OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
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Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Headphones Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
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Bowers & Wilkins P3 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£180Form factor:on-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Bowers & Wilkins P3 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

5.8

Overall score

Score
5.8/ 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 73% of models
Score components

80%

5.8

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 73% of headphones
5.8

Technical score

Technical score
5.8/ 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 54% of models
Score components

52%

6.2

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

8.5

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.3

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 54% 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~ £180

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 P3

Technical score
Technical score
5.8/ 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 54% of models
Score components:

52%

6.2

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

8.5

Design

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.3

Calls & Controls

5.8
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 P3 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%

5.8

Overall score

40%

9.6

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
30 mm
Driver size
30 mm
â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 30 mm, smaller driver size than 77.4% of headphones and equal to 4.3% 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
no
Noise-canceling microphone
no
â–¼ Worse than 39% of models
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% 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
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
on-ear
Weight
130 g
Weight
130 g
â–² Better than 74% of models
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 130 g, lighter than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 0.7% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

Bowers & Wilkins P3 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 9 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    111 dB/mW
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <94 dB/mW – >115 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (111 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    111 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 40.4% lower weight
    Weight
    130 g
    â–² Better than 74% of models
    Market range: <14 g – >340 g
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (130 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    130 g vs 218 g
  • 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.
  • Foldable design
    Foldable
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • 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.
  • 18 dB higher max SPL
    Max SPL
    128 dB
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <95 dB – >126 dB
    This pair of headphones has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (128 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    128 dB vs 110 dB
  • 40.4% lower weight
    Weight
    130 g
    â–² Better than 74% of models
    Market range: <14 g – >340 g
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (130 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    130 g vs 218 g
  • Foldable design
    Foldable
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This pair of headphones has a foldable design, the average pair of headphones does not. 48.3% of headphones are foldable.
  • 9 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    111 dB/mW
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <94 dB/mW – >115 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (111 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    111 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
  • 18 dB higher max SPL
    Max SPL
    128 dB
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <95 dB – >126 dB
    This pair of headphones has a higher max SPL than the average pair of headphones (128 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    128 dB vs 110 dB
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 10 mm smaller driver size
    Driver size
    30 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    30 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 %
  • 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 P3 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.
  • 4.7% worse value for money
    Bowers & Wilkins P3 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.95 vs 7.3).
    6.95 vs 7.27
  • 2x more expensive
    Bowers & Wilkins P3 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£180 vs £90).
    £180 vs £90
  • 4 older release date
    Release date
    2012
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2012 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    May 2012
    2012 vs 2016
  • 5.87x less popular
    Bowers & Wilkins P3 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 4.7% worse value for money
    Bowers & Wilkins P3 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.95 vs 7.3).
    6.95 vs 7.27
  • 2x more expensive
    Bowers & Wilkins P3 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£180 vs £90).
    £180 vs £90
  • 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.
  • 10 mm smaller driver size
    Driver size
    30 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    30 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 %
  • 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.
  • 4 older release date
    Release date
    2012
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2012 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    May 2012
    2012 vs 2016

Video reviews

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

Third-party reviews

What we like about Bowers & Wilkins P3

  • Sleek, luxurious, and highly attractive premium design
  • Lightweight, compact, and easily foldable for high portability
  • Includes a rugged, custom-fitted hard-shell carrying case
  • Comes with two easily swappable, detachable cables via unique magnetic earpads
  • Integrated microphone and inline remote control tailored perfectly for iOS devices
  • Comfortable memory foam earpads that adapt well to the shape of the ear
  • Warm, smooth, and fatigue-free sound profile ideal for casual daily commuting

What we don't like about Bowers & Wilkins P3

  • Relatively high, premium price tag compared to newer competitors
  • Sound profile can feel too bass-heavy, muffled, or lacking in high-end treble detail
  • Poor passive noise isolation due to the small, on-ear design
  • Noticeable sound leakage that can disturb people nearby in quiet environments
  • Inline remote control buttons offer limited compatibility with Android devices
  • Thin, flimsy, and fragile stock cable that feels prone to tangles or damage
  • Clamping force and on-ear pressure can cause discomfort during long listening sessions

Verdict

The Bowers & Wilkins P3 is a premium, portable on-ear headphone featuring 30mm dynamic drivers with Mylar damped diaphragms and neodymium magnets, delivering a warm sound signature across a 10Hz to 20kHz frequency range. Weighing just 130g, these headphones utilize a foldable hinged design with aluminum and rubberized finishes, offering a low 34-ohm impedance ideal for mobile devices. Key advantages include its elegant aesthetic, high-quality memory foam earpads wrapped in acoustic fabric, and the inclusion of a rugged hardshell case alongside interchangeable cables for iOS and universal use. However, some users report a slightly muffled or 'dark' treble response, limited passive noise isolation, and potential sound leakage due to the on-ear design.

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