Compare Audio-Technica ATH-R70XA Headphones vs Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 Headphones

Multiple reviews explicitly mention the 3.5mm connection, often alongside the included 6.3mm adapter.

ANC is repeatedly described as a meaningful improvement for B&W and effective for commuting and travel, but many reviews still place it behind Sony and Bose at the top end. Wind and higher-frequency voices can be weak spots in some scenarios. ANC mode control is straightforward (on, off, pass-through) and can be mapped to a quick-action button in some setups. Reviewers note fewer adjustment options than Sony-style multi-mode systems.

The understated all-black styling is viewed positively and reads as low-key rather than flashy.

One review explicitly lists Android support.

Android compatibility is strong, especially thanks to codec breadth and aptX options. Several reviews contrast this with iOS being limited to AAC.

The companion app is generally considered clean and functional, offering key controls and some ecosystem integration. Multiple reviewers still call it simpler than Sony-style apps and note missing power-user features.

aptX support is repeatedly highlighted, including higher-end variants such as Adaptive and Lossless, making it particularly attractive for compatible Android and Snapdragon Sound devices.

Reviewers generally report good sync for video use, with latency described as not an issue for typical phone or laptop watching.

Bass impressions are mixed but generally controlled rather than exaggerated: some reviews heard full, extended, punchy low end, while others wanted more richness, slam, or sub-bass weight.

Bass is consistently described as impactful and controlled rather than boomy, with strong definition. Some listeners find it bass-forward at higher volumes, while others want a bit more sub-bass weight.

Battery life is consistently cited around 30 hours with ANC on, which is solid but not a class leader versus marathon models. Real-world tests generally align with the rating. Multiple reviews note the battery is not user-replaceable, which limits long-term serviceability compared to fully repair-friendly designs.

Bluetooth performance is described as stable and reliable in most reviews, including in congested environments. A small number of users report occasional skipping or hiccups, suggesting rare environment or device-specific issues.

Build impressions are mixed: some reviewers call construction excellent, solid, or sturdy enough, while others think it feels flimsy or too delicate for the price.

Build quality is consistently described as top-tier for the price, with premium materials, refined finish, and sturdy mechanisms.

Physical buttons are a plus for many, with tactile, clicky controls that work with gloves. A few reviews call the buttons small or the control layout limited compared to feature-heavy rivals.

The included cable is often described as long and locking, which helps studio use, but some reviewers find it too long or dislike the split-cable approach.

Included cables (USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to 3.5mm) are generally seen as premium and practical. A couple of reviewers suggest buying longer cables for desk or airplane use.

The carry solution is serviceable but not premium, with some reviews noting only a soft bag while another mentions a nice little carry case.

The hard case is repeatedly called excellent, with premium materials, good protection, and a useful magnetic compartment for cables.

Fast charging is a standout, with many references to short top-ups delivering multiple hours of playback.

Reviews that mention clamp describe low pressure and easy wear, especially with glasses, though the looser fit can feel unusual.

Clamp is commonly described as moderate-to-firm, helping stability when walking. For some heads it can create pressure points, while others find it secure and comfortable after break-in.

Codec support is a major strength, with broad compatibility (including aptX variants) plus wired USB-C audio options. Several reviews also mention upcoming firmware features like LE Audio, Auracast, and spatial audio depending on region and timing.

Long-session comfort is one of the most consistent strengths, with many reviewers saying they could wear them for hours or forget they were on.

Comfort is a consistent highlight, with many reviewers wearing them for hours without fatigue. However, some report firm clamp, earcup heat, or fit variability, especially for glasses wearers or outdoor use.

The wired connectivity is basic but clear, with support for 3.5mm and 6.3mm use.

Visually, reviewers describe them as sleek, stylish, simple, or modern, with a professional open-back look.

Design is frequently praised as sleek, understated, and premium, with a slimmer profile than prior generations and strong pride-of-ownership appeal.

Multiple reviews confirm the detachable dual-sided cable is reversible or easy to remove, though not everyone likes the format.

Detachable cables and USB-C audio add flexibility for laptops and in-flight systems, even without a native 3.5mm jack on the earcup. Most reviews note the headphones typically need to be powered on for wired listening.

One review explicitly questions long-term peace of mind because the thin build feels delicate.

Earpad comments are mostly positive, describing soft, thick, or comfortable pads, though one review found them slightly shallow.

Earpads are usually described as plush and premium with good sealing. A few reviews suggest padding feels slightly less supportive than prior models and can get warm over time.

One review directly criticizes the swivel as insufficient for fit and seal.

Swivel and rotation range are frequently noted as generous, helping the cups seal and sit flatter against the head for comfort and stability.

The 5-band EQ is widely welcomed as a major improvement over earlier B&W EQ options and is enough to correct stock tuning. Several reviews still consider it limited versus more granular 10-band systems.

Reviews often describe the tuning as flat, neutral, smooth, or monitoring-oriented, emphasizing that little is overhyped.

Tonal balance is described as neutral-with-warmth by several outlets, while others report noticeable swings and a more consumer-friendly curve. Overall, it is closer to balanced than purely V-shaped, but not a strict reference-flat tuning.

Headband fit is mixed: some found adjustment simple, while others said the system did not work well or stayed too loose on smaller heads.

Headband adjustment is smooth and easy to dial in, and padding is generally praised. Some users note mild top-of-head pressure depending on head shape and fit.

Comments on the headband padding are mixed but generally positive on softness; one review likes the fabric support band, while another finds the leatherette pad concept poorly executed.

One review says the swivel feels weak, raising concern about sturdiness around the hinge or yoke area.

Arms and hinge mechanisms are described as sturdy, with premium-feeling movement and good resistance. Long-term durability is generally expected to be strong based on materials.

