Sony XM5 Vs Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 | Our Toughest Decision Yet?
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- Опубліковано 3 чер 2024
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In this video, we put two of the most anticipated headphones of 2022 against each other to see which one comes out on top! Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 Vs Sony XM5! Who is your money on?
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:09 Upgrades from previous models
0:41 Design
2:28 Comfort
4:00 Sound Quality
5:15 Sound Test
5:56 ANC
7:17 ANC Test
8:16 Call Quality
9:08 Connectivity
10:02 Battery Life
10:54 Features
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Nice review and good choice, I would go for the B&W since music quality is for me the most important factor for headphones…
Doesn't matter comfortability?
@@ThiHaGadgets yes is does but I prefer sound quality as first parameter. But good remark
@@patrickmeylemans9627 I see. I bought px7 and sold it due to the clamp force.
@@ThiHaGadgets Had no problem with it on all three variants px7. Its a head form issue.
@@kjellhedberg4807 probably your head is smaller than mine or your nerves around ears area can take more clamping force. Good for you.
That sound example was huge, I didn't expect such a big difference.
Me neither, the PX7s sound so lush
The review that I've been wanting to see. Listening to them both, the PX 7 S2s do sound better.
I have the Px7 S2 in blue. They look awesome and sound fantastic. I use Qobuz HI-RES audio streaming.
On an android or iOS device??
The Sonys are almost perfect, but the plastic finish doesn't match the price. The inability to turn the earcups to both sides, extension of the earcups without locking and freedom in the joint even with new headphones. Fits perfectly on the head and ears. They have the best ANC and a great phone app. The B&W Px7 S2 don't have that great ANC or phone app. They make up for it with perfect materials and workmanship. But the sound is really a bit better and I like the physical control buttons even more. Tried Momentum 4 - sound comparable to Sony XM5, great materials and workmanship. Weaker application and little space for the ears. If the Sony XM5 were made like the Momentum 4 or B&W, they would be the best headphones in the world at this price point. So I ended up buying a B&W Px7 S2 and so far I'm very happy.
Sony MX4 sounds muffy, I don't understand why people like muffy sound
I would pick the XM5 as well as I prefer the touch controls and superior noise cancellation . I take the subway to work and the XM4s that I have drown out the train noise very well.
Please! B&W Px7 S2 vs Sennheiser Momentum 4 !! 🔥
Very nice and insightful comparison
Patiently waiting for the soundbar comparison video 😁
Good review. I am looking for some new headphones. I currently own the Sony XM4's. They are all-round decent headphones but I find the touch controls controls quite annoying and my ears sweat badly in them. The ANC is VERY good, perhaps too good sometimes.
I think a better sounding headphone thats not as hot on the ear. Less of the annoying touch controls and not as much ANC would suit me much better. As good as the XM4's are they wasn't perfect for me.
I am quite interested in the PX7 or I might wait and go for the new PX8 once some reviews drop. Can't argue that the Sony XM5, like the XM4 are great all-round headphones though.
Thanks a lot for your comparison. It is really good to point the user in the right direction. I had the XM5 and I sold them because to me they sound horribly. I will anyway wait for the PX8 in September! I hope you will review those!
The sound difference is what I would have as the number one priority for purchasing HEADPHONES!!!! The exception would be if the noise canceling and call quality sucks. Also, if the headphones 🎧 operating buttons or touch capacity wasn't up to snuff. Now if these are close enough then I would definitely without a doubt choose the best sounding headphones. I think that you probably made a decision that I wouldn't have made. I can't say that you are wrong but I would have went with the better sounding headphones based upon your review of the two. The way they both performed as for everything outside of the way they sound is close so.... great video please tell why you really choose the Sony.
Still using my surface headphones 2. I just love the turn knob feature. It just feels right. Pretty sure i am sacrificing sound quality but if you never ever try any other headphones then ignorance is bliss. The B+W in blue looks gorgeous though and i would choose it just for the looks
I’d say you should have awarded battery to the Px7, surely 2hrs Vs 3.5 ( nearly double ) is a big difference
Great review thank you.
