Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3

Pros

• Design and Aesthetics 4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.9
  Design is repeatedly praised as sleek, understated, and premium-looking, with several reviews emphasizing a slimmer profile than previous Px7 models that looks less bulky on head. Many describe high perceived value, saying the headphones look and feel worth their price, aided by tasteful metal accents and refined finishes. Overall, aesthetics are a consistent highlight and a differentiator versus more utilitarian competitors.
• Volume output 4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.8
  Volume output is consistently described as strong, with reviewers citing substantial headroom, the ability to get very loud, and clean output at higher listening levels. Several sources connect this to dedicated amplification and improved driver control, noting fuller sound at lower volumes and minimal distortion when pushing louder. Overall, loudness and usable headroom are considered standout strengths.
• Bluetooth connectivity stability 4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.8
  Bluetooth connection stability is repeatedly described as strong, with reviewers noting a rock-solid link even in congested wireless environments like subways and offices. Reports emphasize reliable day-to-day performance without frequent dropouts, supporting the PX7 S3’s positioning as a premium commuter/office headphone. Overall sentiment is that stability is a clear strength.
• Charging 4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.8
  Charging is consistently praised for strong quick-charge performance, with multiple reviews citing that a short top-up (around 15 minutes, and even as little as 5 minutes in one test) can deliver several hours of playback. USB-C charging is treated as convenient for daily use and travel, reducing anxiety about running out mid-commute. Overall, the charging experience is a clear strength.
• Multipoint connectivity reliability 4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.7
  Multipoint connectivity is consistently positioned as a major convenience feature, enabling easy switching between multiple devices. Some reviewers describe the multipoint behavior as unusually seamless and fast, with near-instant takeover when starting playback on a second device. Overall reliability is seen as excellent and particularly useful for users bouncing between phone and computer.
• Instrument separation 4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.7
  Instrument separation and imaging are consistently praised, with reviewers describing clearly located elements, strong layering, and good ability to keep dense mixes intelligible. This separation is often credited to the headphone’s controlled bass and detailed treble, which prevent masking and help textures stand out. Some sources position the PX7 S3 as unusually resolving for the mainstream wireless ANC category, though absolute leaders in open, high-end wired listening still surpass them.
• Build quality 4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 7 reviews 4.7
  Build quality is consistently characterized as premium for the class, with solid construction, tasteful metal details, and a refined finish that delivers strong perceived value. Multiple reviews compare it favorably to Sony and Bose in feel, while also noting it may not match ultra-luxury flagships like Px8, AirPods Max, or top-tier audiophile models. Overall, the PX7 S3 are viewed as very well built and carefully finished, especially given their price point.
• Carry case quality 4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 reviews 4.7
  The included carry case is frequently highlighted as one of the best in class: compact, sturdy/rigid, and premium-feeling, with design touches like a magnetic flap/compartment to secure cables. Several reviewers explicitly compare it favorably to Sony and Bose cases, describing it as more robust and expensive-looking. Overall, the case is a consistent point of praise and contributes to the product’s premium feel.
• aptX 4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 8 reviews 4.6
  Across reviews, aptX support is a major selling point: the PX7 S3 are repeatedly cited as supporting aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless (alongside other codecs), positioning them as a strong option for compatible Android/Snapdragon Sound devices. Multiple sources frame aptX Lossless as a forward-looking feature even if compatible phones are still relatively limited. Overall, codec support is considered modern, premium, and a key differentiator versus some rivals.
• Bass performance 4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 7 reviews 4.5
  Most reviewers praise the PX7 S3 bass as punchy, deep, and notably well controlled for a wireless ANC headphone, avoiding the “wall of bass” effect and keeping low-end notes defined. Several comparisons say the bass nearly rivals Sony’s flagship impact while sounding cleaner, faster, and more textured, helping mids stay clear. A minority note that bass can become overpowering at louder volumes or that the very deepest sub-bass is slightly reined in compared with the most cinematic competitors.
• Soundstage width 4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.4
  The PX7 S3 are generally viewed as spacious for a closed-back ANC design, with strong depth/layering and a stage that can feel immersive and well defined. Multiple reviews say wired USB-C playback can further expand the presentation and improve spatial clarity. Not everyone hears maximum lateral width, though: some describe the stage as more front-focused and intimate than the most “wide” competitors, and higher-priced audiophile models are still considered wider and more 3D overall.
• Included accessories 4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.4
  Included accessories are repeatedly described as premium and practical, commonly including a rigid hard-shell carry case plus USB-C charging and audio cables (often USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to 3.5mm). This bundle supports both wireless and wired use cases (travel, in-flight entertainment, DAC-fed listening) and reinforces the product’s upscale positioning. Overall, the accessory kit is viewed as complete and high quality for the price.
• Sustainability materials 4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.4
  Sustainability is discussed mainly through repairability: some sources highlight that components like ear cushions, headband, and even internal parts can be replaced, supporting longer-term ownership. This is framed as a durability and longevity benefit rather than a detailed materials audit. Overall, the PX7 S3 get positive notes for being designed with replaceable parts, which aligns with sustainability goals.
