New Heights of Sound: Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 Delivers Premium Audio Performance, Yet Struggles with Price and Features

When searching for wireless earbuds, various factors need to be taken into account. Some users prioritize superior active noise cancellation (ANC), while others focus on features that support extended wear. There are also those who seek smooth smartphone integration, as well as audiophiles looking for top-notch sound quality. If you belong to the latter group, then the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 ($399) is certainly worth a look.

The brand has a track record of delivering outstanding audio performance in over-ear headphones. However, its wireless earbuds have not quite matched that standard. They offered impressive clarity and a good understanding of intricate details within the music, but there was still room for improvement in achieving a richer, more immersive soundstage. With the Pi8, the brand has revamped its sound technology, integrating larger drivers for greater nuance and improved bass quality. Unfortunately, Bowers & Wilkins still needs to make further enhancements to truly compete with the top contenders.

Bowers & Wilkins

82100Expert Score

Bowers & Wilkins Pi8

The Pi8 represents an audio enhancement over the previous Pi7 model. However, its average ANC capabilities and lack of advanced features detract from the overall experience.

Pros

• Superb audio clarity
• Improved bass response
• Dependable multipoint connectivity

Cons

• High price point
• Average ANC quality
• Lack of advanced features

$399 at Amazon

What’s good about the Pi8?

Bowers & Wilkins has launched a completely revamped design with the Pi8, offering a different ergonomic shape when compared to the Pi7 S2. This latest version features a more streamlined, oval design that contributes to a more sophisticated appearance. The company has also incorporated unique details, such as a microphone grille that spans the width of the earbuds, effectively concealing components that were traditionally more visible. The exterior area also registers taps and long presses for answering calls and controlling audio playback, providing prompt feedback.

The most significant improvement in the Pi8 is in sound quality. With larger 12mm carbon cone drivers replacing the 9.2mm dynamic drivers found in the Pi7 S2, the audio experience is noticeably elevated. Moreover, the shift to 32-bit digital signal processing (DSP) from the prior 24-bit is another enhancement. These earbuds now also support aptX Lossless, a step up from the aptX Adaptive provided by their predecessor. Bowers & Wilkins asserts that these upgrades, especially the new drivers, help minimize distortion and enhance high-frequency details.

I found their claims to be accurate; the Pi8 indeed boasts improved detail over the Pi7 S2, which were already known for their clarity. For instance, in *Catch for Us the Foxes* by mewithoutYou, the interplay between the two guitar parts is distinctly audible throughout many tracks. The guitars are noticeably present over the powerful kick drum and resonant bass lines, while Aaron Weiss’ spoken-word vocals stand out amid the instrumental mix, filled with emotional depth and meaning.

The bass performance on the Pi8 has also seen enhancements. While it never overwhelms, it delivers robust kick drum sounds suitable for rock and metal genres, driving the songs forward without obscuring other components. An exemplary display of this is found in the album *I Hope I Die Here* by No Cure. Here, the drums effectively guide thick guitar riffs during dynamic passages while keeping everything distinct and clear. Even amidst entirely screamed vocals, every word remains easily understandable rather than being lost in the mix.

Bowers & Wilkins has also extended the battery life to 6.5 hours with ANC activated, which is 90 minutes longer than what the Pi7 S2 offered. This duration is edging closer to models like Sony’s WF-1000XM5, which have an eight-hour ANC usage rating. Furthermore, Bowers & Wilkins has included support for wireless transmission through the charging case, enabling use with devices that lack Bluetooth connectivity, such as in-flight entertainment systems. While this isn’t a novel feature, as brands like JBL have integrated similar capabilities, it’s still a rarity in the market.

What’s not so good about the Pi8?

The primary drawback of the Pi8 is its price: $399. In contrast, Sony’s WF-1000XM5 launched at $300, although they typically retail around $200, and have consistently topped our best earbuds list since then. Bowers & Wilkins products typically demand a premium, and this case is no exception. While the Pi8 delivers a more intricately detailed sound compared to the M5s, Sony offers features that enhance user experience.

For example, Sony’s flagship model can automatically pause audio when it detects that you are speaking. It also has the ability to adjust sound profiles based on your surroundings, thereby streamlining your experience. Incorporating such automation could significantly expand the Pi8’s functionality. While the fundamentals are well-executed in the latest release from Bowers & Wilkins, there are no additional features that justify its higher price.

This limitation also extends to customization options on the Pi8. While there is a 5-band EQ in the accompanying app for adjusting sound settings and the functionality of long presses can be modified, users can only select between ANC/ambient sound (left) and voice assistant (right) or volume controls (right up, left down). This lack of flexibility in toggling between noise cancellation and transparency mode in exchange for volume control options is a notable disadvantage. Both features are essential, and it would be preferable not to rely on the phone for these adjustments.

Active noise cancellation is another aspect where the Pi8 falls short compared to competitors. It’s more akin to noise reduction, as the technology struggles to block out persistent sounds such as fans and white noise machines. Like many earbuds, voices can penetrate, though at about 50 percent volume they are less intrusive. ANC performance was mediocre in the Pi7 S2, and this remains a point for the brand to improve in order to compete with the likes of Bose.

The final verdict on the Pi8

Bowers & Wilkins continues to impress with its sound quality. The company’s Px7 S2e headphones are my top recommendation for best overall sound quality, and I might award the same recognition to the Pi8 for earbuds. In essence, few brands deliver sound profiles with the level of detail, nuance, and richness that Bowers & Wilkins consistently achieves. Superior audio capability is undoubtedly the predominant reason to consider these earbuds.

Nonetheless, there are vital functions that ANC earbuds must fulfill. They should effectively block ambient noises, and the Pi8 does not excel in this area. I believe advanced features such as speech recognition, adaptive noise control, and other automated functions are crucial as we move into 2025. Additionally, the capacity for extensive customization of controls and settings is equally important. These features are absent in the Pi8, and while some users may overlook this, I contend that $400 earbuds should be comprehensive and almost flawless. The Pi8 illustrates that Bowers & Wilkins is progressing significantly, yet still has areas in which to develop.