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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is a more budget-friendly option with a robust build quality suitable for studio monitoring; they have a comfortable over-ear design providing good sound isolation, but their non-wireless design with no microphone limits their versatility for on-the-go use. On the other hand, the Bowers & Wilkins Pi5 S2 earbuds come at a premium price with modern conveniences like wireless connectivity, touch controls, a built-in microphone for calls, and active noise cancellation, making them better suited for those needing portability and everyday features for a wide range of environments, yet they may not offer the same sound precision for critical listening. 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 Audio Technica ATH M40X
- Very good for music
- Good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
Advantages of the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.1
6.7
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good for music, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is only fair.
Gaming
7.0
5.3
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is good for gaming, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
Phone Calls
3.3
5.0
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and Audio Technica ATH M40X are both poor for phone calls, though the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.1
5.6
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and Audio Technica ATH M40X are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is somewhat better.
TV and Video
8.7
5.6
The Audio Technica ATH M40X is very good for TV and video, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
8.3
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is very good for noise reduction, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is poor.
Battery
N/A
5.0 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M40X does not have a battery. The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$99
$129
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica ATH M40X has a price of $99 and the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 costs $129.
Build Quality
8.2
8.9
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and Audio Technica ATH M40X both have very good build quality, though the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has somewhat better build quality.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M40X and the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M40X | Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$99 | $129 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Bowers and Wilkins | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | January 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 3.3/10 | 5.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.1/10 | 5.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.8/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 0.75 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 19 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.2/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 245 Grams | 6 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M40X
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Dig into reviews and images
Soundguys
Lily Katz | August 2023
"If you were to pick one headset to fill all of your needs, the ATH-M40x is a great buy with its sub-$100 price tag, pleasant sound quality, and accessories. Whether you need to use it for live monitoring, a midnight editing session, or to underscore a campus walk, the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a great companion."
Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
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Dig into reviews and images
Major HiFi
Chris Golembeski | January 2023
"Bowers and Wilkins isn’t looking to make an obscure, premium wireless bud catered specifically towards audiophiles. Instead, it seems apparent that they’re going for the crown: a cool and popular look, an easy and comfortable fit, and an engaging stage with a great balance that is perfectly suited for mainstream listeners and audiophiles alike."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M40X or the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
About Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
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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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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