Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Black
Score: 86/100
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Black
Score: 88/100Rankings
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) is an over-ear wireless headphone offering industry-leading ANC (~87% reduction) and up to 45 hours of battery life. Its premium features come with a few trade-offs such as inconsistent bass response and a non-functional wired microphone. Ideal for travelers and users who prioritize noise cancellation and long runtime.
The Bowers & Wilkins PX8 are premium wireless over-ear headphones offering carbon-cone drivers and 30 hours of battery life. Their weight and lack of a wired mode are notable trade-offs. Ideal for audiophiles and professionals who value sound fidelity over portability.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
30 hours | 45 hoursbest | |
40 mmbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 320 gbest | 480 g |
33 Ωbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 15 minutesbest | 15 minutesbest |
— | 9.14 mbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.4 |
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Battery Life (hours) | 30 hours | 45 hours |
Audio(1) | ||
Microphone Type | 6 | built-in wireless |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 320 g | 480 g |
Dimensions (H×W×D) (mm) | 254x204.5x77 mm | 55.5×155.5×213.5 mm mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the PX8 for its reference-quality audio, citing the carbon-cone drivers and 24-bit DSP as delivering exceptional detail, high-frequency extension, and superior imaging compared to previous B&W models.
Everyday users consistently highlight the luxurious comfort, detailed sound, and long battery life as the main strengths of the PX8, while noting complaints about the headphones' weight and the lack of a passive wired listening option.
“ANC "best in the business" at 87% reduction”
Professional reviewers commend the QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen for its industry-leading ANC (about 87% noise reduction), marathon-length battery life, and plush, lightweight comfort. They also highlight the addition of Bluetooth 5.4 multipoint and Immersive Audio spatial modes as valuable upgrades. However, critics note that sound consistency varies with ear anatomy, the wired mic is missing, and the generational leap over the 1st-gen model is modest, which may limit the perceived upgrade value.
Everyday users echo the experts on the strengths: the ANC is praised as a travel essential, the comfort allows all-day wear, and the long battery with quick-charge is a daily convenience. Recurring complaints focus on inconsistent bass/mid balance across different ear shapes, the non-functional wired microphone, and the absence of water-resistance, with some reporting listening fatigue from a still bass-heavy profile.
