OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
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Bowers & Wilkins C5 Series 2 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£130Form factor:in-earConnectivity:wirelessBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Bowers & Wilkins C5 Series 2 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

5.7

Overall score

Score
5.7/ 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 80% of models
Score components

80%

5.7

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 80% of headphones
5.7

Technical score

Technical score
5.7/ 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 65% of models
Score components

52%

5.9

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

5.5

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

7.8

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 65% 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~ £130

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 Series 2

Technical score
Technical score
5.7/ 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 65% of models
Score components:

52%

5.9

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

5.5

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

7.8

Calls & Controls

5.7
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 Series 2 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
6.9/ 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 79% of models
Score components:

60%

5.7

Overall score

40%

9.8

Price

6.9
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
9.2 mm
Driver size
9.2 mm
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 9.2 mm, smaller driver size than 92% of headphones and equal to 0.3% 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
yes
Noise-canceling microphone
yes
â–² Better than 61% of models
This pair of headphones supports a noise-canceling microphone. 61.1% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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
no
Boom microphone
no
â–¼ Worse than 14% of models
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
?
Show more
Connectivity
wireless
Connectivity
wireless
â–² Better than 51% of models
This pair of headphones supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 49.2% 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 Series 2 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
  • 13 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    115 dB/mW
    â–² Better than 89% of models
    Market range: <94 dB/mW – >115 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (115 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    115 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • More flexible connectivity
    Connectivity
    wireless
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • Clear call microphone
    Noise-canceling microphone
    yes
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 13 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    115 dB/mW
    â–² Better than 89% of models
    Market range: <94 dB/mW – >115 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (115 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    115 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
  • More flexible connectivity
    Connectivity
    wireless
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • 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.
  • Clear call microphone
    Noise-canceling microphone
    yes
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • 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.
  • 30.8 mm smaller driver size
    Driver size
    9.2 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 (9.2 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    9.2 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.
  • 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 Series 2 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 5.2% worse value for money
    Bowers & Wilkins C5 Series 2 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.91 vs 7.3).
    6.91 vs 7.27
  • 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
  • 5.87x less popular
    Bowers & Wilkins C5 Series 2 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 5.2% worse value for money
    Bowers & Wilkins C5 Series 2 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.91 vs 7.3).
    6.91 vs 7.27
  • 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.
  • 30.8 mm smaller driver size
    Driver size
    9.2 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 (9.2 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    9.2 mm vs 40 mm
  • 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.

Video reviews

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

Third-party reviews

What we like about Bowers & Wilkins C5 Series 2

  • Deep, clean, and punchy bass performance
  • Detailed midrange and crisp high frequencies
  • Open, spacious soundstage with natural-sounding audio separation
  • Sleek, modern design with an elegant aesthetic
  • Secure Loop mechanism keeps earbuds firmly in place during movement
  • Excellent passive noise isolation with the correct silicone ear tip fit
  • Improved, durable black rubber cable compared to the previous model
  • Premium packaging and protective carrying case included

What we don't like about Bowers & Wilkins C5 Series 2

  • Secure Loop mechanism can cause ear fatigue, pinching, or pain during extended use
  • Fit is polarizing and may not conform comfortably to all outer ear shapes
  • Bass-heavy sound profile can occasionally overpower the mids and treble details
  • Inline remote and volume controls are optimized for iOS and have limited Android compatibility
  • Premium price point is relatively high for wired in-ear monitors
  • Straight 3.5mm jack plug design is prone to bending or stress failure
  • Noticeable microphonic cable noise (rustling sound transferred through the cord)

Verdict

The Bowers & Wilkins C5 Series 2 is a premium wired in-ear headphone featuring redesigned 9.2mm dynamic drivers and a unique Micro Porous Filter that acts as a sonic diffuser to create a spacious, open soundstage. Built with an industrial tungsten and aluminum finish, it utilizes an innovative, adjustable 'Secure Loop' design that curls into the inner ridge of the ear for stability, alongside internal tungsten weights for improved balance. Key specifications include a frequency response of 10Hz to 20kHz, 32-ohm impedance, and a sensitivity of 115dB, supplemented by an Apple-optimized three-button inline remote and microphone. Main pros include its powerful, well-defined bass, exceptional clarity, and secure fit suitable for active use; however, notable cons include potential ear discomfort from the stiff loop during long sessions, microphonic cable noise, and limited remote functionality for non-iOS devices.

Compare Bowers & Wilkins C5 Series 2 with other products in the Headphones category

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