Compare Nothing Headphone (1) vs Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 Headphones

ANC is broadly considered strong for the price and effective for travel/commuting, but it is usually ranked a step behind the best from Sony/Bose/Apple, especially for voices or tougher scenarios. Noise control modes and adjustability are a highlight: reviews repeatedly mention multiple ANC levels/adaptive behavior and the ability to map controls to switch modes.

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.

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

The Nothing X app is repeatedly described as one of the best parts of the experience, with feature access, customization, and settings that help compensate for default tuning.

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.

Several reviews mention low-latency or gaming modes and head-tracking features; real-world A/V performance is generally positioned as competent, not a class-leading differentiator.

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

Bass is usually described as controlled and textured rather than skull-rattling, with bass-enhancer tools available; some reviewers still want tighter tuning out of the box.

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 a consistent highlight, with many reviews citing long runtime (often around 35 hours with ANC and far more without) and strong real-world endurance. Replaceable battery support is generally weak, with at least one review calling out a non-user-friendly internal battery design.

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 stability is generally good with modern pairing features, though a few reviews mention occasional dropouts depending on environment or device.

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 quality is generally seen as solid and premium-feeling for $299, though some reviews note more plastic than expected or worry about long-term cosmetic wear.

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

Physical controls (roller + paddle + buttons + power switch) are a major highlight for tactility, but a few reviews mention learning curve, finicky behavior, or coarse volume steps.

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.

Included cables are generally viewed as fine, though at least one review notes limitations (such as a 3-pole 3.5mm cable that does not carry mic).

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 case is usually described as sturdy and protective with space for cables, but multiple reviewers call it large or mention zipper/material quirks.

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

Fast charging is frequently praised, with multiple reviews citing a short top-up delivering hours of playback; full-charge times are generally described as typical.

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

Clamping force is commonly described as secure without being overly tight, though individual fit can vary and some users still feel pressure over time.

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 and connection support is repeatedly highlighted as a strength, with common mentions of SBC/AAC/LDAC and both USB-C and 3.5mm wired options.

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.

Comfort is often rated good-to-very-good for long sessions, but the weight and occasional headband/pad pressure points mean not everyone finds it as effortless as the lightest competitors.

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.

Design is consistently described as distinctive and polarizing, with many praising the transparent, cassette-like aesthetic and premium look for the price.

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

Having both USB-C audio and a 3.5mm option is repeatedly praised for flexibility, especially for laptops, planes, and modern phones.

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.

Ear pad comfort and seal are regularly praised, though some reviews mention thinner cushioning than expected, heat buildup, or pressure on certain ear shapes/accessories.

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.

Cups generally rotate to lie flat, which helps neck-wear and packing, but the design can cause the squared corners to bump or rattle against each other.

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

EQ customization is a defining strength: multiple reviews highlight an advanced, multi-band/parametric-style EQ (often with Q control) plus shareable presets/QR codes.

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.

Find My-style features are generally limited to making the headphones play a sound, which helps for nearby locating but is not a full tracker replacement.

Measured and subjective impressions frequently point to a non-neutral stock response (often described as dark), with EQ being the practical path to a more accurate balance.

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 adjustment works smoothly for most, but at least one review dislikes the adjustment ergonomics and others wish for more headband padding.

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.

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.

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

Instrument separation is often praised as solid or good once the tonal balance is corrected, though some reviewers still find complex mixes can feel crowded compared to top rivals.

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.

LDAC support is consistently called out across reviews and is a core part of the product’s high-res pitch for compatible Android devices.

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

At higher volumes, several reviewers report low distortion and clear playback, though ultimate refinement and dynamics are not always on par with premium flagships.

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.

Mic noise reduction is usually strong for steady noise and wind, but some reviews report aggressive noise gating or weaker handling of echo/reverberant rooms.

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 often described as clear and workable, with some reviews praising voice pickup in noisy streets; others call it merely average or slightly robotic compared with top rivals.

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 performance varies by tuning: vocals can sound clear and forward after tweaks, but several reviews note too much lower-mid presence or a dull/veiled midrange on default settings.

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.

Multipoint is commonly cited as supported and functional, enabling quick switching between two devices; reliability feedback is mostly positive.

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

Passive isolation is consistently strong thanks to a good seal and memory-foam style pads, meaning ANC has a solid foundation in many real-world 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.

Portability is a weak spot versus foldable rivals: cups rotate flat but the headphones do not fold up, making the carry footprint and case bulkier.

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.

Preset profiles and simpler EQ tools are generally helpful, but several reviewers still prefer custom EQ to get the best tonal balance.

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.

Replaceable earpad support is mixed: some sources mention pads can be removed or obtained via customer service, while others say replacement availability is unclear.

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

Wear-detection and other sensors work well for many users, but some reports mention inconsistent behavior on specific devices (for example, desktop pairing scenarios).

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

Surface oils and cosmetic marks can show up on the materials, with some reviewers noting it wipes off easily but is not especially resistant to smudging.

Setup is usually straightforward thanks to modern pairing features, though a few reviews note hidden settings or small/hard-to-find pairing controls.

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

Sound quality is widely seen as good hardware with polarizing default tuning: some hear clean, balanced clarity, while many describe the stock sound as dark/flat or a bit compressed until EQ is applied. Wired listening over USB-C and/or 3.5mm is frequently mentioned; some reviewers note slightly improved clarity when wired, but not a dramatic transformation.

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.

Soundstage is generally not class-leading; multiple reviews call it narrower or less expansive than Sony/Apple competitors, even if separation can be decent after tuning.

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 included and often paired with head tracking, but opinions on its usefulness vary widely; several reviews call it mediocre or not worth using for music.

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.

Sustainability signals are limited in reviews: some note repairability steps (like pad access) but also a lack of recycled materials or overt eco focus.

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 generally usable and fairly natural, but a recurring complaint is that the wearer’s own voice can sound boomy and/or the passthrough can be less airy than the best implementations.

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.

Treble is a common critique in default mode, with multiple reviewers calling it muted or lacking sparkle; EQ can restore more air and bite for cymbals and vocals.

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 is a frequently praised feature because it supports charging and USB-C audio, adding modern wired flexibility.

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

Voice assistant hooks and programmable button behavior are widely mentioned, with extra integrations for Nothing phones and more basic assistant triggering on other devices.

Volume output is generally adequate, but at least one review notes limited headroom and less precise volume stepping than some competitors.

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

IP52 is a standout feature in this category and is repeatedly praised as practical for sweat and light splashes, even if it is not a high waterproof rating.

At ~329g, weight is noticeable: reviewers often say it’s lighter than AirPods Max but heavier than Sony/Bose alternatives, which can affect long-wear comfort.

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.