Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3: Premium Noise-Cancelling Headphones with Minor Drawbacks

Experience the refined sound and smart design of Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 noise-cancelling headphones, blending quality and functionality at a competitive price.

The New Standard in Noise-Cancelling Headphones

The latest iteration of Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 headphones has arrived — the PX7 S3. As someone who’s followed the PX7 lineage from the original through the S2 and S2e updates, I can say these headphones pack a serious punch in terms of sound quality and design upgrades.

This release comes amid the anticipation of the next-gen PX8 S2 headphones due later this year, aiming to compete with heavyweights like Apple and Sony. Bowers & Wilkins boldly claims that the PX7 S3’s sound quality rivals or even surpasses the current PX8 models, branding the S3 as the most advanced and functional wireless headphones they've ever crafted. While the PX8 S2 might soon steal the spotlight as the company's top-tier offering, the PX7 S3 remains a compelling choice—especially considering the relative affordability compared to the PX8 S2.

One slight challenge? The naming conventions. PX7 S2, S2e, and now S3 — it’s tricky to spot the differences just by name alone. It reminds me a bit of Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, which keeps the branding simple while offering incremental improvements. Honestly, I sometimes wonder why Bowers & Wilkins doesn’t just give these models fresh, catchy names that better reflect their evolution.

Pricing & Availability

The PX7 S3 is priced at around $420, slightly higher than expected. At launch, availability in North and South America will be limited, likely due to ongoing tariff and supply chain complexities. Should these issues resolve, the price might drop closer to $330. This is still a strong value given the sound and features you’re getting.

Sleek, Compact Design That Stands Out

The PX7 S3 maintains a family resemblance to previous PX7 models but has been thoughtfully redesigned to be more compact. The ear cushions don’t protrude quite as much, which not only trims the profile but also improves comfort. The carrying case has been downsized, making it genuinely convenient to carry around—a definite plus for commuters and travelers.

A welcome upgrade is the repositioning and redesign of the control buttons. As a fan of physical controls, I always found the previous three-button setup on the right ear cup a bit confusing by touch alone—the buttons felt too similar. Now, the play/pause/answer button sports a textured surface and a different size, making it easier to distinguish without looking.

Bowers & Wilkins also confirmed that the ear cushions and headband can be replaced, but this is a job for trained service technicians, not the user—still, it’s a step in the right direction for sustainability and headphone longevity.

The PX7 S3 comes in three stylish colors: anthracite black, indigo blue, and white, giving you a solid mix of classic and bold options.

Tech Specs & App Experience

Let’s talk connectivity: the PX7 S3 does away with the traditional 3.5 mm headphone jack but includes a 3.5 mm to USB-C cable for wired listening. For the best audio quality, USB-C to USB-C is recommended.

Bluetooth 5.3 powers wireless streaming with aptX Adaptive codec support at 24-bit/96kHz. Impressively, these headphones are also ready for aptX Lossless when paired with compatible Snapdragon Sound devices—something audiophiles will appreciate.

Interestingly, while spatial audio support is missing at launch, Bowers & Wilkins promises it will arrive later this year, likely alongside the PX8 S2 debut. Bluetooth LE, including Auracast support, will also come in a separate update, allowing multiple devices to broadcast audio to these headphones—a neat feature that could change how we share audio in public spaces.

I had a chance to test the Bowers Music app before the official launch. Initially, the app struggled with recognizing the headphones on iOS devices, even when already paired. However, the final version improved significantly, reliably connecting each time.

One quibble is the app’s name, which overlaps with Apple Music’s, making it harder to find on iOS. Thankfully, the app includes a customizable equalizer and support for non-Apple music services. Still, most users will probably just use the app for occasional tweaks, as switching noise-cancellation modes directly on the headphones is fast and intuitive.

Sound Quality That Truly Impresses

Here’s where these headphones really shine. The PX7 S3 offers superb sound quality, with a rich, full-bodied soundstage that reveals details even in complex tracks. Bowers & Wilkins upgraded the 40mm drivers with a new amplifier, chassis, voice coil, suspension, and magnet, while retaining the diaphragm material from previous models—resulting in improved resolution that lets you hear every instrument clearly.

Crank the volume almost to the max, and distortion is scarce—a seriously impressive feat. The drivers are also slightly angled toward the ear for optimized sound delivery.

Thanks to this high fidelity, you won't need to blast the volume to enjoy your music fully. The PX7 S3 aced our audio tests, handling everything from deep bass-heavy tracks to delicate classical pieces with aplomb. The promised spatial audio upgrade will only add to this immersive experience.

Active noise cancellation (ANC) has been notably enhanced with an array of eight microphones. The difference is clear: in full ANC mode, outside noise virtually disappears. Just a heads-up, though—ANC is so effective that walking around a city without switching to transparency mode can be risky since you might miss hearing approaching bikes or electric vehicles.

On a plane, the headphones effortlessly drown out chatter, clattering carts, and restroom door sounds, blending these distractions into the background. You’ll still catch announcements but they might sound muffled.

The PX7 S3 also features wear detection that pauses playback when you take off the headphones. I found it a bit too sensitive initially, so I dialed down the sensitivity, which worked well. I prefer it to stop only when completely removed, not just nudged or placed on a seat briefly.

Battery life remains solid but not groundbreaking—up to 30 hours with ANC on, plus a quick charge that gives you seven hours after just 15 minutes plugged in. While that’s great, some competitors now boast longer runtimes, making battery a slight weak spot for the PX7 S3 in today’s premium market.

Final Verdict: Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3

The PX7 S3 sets a higher bar than its already impressive predecessors, especially shining in noise cancellation and sound quality. It deserves a name that reflects its leap forward rather than just an “S3” suffix.

Given the fierce competition, it’s hard to recommend anything else right now. I’m curious to see how Bowers & Wilkins will top this with the upcoming PX8 S2 and how other brands will respond.

So, what’s the catch? Mainly strong competition and a battery life that, while good, feels a bit modest for the premium price segment. Still, these are small gripes for what is ultimately an outstanding pair of headphones.

“The PX7 S3s deliver a rich, detailed soundstage and noise cancellation that truly elevate the listening experience.” — Tech Reviewer

FAQ

• What sets the PX7 S3 apart from previous PX7 models?
  The PX7 S3 features a more compact design, improved physical controls, enhanced noise cancellation with eight microphones, and upgraded sound drivers for better audio fidelity.
• Does PX7 S3 support wireless lossless audio?
  Yes, it supports aptX Lossless over Bluetooth with compatible Snapdragon Sound devices, offering high-resolution wireless audio.
• Is there a headphone jack on the PX7 S3?
  There is no 3.5 mm headphone jack, but a 3.5 mm to USB-C cable is included for wired listening. USB-C to USB-C connection provides the best sound quality.
• How long does the battery last?
  The PX7 S3 offers up to 30 hours of playback with noise cancellation activated, plus a quick 15-minute charge delivers about 7 hours of use.
• Can I customize sound settings?
  Yes, the Bowers & Wilkins app includes a customizable equalizer and supports multiple music services, though most users will mostly use hardware controls for noise-cancellation modes.

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