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Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for better sound quality and noise isolation for commuting or travel, the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 would be a solid choice. However, if you prioritize features like longer battery life, sweat resistance for exercise, and lower cost without a significant compromise in sound, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro might suit you better. The Bowers and Wilkins typically offer a more premium build quality, but the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro have unique features such as virtual surround sound and are optimized for Samsung devices, which could enhance your experience if you're using compatible devices. 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 Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro.
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Very good for music
Good for phone calls
Very good for gaming
Good for TV and video
Good for exercise
Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
6.7/10
8.0/10
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is very good for music, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is only fair.
Gaming
5.3/10
8.3/10
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is very good for gaming, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
Phone Calls
5.0/10
7.0/10
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is good for phone calls, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.6/10
8.4/10
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
TV and Video
5.6/10
7.7/10
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is good for TV and video, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
Noise Reduction
8.3/10
9.1/10
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is excellent for noise reduction, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is very good.
Cost
$129
$160
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has a price of $129 and the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro costs $160.
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has 5 hours of battery life. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro has 4.8 hours of battery life.
Build Quality
8.9/10
9.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro to have excellent build quality, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has very good build quality.
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How the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro compare to other earbuds and headphones
"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."
"Consider the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro as your next pair of buds for its excellent active noise canceling (ANC) of low frequencies and comfortable fit. For Samsung users, the integration with your devices is handy and good for productivity."
Get a great deal on the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 or the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
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.
About Samsung
Samsung is a multinational conglomerate with over 85 years of history. They are mostly known to consumers for their high-end smartphones and TVs, however they are invested in many other markets like semiconductors and automotive. Samsung owns Harman International which itself owns other audio specialized companies like Harman Kardon, JBL and AKG who help engineer most, if not all, of Samsung audio products of their Galaxy line.
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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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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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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
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.