I used the px7 s2 on a trip (plane and train) and the anc is just a desillusion. Whenever I was in the flight and turned my head left or right the noise cancelling would change and noise from the plane/train would would come mine. Are mine px's defective?
That legend on the side is amazing! Never seen that before! 🙌🏼
Did you wire the B&W’s in and try the quality of the built in DAC with hi-Rez files?
I almost bought the original PX7, but no travel yadda yadda yadda. A great comparison video, and I will try instore when I can (PX7 S2 not in Oz until September), but I'm another for whom audio presentation trumps things. Listening to this comparo on my HD58X, the B&W was the clear winner, although the ANC was clearly better on the Sony. Looks like I may switch from my Sony IER-M9 for on the go listening, and home office work.
Hi, please make comparison of sennheiser momentum 4 vs bowers and wilkins px7 s2
Good review. I think one area that does not get enough attention from these headphone reviews is customer service and continuous app development…I would def lean for the B&W but it seems like their app and customer support sucks for being a “premium” brand.
I can only speak for me but I had to replace some 1st generation PX7s in the warranty window & it only took a couple of emails & I had a brand new pair within a week.
Excellent, logical review. I have the XM5 and I like them a lot.
I have a question about the the XM5. If you wear them as your lying down and your turned into the pillow, does the Pass Through feature kick in like using your hand?
Have you reviewed the Sennheiser Momentum 4? Curious how these compare to the PX7 S2
How do these compare to the new Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones?
Picked up a pair of bose 700 & Sony MX5s on Black Friday. I really like the MX5's but I have a small head and they fit rather loose. To the point I look down or up the band moves forward or back. That is the main reason I'm leaning towards the bose 700. But now I'm thinking I should pick up some bower & wilkins. Need to make a decision within 2 weeks. My Return windows closing.
are they good for watching Movies and have good sound, like 5.1 or so? Sorry for asking, never had BT earphones.
Listening to this review on my Hifiman Sundara + Fiio K5 and the recordings from the Sony sound so much more 'muddy'. The B&W's are so much more crisp and 'open' sounding.
Pity the NC is quite a bit better with the Sony, guess you can't have it all!
Nice comparison.
How do these compare to the new Audeze Maxwell with regards to sound quality and driver capability?
Great review and comparison with a well known benchmark!
Although I'd go for PX7 S2 as I prioritize sound quality more and don't mind paying extra for it.
Thanks for sharing! You won't be disappointed.
i"m going to do the same.
I'm glad bowers and Wilkins added a little more bass bcuz I do prefer that sound more than the Sony's... With the Sony's I notice as u increase volume the bass decreases, not a fan of that hopefully B&W doesn't do the same
Can make the xm5 sound closer to the px7 with the help of eq or not ?
I would pick XM5, best anc and good audio quality and comfort.
Great job!
Once you hear music on Hi end speakers you will always look for the same quality if you don't know how good it can be other things are more important than sound quality. So for me Bower and Wilkins are the winner quality over quantity. There are levels to music listening...
I have the xm5 from sony and the B&W px7 S2 and I notice the following; I use this for watching TV; both connect very well with the TV and have no interruptions.
The 2 big differences; The B&W has slightly better sound quality, but the Sony has more, or perhaps the best, ear comfort. In the beginning the b&w will hurt the ears, you have to be patient in the beginning, after a certain time the b&w will get better.
I find it a difficult choice between the two ;). They are both so good and one has the advantage of better sound quality and the other has better wearing comfort.
I can't judge anything else, I only use it indoors and to watch TV.
Both are recommended.
But since in Belgium the xm5 costs 339 euros and the b&w costs 229 euros, I think it would be better to go for the b&w.
