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 PX5 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£260Form factor:on-earConnectivity:wirelessBattery life:25 hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):yes

Bowers & Wilkins PX5 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

7.8

Overall score

Score
7.8/ 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–² Better than 88% of models
Score components

80%

7.8

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–²Better than 88% of headphones
7.8

Technical score

Technical score
7.8/ 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 88% of models
Score components

52%

8.6

Sound

20%

7.0

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

6.4

Connectivity

6%

5.8

Battery

4%

8.7

Calls & Controls

â–²Better than 88% 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 PX5

Technical score
Technical score
7.8/ 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 88% of models
Score components:

52%

8.6

Sound

20%

7.0

Features

10%

7.2

Design

8%

6.4

Connectivity

6%

5.8

Battery

4%

8.7

Calls & Controls

7.8
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 PX5 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
8.2/ 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–² Better than 84% of models
Score components:

60%

7.8

Overall score

40%

9.2

Price

8.2
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
yes
â–² Better than 73% of models
This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
35.6 mm
Driver size
35.6 mm
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 35.6 mm, smaller driver size than 73.3% 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
6
Number of microphones
6
★ Better than 96% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 6 microphones, more microphones than 96% of headphones and equal to 2.4% 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
5
Bluetooth version
5
â–² Better than 71% of models
This pair of headphones uses Bluetooth version 5, newer Bluetooth version than 70.9% of headphones and equal to 13.1% 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
205 ms
Audio latency
205 ms
â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
Market range: <40 ms – >222 ms
This pair of headphones has audio latency of 205 ms, higher audio latency than 86.2% of headphones.
Multipoint support
yes
Multipoint support
yes
â–² Better than 69% of models
This pair of headphones supports multipoint. 69.4% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
yes
Ambient sound mode
yes
â–² Better than 75% of models
This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode. 75.2% 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
yes
Companion app
yes
â–² Better than 78% of models
This pair of headphones works with a companion app. 78.4% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
2
Adjustable ANC levels
2
★ Better than 93% of models
Market range: <2 – >12
This pair of headphones offers 2 adjustable ANC levels, more adjustable ANC levels than 93% of headphones and equal to 1.5% of headphones.
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
25 hours
Battery life
25 hours
â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life of 25 hours, lower battery life than 55.2% of headphones and equal to 3.3% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
25 hours
Battery life with ANC
25 hours
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
Market range: <15 hours – >55 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life with ANC of 25 hours, lower battery life with ANC than 61.3% of headphones and equal to 3.7% of headphones.
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
241 g
Weight
241 g
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 241 g, heavier than 59.2% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
3.6
Clamp force
3.6
â–² Better than 60% of models
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 3.6, lower clamp force than 60.4% of headphones and equal to 7.6% of headphones.
Show more

