Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£220
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wireless
  • Battery life: 17 hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.7

Overall score

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 components:

80.0%

4.7

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.7

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

5.0

Sound

20.0%

2.5

Features

10.0%

7.7

Design

8.0%

3.6

Connectivity

6.0%

4.2

Battery

4.0%

7.8

Calls & Controls

Poor
?

User score

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 components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 6.9
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    3.5

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    9.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    2.6

    Battery life

  • 2.0
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    2.6

    Battery life

    18.0%

    5.3

    Weight

    16.0%

    1.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 5.9
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    1.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    2.6

    Battery life

    14.0%

    1.0

    Companion app

  • 4.1
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    5.3

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    2.6

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £220

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless is a premium on-ear headphone featuring 40mm dynamic drivers with suspended diaphragm technology, delivering a frequency range of 10Hz to 20,000Hz and an impedance of 22 ohms. Crafted from luxurious sheepskin leather and brushed aluminum, it offers a sophisticated aesthetic and a robust 17-hour battery life supported by Bluetooth 4.1 with aptX, AAC, and SBC codecs for high-fidelity streaming. Key pros include its exquisite build quality, warm and well-balanced sound profile, and a unique design with magnetically attached ear pads that hide a 2.5mm jack for optional wired use. However, notable cons include its high price point, the lack of active noise cancellation (ANC), and a tight clamping force that may cause discomfort or ear warmth during extended listening sessions.

Technical Specifications of Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

4.7
Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has a technical score of 4.7 points, which is lower than that of 60.9% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
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.
1.0
Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

4.7

Overall score

40.0%

9.4

Price

6.1
Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.1 points, which is lower than 78.9% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

no
Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

40 mm
Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

10 Hz
Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless reaches a lowest frequency of 10 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 67.3% of headphones and equal to 12.5% of headphones.
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Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless supports a noise-canceling microphone. 54.5% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

2
Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has 2 microphones, more microphones than 78.2% of headphones and equal to 8.8% of headphones.
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

no
Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

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Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wireless
Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 52.6% of headphones and equal to 47.4% of headphones.
supports both wireless and wired connectivity.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

4.1
Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless uses Bluetooth version 4.1, newer Bluetooth version than 62.2% of headphones and equal to 5.3% of headphones.
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

10 m
Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m, higher Bluetooth range than 2.6% of headphones and equal to 79.9% of headphones.
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

191 ms
Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has audio latency of 191 ms, higher audio latency than 70.6% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless does not support multipoint. 65.1% of headphones support multipoint.
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Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless does not work with a companion app. 44.4% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

17 hours
Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless offers battery life of 17 hours, lower battery life than 76.3% of headphones and equal to 0.8% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

3 hours
Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless needs 3 hours to charge, higher charging time than 66% of headphones and equal to 21.3% of headphones.
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless does not support quick charging. 69.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

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Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Bowers & Wilkins
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

on-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

213 g
Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless weighs 213 g, lighter than 51.7% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

2.5
Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has a clamp force of 2.5, lower clamp force than 89% of headphones and equal to 3.9% of headphones.
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Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless vs the average headphone

  • More flexible connectivity
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    supports both wireless and wired connectivity.
    What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
    When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

    Importance: HIGH

    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.wireless vs wired
  • Clear call microphone
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
    What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
    When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 7 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (109 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
    When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=106 dB/mW

    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (109 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.109 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • On-device controls
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
    What it is: Physical controls available directly on headphones
    When it matters: When you need playback, volume, or call controls to be easy to reach without pulling out your phone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 1.8 lower clamp force
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (2.5 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
    When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (2.5 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.2.5 vs 4.3
  • Foldable design
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
    What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
    When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.

    Importance: LOW

    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 1 more microphones
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has more microphones than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
    When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2

    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has more microphones than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.2 vs 1
  • 1.8 lower clamp force
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has a lower clamp force than the average headphone (2.5 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
  • Foldable design
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 7 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (109 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • Rechargeable battery
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has a rechargeable battery, the average headphone does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • Play while charging
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless can play while charging, the average headphone cannot. 55.9% of headphones support play while charging.
  • More flexible connectivity
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless offers more flexible connectivity than the average headphone (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
  • Clear call microphone
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless offers a clear call microphone, while the average headphone does not. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 1 more microphones
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has more microphones than the average headphone (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has a higher charging time than the average headphone (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
  • 13 hours shorter battery life
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has a lower battery life than the average headphone (17 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
  • 63.5 ms higher audio latency
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (191 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has a higher charging time than the average headphone (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
    When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=2 hours

    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has a higher charging time than the average headphone (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.3 hours vs 2 hours
  • 63.5 ms higher audio latency
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (191 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.
    What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
    When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <60 ms

    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has a higher audio latency than the average headphone (191 ms vs 127.5 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 127.5 ms.191 ms vs 127.5 ms
  • 13 hours shorter battery life
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has a lower battery life than the average headphone (17 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    What it is: Playback time on a single charge
    When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >45 hours

    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has a lower battery life than the average headphone (17 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.17 hours vs 30 hours
  • 4.65x less popular
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
    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.
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • Tangle-prone cable
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
    What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
    When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.

    Importance: LOW

    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 10.5% worse value for money
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.10 vs 6.736).
    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.
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.10 vs 6.736).6.1 vs 6.74
  • 2.44x more expensive
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless is more expensive than the average headphone (£220 vs £90).
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless is more expensive than the average headphone (£220 vs £90).£220 vs £90

Graphic comparison of Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless?

  • Excellent, high-fidelity sound quality with rich, punchy bass and detailed midtones.
  • Luxurious and classy aesthetics using premium materials like sheepskin leather and brushed aluminum.
  • Sturdy, durable build quality that holds up well over time.
  • Strong wireless battery life lasting up to 17 hours on a single charge.
  • Compact, lightweight, and highly portable on-ear design suitable for travel.
  • Convenient Bluetooth connectivity with aptX support for high-quality wireless audio streaming.

What customers dislike about Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless?

  • Premium, expensive retail price tag compared to other options in its class.
  • Poor passive noise isolation that struggles to block ambient noise in loud environments.
  • On-ear clamping force can cause ears to feel tight, warm, or painful during long listening sessions.
  • Playback control buttons can feel irritating or unintuitive to navigate.
  • Minor Bluetooth reconnection bugs and lack of advanced features like NFC pairing.
  • Cumbersome wired cable attachment layout hidden beneath magnetically detachable ear pads.

Video reviews

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