What I do have in favor of the B&W is charging; If I use a USB-C plug, it does not charge, if I use a USB-A plug it does charge and if I plug it into the PC to charge with the USB-C cable, it also works. It just doesn't work here with a USB-C plug.
Any news on new earbuds by Bowers?
Started following this channel when I shopping for a home speaker and recently, conviced me to buy the Bose soundlink flex.
Now, I say that I made the right choice by getting the WH 1000XM5
Glad we could help, and some nice products in your collection now.
@@smarthomesounds Are the PX7 S2 louder than the last generation?
Personally I'd love to see how the bw fair against the MD mw75s
I have the mx5 and after wearing it for a longer time, my headset becomes wonky, the touch pad gives me issues until it quits all together. I tried to replace it with the same one within a year and same issues within a day or 2. I returned it... looking for something new...
Thanks for the review!
One thing I read somewhere and thought this is a nice feature, since I was missing this the other day on my MX4: The PX7 S2 are suppose to go on playing while charging!
Also, what I did not like about the MX5: When you are wearing them correctly (meaning L to left, R to right), they fold up upwards instead of downwards when hanging around your neck not in use. It's not the case with the MX4 and I don't get how this can pass to market.
The S2´s really a looker. Wish for a jack and they´d be perfect.
hi may i ask if the xm5 are huge upgrade to my xm3? m stil using xm3 and i love them
They do offer better sound performance and are more comfortable but I would only upgrade if you use your headphones regularly to justify the extra costs.
@@smarthomesounds, I never had the XM3 but I did own the XM4, the NC and sound is better in the XM5. Plus you can have two devices connected without switching.
I'll take the PX7 S2, for the same price, built quality and overall better sound signature is best; while noise cancellation is better on the XM5, it doesn't seem to be night and day. I really don't mind the touch controls vs physical buttons.
i agree. i'd buy a new pair of headphones mainly for listening to music, so audio quality is on top of my list. anc not so much. mostly because once you listen to music it will automatically block sounds from outside the headphones anyway. imo the "which pair got the better anc" has a solely academic purpose.
Got my pxs2 for 199 but reconditioned thru b&w should i be worried?
@@dapittbulldragon I don’t think you should be worried as those should have warranty.
Very impressive review! Subscribe!
The best comfort is bose. The best anc and transparency is airpods max. The best sound is b&o h95 or focal bathys, closely followed by b&w px8. And wh1000xm4 is closer to comfort and anc, while px7 s2 are closer to sound quality.
I have both and the bw Def better than sonys out of the box. With the songs I had to constantly adjust the eq for different music genres. The bw on the other were perfect across the board. Anc might be slightly better on songs but not gonna sacrifice sound for an anc difference thst you can only tell if it's side by side. Great review tho mate
Hello, and which one is the best for movies ?
@@jyexe525 that I don't know lol. I never wear them for movies. But considering how the bw handle music, I'd say they'd do great with movies as well. Just tweet it with a bit more bass and a Lil less treble.
Which one is the best for phone call?? Thanks
What do you think better for metal music?
@@rocketPower111 Def bw
Did I get it right that B&W cannot be used wired from a phone or a laptop using a 3.5mm out? I was just wondering which pair sounds better wired. Cheers
Yes you can.,
I like the B&W sound signature more. However, I like the Sony design more, especially in beige 😫😫😫
I don't know if the ANC test is quite fair... In your video you can clearly see that the Px7 S2's are not sitting correctly on the binaural mic, whereas the Sony's are.
Does anybody have experience with the px 7s2 in terms of comfort. Also does it get better over time or are they a little tight?
If it was a close call, probably the XM5s sound better with AutoEQ in the wavelet app. I own a pair of XM5s and Wavelet's autoeq makes a huuuuge difference in sound quality
Does PX 7 S2 support Google Assistant?
bw for sure is clear and 'perfect' / better audio. however, in those two examples the sony's sound warmer with the smudged edges and for me this aesthetic feels better 🤔
Interesting that you said call quality was best on px7 s2 then gave to xm5 due to other features.... xm5 also look old fashioned and dull... I have the px7 and they have been amazing even on long haul flights... gonna wait for px8 ,but px7 s2 look amazing
Didn't know there was even a better pair coming this year thanks for the heads up, seem like they'll release same time/close to AirPods Max 2.
