Bowers & Wilkins has long been synonymous with high-end audio, and their Pi8 wireless earbuds continue this tradition. Positioned as a premium alternative to competitors like the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods Pro 2, the Pi8 promises audiophile-grade sound, effective noise cancellation, and luxurious design. But do they deliver?
The Pi8 exudes sophistication, with a sleek, modern design that reflects B&W’s premium aesthetics. Available in Anthracite Black, Dove White, Jade Green and Midnight Blue, the earbuds feel well-built and lightweight, making them suitable for extended listening sessions. The touch controls are intuitive, though some users might prefer physical buttons for reliability.
Fit is generally secure, with multiple ear-tip sizes included to ensure passive noise isolation. While comfortable, the size of the earbuds may not be ideal for those with smaller ears.
Sound has always been Bowers & Wilkins’ forte, and the Pi8 delivers in spades. These earbuds feature 24-bit high-resolution audio processing and custom-designed 12mm dynamic drivers, resulting in rich, detailed, and immersive sound.
With support for aptX Adaptive, the Pi8 optimizes audio quality based on the connection, ensuring CD-quality wireless streaming. If you’re an audiophile, these might be the best-sounding true wireless earbuds available today.
B&W’s Adaptive Noise Cancellation (ANC) is highly effective, though slightly behind Sony’s industry-leading ANC. It successfully reduces ambient noise in offices, cafes, and transit, though wind noise can sometimes interfere.
Call quality is above average, thanks to six built-in microphones. While voices come through clearly, performance in windy or crowded environments could be improved.
With up to 6.5 hours of playback on a single charge and an additional 20 hours from the case, battery life is decent but falls short of competitors like the Sony WF-1000XM5 (8-12 hours).
Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth 5.2, supporting multi-point pairing and fast device switching. The B&W Music app allows customization of EQ settings and ANC levels, though it lacks some advanced features found in rival apps.
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 are among the finest true wireless earbuds for sound quality, delivering an exceptional listening experience. While their ANC and battery life don’t quite match Sony’s offerings, they outperform in audio fidelity.
✅ Pros:
✔️ Outstanding audio quality with 24-bit processing
✔️ Premium design and build
✔️ Solid noise cancellation
✔️ High-resolution aptX Adaptive support
❌ Cons:
❌ Battery life could be better
❌ ANC slightly behind Sony’s flagship models
❌ Pricey
If audio quality is your top priority, the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 are an unmatched choice in the true wireless category.
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