OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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REVIEWS
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Bowers & Wilkins C5 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£160Form factor:in-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Bowers & Wilkins C5 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

5.5

Overall score

Score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
Score components

80%

5.5

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 86% of headphones
5.5

Technical score

Technical score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
Score components

52%

5.8

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

7.6

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 72% of headphones
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

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Best prices

    N/A~ £160

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Bowers & Wilkins C5

Technical score
Technical score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 72% of models
Score components:

52%

5.8

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

7.6

Calls & Controls

5.5
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Bowers & Wilkins C5 has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than that of 73.4% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.8/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components:

60%

5.5

Overall score

40%

9.7

Price

6.8
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
â–¼ Worse than 27% of models
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
9 mm
Driver size
9 mm
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 9 mm, smaller driver size than 92.3% of headphones and equal to 2.6% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Number of drivers
1
â–¼ Worse than 4% of models
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
10 Hz
Lowest frequency
10 Hz
â–² Better than 67% of models
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 10 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 67.2% of headphones and equal to 12.6% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
?
Can be used as a headset
yes
Can be used as a headset
yes
â–² Better than 15% of models
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
1
Number of microphones
1
â–² Better than 27% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 1 microphones, more microphones than 26.9% of headphones and equal to 50.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
yes
Boom microphone
yes
â–² Better than 87% of models
This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone. 86.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
?
Show more
Connectivity
wired
Connectivity
wired
â–¼ Worse than 49% of models
This pair of headphones supports wired connectivity, less flexible connectivity than 49.2% of headphones and equal to 50.8% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
N/A
Multipoint support
no
Multipoint support
no
â–¼ Worse than 31% of models
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
Ambient sound mode
no
â–¼ Worse than 25% of models
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
EQ support
no
â–¼ Worse than 23% of models
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
Companion app
no
â–¼ Worse than 22% of models
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
yes
Voice assistant support
yes
â–² Better than 39% of models
This pair of headphones supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
Quick charge
no
Quick charge
no
â–¼ Worse than 33% of models
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
N/A
Show more
Brand name
Bowers & Wilkins
Form factor
in-ear
Weight
20 g
Weight
20 g
â–² Better than 85% of models
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 20 g, lighter than 85% of headphones and equal to 0.9% of headphones.
Acoustic design
semi-open
Clamp force
N/A
Show more

Bowers & Wilkins C5 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 90.8% lower weight
    Weight
    20 g
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    Market range: <14 g – >340 g
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (20 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    20 g vs 218 g
  • 16 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    118 dB/mW
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <94 dB/mW – >115 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (118 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    118 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Lowest frequency
    10 Hz
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Has a 3.5mm male connector
    yes
    â–² Better than 60% of models
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    In-line controls
    yes
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Wind noise reduction
    yes
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Open-back design
    Has an open-back design
    yes
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • Water resistance
    Water resistance
    yes
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    This pair of headphones is water resistant, the average pair of headphones is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • 90.8% lower weight
    Weight
    20 g
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    Market range: <14 g – >340 g
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (20 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    20 g vs 218 g
  • Open-back design
    Has an open-back design
    yes
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    This pair of headphones uses an open-back design, while the average pair of headphones does not. 9.1% of headphones have an open-back design.
  • Water resistance
    Water resistance
    yes
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    This pair of headphones is water resistant, the average pair of headphones is not. 20.2% of headphones are water resistant.
  • 16 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    118 dB/mW
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <94 dB/mW – >115 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (118 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    118 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Lowest frequency
    10 Hz
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 12 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    Sound pressure level
    115 dB SPL
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    Market range: <94 dB SPL – >115 dB SPL
    This pair of headphones has a higher sound pressure level than the average pair of headphones (115 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    115 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Has a 3.5mm male connector
    yes
    â–² Better than 60% of models
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • In-line controls
    In-line controls
    yes
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    This pair of headphones includes in-line controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 36.6% of headphones support in-line controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    Wind noise reduction
    yes
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Boom microphone included
    Boom microphone
    yes
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    This pair of headphones includes a boom microphone, the average pair of headphones does not. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
  • 31 mm smaller driver size
    Driver size
    9 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (9 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    9 mm vs 40 mm
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    Replaceable earpads
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • Fixed cable
    Detachable cable
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    THD (Total Harmonic Distortion)
    1 %
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    Market range: <0.08 % – >3 %
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    1 % vs 0.3 %
  • No battery indicator
    Battery level indicator
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 5.87x less popular
    Bowers & Wilkins C5 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Tangle-free cable
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 7.3% worse value for money
    Bowers & Wilkins C5 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.77 vs 7.3).
    6.77 vs 7.27
  • 5.87x less popular
    Bowers & Wilkins C5 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 7.3% worse value for money
    Bowers & Wilkins C5 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.77 vs 7.3).
    6.77 vs 7.27
  • 77.8% more expensive
    Bowers & Wilkins C5 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£160 vs £90).
    £160 vs £90
  • Non-replaceable earpads
    Replaceable earpads
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    This pair of headphones has non-replaceable earpads, while the average pair of headphones has replaceable ones. 75.6% of headphones have replaceable earpads.
  • Fixed cable
    Detachable cable
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Tangle-free cable
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 31 mm smaller driver size
    Driver size
    9 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (9 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    9 mm vs 40 mm
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    THD (Total Harmonic Distortion)
    1 %
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    Market range: <0.08 % – >3 %
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    1 % vs 0.3 %
  • 97% lower input power handling
    Max input power
    3 mW
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    Market range: <10 mW – >1.6k mW
    This pair of headphones has a lower max input power than the average pair of headphones (3 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
    3 mW vs 100 mW
  • No battery indicator
    Battery level indicator
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    This pair of headphones does not show battery level clearly, while the average pair of headphones does. 56.3% of headphones have a battery level indicator.
  • 5 older release date
    Release date
    2011
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2011 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    August 2011
    2011 vs 2016

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Third-party reviews

What we 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 we don't like 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

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.

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