I have been watching a lot of reviewers from all these premium headphones. Currently I have Sony XM4 it is broken, I was running holding them in my hand and something just clicked, when I went home to check because it is plastic some part which has screw is broken and it can not be fixed 😤 I have already made my mind I'm going to buy B&W Px7 S2.
Did you get the Px7 S2? What's your thoughts about them?
@@KimmiM14x I recommend that, it is premium headphones.
I brought the XM5’s and found them so disappointing, I ended up returning them. Definitely looking at the PX7 S2 or PX8 now
I had the Sony XM3 and they were good. I now have the XM5 and they are good with one thing that drives me nuts. if i am watching a video on my tablet and you take the headphones off it pauses the video, that's neat. if you put them back on it starts the video, that's neat too. if you double tap the right ear piece it pauses and un pauses the video, that's fine too. but if I'm watching the video and chewing food it will pause the video. if I cough it will pause the video. if i talk it pauses the video. it gets really annoying
I know this is late, but turn off "speak to chat" in the app and it will turn that feature off
between these and the studio wired focal elegia headphones, which one would sound better? anyone... I only care about sounds. bluetooth or ANC is not important.
I wish reviewers would mention performance for movies and shows
Sony very good quality
I am able to get the B&W PX7 at the same price as the XM4 for $229 USD ($100 cheaper than XM5 and $50 cheaper than SH M4). What do you think is best VALUE?
I cannot justify the X5 for an extra $100 so the options are really just XM4, B&W and maybe SH M4 (for $50 more).
Preferences by Priority: 1) Sound 2) ANC and Battery 3) EQ Features and Comfort 4) Size and Design
NOTE: please reply quickly as Sale ends in just 2 Days (on 12/31/23).
got my Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 for only 179€ im happy with it.
Where did you get them?
If you have the wh100xm3,, just stick to it . It s been 5 years and I still rock them with a good battery life ...
Still great headphones that offer real value for money.
I've had the xm5 for about a year now....
I dont like the way my music sounds on them.
The mids and highs seem muffled no matter how much I adjust the equalizer.... I have XM4's as well and I like the way those sound better.
You have as 'much' hair as I do😄and a similar head shape so I find it remarkable that you do not experience the headband of the XM5 to be less comfortable than that of the PX7 (or XM3/4) because it's so narrow.
Still waiting for Sennheiser Momentum 4 i have the h95 but i want something darker and also because a sibling needs a headphone
Momentum is Senn’s weakest sound signature.
I was also waiting, senn failed on anc by a big factor
@@eshaansharma280 of? ANC improved though on Momentum 4 although it's not the best. Actually everything improved although i would of love LDAC supported
@@alexsmith1207 compared to xm5. Since ANC is one of the top priorities for me, I’ll have to stick to xm5. Sennheiser did a really good job tho and if someone is tight on budget, momentum 4 is a good option
@@eshaansharma280 Marshall’s ANC is very good and their sound is a lot more full range than Sony.
I am a PC gamer, so there’s no competition here. BW all the way since latency isn’t low enough on the Sony’s.
I dont heared the Bowers & Wilkins S2 but i had on the Sony and was dissapointed about the Sound. I purchased a Pair of B&O H9 3d Generation. They feel so much more Premium and Sound so much better so the Sony was not an Option at all. So i think you made the wrong choice.....
Yes you did! Sony’s are by far the most comfortable and NC headphones I have owned thus far.
I've had both and returned the Sony's. The headband is so terrible and the b&w just sound so good!
