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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality and enjoy a wide soundstage for listening to music at home, the Philips Fidelio X2HR would be a better choice, and they're also more comfortable for longer sessions. However, they are not wireless, lack a built-in microphone, and offer minimal isolation, so they wouldn't be suitable for noisy environments or calls. On the other hand, the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 are truly wireless earbuds, making them highly portable and great for exercise, travel, or when you need active noise cancelling. They also have a microphone for calls, low latency suitable for gaming, and support wireless charging, but their overall sound quality and soundstage aren't as impressive. The PI7 is the more versatile option, but it comes at a higher price. 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
- Very good for air travel
Advantages of the Philips Fidelio X2HR
- Excellent for music
- Very good for TV and video
- Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
6.8
9.3
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is excellent for music, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is only fair.
Gaming
8.1
7.0
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is very good for gaming, while the Philips Fidelio X2HR is good.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
4.8
7.9
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is poor.
TV and Video
6.8
8.8
The Philips Fidelio X2HR is very good for TV and video, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is only fair.
Noise Reduction
8.3
2.5
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is very good for noise reduction, while the Philips Fidelio X2HR is poor.
Battery
3.0 Hours
N/A
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has 3 hours of battery life. The Philips Fidelio X2HR does not have a battery.
Cost
$399
$148
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has a price of $399 and the Philips Fidelio X2HR costs $148.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
5.1
5.0
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and Philips Fidelio X2HR are both poor for phone calls.
Build Quality
8.9
9.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Philips Fidelio X2HR to have excellent build quality, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has very good build quality.
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How the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and the Philips Fidelio X2HR compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bowers and Wilkins PI7 | Philips Fidelio X2HR |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$399 | $148 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bowers and Wilkins | Philips | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | April 1, 2021 | September 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.9/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.2/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.2/10 | 7.1/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 6.9/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 4.5/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 3 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.7 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 20 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.5/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 7 Grams | 390 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Bowers and Wilkins PI7
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Dig into reviews and images
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."
Philips Fidelio X2HR
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Dig into reviews and images
Liquid Audio
Stefan | May 2022
"This piece is a fantastic option for music lovers searching for premium sound and a snug fit. You should get these headphones if you care about sound quality and want to hear music in a new light. This technology is a great option for high-quality headphones with superb sound reproduction."
Get a great deal on the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 or the Philips Fidelio X2HR
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 Philips
Philips is a Dutch conglomerate and electronics manufacturer with over 130 years of history. Philips makes the Fidelio audio line which includes several models of full-sized wired and wireless headphones, true wireless earbuds. soundbars and wireless speakers.
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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
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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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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