The open presentation and surrounding effect are called immersive or enveloping in the reviews that address it.

Reviews mention a 3m split cable, 6.3mm adapter, and carry bag or pouch as the key items in the box.

Included accessories are viewed as generous for the segment, typically including a premium case and multiple cables for charging and wired playback.

The headphones are repeatedly described as good at separating elements or placing sounds clearly in the stereo field.

Instrument separation and layering are a standout, with reviewers repeatedly noting strong clarity in busy mixes and easy-to-track placement of vocals and instruments.

Multiple reviews point out LDAC is not supported, so LDAC-first Android users may need to choose a different model or use wired playback.

Even at higher volumes, the presentation stays largely clean and controlled, with low distortion noted in multiple reviews. The main caveat is that bass and treble emphasis can become more prominent if you listen loud.

Noise reduction on calls is effective at suppressing background noise, especially wind and street ambience in some demos. The tradeoff is occasional aggressive gating that can alter vocal tone.

Call quality is generally solid, with clear voice pickup and good intelligibility. In very noisy or windy conditions, some tests report the voice can sound a bit muffled or less natural than top performers like Sony or AirPods Max.

Midrange and vocals are a recurring strength, with multiple reviews calling them clear, forward, or easy to hear, though one reviewer felt the mids could verge into shout or honk.

Midrange is generally clean and detailed, but multiple reviewers describe it as slightly recessed in the stock tuning; EQ can bring vocals forward. Others highlight the mids as a core strength for clarity and realism.

One review explicitly lists iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows, and another says they suit everyday listening, mixing, mastering, and gaming.

Multipoint is frequently praised as quick and seamless, with fast take-over when switching between phone and computer playback.

As an open-back design, passive isolation is weak; reviewers note outside sound gets in and the headphones are poor for recording around microphones or noisy environments.

Passive isolation benefits from an easy-to-achieve seal and helps overall noise reduction. A few notes suggest fit, glasses, or positioning can change results noticeably.

Most reviewers recommend them for mixing, mastering, or critical listening, though several add caveats about bass preferences, fit, or build.

Reviews frame these as home or studio headphones rather than portable ones, with explicit warnings against bus or commuting use.

Portability is mixed: the headphones lie flat and the case is slimmer than before, but they do not fully fold and can take more bag space than foldable rivals.

Premium-feel reactions are split: one review says they feel premium, while another says the materials do not look luxurious.

True Sound and other presets are appreciated for a quick, consistent baseline, but reviewers note the preset lineup is not extensive and serious tuning relies on the manual EQ.

Reviews explicitly mention replaceable velour pads.

Replaceable earpads are a notable plus for longevity, though some reviewers note replacement may require service or specific procedures.

Reviews explicitly note that replacement earpads and headband parts are available.

Wear-detect and related sensors are commonly mentioned, with adjustability in the app and improved reliability versus older generations in some reports.

One review praises the simplicity of a no-app, no-button wired design: plug them in and play.

Setup is generally easy, with quick pairing and a straightforward app experience. Firmware updates and feature rollouts are occasionally cited as timing-dependent.

Sound leakage is a major, repeatedly confirmed trait of the open-back design; people nearby can hear what you are playing.

Reviews consistently describe the sound as natural, clear, and strong overall, with several calling it expertly tuned or great-sounding, though one reviewer found it only a fine fit for their tastes. The directly relevant wired-use review rates the sonic performance as expertly tuned.

Across reviews, the PX7 S3 is praised as one of the best-sounding wireless ANC over-ears in its price range, with an engaging, high-end presentation. A minority note the tuning can feel unconventional until you EQ it. Wired listening via USB-C is supported and often described as clearer or more detailed than Bluetooth, though some reviewers hear only modest gains. A few notes mention wired operation may require power and can be finicky depending on source and cable.

Reviewers repeatedly praise a spacious, open presentation, with several calling the stage wonderful, extended, or wider than expected.

Soundstage is described as spacious and well-layered for a closed-back ANC headphone, though not the widest in class. Several reviews frame it as more focused or intimate than some rivals, with strong depth and imaging.

Spatial audio is mentioned as a planned or coming-soon feature in several reviews, but availability at launch is inconsistent. In current form, it is not a primary reason to buy.

Fit stability is mixed: one reviewer says they stay on well despite light clamp, while another says they slowly slip on a smaller head.

Materials and serviceable parts (like pads and headband components) are positioned as more sustainable than fully disposable designs. Some reviews also emphasize vegan or leatherette options and longer-term repairability.

Transparency mode is often called natural and usable for announcements and quick conversations. Several comparisons say it is not the most open or bright in class, with some upper-frequency muffling.

Reviewers repeatedly say these are bad picks for commuting or public listening because of their open-back leakage and studio-oriented use.

Treble is usually described as clear, crisp, and smooth rather than piercing, though a few reviews note it is restrained or intentionally smooth instead of bright.

Treble is widely called airy and detailed with good sparkle. At louder listening levels, a few reviews mention sibilance or sharpness, so treble-sensitive listeners may prefer a mild EQ cut.

USB-C implementation is strong, covering charging and audio, and enabling high-resolution wired playback with compatible sources.

Value takes context: several reviewers think the performance justifies the price, but they also stress the need for a suitable use case and, sometimes, amplification.

Several reviews say the 470-ohm design needs proper power or a headphone amp, and can sound under-driven or require higher volume to open up.

Volume output is strong, with several comparisons calling it louder than key competitors at the same device volume settings.

Nearly every review highlights how exceptionally light they feel, often framing that as a major comfort advantage.

At roughly 300g, weight is acceptable for the materials and feels lighter than some heavy flagships, but heavier than the lightest Sony/Bose options. A few reviewers notice shifting while moving.