Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Wireless Headphones Revealed

The Px8 S2 represents the most advanced headphone Bowers & Wilkins has ever produced. Let that statement sink in for a moment. This company's back catalogue includes some of the most respected wireless designs of the past decade — from the critically acclaimed PX7 S3 to the Px8, which earned praise as a benchmark-setting flagship. For B&W to declare the S2 its best yet sets the tone for everything that follows.

The new model carries forward the PX8’s design DNA, but is slimmer, more refined, and dressed in luxurious Nappa leather across every primary surface. Even the case is more compact, aimed at making the headphone easier to live with day-to-day. Available in Onyx Black or Warm Stone, the headphones feature a new exposed cable detail within the aluminium arm structure. Importantly, the cushions and headband are replaceable by trained service engineers to ensure long-term pride of ownership.

The real engineering leap comes from 40mm Carbon Cone drive units, now supported by a redesigned chassis, voice coil, suspension and magnet. The drivers are angled toward the listener’s ears for improved imaging and stereo spaciousness, while a dedicated discrete amplifier promises more scale and energy than before.

Wireless performance has also been taken up a notch. Alongside aptX Adaptive, the Px8 S2 supports Qualcomm’s new aptX Lossless codec, capable of 24-bit/96kHz playback from compatible sources. High-resolution streaming from services like Qobuz and TIDAL is supported directly via the Bowers & Wilkins Music app, while 3.5mm analogue and USB-C digital connections are also included, with both cables supplied in the carry case.

Noise-cancelling is handled by a refined system derived from the PX7 S3, with eight microphones strategically placed around each earcup. These work together to suppress external noise without harming the musicality of the presentation, while ADI Pure Voice processing ensures strong call clarity.

Battery life remains impressive at 30 hours with ANC engaged, while a 15-minute quick charge delivers up to seven hours of listening. Control comes via both physical buttons and the Music app, which now offers a five-band EQ alongside the brand’s “True Sound” default tuning. A revised control layout makes physical interaction more intuitive, with the Quick Action button cycling between ANC modes or activating voice assistants.

Future-proofing is also promised, with spatial audio support arriving later this year via an over-the-air update, followed by Bluetooth LE Audio with Auracast.

Giles Pocock, VP of Brand Marketing at Bowers & Wilkins, said:

The Px8 S2 sets the benchmark once again, recalibrating expectations for sound quality, design, and craftsmanship. It’s the ultimate expression of our mission: to bring listeners even closer to the artist’s performance.

While the PX7 S3 is widely regarded as Bowers & Wilkins’ most acclaimed all-rounder, the Px8 has stood as the brand’s luxury flagship — a position the new Px8 S2 now seeks to elevate further. Arriving three years after the original PX8, the S2 revision comes with expectations riding high following StereoNET’s glowing review of the PX7 S3 by Matt Jensy and Jay Garrett’s appraisal of the Px8 back in 2022, which we said at the time 'left a clear gap between it and the Sennheiser and Sony alternatives'.

With its combination of elevated design, new driver technology, aptX Lossless support and long-term upgradability, the Px8 S2 is positioned to set a new standard in the premium wireless headphone category. We look forward to putting it through its paces in a StereoNET review soon.

The Px8 S2 is available now priced at £629 | €729 | US$799 | A$1,299

For more information visit Bowers & Wilkins