OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
Headphones Methodology v1.0
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.
Explore Headphones Methodology v1.0

Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£220Form factor:on-earConnectivity:wirelessBattery life:17 hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless 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 61% of models
Score components

80%

6.0

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 61% 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 57% of models
Score components

52%

6.4

Sound

20%

4.3

Features

10%

7.7

Design

8%

5.3

Connectivity

6%

4.7

Battery

4%

8.4

Calls & Controls

â–²Better than 57% 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

  • bowers-wilkins-p5-wireless
  • bowers-wilkins-p5-wireless
  • bowers-wilkins-p5-wireless
  • bowers-wilkins-p5-wireless
  • bowers-wilkins-p5-wireless
  • bowers-wilkins-p5-wireless
  • bowers-wilkins-p5-wireless
  • bowers-wilkins-p5-wireless
bowers-wilkins-p5-wireless
bowers-wilkins-p5-wireless
bowers-wilkins-p5-wireless
bowers-wilkins-p5-wireless
bowers-wilkins-p5-wireless
bowers-wilkins-p5-wireless
bowers-wilkins-p5-wireless
bowers-wilkins-p5-wireless

Best prices

    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.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless

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 57% of models
Score components:

52%

6.4

Sound

20%

4.3

Features

10%

7.7

Design

8%

5.3

Connectivity

6%

4.7

Battery

4%

8.4

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 Wireless 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%

9.4

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
2
Number of microphones
2
â–² Better than 78% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 2 microphones, more microphones than 77.9% of headphones and equal to 8.9% 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
4.1
Bluetooth version
4.1
â–² Better than 62% of models
This pair of headphones uses Bluetooth version 4.1, newer Bluetooth version than 62.3% of headphones and equal to 5.4% of headphones.
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
?
Show more
Battery life
17 hours
Battery life
17 hours
â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life of 17 hours, lower battery life than 76% of headphones and equal to 0.8% of headphones.
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
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
?
Show more
Brand name
Bowers & Wilkins
Form factor
on-ear
Weight
213 g
Weight
213 g
â–² Better than 52% of models
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 213 g, lighter than 51.6% of headphones and equal to 0.2% 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 Wireless 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
  • 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.
  • AptX Adaptive support
    aptX Adaptive
    yes
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    This pair of headphones supports aptX Adaptive, the average pair of headphones does not. 6.7% of headphones support aptX Adaptive.
  • 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
  • 7 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    109 dB/mW
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    Market range: <94 dB/mW – >115 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (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
    On-device controls
    yes
    â–² Better than 53% of models
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device 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.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 7 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    109 dB/mW
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    Market range: <94 dB/mW – >115 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (109 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    109 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 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
  • AptX Adaptive support
    aptX Adaptive
    yes
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    This pair of headphones supports aptX Adaptive, the average pair of headphones does not. 6.7% of headphones support aptX Adaptive.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • On-device controls
    On-device controls
    yes
    â–² Better than 53% of models
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 1 more microphones
    Number of microphones
    2
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This pair of headphones has more microphones than the average pair of headphones (2 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    2 vs 1
  • 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
  • 13 hours shorter battery life
    Battery life
    17 hours
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (17 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    17 hours vs 30 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
  • 5.87x less popular
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless 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.
  • 2.44x more expensive
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£220 vs £90).
    £220 vs £90
  • 3.6% worse value for money
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (7.02 vs 7.3).
    7.02 vs 7.27
  • 5.87x less popular
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 2.44x more expensive
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£220 vs £90).
    £220 vs £90
  • 3.6% worse value for money
    Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (7.02 vs 7.3).
    7.02 vs 7.27
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 13 hours shorter battery life
    Battery life
    17 hours
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (17 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    17 hours vs 30 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

Video reviews

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

Third-party reviews

What we 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 we don't like 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.

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.

Compare Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless with other products in the Headphones category

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of Bowers & Wilkins P5 Wireless and other products in the Headphones category

No results found