cable control, and multipoint connection supports up to two devices at once. The headphone does not offer in/on-ear detection for automatic pause, a mute function, or an in-line control panel.

Final Verdict

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 is a well-specified over-ear headphone that covers a broad range of use cases, from daily commutes to extended work-from-home sessions. Its multi-codec Bluetooth support — spanning aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, aptX HD, and AAC — combined with active and passive noise cancellation, positions it as a versatile wireless listening option for users who care about both audio fidelity and environmental isolation. The eight-microphone setup, multipoint pairing, and foldable travel-ready build add meaningful practical value. Those with specific requirements around LDAC support, automatic ear detection, or a dedicated mute function will find certain gaps, but for the majority of users seeking a capable, feature-rich over-ear headphone for travel and everyday use, the Px8 S2 presents a well-rounded package.