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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality, especially for music, the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 have a superior overall score, making them a potentially better choice. They also have better wireless features, including support for high-quality codecs like AptX HD and AptX Adaptive which could enhance your listening experience generally but are limited to compatible devices. Conversely, Apple AirPods Pro may deliver better performance for use during exercise, thanks to their sweatproof certification and more secure fit. They also are optimized for Apple devices, which can be a significant benefit if you use Apple products. Additionally, the AirPods Pro offer active noise cancellation which can be a pivotal feature if you're often in noisy environments. However, you might experience less battery life on the Pi7 S2 as their case provides fewer additional charges compared to the AirPods Pro. 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 S2
- Good for music
Key differences
Music
6.8
7.5
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is good for music, while the Apple Airpods Pro is only fair.
Phone Calls
7.4
5.2
The Apple Airpods Pro is good for phone calls, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.3
5.6
The Apple Airpods Pro is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1
8.3
The Apple Airpods Pro is excellent for noise reduction, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is very good.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.1
5.3
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 and Apple Airpods Pro are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.7
6.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 to be only fair for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods Pro is poor.
Battery
5.0 Hours
5.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods Pro has 5 hours of battery life. The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$260
$259
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Pro has a price of $260 and the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 costs $259.
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 S2 has very good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods Pro and the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Pro | Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$260 | $259 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Bowers and Wilkins | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2019 | January 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.9/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.4/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.2/10 | 5.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.7/10 | 6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.1/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 0.75 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 13 | |
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 | 7/10 | |
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 S2
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Dig into reviews and images
Engadget
Billy Steele | March 2023
"While the overall sound quality is great, these earbuds fall short in terms of battery life, customization and ANC performance. Bowers & Wilkins’ ability to consistently deliver pristine sound isn’t enough to make up for what the Pi7 S2 lacks, which is unfortunately quite a bit."
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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
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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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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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