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What we think
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Updated January 10, 2024·
If cost is a primary consideration, the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2, which is less expensive, could be a good fit as it still delivers quality sound and active noise cancelling. However, the Bowers and Wilkins PI7, while more expensive, offers better microphone quality and lower latency, making it superior for calls and more suitable for gaming and watching videos. 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 Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
- The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has no clear advantages over the Bowers and Wilkins PI7.
Advantages of the Bowers and Wilkins PI7
- Very good for gaming
Key differences
Gaming
5.3
8.1
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is very good for gaming, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.6
4.8
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and Bowers and Wilkins PI7 are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is somewhat better.
TV and Video
5.6
6.8
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is only fair for TV and video, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
Battery
5.0 Hours
3.0 Hours
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has 5 hours of battery life. The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has 3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$181
$399
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has a price of $181 and the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 costs $399.
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Key similarities
Music
6.7
6.8
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 are both only fair for music.
Phone Calls
5.0
5.1
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 are both poor for phone calls.
Noise Reduction
8.3
8.3
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and Bowers and Wilkins PI7 are both very good for noise reduction.
Build Quality
8.9
8.9
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and Bowers and Wilkins PI7 both have very good build quality.
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How the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 | Bowers and Wilkins PI7 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$181 | $399 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bowers and Wilkins | Bowers and Wilkins | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2023 | April 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.8/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.1/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.3/10 | 8.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.3/10 | 5.8/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.75 Hours | 0.7 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 19 | 20 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6 Grams | 7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
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."
Bowers and Wilkins PI7
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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 Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 or the Bowers and Wilkins PI7
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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