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This bose vs bowers wilkins noise cancelling headphone comparison helps you choose between two premium over-ear options. Both models offer wireless Bluetooth connectivity and active noise cancellation for immersive listening. The Bose QuietComfort focuses on comfort and battery life, while the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 emphasizes high-resolution audio precision and distinctive design. You need to weigh battery duration against audio fidelity to decide which fits your daily routine.
Battery Life
Up to 24 hours
Not listed
Weight
8.4 ounces
10.9 ounces
Audio Codec
Standard Bluetooth
aptX Lossless, True 24-bit
Driver Size
Not listed
Custom 40mm
Microphones
Not listed
8 precision microphones
Choose the first if
- You prioritize all-day battery life and quick charging capabilities.
- You prefer a lighter pair of headphones for extended wear.
- You want simple toggle modes for noise cancellation and awareness.
Choose the second if
- You require high-resolution audio with aptX Lossless support.
- You value a distinctive design inspired by racing heritage.
- You need multipoint connectivity for switching between devices.
Verdict
Choose the Bose QuietComfort if you need longer battery life and a lighter fit for daily commutes. The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 suits listeners who demand high-resolution audio fidelity and advanced codec support. Your choice depends on whether you value endurance or sonic precision.
Bose vs Bowers Wilkins Headphones
battery life
Edge: Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones
Battery endurance is a key factor for daily commuters and travelers. The Bose QuietComfort offers up to 24 hours of playback on a single charge. It also includes a quick-charge feature that provides 2.5 hours of listening time from just 15 minutes of power. The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 McLaren Edition does not list specific battery duration or charging speeds in its published specifications. For users who prioritize long listening sessions without frequent recharging, the Bose model provides clear, quantifiable data on power management and convenience.
connectivity
Edge: Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 McLaren Edition
Both headphones use wireless Bluetooth technology for audio transmission. The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 supports Bluetooth 5.3 and includes aptX Lossless and Adaptive codecs for high-fidelity audio transfer. It also features multipoint connectivity, allowing you to switch seamlessly between multiple devices. The Bose QuietComfort confirms Bluetooth connectivity but does not specify the version or supported audio codecs in the provided data. If you require lossless audio streaming and advanced codec support for high-resolution tracks, the Bowers & Wilkins specifications offer more technical detail.
drivers
Edge: Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 McLaren Edition
Audio drivers determine the sound profile and detail retrieval. The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 utilizes custom 40mm drive units paired with advanced DSP processing to deliver crisp highs and deep lows. The Bose QuietComfort description mentions high-fidelity audio and adjustable EQ control but does not specify the driver size or type. For listeners who prioritize specific driver technology and digital signal processing details, the Bowers & Wilkins model provides explicit hardware specifications that define its audio performance.
weight
Edge: Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones
Wearability depends significantly on how heavy the headphones feel during extended use. The Bose QuietComfort weighs 8.4 ounces, making it the lighter option of the two. The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 McLaren Edition weighs 10.9 ounces, adding roughly 2.5 ounces to the load on your head. While both use over-ear designs with cushioned earcups, the Bose model has a lower mass. If you plan to wear headphones for several hours at a time, the lighter Bose design may reduce fatigue compared to the heavier Bowers & Wilkins build.
dimensions
Edge: Tie
Physical size affects how the headphones fit in bags and on your head. The Bose QuietComfort measures 7.68 inches in height, 6.18 inches in width, and 3.15 inches in length. The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 is slightly taller at 8.12 inches, narrower at 6.16 inches in width, and significantly slimmer at 1.89 inches in length. The Bowers & Wilkins design is more compact in depth, which might benefit portability, while the Bose model has a deeper profile. Your preference for folded size versus overall footprint will determine which dimension set suits your lifestyle.
Which headphones match your listening habits
You want all-day comfort and long battery life
Our pick: Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones
The Bose QuietComfort weighs 8.4 ounces and lasts up to 24 hours on a single charge. You get a quick 15-minute charge for 2.5 hours of extra playback. Plush earcup cushions and a padded band keep them secure during long sessions. The 24-hour battery life and lighter weight make these ideal for extended travel or daily commuting without frequent recharging.
You prioritize high-resolution audio and lossless connectivity
Our pick: Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 McLaren Edition
The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 supports True 24-bit connections and aptX Lossless audio via Bluetooth 5.3. Custom 40mm drive units and advanced DSP processing deliver crisp highs and deep lows. This model is designed for audiophiles who demand precise sound reproduction and high-fidelity performance, ensuring every detail of your music is preserved with exceptional clarity and dynamic range.
You need seamless switching between multiple devices
Our pick: Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 McLaren Edition
The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 features multipoint connectivity, allowing you to switch effortlessly between devices. Bluetooth 5.3 and adaptive codecs optimize sound for different environments, whether you are at the office or home. This flexibility ensures uninterrupted audio flow as you move between your phone, laptop, or tablet, making it a practical choice for multi-device users who value convenience.
Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones
Best for: Users prioritizing comfort and customizable audio settings
- Noise Control
- Noise Cancelling
- Battery Life
- Up to 24 hours
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth
- Form Factor
- Over Ear
- Connection
- Wireless
- Features
- Bluetooth, Active Noise Cancelling
The Bose QuietComfort headphones offer over-ear comfort with plush cushions and a padded band. They provide up to 24 hours of battery life and include a quick-charge feature for 2.5 hours of playback in just 15 minutes. You get adjustable EQ control for bass, mid-range, and treble, along with Quiet and Aware modes for noise management. These wireless Bluetooth headphones weigh 8.4 ounces and measure 6.18 inches wide.
- Up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge
- 15-minute quick charge provides 2.5 hours of additional play time
- Adjustable EQ controls for bass, mid-range, and treble
- Quiet and Aware modes for noise cancellation or awareness
- Plush earcup cushions and padded band for comfort
- Battery life is 24 hours, which is less than the 30-hour capacity of the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
- Weight is 8.4 ounces, which is heavier than the 7.9-ounce Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
- Dimensions are 6.18 x 3.15 x 7.68 inches, making it bulkier than the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
- You need adjustable EQ to customize your sound profile
- You prefer over-ear headphones with plush cushions for long sessions
- You want quick charging to extend battery life rapidly
- You prioritize the lightest possible weight for travel
- You want the longest battery life available in this category
- You prefer a more compact, less bulky design
Verdict: Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones deliver solid noise cancellation and customizable audio for users who value comfort and quick charging. They are a practical choice for those who do not mind a slightly heavier build in exchange for reliable performance.
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 McLaren Edition
Best for: Audiophiles seeking high-resolution audio and unique design
- Noise Control
- Active Noise Cancelling
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Form Factor
- Over-Ear
- Connection
- Wireless
- Features
- Bluetooth, Active Noise Cancelling, Lossless DSD
- Dimensions
- 1.89 × 6.16 × 8.12 inches
These Bowers & Wilkins over-ear headphones feature a McLaren-inspired design with a Papaya finish and slim aluminium arms. They use Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Lossless for high-fidelity audio. Eight microphones power the active noise cancellation. The build weighs 10.9 ounces and includes memory foam Nappa leather cushions. This model suits listeners who want precise sound and distinct styling.
- Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Lossless connectivity
- Custom 40mm drive units for audio precision
- Eight microphones for active noise cancellation
- Memory foam Nappa leather ear cushions
- Multipoint connectivity for device switching
- Heavier at 10.9 ounces compared to the Bose QuietComfort
- Larger dimensions with an 8.12-inch height
- Requires the Bowers & Wilkins Music app for EQ settings
- You want high-resolution audio with aptX Lossless
- You prefer over-ear comfort with Nappa leather
- You value a distinctive McLaren-inspired design
- You need the lightest possible headphones for travel
- You prefer a simpler app-free control experience
- You want a more traditional colour scheme
Verdict: The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 McLaren Edition fits audiophiles who prioritize sound precision and unique styling over minimal weight. Its high-resolution audio capabilities make it ideal for critical listening.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones | Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 McLaren Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Control | Noise Cancelling | Active Noise Cancelling |
| Battery Life | Up to 24 hours | – |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Form Factor | Over Ear | Over-Ear |
| Connection | Wireless | Wireless |
| Fit | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Features | Bluetooth, Active Noise Cancelling | Bluetooth, Active Noise Cancelling, Lossless DSD |
| Dimensions | 3.15 × 6.18 × 7.68 inches | 1.89 × 6.16 × 8.12 inches |
| Weight | 8.4 ounces | 10.9 ounces |
| Size | Regular | One Size |
| Color | White Smoke | McLaren Grey |
| Model | 884367-0200 | 301165-06-00-308 |
Frequently asked questions
Which Bose vs Bowers Wilkins noise cancelling headphones are lighter?
The Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones are lighter than the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 McLaren Edition. Bose weighs 8.4 ounces, while Bowers & Wilkins weighs 10.9 ounces. You should choose Bose if you prefer a less burdensome fit during long listening sessions.
Do both brands offer active noise cancellation?
Yes, both brands include active noise cancellation in their wireless over-ear models. The Bose QuietComfort and the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 McLaren Edition both feature this technology. You get effective noise reduction regardless of which brand you select for your daily commute.
Which headphones support high-resolution audio formats?
The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 McLaren Edition supports lossless DSD for high-resolution audio. The Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones do not list this specific capability in their specifications. Audiophiles seeking precise sound reproduction may prefer the Bowers & Wilkins option for critical listening.
Are both options wireless Bluetooth headphones?
Both the Bose QuietComfort and the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 McLaren Edition are wireless. They both utilize Bluetooth connectivity for your devices. You can connect them to your phone or laptop without needing any physical cables for audio transmission during your use.
What is the size difference between these models?
The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 McLaren Edition is taller at 8.12 inches compared to Bose at 7.68 inches. However, Bose is slightly deeper at 3.15 inches versus 1.89 inches for Bowers & Wilkins. These dimensions affect how they fit in bags or on your head.
Which brand is better for customizable audio settings?
The Bose QuietComfort Over-Ear Headphones are noted for customizable audio settings. The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 McLaren Edition focuses on high-resolution audio precision. If you want to adjust sound profiles extensively, Bose offers a practical choice for your personal listening preferences.