• Comfort during long use 4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 7 reviews 4.3
  Comfort is frequently praised: redesigned, slimmer earcups and generous padding enable many users to wear the PX7 S3 for hours, with multiple reviews describing them as extremely comfortable for long sessions. Common caveats include a firmer clamp than ultra-comfort competitors, occasional top-of-head pressure for some wearers, and heat buildup in the cups during extended use. Overall, comfort is rated very good to excellent, with a few fit-sensitive drawbacks depending on head shape and glasses.
• Ear cup padding quality 4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.3
• Button control usability 4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.2
  Physical button controls are consistently praised as tactile, clicky, and easier to operate by feel than touch controls, with some reviews noting they are glove-friendly. The app and a configurable quick-action button allow useful remapping (e.g., cycling ANC modes or summoning a voice assistant). A minority complaint is that the physical control set feels restricted compared with rivals, such as missing a dedicated track-skip control on the earcups in at least one review.
• Replaceable earpads 4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.2
  Multiple reviews mention improved serviceability, including removable/replaceable earpads (and in some accounts headband padding) to help maintain comfort and seal over time. Some note that replacement may require trained service rather than being a simple DIY swap, but it is still viewed as a positive step toward repairability and longer product life. Overall, replaceable wear parts are a meaningful upgrade over many sealed competitors.
• Sensors 4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.2
  Wear-detect sensors are noted as adjustable, with options to change sensitivity or disable wear detection entirely. This supports better usability for users who dislike auto-pause behavior or experience false triggers. Overall, sensor controls are practical and flexible.
• Codec support 4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 3 reviews 4.1
  AAC support is consistently noted as present and important for Apple device compatibility, since iOS users do not get access to aptX-family codecs on these headphones. Reviews imply AAC works reliably for iPhone/iPad listening, but it also means Apple users miss the headline hi-res Bluetooth features available to compatible Android devices. Overall, AAC coverage is solid, but it highlights a platform split in codec benefits.
• Voice assistant integration 4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.1
  Voice assistant integration is generally described as straightforward, often enabled through a configurable quick-action button that can be set to summon the device’s native assistant instead of cycling ANC modes. This makes hands-free control convenient for calls and basic playback commands, though it is not framed as a deeply integrated proprietary system. Overall, assistant access is useful and flexible.
• Noise isolation (passive) 4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 4.1
  Passive isolation is frequently described as helped by an easy-to-achieve seal and deep earcups, which also improves ANC performance. Several notes suggest that fit can vary with head shape or glasses, potentially reducing isolation if the seal is compromised. Overall, the PX7 S3 are presented as sealing well for most users, but not completely immune to individual fit differences.
• Weight comfort 4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 4.1
  Weight is typically cited around 300g, which is viewed as reasonable for the class but heavier than the lightest comfort leaders from Sony and Bose. Some reviewers note that the small weight reduction versus prior models is not dramatic, while others emphasize improved distribution from the redesigned chassis. Overall, weight comfort is good but not best-in-class, and the headphones can still feel “heavier on head” than top lightweight competitors over very long sessions.
• Clamping force comfort 4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 4.0
  Clamping force is commonly described as on the firm/secure side, contributing to stability during walking and commuting. Several reviews say the plush cushions help offset the pressure enough for hours-long wear, but others still mention pressure points (especially for glasses wearers) or a generally tighter feel compared with comfort-first rivals. Net sentiment: secure clamp with some risk of fatigue for sensitive users.
• Noise cancellation adjustability 3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 3.9
  Noise-cancelling controls are typically described as straightforward: users can toggle ANC on, off, or transparency/ambient, and a configurable button can cycle modes or call a voice assistant. Multiple reviews highlight that the PX7 S3 are not as feature-rich as Sony in terms of numerous ANC presets or advanced mode options, so adjustability is competent but not “power-user” level. Overall, the experience favors simplicity and quick access rather than deep ANC customization.
• Preset EQ profile quality 3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 2 reviews 3.9
  True Sound/TrueSound is described as the brand’s baseline tuning option or primary preset, generally subtle rather than transformative. Some reviewers indicate it can add a slight treble lift or preserve B&W’s reference voicing, while others frame it as the “reference” mode used when comparing models. Overall, preset EQ options exist but are not portrayed as a broad library of distinct sound profiles.
• Portability/foldability 3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4 reviews 3.8
  Portability is improved versus earlier Px7 models thanks to a slimmer, flatter profile and a travel case with a smaller footprint, making packing easier. However, multiple reviews note the PX7 S3 do not fully fold like some competitors, so they are not the most compact option. Overall, travel-friendliness is good with the case, but foldability remains a limitation.
• Stability 3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 1 review 3.5
  Fit stability is generally good when the clamp and seal are achieved, but at least one review notes variability in fit depending on head shape and positioning. Small changes in how the earcups sit can affect both sound and isolation, meaning consistency may differ across users. Overall, stability is good for many but not perfectly uniform for everyone.