Compare Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 Headphones vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Gen)

Review evidence treats the included analog cable option as a practical premium accessory for wired use, not just a box-checking extra.

Analog input is useful and dedicated, though one reviewer notes the headphone-side cable connection is less common.

Reviewers broadly find ANC improved and often very good, though several still place Sony, Bose, or AirPods Max ahead in specific noise scenarios.

Active noise cancellation is the product’s strongest consensus win, repeatedly described as elite, best-in-class, or among the best available.

Advanced software is intentionally restrained: reviewers appreciate the fundamentals but note fewer rich extras than Sony, Bose, or Sennheiser-style rivals.

Advanced software features are mixed: CustomTune and acoustic compensation impress some reviewers, while others complain that Bose offers little new.

The slimmer, more discreet profile is repeatedly praised for looking less bulky while preserving Bowers & Wilkins' premium identity.

The profile is seen as discreet and attractive, with reviewers saying the headphones look good without standing out too much.

A couple of reviewers report a mild pressurized or adjusting sensation with ANC, making the background behavior good but not perfectly invisible.

ANC background noise is generally improved or very low, with reviewers praising quiet operation and reduced hiss, though not every review is flawless.

Tom's Guide specifically praises the ANC for making little to no audible change to the sonic character.

ANC-off mode is a sonic caveat because one reviewer says tonality worsens with ANC disabled.

Tom's Guide describes ANC's impact on the audio itself as minimal, a positive contrast to algorithms that alter the sound.

ANC is praised for not changing the headphone’s sonic character in one review’s listening.

Android compatibility is positive where reviewers mention Google Fast Pair and Snapdragon/aptX Adaptive support.

The app is generally seen as clean, useful, and easy to use, though not especially full-featured compared with richer competitors.

The app is generally easy to use, but reviewers often describe it as limited, basic, or not as feature-rich as rivals.

aptX support is treated as a meaningful high-quality and future-looking benefit, especially for non-iOS listeners with compatible devices.

aptX support is treated as a meaningful upside for compatible newer Android devices, even though the transcript renders it as AEX.

Wired USB-C listening is credited with reducing Bluetooth latency, giving it a practical audio-video sync benefit.

Auracast is discussed as an upcoming capability, but reviewer enthusiasm is cautious rather than proven by hands-on performance.

Wear detection for wake/play behavior is praised for quickly waking and connecting when the headphones are put on.

Auto on/off behavior is praised for quick wake, sleep, and battery-saving reliability.

Tom's Guide's audio award recognition reinforces the product's strong overall standing in its price class.

Award recognition is strong in the RecordingNow review, which gives the headphones an Editor’s Choice-style recognition.

Bass is usually praised for control, depth, slam, and texture, though a few reviewers find it elevated or less sub-bass-heavy than some rivals.

Bass is frequently praised as strong, deep, and enjoyable, though a few reviewers call the default balance bass-heavy or V-shaped.

Battery life is considered solid and sufficient at around 30 hours, but reviewers do not treat it as class-leading.

Battery life is improved and usually adequate, but reviewers commonly frame it as average, mid-pack, or not class-leading.

Bluetooth performance is generally praised for reliable pairing and flexible transmission quality, with one reviewer noting rare hiccups.

Bluetooth pairing is described as straightforward, supporting an easy day-to-day connection experience.

Bluetooth 5.4 is viewed mildly positively as a useful modern update rather than a major advantage.

Build quality is a major strength, with repeated praise for premium materials, finish, and construction.

Build quality is acceptable to good, but reviewers split between reassuring solidity and complaints about plasticky or less premium feel.

The built-in DAC and hi-res USB playback are appreciated, though one reviewer hears little improvement over strong wireless codecs.

The built-in DAC/USB-C hi-res path is repeatedly praised for clearer, more detailed, or higher-quality wired playback.

Physical controls are widely liked for being tactile, reliable, and easier than touch panels, despite some limitations in available shortcuts.

Button usability is mixed, with some reviewers liking the balance of buttons and touch and others criticizing overloaded controls.

Cable quality is viewed positively when reviewers mention the included cables, though one reviewer wishes for longer cables.

The hard case is consistently praised as sturdy, premium, protective, and well finished.

The carry case is usually praised as compact, protective, or sturdy, though a few reviewers find the fit awkward or the zip case less convenient.

Fast charging earns strong praise, especially the short top-up that adds several hours of playback.

Charging gets positive evidence from the quick-charge result and ability to recover several hours quickly.

Clamp is the main comfort caveat: some reviewers find it secure or well judged, while others feel pressure or tightness.

Clamping force is usually praised as gentle or well judged, though one reviewer found the fit snug.

