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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If budget is a concern, the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 offers great overall sound quality and noise isolation at a midrange price, and they are highly portable, making them suitable for exercise and air travel. However, Sony WH-1000XM5, despite being significantly more expensive, offers better microphone quality, comprehensive app controls, and a much longer battery life, which could pay off in the long run. The Sony headphones provide excellent noise cancellation and are optimized for both Android and Apple devices, with options for wired and wireless use which might make them more versatile for different situations including calls and meetings. The choice depends on whether you prioritize cost savings or are willing to invest in added features and longer use without charging. 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
- The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 has no clear advantages over the Sony WH-1000XM5.
Advantages of the Sony WH-1000XM5
- Very good for music
Key differences
Music
7.5
8.2
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is very good for music, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is good.
Noise Reduction
8.3
9.1
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is excellent for noise reduction, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is very good.
Battery
5.0 Hours
40.3 Hours
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 has 5 hours of battery life. The Sony WH-1000XM5 has 40.3 hours of battery life.
Cost
$256
$398
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 has a price of $256 and the Sony WH-1000XM5 costs $398.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.3
5.6
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 are both poor for gaming.
Phone Calls
5.2
5.5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 are both poor for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.6
6.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Sony WH-1000XM5 to be only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 is poor.
TV and Video
6.0
5.8
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 to be only fair for TV and video, while the Sony WH-1000XM5 is poor.
Build Quality
8.9
8.8
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 and Sony WH-1000XM5 both have very good build quality.
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How the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 and the Sony WH-1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 | Sony WH-1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$256 | $398 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bowers and Wilkins | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2023 | May 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.5/10 | 8.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.2/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 6/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.3/10 | 6.3/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 40.3 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.75 Hours | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 13 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 7 Grams | 249.4 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
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 WH-1000XM5
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonesty
Kazi Mahbub Mutakabbir | February 2023
"The Sony WH-1000XM5 are the best Sony Bluetooth headphones so far and one of the most well-rounded Bluetooth headphones around. Look no further if you need class-leading ANC with a mostly inoffensive sound signature. Just be ready to pony up the price premium."
Get a great deal on the Bowers and Wilkins Pi7 S2 or the Sony WH-1000XM5
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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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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