Hesitating between those two... or even waiting for PX8! Sound-wise, how would you describe the main sound difference? Thanks in advance! 🙂
@@raphaelmeillat8527 the bass resonates much deeper on the px7 s2. It hits deep, you can feel the rumble on your head. The high are so clean and sparkle more. The Sony's do sound good, I just think s2 are a little cleaner, bass is deeper and hits harder. There's more body in the sound. It's an experience man. All that said, I would wait for the px8. They are going to be more expensive, but I think it's going to be worth it
@@shaunbrady15 thanks a lot Shaun for your quick and helpful response! Very clear! 👍
Can u use this at gym?
@@raphaelmeillat8527 PX8=700$
Great Review, slight mistake though the PX7 S2 are bluetooth 5.0 not 5.2
We also did think that but on the B&W spec sheet it states 5.2. Hope this helps.
Their website specifications state 5.2
Sorry, but your bluetooth category was missing a CRITICAL point. XM5 can only be connected to ONE device using LDAC. As soon as multipoint is enabled, Sony decreases the quality from LDAC to AAC! This is very important for anyone using the headphones on PC and Phone. I sent them back because of this stupid limitation. Also the "smart" ANC on the Sonys sucks. It turns off / kicks in at random times.
Nice lipstick!
💄💋
Received my B&W PX7 S2. While the audio is absolutely awesome, the inbuilt microphone was utterly attrocious, numerous complaints from people I've called on my phone stating I was far too quiet unless I was shouting and that it sounded as though I were standing 20 feet away. Had to raise a ticket with B&W for this and am planning to return them in the next couple of days.
Had to do the same today. A real shame
@@SibTiger33 it’s not the only reason I bought them but I don’t expect that from a £380 pair of headphones 🤷♂️
I was surprised by just how inferior the sound quality is on the Sony's considering how expensive they are. For me, sound quality is the number one consideration for a pair of headphones. Also, my preference has always been for button controls so that would be the second reason for me not buying the Sony headphones. However, I do agree that the Sony ANC would have the edge in a noisy café (an environment I tend to avoid as it affects my concentration) or when walking outside (even though I am an indoor user).
It may have been of interest to outside users if a comparison of the effects of wind noise on both headphones had been provided.
Fortunately, I do not need to urgently buy a new pair of headphones. So I will wait to buy. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones should be available to buy at the end of this month. I have already read one review and, unfortunately for me, Sennheiser have decided to drop the buttons.
The Bowers & Wilkins PX8 are due out later this year - maybe within a few months. Despite the apparently prohibitive price and my suspicion that the PX8 will be aimed at home user audiophiles rather than travellers I still want to see what they provide for the money.
Also, there is the IFA show in early September of this year where I am hoping that Jabra will announce a worthy successor to their Elite 85h headphones. There may even be new headphones announced by other companies.
So, to anyone who can wait to buy then please wait at least a few months before making a choice.
thanks for the infos, i will wait now for the px8.
Px8’s are out. They are 699$ and I got a pair. They blow the Sony out of the water, and do also blow the px7 S2’s out of the water too
@@jthomp72 May I ask if you bought the PX8 headphones for home use or for travelling? Are they practical for travelling? Have you done an ANC evaluation in any of the typical scenarios, such as: the noisy cafe, outside in traffic, near a washing machine or aircon, on a train, etc?
@@denuk2003 Bought them for both. So far, theyve been used in the office (14 people, but two of them are extra loud lol) and the mall. I live in a large enough city in America to have a million people but no public transit so it's car everywhere. I did walk around downtown with them on as well and our local indoor mall. ANC is fine. Is it sony levels? No. Is it 85-90% of sony levels, such that with music on you won't ever notice the difference...yes lol they are fine to good anc.
@@jthomp72 sadly I don't find px8 have any advantage on sound quality compared with px7s2 so I decided to return it.
Great choice, the XM5s for me too.
I own an XM5, the main issue is, it burns 🥵 my ears when using more than an hour even inside the office with AC.
