OVERALL

SPECS

VS AVERAGE

REVIEWS

ALTERNATIVES

Bowers & Wilkins C5 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£160
Avg. price in US: ~$180
Form factor: in-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Bowers & Wilkins C5 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.8

Poor

4.8

Poor

?

2.8
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
7.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
2.1
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
10
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
4.4
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
7.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
7.0
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
10
Weight
24.0%
9.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

N/A~ £160

Best rankings

Verdict

The Bowers & Wilkins C5 is a premium in-ear headphone featuring 9mm dynamic drivers, a wide frequency response of 10Hz–20kHz, and high sensitivity of 118dB/V. Its distinctive industrial design is highlighted by an adjustable 'Secure Loop' that fixes the buds in the outer ear, tungsten-weighted earpieces for stability, and a 'Micro Porous Filter' for a more spacious, open-backed soundstage. Main characteristics include an emphasis on rich, powerful bass and high-end aesthetics using aluminum and tungsten finishes. Pros include its exceptionally secure fit, durable build quality, and an expansive soundstage rare for in-ear monitors. However, cons involve potential ear discomfort during long sessions due to the stiff loop design, overwhelming bass for some listeners, and an inline remote that is primarily limited to Apple devices.

Technical Specifications of Bowers & Wilkins C5

Overall score

4.8

Show more

Hide

?

Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

4.5

Show more

Hide

Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

Show more

Calls & Controls

7.0

Show more

Hide

Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

?

Show more

Connectivity

6.2

Show more

Hide

Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Show more

Features

4.1

Show more

Hide

Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

Show more

Battery

1.0

Show more

Hide

Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

Show more

Design

8.3

Show more

Hide

Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Bowers & Wilkins

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

in-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

semi-open

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Show more

Bowers & Wilkins C5 vs the average headphone

Why is Bowers & Wilkins C5 better than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

90.8% lower weight
Bowers & Wilkins C5 is lighter than the average headphone (20 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
Bowers & Wilkins C5 is lighter than the average headphone (20 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.20 g vs 218 g
16 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Bowers & Wilkins C5 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (118 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
Bowers & Wilkins C5 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (118 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.118 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Bowers & Wilkins C5 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.
Importance: MEDIUM
Bowers & Wilkins C5 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
8 Hz lower bass extension
Bowers & Wilkins C5 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Bowers & Wilkins C5 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.10 Hz vs 18 Hz
In-line controls
Bowers & Wilkins C5 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
What it is: Controls available on in-line remote of wired cable
When it matters: When your wired setup depends on cable-mounted buttons or call controls.
Importance: LOW
Bowers & Wilkins C5 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Wind noise reduction
Bowers & Wilkins C5 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
What it is: Reduces wind interference for clearer outdoor calls
When it matters: When you take calls outdoors while walking, cycling, or commuting.
Importance: LOW
Bowers & Wilkins C5 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
Open-back design
Bowers & Wilkins C5 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones use an open-back housing that lets air and sound pass through more freely than a closed design.
When it matters: When you listen in quiet places and care more about spacious sound than blocking outside noise or preventing sound leakage.
Importance: MEDIUM
Bowers & Wilkins C5 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
Boom microphone included
Bowers & Wilkins C5 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.
Importance: LOW
Bowers & Wilkins C5 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
90.8% lower weight
Bowers & Wilkins C5 is lighter than the average headphone (20 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Open-back design
Bowers & Wilkins C5 uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
16 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Bowers & Wilkins C5 has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (118 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
8 Hz lower bass extension
Bowers & Wilkins C5 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
12 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
Bowers & Wilkins C5 has a higher sound pressure level than the average headphone (115 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
Direct 3.5 mm plug
Bowers & Wilkins C5 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
In-line controls
Bowers & Wilkins C5 includes in-line controls, the average headphone does not. 36.4% of headphones support in-line controls.
Wind noise reduction
Bowers & Wilkins C5 reduces wind noise, the average headphone does not. 34.1% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
Boom microphone included
Bowers & Wilkins C5 includes a boom microphone, the average headphone does not. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.

Calls & Controls

Why is Bowers & Wilkins C5 worse than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

Fixed cable
Bowers & Wilkins C5 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
Tangle-prone cable
Bowers & Wilkins C5 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
31 mm smaller driver size
Bowers & Wilkins C5 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (9 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
0.7 % higher distortion
Bowers & Wilkins C5 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
97% lower input power handling
Bowers & Wilkins C5 has a lower max input power than the average headphone (3 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
6 older release date
Bowers & Wilkins C5 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
August 2011
31 mm smaller driver size
Bowers & Wilkins C5 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (9 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.
Importance: MEDIUM
Bowers & Wilkins C5 has smaller driver size than the average headphone (9 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.9 mm vs 40 mm
Fixed cable
Bowers & Wilkins C5 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
What it is: Cable can be removed or replaced
When it matters: When you care about easier cable replacement, simpler storage, or the option to swap to shorter, longer, or upgraded leads.
Importance: MEDIUM
Bowers & Wilkins C5 has a fixed cable, while the average headphone has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
0.7 % higher distortion
Bowers & Wilkins C5 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <=1%
Bowers & Wilkins C5 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.1 % vs 0.3 %
4.65x less popular
Bowers & Wilkins C5 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Bowers & Wilkins C5 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
Tangle-prone cable
Bowers & Wilkins C5 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.
Importance: LOW
Bowers & Wilkins C5 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
6 older release date
Bowers & Wilkins C5 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
August 2011
What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2020
Bowers & Wilkins C5 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,011 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2011 vs 2017
7.4% worse value for money
Bowers & Wilkins C5 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.27 vs 6.736).
What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Bowers & Wilkins C5 has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.27 vs 6.736).6.27 vs 6.74
77.8% more expensive
Bowers & Wilkins C5 is more expensive than the average headphone (£160 vs £90).
Bowers & Wilkins C5 is more expensive than the average headphone (£160 vs £90).£160 vs £90

Graphic comparison of Bowers & Wilkins C5 and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Bowers & Wilkins C5?

Powerful, deep, and rich bass response
Premium aesthetic with elegant, stylish industrial design
Wide soundstage with good instrument separation and detail
Solid, high-quality build materials and construction
Effective passive noise isolation due to a tight earplug-like seal
Tactile and convenient inline microphone and remote control for iOS devices

What customers dislike about Bowers & Wilkins C5?

The adjustable 'Secure Loop' mechanism can cause ear fatigue, pinching, and discomfort during long listening sessions
The secure loop design and stiff wire make it polarizing and difficult to achieve a proper fit for all ear shapes
High retail price compared to competitors with similar performance
The stiff cable is prone to tangling and retains its kinked shape easily
Inline media playback controls have limited functionality on Android and Windows devices
The included protective carrying case is small and difficult to pack the earphones into
Bass can occasionally feel overly dominant or bloated on certain tracks

Video reviews

Best alternatives

Sony WH 1000XM4

Headphones

JBL Tour One M3

Headphones

Sony WH 1000XM6

Headphones

Headphones

Headphones

Sony WH ULT900N

Headphones

Nothing Headphone 1

Headphones

Sony WH 1000XM5

Headphones

Headphones

Huawei Freebuds Studio

Headphones

Sennheiser Momentum

Headphones

JBL Tour One M2

Headphones

Compare Bowers & Wilkins C5 with

Compare