Sony WH-1000XM5 Black
Score: 87/100
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Black
Score: 86/100Rankings
The Sony WH-1000XM5 offers premium ANC, 30 hours of battery life, and LDAC Hi-Res audio in a wireless over-ear design. Its relatively heavy build and longer charging time may affect comfort during extended wear. Geared toward travelers and audiophiles who value top-tier noise cancellation and sound quality.
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 hoursbest | 30 hoursbest | |
30 mm | 40 mmbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 250 gbest | 320 g |
48 Ωbest | 33 Ω | |
102 dB SPLbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 210 minutes | 15 minutesbest |
10 mbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Charging Time (minutes) | 210 minutes | 15 minutes |
Audio(3) | ||
Driver Size (mm) | 30 mm | 40 mm |
Impedance (Ω) | 48 Ω | 33 Ω |
Microphone Type | beamforming | 6 |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 250 g | 320 g |
Dimensions (H×W×D) (mm) | 263x77x225 mm | 254x204.5x77 mm |
Ear Cushion Material | soft leather | Nappa leather memory foam |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consider the WH-1000XM5 a benchmark in active-noise-cancellation and audio fidelity, highlighting its sophisticated 8-mic, dual-processor system, long battery life, and premium driver design. Comfort is enhanced by a friction-rod headband, though the 250 g weight and potential LDAC-related dropouts are noted as drawbacks.
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.
Choose the PX8 for audiophile-level sound quality; choose the WH-1000XM5 for lighter weight and stronger ANC performance.
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.
