OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
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Bowers & Wilkins P5 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£260Form factor:on-earConnectivity:wirelessBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Bowers & Wilkins P5 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

6.0

Overall score

Score
6.0/ 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 65% of models
Score components

80%

6.0

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 65% of headphones
6.0

Technical score

Technical score
6.0/ 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–² Better than 54% of models
Score components

52%

6.2

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

7.3

Design

8%

4.8

Connectivity

6%

7.0

Battery

4%

7.5

Calls & Controls

â–²Better 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~ £260

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 P5

Technical score
Technical score
6.0/ 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–² Better than 54% of models
Score components:

52%

6.2

Sound

20%

4.4

Features

10%

7.3

Design

8%

4.8

Connectivity

6%

7.0

Battery

4%

7.5

Calls & Controls

6.0
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 P5 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%

6.0

Overall score

40%

9.2

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
40 mm
Driver size
40 mm
â–² Better than 29% of models
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.6% of headphones and equal to 53.3% 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
?
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
10 m
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 m
â–¼ Worse than 17% of models
Market range: <10 m – >15 m
This pair of headphones offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m, higher Bluetooth range than 2.7% of headphones and equal to 80.6% of headphones.
Audio latency
191 ms
Audio latency
191 ms
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Market range: <40 ms – >222 ms
This pair of headphones has audio latency of 191 ms, higher audio latency than 70.1% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
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
3 hours
Charging time
3 hours
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
Market range: <1.5 hours – >3.5 hours
This pair of headphones needs 3 hours to charge, higher charging time than 66.7% of headphones and equal to 20.8% of headphones.
Quick charge
yes
Quick charge
yes
â–² Better than 67% of models
This pair of headphones supports quick charge. 67% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
?
Show more
Brand name
Bowers & Wilkins
Form factor
on-ear
Weight
195 g
Weight
195 g
â–² Better than 57% of models
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 195 g, lighter than 57.4% of headphones and equal to 0.9% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
2.5
Clamp force
2.5
â–² Better than 88% of models
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 2.5, lower clamp force than 88.3% of headphones and equal to 3.7% of headphones.
Show more

Bowers & Wilkins P5 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 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
  • 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
  • Quick charge support
    Quick charge
    yes
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    This pair of headphones supports quick charge, the average pair of headphones does not. 33% of headphones support quick charge.
  • 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.
  • 1.8 lower clamp force
    Clamp force
    2.5
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (2.5 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    2.5 vs 4.3
  • AAC codec support
    AAC
    yes
    â–² Better than 68% of models
    This pair of headphones supports AAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 32.2% of headphones support AAC.
  • 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.
  • AptX support
    aptX
    yes
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    This pair of headphones supports aptX, the average pair of headphones does not. 18.4% of headphones support aptX.
  • 1.8 lower clamp force
    Clamp force
    2.5
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (2.5 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    2.5 vs 4.3
  • 10.6% lower weight
    Weight
    195 g
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    Market range: <14 g – >340 g
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (195 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    195 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
  • 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
  • Quick charge support
    Quick charge
    yes
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    This pair of headphones supports quick charge, the average pair of headphones does not. 33% of headphones support quick charge.
  • Play while charging
    Play while charging
    yes
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    This pair of headphones can play while charging, the average pair of headphones cannot. 29.1% of headphones support play while charging.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Has a rechargeable battery
    yes
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    This pair of headphones has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • 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
  • AAC codec support
    AAC
    yes
    â–² Better than 68% of models
    This pair of headphones supports AAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 32.2% of headphones support AAC.
  • AptX support
    aptX
    yes
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    This pair of headphones supports aptX, the average pair of headphones does not. 18.4% of headphones support aptX.
  • 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.
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    Charging time
    3 hours
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    Market range: <1.5 hours – >3.5 hours
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    3 hours vs 2 hours
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    THD (Total Harmonic Distortion)
    1.0 %
    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 %.
    1.0 % vs 0.3 %
  • 20 mm tighter earcup height
    Earcup inner height
    40 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <43 mm – >73 mm
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (40 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    40 mm vs 60 mm
  • 41 ms higher audio latency
    Audio latency
    191 ms
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <40 ms – >222 ms
    This pair of headphones has a higher audio latency than the average pair of headphones (191 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    191 ms vs 150 ms
  • 5.87x less popular
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 2.89x more expensive
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£260 vs £90).
    £260 vs £90
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    100 dB/mW
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <94 dB/mW – >115 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 5.1% worse value for money
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.92 vs 7.3).
    6.92 vs 7.27
  • 5.87x less popular
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 2.89x more expensive
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£260 vs £90).
    £260 vs £90
  • 5.1% worse value for money
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.92 vs 7.3).
    6.92 vs 7.27
  • 20 mm tighter earcup height
    Earcup inner height
    40 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <43 mm – >73 mm
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (40 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    40 mm vs 60 mm
  • 0.7 % higher distortion
    THD (Total Harmonic Distortion)
    1.0 %
    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 %.
    1.0 % vs 0.3 %
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    100 dB/mW
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <94 dB/mW – >115 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    Charging time
    3 hours
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    Market range: <1.5 hours – >3.5 hours
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    3 hours vs 2 hours
  • 41 ms higher audio latency
    Audio latency
    191 ms
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <40 ms – >222 ms
    This pair of headphones has a higher audio latency than the average pair of headphones (191 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    191 ms vs 150 ms
  • 6 older release date
    Release date
    2010
    â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This pair of headphones was released earlier than the average pair of headphones (2010 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    January 2010
    2010 vs 2016

Video reviews

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

Third-party reviews

What we like about Bowers & Wilkins P5

  • Premium build quality featuring luxurious leather and aluminum materials
  • Stylish, elegant, and timeless vintage design aesthetics
  • Warm, balanced, and pleasant sound profile with rich bass
  • Good passive noise isolation from the memory foam ear pads
  • Lightweight and compact form factor suitable for portable use
  • Convenient magnetically detachable ear pads and swappable cables

What we don't like about Bowers & Wilkins P5

  • High price point relative to competing models
  • Strong headband clamping force can cause ear discomfort during long sessions
  • Leather ear pads can cause ears to feel hot and sweaty in warm weather
  • Narrow soundstage and lacking absolute treble/high-frequency detail
  • Included stock audio cables can feel flimsy or lack durability
  • Passive isolation is insufficient for drowning out loud commutes

Verdict

The Bowers & Wilkins P5 is a premium on-ear (supra-aural) headphone featuring 40mm dynamic drivers with a Mylar diaphragm and neodymium magnets, delivering a warm and natural frequency response of 10Hz to 20kHz. Crafted with luxury materials like New Zealand sheep's leather and brushed aluminum, it offers a foldable design for portability, an impedance of 26 ohms for easy mobile driving, and magnetically attached earpads that conceal a detachable 1.2m cable. Main characteristics include its high-fidelity tuning and noise-isolating closed-back design, with pros highlighted by its exquisite build quality, detailed midrange, and secure fit. However, notable cons include a relatively narrow soundstage, potential discomfort or 'ear-clamping' during extended use, and a thin stock cable that some users find prone to damage.

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