Love your review I had the 1000 m4 and I love them, I looking for a new pair. The 1000 m5 are excellent but I dislike the plastic cheap feel. The m4 are just better. Reason why I want to try the gorgeous BW. Overall the Sony are better however noise canceling its not the most important factor (Sound quality is). I love your review ❤❤❤❤❤❤. Thank u
Glad you liked it.
Your XM4s are outdated. XM5s are newer generation. They are better at all especially in call quality, transparency mode and ANC.
I would go for the Sony.
Great 👍
Sadly all Samsung phones do not support Aptx Adaptive or Aptx HD. So unfair
Hi sir please do also the review of ❤️ SENNHEISER MOMENTUM 4
Typical that XM5 has comfort & PX7 has better sound. Cant have both in 1 can we!
Lol kinda cap that you thought px7 is better than Sony, I have both and I would even choose the xm4 over the Px that Sony eq is good for that reason alone for me to choose even though they could get even better.
Agree with choice of XM5 as noise reduction is key for me. Anybody prefer Bose 700 ?? and why?
I don't have Bose but I was looking for ANC and Sony wins with Bose
I've been getting pissed off from all of that touch features that randomly turn off and on on XM4, wanted to throw the headphones away. I the new version has the same crappy UX - all other pros cost nothing.
You didn’t mention anything about the prices? Px7’s are much much cheaper. Sony at Costco 379.99/ PX7’s at costco 229.99
XM5 is definitely the right choice!
I found the bose 700 super uncomfortable, i wouldnt even consider them for comparison.
I have the B&W's. I hate them. The controls are awful and bluetooth connection is frustrating. There are too many tones and warnings mid playback. My wife bought Sony - she has been using hers for a couple years and she loves them, they're easy to use and they pair quickly.
As for sound, B&W's have the edge but when you have to fight them every time you use them, they're not worth it.
Strange, I’ve never encountered such issues, could it be a faulty product?
@@hargydon No, poor design IMHO. I've contacted B&W and they are dismissive. They tell me to update the controls app on my phone.
I purchased Brand New Apple AirPods MaX sealed in box verified Authenticity with Apple for 350 cash US from a private seller,about a year ago. They sound good and excellent for iPhone and Mac..
Crap sound.
The apple cant touch these 2 in sound quality.. but the build i absolutely love.. apple did do a great job there. But for 550? Little steep for lack in sound quality alone
@@Travissmith-nc9ms yeah I wouldn’t buy them for 550 I don’t even think they are worth the 350 I paid cash
@@Travissmith-nc9ms Darko actually Likes the sound quality on the Apple AirPods MAX
@@manuelrobledo5106 ya its sad cause the build and look and comfort is all there and im sure being apple it has 47 different hidden Features that we dont know about, but they need someone to come in and do some real tuning on their electronics and drivers.
I think you made the wrong decision given sound quality is fundamentally what will matter most in the long run 😉
The touch control is a huge deal breaker for me. At work I use a pair with this feature and I constantly touch it by accident when laying on the table. At home I use headphones in bed and the same would happen there. So the B&W's for me but I would listen to the PX8 also
I saw the thumbnail and low-key freaked out. "Oh god, Andrew Tate is reviewing headphones now?!"
I thought his name was Jonathan.
Never thought I would see this guys name even in a headphone vid how the fuck is this guy growing this fast
This has to be the best comments thread we’ve had on our channel 👏
Please don’t disrespect this baldy guy by calling him Andrew Tate .
Sony headphones always sound muffled and muddy next to the likes of Bowers & W
👍👍👍👍
Exit
Holy sh*t the ANC were bad, it was almost more bad with the anc on. But i guess it is best if the buyer has then on the head to really test it, but really the anc was bad for a headset in that price range.
I don't need "Best ANC", but I appreciate best sound/music quality for money.
Also listening through USB-C while charging is amazing, my headphones are always at full power when I need to leave the house with them.
I also like physical buttons.
... oh and I wouldn't be caught dead with the ugly Sonys ;-)