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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 offers better microphone quality, which could be important for clear calls and meetings, but the Pi7 S2 has superior overall sound quality, making it preferable for music lovers. While the PI7 has a slightly longer battery life for the earbuds themselves, the Pi7 S2's case provides additional charging, which could be more convenient. Both models support AptX Adaptive codec for high-quality audio over Bluetooth, but if you're more active or exercise frequently, both are similarly scored for use during exercise. For air travel, both also offer similar noise isolation and active noise cancelling features. If budget is a major concern, the Pi7 S2 is significantly less expensive and provides a better sound quality for the price, potentially offering the better value overall. 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 PI7
- Very good for gaming
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 Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is only fair.
Gaming
8.1
5.3
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is very good for gaming, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
4.8
5.6
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 and Bowers and Wilkins PI7 are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is somewhat better.
TV and Video
6.8
6.0
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 are both only fair for TV and video, though the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is somewhat better.
Battery
3.0 Hours
5.0 Hours
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has 3 hours of battery life. The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$399
$259
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has a price of $399 and the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 costs $259.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
5.1
5.2
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 and Bowers and Wilkins PI7 are both poor for phone calls.
Noise Reduction
8.3
8.3
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 are both very good for noise reduction.
Build Quality
8.9
8.9
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 both have very good build quality.
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How the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bowers and Wilkins PI7 | Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$399 | $259 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bowers and Wilkins | Bowers and Wilkins | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | April 1, 2021 | 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 | 5.2/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.2/10 | 5.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 6.9/10 | 6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 3 Hours | 5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.7 Hours | 0.75 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 20 | 13 | |
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 | 8.5/10 | 7/10 | |
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) | 7 Grams | 7 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
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."
Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2
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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 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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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