Sony WH-1000XM5 vs Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
Sony WH-1000XM5 (#3, best value) vs Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 (#4, best premium): in our Over-ear Wireless Headphones for Music scoring the Sony WH-1000XM5 totals 8.8/10 and the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 8.5/10.
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links.
TopsFive comparison scores
Side by side
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Size | 30mm carbon fiber composite dome | 40mm carbon cone |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 with LDAC | Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless |
| ANC | Integrated Processor V1 + QN1, 8 microphones | Adaptive noise cancellation |
| Weight | ~250g | 320g |
| Battery | 30 hours with ANC, 40 hours ANC off | 30 hours |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | — |
| Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | — |
| Fast Charging | 3 min for up to 3 hours (USB PD) | — |
| Foldable | No (earcups swivel flat) | — |
| Wired Audio | 3.5mm cable included | — |
| Price | Check price → | Check price → |
How they differ in real use
Built from our over ear wireless scoring, each product's published specifications, and verified owner feedback — not hands-on testing.
Both the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 made our Top 5 Over-ear Wireless Headphones for Music, at #3 (best value) and #4 (best premium). The best value here and the predecessor most buyers cross-shop against the XM6. It keeps the same 30-hour ANC battery, LDAC and two-device multipoint, and its two-processor, eight-microphone noise cancelling still ranks among the strongest available, which is why it places above the audiophile-tuned Px8 S2 and HDB 630 on this ANC-weighted list. It sits below the XM6 and Bose QC Ultra because their noise cancelling and call quality are a clear step ahead and the XM5 does not fold for travel, but since the XM6 launched it has sold for far less, delivering most of the flagship experience for the money. Premium build and sound quality with 24-bit/96kHz wireless audio via aptX Lossless. Luxury Nappa leather materials and replaceable pads make it the audiophile's wireless choice.
We score over-ear wireless headphones for music on Sound Quality (30%), ANC Performance (25%), Comfort (20%), Battery Life (15%) and Value (10%). On that basis the Sony WH-1000XM5 totals 8.8 out of 10 and the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 8.5. The widest gap is Value, where the Sony WH-1000XM5 scores 9.5 against 6 for the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2: performance per dollar. Sound Quality also separates them: 9.5 for the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 versus 8.5 for the Sony WH-1000XM5.
On paper, the specifications that actually differ: Driver Size: 30mm carbon fiber composite dome on the Sony WH-1000XM5 versus 40mm carbon cone on the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2; Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2 with LDAC on the Sony WH-1000XM5 versus Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless on the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2; ANC: Integrated Processor V1 + QN1, 8 microphones on the Sony WH-1000XM5 versus Adaptive noise cancellation on the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2; Weight: ~250g on the Sony WH-1000XM5 versus 320g on the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2; Battery: 30 hours with ANC, 40 hours ANC off on the Sony WH-1000XM5 versus 30 hours on the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2.
Check current pricing at the merchant links below. Owners praise the Sony WH-1000XM5 for two processors and eight microphones deliver ANC that still ranks among the best available and lightweight ~250g build with a soft, low-pressure fit for long sessions; the most common complaint is ANC and call quality trail the newer WH-1000XM6 and Bose QC Ultra. Owners praise the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 for 24-bit/96kHz wireless audio and aptX Adaptive & Lossless support; the most common complaint is very expensive at $799.
Sony WH-1000XM5
- Two processors and eight microphones deliver ANC that still ranks among the best available
- Lightweight ~250g build with a soft, low-pressure fit for long sessions
- LDAC hi-res Bluetooth plus two-device multipoint
- 30 hours with ANC (40 hours off), and a 3-minute charge adds up to 3 hours
- ANC and call quality trail the newer WH-1000XM6 and Bose QC Ultra
- Earcups swivel flat but do not fold, so the carry case is bulky
- No aptX support and no audio over USB-C
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
- 24-bit/96kHz wireless audio
- aptX Adaptive & Lossless support
- Premium Nappa leather build
- Replaceable pads and headband
- Very expensive at $799
- ANC not class-leading
- Heavy for a wireless headphone
Which should you buy?
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the better fit for buyers who want flagship-class ANC for less and commuters and frequent flyers; it is the higher-scoring pick here, chiefly for Value and ANC Performance. The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 is the better fit for audiophiles wanting wireless and refined sound and craftsmanship seekers, and the stronger choice if Sound Quality matters more to you than the overall score. The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a poor fit for travelers who need a compact folding design; the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 is a poor fit for budget shoppers.
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM5 if
- Buyers who want flagship-class ANC for less
- Commuters and frequent flyers
- Android listeners who can use LDAC
Skip it if
- Travelers who need a compact folding design
- Buyers who want the strongest ANC available
Choose the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 if
- Audiophiles wanting wireless
- Refined sound and craftsmanship seekers
- Hi-res music listeners
Skip it if
- Budget shoppers
- Those prioritizing ANC over sound
Common questions
Is the Sony WH-1000XM5 better than the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2?
In our Over-ear Wireless Headphones for Music ranking the Sony WH-1000XM5 scores higher overall, 8.8 to 8.5, with the biggest advantage in Value. The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 is stronger on Sound Quality, so it is the better pick if that matters most to you.
What is the main difference between the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2?
The headline spec difference is Driver Size: 30mm carbon fiber composite dome on the Sony WH-1000XM5 versus 40mm carbon cone on the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2. In use, the gap that matters most is Value (9.5 vs 6 in our scoring): performance per dollar.