Head-to-head · Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 vs Sony WH-1000XM5

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Sony WH-1000XM5 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.4 vs 4.7). The gap is mostly about Travelers prioritizing call quality and top-tier noise cancellation — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #3 in Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

Bowers & Wilkins Px8

4.4

7 sources$499as of Aug 1

Audio clarity and a luxurious build are what justify the Bowers & Wilkins Px8's premium price to discerning listeners. Getting there means living with inconsistent wear detection, no low-volume adjustment in wired mode, and enough weight to cause discomfort over extended use.

Strengths

— Outstanding clarity with a fast and punchy sonic presentation
— Luxurious build featuring soft Nappa leather and cast aluminium arms
— Angled 40mm carbon cone drivers provide a comfortable fit

Watch-outs

— Sound quality becomes limp at lower volume levels
— Wear-on/wear-off detection function can be erratic
— Heavy 320g mass causes pressure and heat buildup over long sessions

$499 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM5

4.7

7 sources$248as of Aug 1

Top-tier active noise cancellation and a real jump in sound quality, with precise bass and clear highs, put the Sony WH-1000XM5 at the front of the flagship ANC field. The new design is more comfortable for larger ears and call performance is excellent. Two knocks: there is no IP rating, and the non-folding build feels slightly less premium than its predecessors.

Strengths

— Outstanding active noise cancellation performance that excels in travel and office environments
— Sensational sonic clarity with punchy delivery and precise, agile bass
— Deep and wide ear pads accommodate larger ears for extended comfort

Watch-outs

— Build quality feels less premium than previous generations with a non-folding design
— No IP rating makes them vulnerable to moisture and unsuitable for gym use or rain
— High launch price compared to previous models

$248 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Bowers & Wilkins Px8

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 stands out with the most luxurious Nappa leather and cast aluminum build, offering a premium tactile experience that feels more upscale than the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless. Despite its superior clarity, it is the heaviest option in the group, causing more pressure than the lightweight Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and its sound quality drops at low volumes unlike the consistent performance of the Sennheiser.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The Sony WH-1000XM5 surpasses the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Apple AirPods Max in microphone clarity and bass precision, offering the most agile sound profile in the group. However, unlike the sturdy metal build of the AirPods Max or the luxurious Nappa leather of the Bowers & Wilkins Px8, the Sony's non-folding design feels less premium and it lacks the 60-hour battery life found in the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Bowers & Wilkins Px8	Sony WH-1000XM5
Driver Size	40mm	30 mm
Driver Type	40mm carbon cone	Dynamic
Bluetooth Version	5.1	5.2
Weight	320g	250 g
Charging Method	USB-C	USB-C
Codecs	aptX adaptive	SBC, AAC, LDAC
ANC	Yes	Yes
Battery Life	30 hr	30 hr
Dimensions	7.44 x 2.48 x 9.17 in	9.75 x 9.5 x 3.25 in

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