Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones - Dark Forest

The Flagship Wireless Headphone From a Speaker Company

Bowers & Wilkins has built loudspeakers in England since 1966, and the Px8 is what happens when that engineering goes into a wireless headphone, sitting at the top of the original Px range.

Custom 40mm carbon cone drivers sit in each earcup, angled rather than firing straight at your ear, with a redesigned motor system behind them built from a revised magnet, voice coil, and surround.

A 24-bit DSP pairs with Bluetooth 5.2 and the aptX Adaptive codec, so the Px8 reaches high-resolution wireless playback on sources that support it, and solid standard Bluetooth on everything else.

Where the Carbon Cone Driver Earns Its Keep

A Stiff Cone That Flexes Less Under Load

Carbon is stiff for its weight, so the cone flexes less as it moves, which means less distortion overall and more of the fine recorded detail actually surviving all the way through to your ear.

Six microphones split two jobs: four listen to the world around you for noise cancelling and ambient pass-through, while two more are positioned specifically for clear voice calls out in the wider world.

Nappa Leather Over a Cast Aluminum Frame

Cast aluminum arms carry Nappa leather across the headband and earcups, a genuinely premium construction that outlasts and outperforms the plastic used on most wireless headphones sold at nearly any price today.

Memory foam earpads spread that extra weight comfortably across the head, though it's still genuinely worth trying them on first if you're especially sensitive to a heavier over-ear fit than usual.

Who Is the Px8 Best For?

• You want sound quality and materials first, gadgets second: the Px8 competes on its drivers and leather rather than software tricks
• You want a genuinely premium build that lasts: cast aluminum and Nappa leather feel and wear better than plastic over years of use
• You take calls on the go regularly: two of the six microphones are specifically angled and positioned for call clarity
• You want a genuinely all-day battery: up to 30 hours per charge covers a full day without reaching for the charger
• You want B&W's flagship wireless in real leather and cast aluminum — the original Px8

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Pair over Bluetooth 5.2 from a phone, tablet, or computer using aptX Adaptive for high-resolution wireless playback, or fall back to standard Bluetooth on devices that don't support it.

The USB-C port charges the headphones and also carries digital audio directly from a laptop, so you can go fully wired for high-resolution playback without Bluetooth involved at all.

Pairs Well With

What finishes the system around a Px8:

• Music streamers — a streamer with aptX Adaptive support gets the most from the wireless link
• Digital-to-analog converters — the USB-C connection works directly with a computer for digital playback
• Headphone cables — a wired connection is always available when Bluetooth isn't the right choice
• Headphone accessories — a case protects the Nappa leather and aluminum arms while traveling

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need aptX Adaptive to use the Px8?

Not at all. It works over standard Bluetooth with any phone or tablet — aptX Adaptive simply unlocks high-resolution streaming on devices that support it.

How is this different from the Px8 S2?

The S2 adds two more microphones, a newer Bluetooth version with a broader codec suite, and a 3.5mm analog input alongside its USB-C connection.

What does the wear sensor do?

It detects when you take the headphones off and pauses playback automatically, then resumes when you put them back on. You can disable it in the app.

How long does the battery last?

Up to 30 hours per charge with noise cancelling enabled at average volume, comfortably covering a full day of regular listening between charges.

Does the finish affect the sound?

Not at all — the drivers, electronics, and battery are identical across every available finish. Choose based on which leather and metalwork color you prefer most.

See It in Action

SoundGuys presents Bowers & Wilkins PX8 Review.

Mark Ellis Reviews presents Bowers & Wilkins Px8 review - WORTH THE EXTRA?!.

Why Audio Advisor?

• 40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.
• 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.
• Real Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.
• Free Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.
• Flexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.

Learn More

Want to learn more about wireless headphones, Bluetooth codecs, or getting the most from active noise cancellation? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.