The PX8 S2 is the result of three years of refinement from a brand that’s never been content to rest on its laurels. When Bowers & Wilkins introduced the original PX8 headphones in 2022, it was their attempt to bring studio-grade audio to the wireless realm — a surprisingly difficult balance to strike without compromising either convenience or sound quality. Now, with Samsung’s Harman division backing them, B&W has doubled down on what made the PX8 special while addressing every complaint from the first generation.
Engineering Evolution
The most significant upgrade sits inside those familiar carbon fiber housings. B&W’s engineers have completely redesigned the 40mm Carbon Cone drivers, reworking everything from the voice coil to the suspension system. These are ground-up rebuilds that now include a dedicated headphone amplifier for each driver. The result is noticeably more headroom and dynamic range, particularly when you’re pushing these headphones with complex orchestral pieces or dense electronic music.
The eight-microphone array for active noise cancellation borrows heavily from the well-regarded PX7 S3, with four mics monitoring ambient noise and two more dedicated to voice clarity during calls. It’s a configuration that finally puts B&W on equal footing with Sony and Bose in the ANC department — something the original PX8 struggled with in crowded environments.
Even More Premium Touches
Where the original PX8 felt premium but slightly chunky, the S2 adopts a more refined approach. The aluminum frame now features exposed cable detailing that’s visually striking, while the Nappa leather extends across every surface. B&W has also made the ear cushions and headband user-replaceable, which should extend the lifespan considerably.
Codec Competition
AptX Lossless support is the headline feature, though its real-world impact depends entirely on your source material and playback device. More interesting is the 24-bit/96kHz wireless capability through aptX Adaptive, which works with a broader range of devices and streaming services. The USB-C and 3.5mm connections ensure you’re covered regardless of your setup.
The five-band EQ accessible through their Music app provides enough flexibility for most listeners, though purists can bypass it entirely with the “True Sound” mode — B&W’s way of saying they trust their acoustic engineering team more than your preferences.
Spec Sheet
Model: Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2
Drivers: 40mm Carbon Cone with dedicated amplifier
ANC: 8-microphone array with transparency mode
Battery: 30 hours (ANC), 15-minute quick charge for 7 hours
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C, 3.5mm
Materials: Die-cast aluminum, Nappa leather
Colors: Onyx Black, Warm Stone
Pricing & Availability
The PX8 S2 is now available for $799, a $100 increase over the original PX8’s debut price. Both colorways are available immediately through B&W’s website and select retailers, with spatial audio support arriving via software update later this year.
Recap
Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2 Headphones
The Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2 takes everything that made the original PX8 compelling but adds better noise cancellation, a more comfortable fit, and aptX Lossless support for $799.
