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 P9 Signature Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£790Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wiredBattery life:N/A hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Bowers & Wilkins P9 Signature Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

5.0

Overall score

Score
5.0/ 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 97% of models
Score components

80%

5.0

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 97% of headphones
5.0

Technical score

Technical score
5.0/ 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–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Score components

52%

5.5

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.6

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.4

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 92% 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-p9-signature
  • bowers-wilkins-p9-signature
  • bowers-wilkins-p9-signature
  • bowers-wilkins-p9-signature
  • bowers-wilkins-p9-signature
  • bowers-wilkins-p9-signature
  • bowers-wilkins-p9-signature
  • bowers-wilkins-p9-signature
  • bowers-wilkins-p9-signature
  • bowers-wilkins-p9-signature
bowers-wilkins-p9-signature
bowers-wilkins-p9-signature
bowers-wilkins-p9-signature
bowers-wilkins-p9-signature
bowers-wilkins-p9-signature
bowers-wilkins-p9-signature
bowers-wilkins-p9-signature
bowers-wilkins-p9-signature
bowers-wilkins-p9-signature
bowers-wilkins-p9-signature

Best prices

    N/A~ £790

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 P9 Signature

Technical score
Technical score
5.0/ 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–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Score components:

52%

5.5

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.6

Design

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Battery

4%

6.4

Calls & Controls

5.0
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 P9 Signature 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
5.4/ 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 97% of models
Score components:

60%

5.0

Overall score

40%

6.3

Price

5.4
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
2 Hz
Lowest frequency
2 Hz
★ Better than 100% of models
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 2 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 99.9% of headphones and equal to 0.1% 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
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
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
over-ear
Weight
413 g
Weight
413 g
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 413 g, heavier than 95.7% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
?
Show more

Bowers & Wilkins P9 Signature vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Spatial audio support
    Spatial audio
    yes
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 16 Hz lower bass extension
    Lowest frequency
    2 Hz
    ★ Better than 100% of models
    Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (2 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    2 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 10,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Highest frequency
    30,000 Hz
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <20k Hz – >40k Hz
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (30000 Hz vs 20000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20000 Hz.
    30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 39.7 mm more spacious earcup height
    Earcup inner height
    99.7 mm
    ★ Better than 100% of models
    Market range: <43 mm – >73 mm
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (99.7 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    99.7 mm vs 60 mm
  • 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.
  • 3.8 m longer cable length
    Cable length
    5 m
    ★ Better than 99% of models
    Market range: <1.2 m – >3 m
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (5 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    5 m vs 1.2 m
  • 39.7 mm more spacious earcup height
    Earcup inner height
    99.7 mm
    ★ Better than 100% of models
    Market range: <43 mm – >73 mm
    This pair of headphones offers more spacious earcup height than the average pair of headphones (99.7 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    99.7 mm vs 60 mm
  • 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.
  • 3.8 m longer cable length
    Cable length
    5 m
    ★ Better than 99% of models
    Market range: <1.2 m – >3 m
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (5 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    5 m vs 1.2 m
  • Spatial audio support
    Spatial audio
    yes
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 16 Hz lower bass extension
    Lowest frequency
    2 Hz
    ★ Better than 100% of models
    Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
    This pair of headphones has a lower lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (2 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    2 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 10,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Highest frequency
    30,000 Hz
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <20k Hz – >40k Hz
    This pair of headphones has a higher highest frequency than the average pair of headphones (30000 Hz vs 20000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20000 Hz.
    30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 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.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Has passive noise reduction
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 89.4% higher weight
    Weight
    413 g
    â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
    Market range: <14 g – >340 g
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (413 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    413 g vs 218 g
  • 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.
  • 7.6 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    94.4 dB/mW
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <94 dB/mW – >115 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (94.4 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    94.4 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 8.78x more expensive
    Bowers & Wilkins P9 Signature is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£790 vs £90).
    £790 vs £90
  • 34.3% worse value for money
    Bowers & Wilkins P9 Signature has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (5.41 vs 7.3).
    5.41 vs 7.27
  • 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 P9 Signature is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 8.78x more expensive
    Bowers & Wilkins P9 Signature is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£790 vs £90).
    £790 vs £90
  • 34.3% worse value for money
    Bowers & Wilkins P9 Signature has worse value for money than the average pair of headphones (5.41 vs 7.3).
    5.41 vs 7.27
  • 5.87x less popular
    Bowers & Wilkins P9 Signature is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 89.4% higher weight
    Weight
    413 g
    â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
    Market range: <14 g – >340 g
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (413 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    413 g vs 218 g
  • 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.
  • No passive noise reduction
    Has passive noise reduction
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 7.6 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    94.4 dB/mW
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <94 dB/mW – >115 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (94.4 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    94.4 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 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.
  • 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 P9 Signature

  • Premium and luxurious build quality utilizing forged aluminium and Italian Saffiano leather.
  • Powerful, deep, and rich bass response that provides a punchy and fun listening experience.
  • Clear, detailed midrange that handles vocals excellently.
  • Immersive and expansive soundstage with accurate instrument imaging.
  • Easy to drive directly from smartphones and portable devices without requiring heavy amplification.
  • Comes with a generous accessory package, including three detachable cables and a premium carrying case.
  • Foldable design that allows the large frame to collapse for easier storage.

What we don't like about Bowers & Wilkins P9 Signature

  • Extremely expensive original retail price, creating a poor value proposition for some buyers.
  • Comfort issues for certain users due to a rigid headband design, strong clamping force, and a firm internal earpad structure.
  • Sound profile leans heavily toward a dark, warm, and embellished bass signature, which may frustrate audiophiles seeking neutrality.
  • Large, bulky, and heavy physical footprint makes them less practical for daily commuting.
  • Subpar noise isolation and significant sound leakage for a closed-back design, due to the semi-open acoustic architecture.
  • Utilizes a proprietary cable locking mechanism inside the earcup, making third-party replacements difficult.

Verdict

The Bowers & Wilkins P9 Signature is a flagship over-ear wired headphone featuring 40mm angled piston diaphragm drivers designed to simulate a natural stereo soundstage. Technically, it boasts an expansive frequency response of 2Hz–30kHz, a low 22-ohm impedance for easy mobile driving, and 111dB/V sensitivity with less than 0.2% distortion. Its premium build utilizes forged aluminium and Italian Saffiano leather with memory foam ear cushions for a luxurious aesthetic and durable finish. Main pros include its exceptional midrange clarity, weighty and agile bass, and high-fidelity detail retrieval that performs well even without dedicated amplification. However, notable cons include its relatively high weight of 415g, low passive sound isolation for a closed-back model, and a lack of modern features like active noise cancellation or wireless connectivity.

Compare Bowers & Wilkins P9 Signature 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 P9 Signature and other products in the Headphones category

No results found