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 P5 Series 2 Review | 93 Data compared

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

Bowers & Wilkins P5 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.

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 60% of models
Score components

80%

6.0

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 60% 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 58% of models
Score components

52%

6.3

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.6

Design

8%

4.5

Connectivity

6%

8.3

Battery

4%

8.2

Calls & Controls

â–²Better than 58% 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

  • No image
No image

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 Series 2

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 58% of models
Score components:

52%

6.3

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

7.6

Design

8%

4.5

Connectivity

6%

8.3

Battery

4%

8.2

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 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
7.0/ 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 73% of models
Score components:

60%

6.0

Overall score

40%

9.2

Price

7.0
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
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
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
no
Voice assistant support
no
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
N/A
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
N/A
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 Series 2 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • 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.
  • LE Audio support
    Bluetooth LE Audio
    yes
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    This pair of headphones supports LE Audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.6% of headphones support Bluetooth LE Audio.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Quick mic mute
    Mute function
    yes
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    This pair of headphones includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • LE Audio support
    Bluetooth LE Audio
    yes
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    This pair of headphones supports LE Audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.6% of headphones support Bluetooth LE Audio.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Quick mic mute
    Mute function
    yes
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    This pair of headphones includes a quick mic mute, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.3% of headphones support a mute function.
  • No voice assistant support
    Voice assistant support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 5.87x less popular
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Series 2 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 2.89x more expensive
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Series 2 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£260 vs £90).
    £260 vs £90
  • 2.5 dB looser channel balance
    Channel balance tolerance
    3.0 dB
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    Market range: <0.1 dB – >2 dB
    This pair of headphones has a higher channel balance tolerance than the average pair of headphones (3 dB vs 0.5 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.5 dB.
    3.0 dB vs 0.5 dB
  • 4.4% worse value for money
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Series 2 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.96 vs 7.3).
    6.96 vs 7.27
  • 5.87x less popular
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Series 2 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 2.89x more expensive
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Series 2 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£260 vs £90).
    £260 vs £90
  • 4.4% worse value for money
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Series 2 has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (6.96 vs 7.3).
    6.96 vs 7.27
  • 2.5 dB looser channel balance
    Channel balance tolerance
    3.0 dB
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    Market range: <0.1 dB – >2 dB
    This pair of headphones has a higher channel balance tolerance than the average pair of headphones (3 dB vs 0.5 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.5 dB.
    3.0 dB vs 0.5 dB
  • No voice assistant support
    Voice assistant support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.

Video reviews

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

Third-party reviews

What we like about Bowers & Wilkins P5 Series 2

  • Premium build quality featuring authentic leather and solid metal construction
  • Aesthetically pleasing, elegant, and timeless retro-modern design
  • Significantly improved, clear, and rich sound signature compared to the original P5
  • Deep, punchy, and well-controlled bass performance
  • Articulate midrange and smooth, non-fatiguing vocal reproduction
  • Lightweight and compact design that folds flat for easier travel portability
  • Detachable cable mechanism with an included Apple-compatible inline remote/mic

What we don't like about Bowers & Wilkins P5 Series 2

  • High premium price point makes them expensive for on-ear headphones
  • Strong initial clamping force can cause ear discomfort during long listening sessions
  • Suboptimal passive noise isolation, making them less ideal for loud environments
  • Uncomfortable and tight fit specifically for users who wear glasses
  • Relaxed treble response that lacks ultimate sparkle, crispness, or high-end brilliance
  • Narrower or more average soundstage compared to larger over-ear models
  • Included straight mini-plug design is preferred by some to be a 90-degree plug

Verdict

The Bowers & Wilkins P5 Series 2 is a luxury on-ear, closed-back headphone featuring 40mm dynamic drivers with a frequency response of 10Hz to 20kHz, an impedance of 22 ohms, and a sensitivity of 108dB/V. Its premium construction includes real sheepskin leather ear pads that are magnetically attached and a lightweight aluminum frame weighing approximately 195g. Main characteristics include a detailed and punchy sound signature with deep bass and clear mid-ranges, along with a foldable-flat design and dual detachable 1.2m cables (one with an iOS-compatible inline remote). Pros include its exquisite build quality, stylish aesthetic, and swappable ear pads, though cons involve potentially high clamping force that may cause discomfort during long sessions, average passive noise isolation, and limited remote functionality for non-Apple devices.

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