Codec support is viewed as ample and premium, with aptX Lossless and high-resolution options standing out.

Codec support is viewed positively where aptX Adaptive/Snapdragon Sound support is relevant, especially for compatible Android devices.

Comfort is mostly strong across long sessions, helped by padding and fit, though clamp, heat, or glasses pressure appear in some reviews.

Comfort during long use is one of the most consistent strengths, with reviewers repeatedly saying the headphones can be worn for hours.

Connectivity options are considered flexible, especially USB-C and wired modes, but dead-battery wired listening is a noted limitation.

Connectivity options are a strength because reviewers say USB-C, analog, and Bluetooth make it hard to be stuck without a usable connection.

Design earns strong consensus for being elegant, understated, attractive, and premium-looking.

Design feedback is generally positive, with reviewers liking the modern look, finish options, and refined styling.

The lack of a low-latency dongle is a drawback when compared with more flexible rivals.

Durability evidence is positive but limited, mostly based on case wear and confidence in long-term construction.

Ear cup padding is praised in one review as plush, while another says the cushions feel less supportive than previous B&W models.

Earcup padding is strongly praised as plush, cushy, soft, and supportive.

The swivel and rotation range earns praise from one reviewer who specifically likes the inward and outward twisting motion.

Ecosystem integration is a useful extra for owners of other supported Bowers & Wilkins devices.

The 5-band EQ is widely welcomed as a big upgrade, though some reviewers still find it limited versus deeper EQ systems.

EQ customization is one of the most repeated complaints because Bose still relies on a simple three-band EQ.

Launch features are good but incomplete, with some promised functions missing at release.

The firmware roadmap is seen as encouraging because reviewers expect missing features to help the headphones catch up.

TechRadar praises the frequency balance for avoiding obvious overstatement or understatement across the range.

Frequency balance is debated: some reviewers hear an impressively balanced profile after EQ, while others find the default tuning bassy, safe, or not neutral.

Headband adjustment earns praise for smooth, well-damped movement and resistance.

Headband padding is usually praised, but one reviewer notes slight top-of-head pressure.

Headband padding is praised as soft and supportive, helping the headphones stay comfortable for long sessions.

The hinge and moving hardware are described positively because the moving parts use high-quality metal.

SoundGuys' measurements and commentary point to unusually strong immersiveness for spatially oriented content.

Immersive audio quality is highly split, with some reviewers loving cinema/spatial effects and others preferring normal stereo.

Included accessories are described as practical and premium, especially the case and both USB-C and analog cables.

Included accessories are appreciated, especially the case plus charging and audio cables.

Instrument separation is one of the most consistent audio strengths, with reviewers praising clarity, layering, and imaging.

Instrument separation is usually seen as good to excellent, though one reviewer notes it can struggle when mixes get busy.

The integrated microphones are judged positively by at least one reviewer for everyday conversation use.

The integrated microphone is serviceable to good, with clear call presence, though not always exceptional.

LDAC absence is treated as a drawback by reviewers who prefer that more common high-res Android codec.

LE Audio readiness is treated as an upcoming feature, but the reviewer expresses limited excitement before hands-on results.

LE Audio readiness is weak because one reviewer specifically complains that low-energy goodies are still missing.

Audio46 praises the louder output for staying clean without distortion.

Reviewers note that fine detail and micro-detail are not class-leading, even when the overall sound is enjoyable.

Microphone noise reduction is generally good, reducing background noise, but some road noise or muffling remains.

Microphone noise handling is generally positive, with reviewers saying voices stay clear and background noise is reduced well in common noisy settings.

Call microphone quality is mostly good to excellent, though a few reviewers find it less clear than Apple or Sony.

Call microphone quality is usually good enough to excellent, but not every reviewer finds it full-bodied or exceptional.

Midrange impressions are mixed: several praise natural vocals and body, while RecordingNow finds stock mids recessed.

Midrange feedback is mixed: several reviewers like vocal clarity and texture, while others hear recessed or dull low mids.

Multi-platform compatibility is a strength, especially for users switching across phones, laptops, Android, iOS, and other operating systems.

Multipoint is a standout when mentioned, with reviewers praising fast and seamless switching.

Multipoint is a clear strength in the reviews, with seamless switching and reliable two-device behavior praised repeatedly.

Passive isolation benefits from an easy seal and contributes meaningfully to noise reduction.

Passive isolation is considered useful and fairly good, but one reviewer notes the foam is not the thickest.

Overall recommendations are strongly positive, especially for buyers prioritizing sound, build, and style over absolute ANC dominance.

Overall recommendations are positive for new buyers and travel users, but several reviewers temper that with Gen 1 upgrade and price caveats.

