In the realm of audio equipment, my personal preference for 2025's best headphones strays from household names like Sony and Bose.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 Headphones: A Top Pick for Non-Travel Use
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 headphones have been a popular choice among audiophiles for over four months, with the reviewer using them extensively in various settings such as long-haul flights, home, walking, gym, and everywhere. These headphones have proven to be a great all-arounder, offering a superior audio experience compared to some of the top ANC headphones on the market.
Key standout features and advantages of the PX7 S3 include:
- Sound Quality: The PX7 S3 delivers clearer, more detailed, and more dynamic sound with deeper bass and excellent clarity, surpassing competitors in overall musical performance and engagement. They provide an intimate and cocooning audio experience that is more engaging to many listeners than the Sony, Bose, or Apple models.
- Build and Comfort: They feature high-end materials, refined craftsmanship, and a more comfortable fit due to ample memory foam padding and vegan leather earcups. Many find the PX7 S3 more comfortable than the AirPods Max.
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): The PX7 S3 uses Bowers & Wilkins’ bespoke ANC system that is very effective, especially with excellent passive isolation from thick memory-foam cushions that physically block noise before ANC engages. The ANC effectively diminishes low-frequency noises such as engine rumbles and road noise.
- Battery Life and Connectivity: They offer up to 30 hours of battery life, surpassing AirPods Max's 20 hours, and come with Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Lossless support and multipoint connectivity for seamless device switching.
- Price and Value: Priced around $449, they undercut AirPods Max (which cost more) while offering better sound and comfort. For listeners prioritizing sound quality over absolute top-tier ANC, the PX7 S3 delivers arguably the best value in this premium category.
In 2025, there are significant new entries to the market of ANC headphones. However, the PX7 S3 headphones continue to be a top pick for non-travel use, offering a similar experience to travel-focused options. With their audiophile-grade sound quality, premium build, and balanced tuning that delivers dynamic, detailed, and engaging audio, the PX7 S3 headphones are a great choice for discerning listeners who want a dynamic listening experience and high-quality design, while still enjoying solid noise cancellation capabilities.
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 headphones, despite the arrival of new ANC headphones in 2025, remain a top pick for non-travel use. Their exceptional sound quality, thanks to audiophile-grade sound, outperforms many competitors, offering a dynamic, detailed, and engaging listening experience. Furthermore, their premium build, comfortable design, and solid noise cancellation capabilities make them an excellent choice for discerning listeners who appreciate technology and gadgets of superior quality.
