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The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
Choosing between the Apple Airpods Pro and the Bowers and Wilkins PI7, consider that although the Airpods Pro are less expensive, the PI7 offers superior soundstage and mic quality which might be better for calls and immersive audio experiences. However, the Airpods Pro have a better battery life and are optimized for Apple devices, making them a good match for iPhone users. Both models are good for exercise, as they are sweatproof certified, and they both support active noise cancelling for a quiet listening environment. The Airpods Pro may be preferable if you prioritize longer usage time and seamless integration with Apple products, while the PI7 could be a better choice if audio quality, particularly for calls, is your main concern. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods Pro
- Good for phone calls
- Excellent for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Bowers and Wilkins PI7
- Very good for gaming
Key differences
Gaming
5.1
8.1
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods Pro is poor.
Phone Calls
7.4
5.1
The Apple Airpods Pro is good for phone calls, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.3
4.8
The Apple Airpods Pro is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is poor.
TV and Video
5.7
6.8
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is only fair for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods Pro is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1
8.3
The Apple Airpods Pro is excellent for noise reduction, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is very good.
Battery
5.0 Hours
3.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods Pro has 5 hours of battery life. The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has 3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$260
$399
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Pro has a price of $260 and the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 costs $399.
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Key similarities
Music
6.8
6.8
The Apple Airpods Pro and Bowers and Wilkins PI7 are both only fair for music.
Build Quality
9.0
8.9
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods Pro to have excellent build quality, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has very good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Pro and the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Pro | Bowers and Wilkins PI7 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$260 | $399 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Bowers and Wilkins | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2019 | April 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.9/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.4/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.2/10 | 8.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.7/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.1/10 | 5.8/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 0.7 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 20 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5.4 Grams | 7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Adam Molina | January 2023
"For just $50 USD more than the original model with the wireless charging case, this is definitely the pair of buds to get. The AirPods Pro (1st generation) sounds better than the originals and has a way better fit and active noise canceling to boot. If you have an iOS device, just get this."
Bowers and Wilkins PI7
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Chase Bernath | April 2022
"The primary selling point of the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 is the charging case that can transmit audio from any analog source to the earbuds. If you have a very specific and clear need for that feature, then the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 is for you."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods Pro or the Bowers and Wilkins PI7
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About Bowers and Wilkins
Bowers and Wilkins is a British audio equipment manufacturer with a focus on innovation and product development. It was founded by a couple of real-life James Bonds, the co-founders John Bowers and Roy Wilkins, who met while working for MI6 during World War II. The company keeps being favored by enthusiasts due to their sound quality, craftsmanship and signature aesthetics.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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