Portability is mixed: the case and lay-flat design help, but the headphones do not fully fold and can take more bag space.

Portability is a strength because reviewers like the foldable frame and compact travel form.

Reviewers describe the headphones as premium-feeling and worth their price visually and physically.

Premium feel is mixed: the Gen 2 can feel nicer than before, but multiple reviewers still call out plastic, rattling, or non-premium materials.

The TrueSound-style preset is described as giving the headphones a dynamic signature without requiring much user adjustment.

Preset EQ quality is weak in the evidence, with reviewers calling presets ineffective or lackluster.

Replaceable earpads are a positive repairability point, although service involvement makes the process less convenient.

Replaceable earpads are a practical upside for cleaning, wear, and possible third-party pad swaps.

Replaceable pads and headband improve repairability, but reviewers note the process may require B&W service.

Smart listening features such as ActiveSense and immersive audio are appreciated when they solve practical problems, but the enthusiasm is not universal.

Smart Pause works but has a caveat: folding the headphones can defeat the lay-flat pause behavior and waste battery.

Smudge resistance is a downside because glossy accents pick up fingerprints and dust.

Software/setup simplicity is praised for users who want good sound without constant settings fuss.

Setup and navigation are generally easy, with reviewers praising stability, intuitive menus, and simple access to features.

Sound quality is the strongest consensus point, with many reviewers calling the Px7 S3 class-leading, refined, or highly enjoyable.

Reviews are broadly positive on sound quality, especially after EQ or over USB-C, but several reviewers still found the tuning less refined than top sonic rivals.

Soundstage is generally spacious and well defined, though a few reviewers describe it as focused or not the widest.

Reviewers often describe the soundstage as wide, spacious, or open, especially for closed-back ANC headphones.

Spatial audio is not yet proven in reviews, but Audioholics is genuinely interested in B&W's planned implementation.

Spatial and cinema modes are divisive: movie use receives praise, while music-focused immersive modes are less consistently liked.

Fit stability is positive in the limited evidence, with reviewers saying the headphones feel secure during movement.

Stability is adequate for light movement, but not ideal for dynamic workouts or smaller heads.

Streaming integration is mixed: it supports direct services, but reviewers doubt many users will prefer it and note local-library gaps.

Streaming integration is a limitation because the app lacks built-in music service or internet radio integration.

Repairability is better than many rivals thanks to replaceable cushions and headband parts, though battery replacement remains a limitation.

Material choices get a positive note for avoiding leather while still feeling soft and premium.

Touch control feedback is mixed: some reviewers find the slider responsive, while others call it imprecise or annoying.

Transparency mode is generally good to excellent, with several reviewers calling it natural, close to not wearing headphones, or conversation-friendly.

Transparency mode is generally praised as natural and useful, though several reviewers note hiss, reduced level, or weaker performance than AirPods Max or Sony.

Travel friendliness is helped by the protective case and lay-flat design, but some reviewers dislike the larger non-folding footprint.

Travel friendliness is a major strength because reviewers highlight comfort, ANC, foldability, and long-flight usefulness.

Treble is often praised for crispness and detail, though some reviewers hear sibilance or grating highs in certain situations.

Treble is generally smooth or crisp enough, but reviewers do not treat it as the strongest part of the tuning.

USB-C is useful for wired audio, but one reviewer reports occasional skipping over USB-C.

USB-C audio is one of the clearest feature upgrades, praised for lossless listening and practical wired use.

Value is viewed positively for the sound, build, and feature mix, though the price is still considered premium and market-dependent.

Value is mixed: reviewers like the feature set and experience, but price and weak upgrade logic for Gen 1 owners are repeated caveats.

Voice assistant access works, but one reviewer dislikes that using it can require sacrificing the ANC toggle behavior.

Volume output is praised as very loud compared with peers.

USB-C playback is praised for giving more output headroom for listeners who want louder playback.

Water and sweat resistance is a weakness because reviewers call out the lack of an ingress protection rating.

Auto-pause wear detection is mentioned as useful but less reliable than leading rivals in one review.

Auto-pause is generally positive, with reviewers noting automatic pause and power-up behavior when the headphones are removed or worn.

Wear detection performance receives a mixed note, with one reviewer finding the sensor less reliable than Bose or Sony.

Wear detection performance is praised as excellent in daily use.

Weight comfort is mixed: the headphones are not extremely heavy, but reviewers still notice their mass compared with lighter rivals.

Reviewers repeatedly connect the low weight to comfort, calling the headphones light and easy to wear.

Wind performance is split, with TechRadar flagging susceptibility while another reviewer praises windy call handling.