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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 superior mic quality and soundstage which may enhance calls and certain music experiences, but the Sony WF1000XM5 excels in overall sound quality, battery life, and has better built-in controls. The Sony earbuds are also better optimized for air travel with superior noise isolation. Both support wireless charging and are sweatproof, making them suitable for exercise. If budget is a concern and sound quality along with battery life are priorities, Sony WF1000XM5 may be the better option. If prioritizing call quality and mic performance is worth the premium price, consider the Bowers and Wilkins PI7. 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 Sony WF1000XM5
- Very good for music
Key differences
Music
6.8
8.0
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for music, while the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is only fair.
Gaming
8.1
5.1
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is very good for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
TV and Video
6.8
5.4
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 is only fair for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM5 is poor.
Battery
3.0 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has 3 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$399
$298
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 has a price of $399 and the Sony WF1000XM5 costs $298.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
5.1
5.0
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
4.8
4.9
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Bowers and Wilkins PI7 are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks.
Noise Reduction
8.3
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Bowers and Wilkins PI7 are both very good for noise reduction.
Build Quality
8.9
8.5
The Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and Sony WF1000XM5 both have very good build quality.
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How the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 and the Sony WF1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bowers and Wilkins PI7 | Sony WF1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$399 | $298 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bowers and Wilkins | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | April 1, 2021 | July 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.9/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.2/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.2/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 6.9/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 3 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.7 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 20 | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 7 Grams | 6 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
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."
Sony WF1000XM5
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Harley Maranan | July 2023
"The Sony WF-1000XM5 is among the best noise canceling earbuds currently on the market, and they aren’t cheap. These earbuds aren’t the best choice for budget-conscious listeners. But if you prioritize active noise cancelation, sound quality, and extensive software support, the WF-1000XM5 is worth its premium price tag."
Get a great deal on the Bowers and Wilkins PI7 or the Sony WF1000XM5
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 Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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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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