Bowers & Wilkins PX7

£350

Two years after its first effort, the five-star PX headphones, Bowers & Wilkins’ second pair of flagship noise-cancellers arrived in the shape of the PX7. The company hopes that its combination of proprietary driver technology and Qualcomm’s aptx Adaptive Bluetooth codec will see the PX7 repeat the success of their predecessors, and take the fight to the best wireless noise-cancelling headphones currently on the market.

The PX7 were the first pair of headphones to feature aptx Adaptive. This Bluetooth technology combines the 24-bit/48khz capability of the widely adopted aptx HD with the benefits of aptx Low Latency (improved synchronicity of audio and video content). So, if you’re using the PX7 for gaming or smartphone apps, the sound in your ears should be instantaneous.

The other headline feature is noise-cancelling. Pressing the button on the headphones’ left cup allows you to cycle through modes (‘low’, ‘medium’ and ‘high’). ‘Low’ is fine for keeping office chatter and background noise out, while ‘high’ effectively cocoons you in silence, even in noisy real-life scenarios. Pressing the noise-cancellation button for two seconds initiates an ambient mode. The PX7’S battery life stretches to 30 hours of wireless ANC playback with a 15-minute charge via the USB-C port giving five hours of audio playback.

The PX7 are clear evolutions of their predecessors, with a branded badge and fabric finish on the elliptical earcups, but there have been some revisions to improve comfort. The arms are made from a custom carbon fibre composite that is lighter than the metal used in the PX’S design. At 310g, the PX7 feel notably lighter. The headband is well padded, while earpads clamp with a calculated pressure and provide a good seal.

Elsewhere, the cables are now hidden within the band, and the earcup’s central oval badge is now flush against the new, softer fabric for a more streamlined aesthetic. The Space Grey finish survives, although the PX’S Soft Gold has been swapped for a sophisticated Silver. There are big ‘L’ and ‘R’ graphics inside the respective earcups, too.

Striking pair of headphones

The PX7 look and feel a little cheaper than their predecessor, but we’d take them for their extra comfort. Ultimately, this is still one of the more striking pairs of headphones on the market.

Apart from the noise-cancelling button, the playback buttons are located on the right earcup in a logical configuration. The power slider initiates Bluetooth pairing mode, as well as play, pause and skip track and volume controls in a three-button strip.

The PX7 have a proximity sensor, so when you lift an earcup from your head, music is automatically paused. Returning it to your ear conveniently restarts playback. What’s less convenient is the PX7’S inability to fold into a more compact form. The cups do, though, twist flat to fit into their oval carry case.

At 43mm, the PX7’S drivers are the largest in B&W’S headphone collection, so what are they capable of? In short, a great deal. There’s a shared sonic DNA between the PX7 and their predecessors, with a solid, detailed and tonally balanced sound that prioritises rhythmic precision and communicates music in an entertaining way. But B&W’S engineers clearly haven’t been resting on their laurels, as they strive to meet the standards set by the arrival of fresh competition in the market.

The PX7 retain their predecessor’s character, but the gains they make in terms of clarity and detail are clear. With The Tallest Man On Earth’s There’s A Girl, the PX7 deliver the harmonica with greater dynamic expression while uncovering extra layers of insight into the accompanying guitar plucks and red-raw vocal.

Affecting melodies

We play Nick Cave’s Waiting For You and his lamentation and the piano melody feel more affecting, due not only to more transparency and clarity but also a bigger, more open soundstage. That contributes to a considerably better all-round performance that’s on a par with its closest competition.

Not only are the PX7 insightful, but their sonic character also prioritises entertainment – they are the headphone equivalent of that friend with seemingly inexhaustible supplies of energy.

We play St Vincent’s Sugarboys and they storm through the track’s pacey, pulsating electronica, bringing the saturated, synthy production to life and giving gravitas to the breakneck beats. The PX7 reveal more enthusiasm and drive than many of their peers, even if the Sonys have a more grounded disposition and sound more authentic in the way they convey music.

All a pair of headphones can do is sound, look and feel great – and the B&W PX7 tick all three boxes. In our initial hands-on review, we predicted that the PX7 would be up there with the very best noise-cancelling headphones, and that’s where they sit. These are a fine option – especially for those who value sonic sprightliness and street-cred style.