The British high-end audio specialist Bowers & Wilkins expands its headphone portfolio with the introduction of the new Px8 S2. As the successor to the Px8, the model is positioned as the company’s new flagship in the wireless over-ear category. According to the manufacturer, the Px8 S2 sets new standards in design, sound performance, and everyday usability, making it a reference point among premium headphones.

Key Facts Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2

• Flagship wireless over-ear headphone from Bowers & Wilkins
• 40 mm carbon-fibre drivers with optimised magnet and chassis design
• Discrete headphone amplifiers, DSP with 24-bit/96 kHz
• Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Adaptive (24-bit/96 kHz) and aptX Lossless
• Active noise cancelling with eight microphones and ADI Pure Voice
• Bowers & Wilkins Music App with EQ and customisation features
• Up to 30 hours battery life, 7 hours playback with 15-minute quick charge
• USB-C input for hi-res audio and 3.5 mm analogue input, both cables included
• Colours: Onyx Black, Warm Stone
• Price: € 729,-

Premium Design and Comfort

The Px8 S2 has been engineered for long listening sessions and offers a slimmer, lighter design compared to its predecessor. Premium materials such as Nappa leather and aluminium accents provide both durability and elegance, while a more compact carrying case enhances portability. Replaceable ear pads and headband cushions ensure longevity and maintain comfort over years of use.

Reference-level Acoustic Performance

At the core of the Px8 S2 lies a newly developed acoustic platform featuring 40 mm carbon-fibre drivers. The revised driver architecture includes optimised magnets, voice coils, and suspension systems, supported by discrete headphone amplifiers and high-resolution DSP. This combination is designed to deliver exceptionally low distortion, improved clarity, and a more precise soundstage.

High-resolution Wireless Playback

Supporting Bluetooth 5.3, the Px8 S2 is compatible with aptX Adaptive, enabling transmission of up to 24-bit/96 kHz signals, as well as aptX Lossless for truly lossless audio. For wired operation, the headphone includes a hi-res capable USB-C input and a 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack. Both cables are supplied in the box, ensuring flexibility between digital and analogue playback.

Active Noise Cancelling and Voice Quality

The Px8 S2 employs eight microphones to manage active noise cancellation and voice transmission. Four microphones analyse ambient noise, two regulate driver performance, and two optimise voice clarity during calls. The ADI Pure Voice technology helps suppress background sounds, delivering clear speech even in noisy environments.

Control and App Integration

Physical buttons with an updated layout allow intuitive control without relying solely on the app. The Bowers & Wilkins Music App offers access to equaliser settings, sound modes, and configuration of function buttons. Upcoming firmware updates are expected to introduce 3D audio features as well as Bluetooth LE Audio with Auracast.

Battery Performance

The Px8 S2 provides up to 30 hours of playback time with active noise cancelling enabled. A 15-minute quick charge adds up to 7 hours of listening, ensuring the headphone is ready even with short charging sessions.

Price and Availability

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 will be available from September 24, 2025, in the finishes Onyx Black and Warm Stone. The suggested retail price is € 729,-.

Conclusion

With the Px8 S2, Bowers & Wilkins continues its tradition of delivering premium audio solutions in the personal audio segment. Combining high-quality materials, advanced driver technology, support for lossless wireless audio, and a refined noise cancelling system, the Px8 S2 represents a flagship model designed to meet the demands of discerning listeners.

Technical Specifications