Sony WH-1000XM5 Pink
Score: 91/100
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
Score: 91/100Rankings
The Sony WH-1000XM5 delivers flagship-level ANC, high-resolution audio, and long battery life in a premium over-ear package. Its comfort and feature set are excellent, though the lack of a folding design and water resistance limit its travel suitability.
The Px8 S2 delivers audiophile-grade sound, luxurious materials, and a versatile feature set, including hybrid ANC and a 30-hour battery. While its ANC and transparency mode lag behind market leaders, the headphone excels in build quality and high-resolution wireless playback.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
30 hoursbest | 30 hoursbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 250 gbest | 310 g |
30 mm | 40 mmbest | |
40 hoursbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 3 minutesbest | 15 minutes |
| ↓ lower better | 48 Ωbest | — |
102 dB SPLbest | — | |
10 mbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(2) | ||
Driver Size (mm) | 30 mm | 40 mm |
Noise Cancellation Type | Dual Processor ANC | Hybrid |
Connectivity(2) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.3 |
Supported Audio Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX Classic, AAC, SBC |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 250 g | 310 g |
Foldable Design | false | true |
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Fast Charge Time (minutes) | 3 minutes | 15 minutes |
Warranty(1) | ||
Warranty Period (years) | 1 years | 2 years |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers laud the WH-1000XM5 for its unmatched ANC performance, refined sound signature, and robust feature set including LDAC and multipoint Bluetooth. While the audio and call quality set a new benchmark, critics note the loss of a foldable design and a premium feel compared to earlier models, making the price premium feel less justified for some.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the headphones for their magical noise cancellation, superior sound, and comfort during long wear, while repeatedly mentioning the quick-charge convenience. Common complaints focus on the lack of portability due to the non-foldable design, overly sensitive touch controls, and the absence of sweat resistance or iOS EQ support.
“Noise cancellation is magical - blocks out subway noise completely.”
“Sound is rich and detailed, better than my old Bose QC35.”
“Call quality is amazing - people say I sound like I'm on a landline.”
Pick the WH-1000XM5 for the strongest ANC and value, unless you need premium build and high-resolution wireless codecs
Professional reviewers praise the Px8 S2 for its audiophile-grade sound signature, luxurious materials, and versatile connectivity, noting that ANC falls short of market leaders but overall sound quality and build are outstanding.
Everyday users rave about the sound clarity, comfort, and comprehensive package, especially the inclusion of both digital and analog cables. Complaints focus on ANC not matching top competitors, echoey transparency mode, small tactile buttons, and the unconventional folding design.
