British audio manufacturer Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) has been revered for its loudspeakers, fusing sound quality with aesthetics. Yet, its wireless noise-canceling headphones had not lived up to this acclaim until now. Bowers & Wilkins headphones have generally commanded higher prices than rivals, with sound and features trailing behind. I anticipated the same for the Px7 S3 over-ear headphones. However, after testing them, I shifted my perspective. They not only deliver excellent audio but also outshine the all-plastic design of the Sony XM6 headphones.

Let’s delve into my complete review of the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 headphones.

**The all-new B&W Px7 S3 Headphones: Just the specs**

Essentials:

– **Microphones:** 8
– **Connectivity:** Bluetooth 5.3 (aptX Adaptive/Lossless support)
– **Battery:** 30 hours with ANC
– **Charge time:** ~3.5 hours
– **Noise cancellation:** Active noise cancellation
– **Spatial audio:** Planned (future software update needed)
– **Colors:** Anthracite Black, Canvas White, Indigo Blue
– **Inputs:** USB-C
– **Quick charge:** 7 hours in 15 minutes
– **Materials:** Fabric, aluminum, synthetic leather

**Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 review: What’s fresh?**

The Px7 S3 boasts enhancements from the S2 and S2e, featuring a more streamlined shape, a revamped headband, relocated controls, support for aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless codecs, added microphones, enhanced ANC and transparency, and updated driver design. The Bowers & Wilkins Music app now includes a five-band equalizer. A forthcoming software update will introduce spatial audio, a standard element in other premier headphones, which is lamentable considering the equivalent pricing to the new Sony XM6 noise-canceling models.

**What remains unchanged?**

Battery life continues to offer 30 hours (plus 7 hours of quick charge after just 15 minutes). It still comes with a zippered hard case and USB-C as well as 3.5mm analog cable. Lossless, high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/96kHz is supported through USB-C.

**Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 review: Admiring the design**

The Px7 S3 excels in aesthetics. The blend of fabric, aluminum, and synthetic leather, combined with B&W’s elegant design, makes them visually striking and comfortable. When set against Sony’s 1000X series or Apple’s AirPods Max, the Px7 S3 stands out aesthetically whether you’re wearing them or displaying them. Offered in Anthracite Black, Indigo Blue, and Canvas White, the Px7 S3 features a broader headband and more cushioned earcups for greater comfort. The single-sided yokes facilitate earcup adjustment when worn around the neck. My sole grievance is the thickness and rigidity of the USB-C cable for USB Audio listening.

**Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 review: Controls**

The control buttons are now positioned on the beveled outer edge of the earcups, enhancing accessibility. The volume buttons are larger, while the multifunction button is more compact compared to the Px7 S2. The ANC button on the left earcup allows for swift mode changes, although cycling through all modes (ANC > Transparency > Off) is necessary. You can manage ANC with the button or activate your voice assistant, but not simultaneously. The wear sensors function effectively, pausing and resuming playback when the earcups are taken off or put on.

**Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3: Noise cancellation and transparency**

Equipped with eight microphones, the Px7 S3 enhances ANC and transparency mode. ANC is improved, though still not on par with Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Sony WH-1000XM6. The transparency mode is greatly enhanced, providing clear voice transmission. While it may not rival the pristine quality of Apple’s AirPods Max, it is suitable for phone calls and informal conversations.

**Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 review: Remarkable sound quality**

The Px7 S3 incorporates redesigned and upgraded drivers, which enhance clarity, definition, soundstage, and precision. These headphones finally sound as impressive as they appear. With aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless codecs and high-resolution USB audio connectivity, the audio quality is superior, even compared to standard Bluetooth connections. The True Sound EQ setting in the Bowers & Wilkins Music app ensures a balanced sound profile, with the ability to adjust using a five-band equalizer. The bass is authoritative, mids are crisp, and highs are well-balanced, akin to the tuning of Sony’s WH-1000XM6.

**Call quality**

The extra microphones elevate call quality, minimizing background noise. Although loud environments might still cause voice distortion, most callers won’t realize you’re not at your desk. The transparency mode helps reduce voice fatigue during conversations.

**Bowers & Wilkins Px7**