Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Burgundy
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 is a flagship over-ear wireless headphone featuring 40 mm carbon-cone drivers, hybrid ANC and a luxurious aluminum-and-leather build, delivering warm, detailed sound and up to 30 hours of battery life. Its premium materials and long battery come at the cost of a 320 g weight and a steep $699 price tag. Ideal for audiophiles and premium-lifestyle users who prioritize sound quality over lightweight comfort.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
30 hours | 45 hoursbest | |
40 mmbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 320 gbest | 480 g |
| ↓ 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 |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 320 g | 480 g |
Dimensions (H×W×D) (mm) | 254x205x77 mm mm | 55.5×155.5×213.5 mm mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers rate the Px8 as an A-tier flagship, applauding its carbon-cone drivers, 24-bit DSP, and luxurious build that deliver warm, detailed sound and excellent comfort in short sessions. They highlight the 30-hour battery, fast-charge, and effective hybrid ANC, but note the 320 g weight and $699 price as drawbacks, especially for long-duration wear.
Everyday users love the Px8's premium aesthetics, long battery life, and rich sound signature, often calling it a luxury listening experience. However, many complain about the heavy weight leading to pressure and heat, and consider the price steep for a headphone that isn't lightweight or sport-oriented.
“while the thick padding on the ear cups and the band do a decent job of distributing weight, a mass of 320 grams means it's going to put a lot of pressure on your skull over the course of many hours. In the short term the headphones are comfortable, but the heat buildup and the pressure need to be alleviated after a few hours.”
“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.
