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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize wireless convenience and active noise cancelling, the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 would be the superior choice, although they are much more expensive. They also support better sound quality and are suited for air travel thanks to their noise isolation. On the other hand, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option primarily for wired listening with good sound, especially for TV and video content, and don't need wireless capabilities or noise cancellation, the Sony MDREX15AP would be appropriate. However, bear in mind that the Sony earbuds lack features like sweatproof certification, low latency, and additional codecs for high-quality wireless audio, which can affect your experience if you're looking for advanced features in those areas. 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 S2
- Very good for air travel
Advantages of the Sony MDREX15AP
- Very good for music
- Excellent for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.5
8.3
The Sony MDREX15AP is very good for music, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is good.
Gaming
5.3
6.7
The Sony MDREX15AP is only fair for gaming, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is poor.
Phone Calls
5.2
3.5
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 and Sony MDREX15AP are both poor for phone calls, though the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is somewhat better.
TV and Video
6.0
9.3
The Sony MDREX15AP is excellent for TV and video, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is only fair.
Noise Reduction
8.3
7.0
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is very good for noise reduction, while the Sony MDREX15AP is good.
Battery
5.0 Hours
N/A
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 has 5 hours of battery life. The Sony MDREX15AP does not have a battery.
Cost
$259
$20
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 has a price of $259 and the Sony MDREX15AP costs $20.
Build Quality
8.9
8.0
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 and Sony MDREX15AP both have very good build quality, though the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 has somewhat better build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.6
5.4
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 and Sony MDREX15AP are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks.
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How the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 and the Sony MDREX15AP compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 | Sony MDREX15AP |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$259 | $20 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bowers and Wilkins | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2023 | March 1, 2014 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.5/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.2/10 | 3.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 6.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 6/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.3/10 | 4.6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.75 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 13 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 7/10 | |
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 | 7/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | Small | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 7 Grams | 3.1 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2
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Dig into reviews and images
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."
Sony MDREX15AP
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Dig into reviews and images
Make It Sound Great
Pete Anthony | June 2022
"At the ultra budget $10 price-point (and we’ve seen the no-mic version go for as cheap as $7), I’d say these are a decent option if you’re looking for a passable pair of earbuds for basic use that’s as cheap as possible. I wouldn’t say they feel or sound as good as some of the ultra-budget alternatives out there – of which there are a few at this point – but some might disagree. I will say though that the cable is a little bit nicer than those of that same competition."
Get a great deal on the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 or the Sony MDREX15AP
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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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.
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