Bowers & Wilkins PX5 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Active noise cancellation
    Active noise cancellation (ANC)
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • Ambient sound mode
    Ambient sound mode
    yes
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • Companion app support
    Companion app
    yes
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    This pair of headphones works with a companion app, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
  • 17.7 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    119.7 dB/mW
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    Market range: <94 dB/mW – >115 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (119.7 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    119.7 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Multipoint support
    Multipoint support
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • Wear detection
    In/on-ear detection
    yes
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    This pair of headphones supports wear detection, the average pair of headphones does not. 8.6% of headphones support in/on-ear detection.
  • 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.
  • 12.8% better value for money
    Bowers & Wilkins PX5 has better value for money than the average pair of headphones (8.2 vs 7.3).
    8.2 vs 7.27
  • 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.
  • Active noise cancellation
    Active noise cancellation (ANC)
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This pair of headphones supports active noise cancellation, the average pair of headphones does not. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 17.7 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    Sensitivity
    119.7 dB/mW
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    Market range: <94 dB/mW – >115 dB/mW
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (119.7 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    119.7 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 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
  • 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
  • 11.2 dB SPL higher sound pressure level
    Sound pressure level
    114.2 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 (114.2 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
    114.2 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.
  • USB-C charging
    USB Type-C
    yes
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    This pair of headphones uses USB-C charging, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.5% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • 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.
  • Multipoint support
    Multipoint support
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • 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.
  • AptX HD support
    aptX HD
    yes
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    This pair of headphones supports aptX HD, the average pair of headphones does not. 7.6% of headphones support aptX HD.
  • 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.
  • Multipoint connections
    Multipoint connections
    yes
    â–² Better than 70% of models
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint connections, while the average pair of headphones does not. 30.2% of headphones support multipoint connections.
    supports multipoint for up to 2 devices.
  • Low-latency game mode
    Low-latency game mode
    yes
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    This pair of headphones includes a low-latency game mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.2% of headphones support low-latency game mode.
  • 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.
  • 5 more microphones
    Number of microphones
    6
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This pair of headphones has more microphones than the average pair of headphones (6 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    6 vs 1
  • 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.
  • Ambient sound mode
    Ambient sound mode
    yes
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This pair of headphones supports ambient sound mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
  • Companion app support
    Companion app
    yes
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    This pair of headphones works with a companion app, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
  • Wear detection
    In/on-ear detection
    yes
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    This pair of headphones supports wear detection, the average pair of headphones does not. 8.6% of headphones support in/on-ear detection.
  • 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
  • 4.4 mm smaller driver size
    Driver size
    35.6 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
    Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (35.6 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    35.6 mm vs 40 mm
  • 55 ms higher audio latency
    Audio latency
    205 ms
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    Market range: <40 ms – >222 ms
    This pair of headphones has a higher audio latency than the average pair of headphones (205 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    205 ms vs 150 ms
  • 5.87x less popular
    Bowers & Wilkins PX5 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 10.6% higher weight
    Weight
    241 g
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <14 g – >340 g
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (241 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    241 g vs 218 g
  • 2.89x more expensive
    Bowers & Wilkins PX5 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£260 vs £90).
    £260 vs £90
  • 5 hours shorter ANC battery life
    Battery life with ANC
    25 hours
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    Market range: <15 hours – >55 hours
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life with ANC than the average pair of headphones (25 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    25 hours vs 30 hours
  • 5 hours shorter battery life
    Battery life
    25 hours
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (25 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    25 hours vs 30 hours
  • 5.87x less popular
    Bowers & Wilkins PX5 is less popular than the average pair of headphones (1 vs 5.9).
    1 vs 5.87
  • 2.89x more expensive
    Bowers & Wilkins PX5 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£260 vs £90).
    £260 vs £90
  • 10.6% higher weight
    Weight
    241 g
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <14 g – >340 g
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (241 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    241 g vs 218 g
  • 4.4 mm smaller driver size
    Driver size
    35.6 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
    Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (35.6 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    35.6 mm vs 40 mm
  • 0.6 dB looser channel balance
    Channel balance tolerance
    1.1 dB
    â–¼ Worse than 79% 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 (1.1 dB vs 0.5 dB). The average headphones have channel balance tolerance of 0.5 dB.
    1.1 dB vs 0.5 dB
  • 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
  • 5 hours shorter ANC battery life
    Battery life with ANC
    25 hours
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    Market range: <15 hours – >55 hours
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life with ANC than the average pair of headphones (25 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    25 hours vs 30 hours
  • 5 hours shorter battery life
    Battery life
    25 hours
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (25 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    25 hours vs 30 hours
  • 55 ms higher audio latency
    Audio latency
    205 ms
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    Market range: <40 ms – >222 ms
    This pair of headphones has a higher audio latency than the average pair of headphones (205 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    205 ms vs 150 ms

Video reviews

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

Third-party reviews

What we like about Bowers & Wilkins PX5

  • Excellent build quality utilizing premium materials like carbon fiber composite
  • Rich, warm sound profile with a surprisingly expansive soundstage for on-ear headphones
  • Strong battery life offering up to 25 hours of playback with fast-charging support
  • Low wireless latency thanks to Qualcomm aptX Adaptive Bluetooth protocol support
  • Lightweight and highly portable design ideal for daily commuting
  • Intuitive wear-detection sensors that automatically pause and resume playback

What we don't like about Bowers & Wilkins PX5

  • Firm clamping force and headband pressure can cause discomfort during long sessions
  • Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is decent but less powerful than over-ear competitors
  • Bass-heavy tuning out of the box with no companion app EQ available to customize it
  • Integrated microphone delivers sub-par recording and noise-handling quality during calls
  • On-ear fit requires precise placement on the ears to maintain ideal sound isolation
  • High price point compared to other options in the on-ear category

Verdict

The Bowers & Wilkins PX5 is a premium wireless on-ear headphone featuring custom-designed 35.6mm dynamic drivers and a sturdy carbon fiber composite frame. It utilizes Bluetooth 5.0 with support for high-resolution aptX Adaptive, HD, and AAC codecs, alongside a 10Hz – 30kHz frequency response and a 25-hour battery life that offers 5 hours of playback from a quick 15-minute charge. Main pros include its lightweight and durable luxury build, natural sound signature with rich bass, and intelligent wear-detection sensors that auto-pause music when an earcup is lifted. However, notable cons include an on-ear clamping force that may cause discomfort during long sessions, less powerful noise cancellation compared to over-ear models, and a companion app that lacks EQ customization.

Compare Bowers & Wilkins PX5 with other products in the Headphones category

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