Noise-cancelling headphones · Ranked #2 of 23 · Best for luxury sound quality

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2

91
Acclaimed
Average of 5 professional reviews
5 of 5 recommend it · critics agree
Where the 5 reviews landedRange 83–95
Score printed by the outlet Estimated from the verdict

Exact average 90.6 · 4 printed, 1 estimated · printed scores only: 93

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2Image: Bowers

5 professional reviewers tested the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2, and 5 recommend it. Most praised: sound quality and build quality. Most common complaint: price.

Reviewed by TechRadar, Expert Reviews, Trusted Reviews and 2 more

The catch: Noise cancelling trails Sony and Bose, and the price is very high.

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What 5 critics said

Highest score first · all converted to 0–100
  1. 95
    TechRadarThe outlet's top rating, counted as 95 · Hands-on review · 2025

    The reviewer considers these class-leading in sound, build and usability, and thinks they justify their high price.

    Read TechRadar review
  2. 95
    Expert ReviewsThe outlet's top rating, counted as 95 · Hands-on review · 2025

    A resounding recommendation for buyers who put audio quality first and can afford the price.

    Read Expert Reviews review
  3. 90
    Trusted ReviewsHands-on review · 2026

    Sound improves clearly over the original Px8 and USB-C audio is a welcome addition.

    Read Trusted Reviews review
  4. 90
    Android CentralHands-on review · 2026

    A luxurious flagship pair with superb sound that the reviewer readily recommends to anyone who can afford it.

    Read Android Central review
  5. 83est.
    Popular ScienceNo printed score · Buying guide

    Presented as the premium step-up from the Px7 S3, with tight bass, inviting mids, improved noise cancelling and a luxurious build.

    Read Popular Science review

"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates

What critics praise most

Sound quality4 of 5
Build quality3 of 5
Comfort2 of 5

What critics dislike most

Price2 of 5

Other noise-cancelling headphones critics rate highly

Also reviewed, not yet scored

Common questions

Is the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 worth it?

Most critics think so: 5 of 5 recommend it. Noise cancelling trails Sony and Bose, and the price is very high.

Do critics agree about the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2?

Critics agree: scores range from 83 (Popular Science) to 95 (TechRadar), a spread of 12 points across 5 reviews. Reviewers broadly agree.

What do critics dislike about the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2?

Price (2 of 5 reviews).

What is the best alternative to the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2?

The Dali IO-8 (critic score 93), top pick, narrowly.