Sony WH-1000XM5 Black
Score: 87/100
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Burgundy
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 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 hoursbest | 30 hoursbest | |
30 mm | 40 mmbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 250 gbest | 320 g |
48 Ωbest | — | |
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(1) | ||
Driver Size (mm) | 30 mm | 40 mm |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 250 g | 320 g |
Dimensions (H×W×D) (mm) | 263x77x225 mm | 254x205x77 mm mm |
Ear Cushion Material | soft leather | Nappa leather-wrapped 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 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.
“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.”
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.
