Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 Review — A Brilliant Reinvention of ANC Headphones

Experience the remarkable transformation of Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 with breakthrough ANC and refined design, elevating premium headphones to new heights.

Living with the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3: A Personal Journey

Wearing the brand-new Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 headphones for over three weeks was an eye-opening experience. Not quite everyday life, but close enough to feel their impact. This third-generation update of the full-size PX7 series represents a tectonic shift in the company’s headphone legacy.

Right from the start, I was captivated by the new and improved active noise cancellation (ANC) during transatlantic flights. What strikes you first is how the PX7 S3 takes a decidedly un-Bowers & Wilkins approach to ANC — it's a bold leap forward.

Simply put, these headphones now compete head-to-head with the ANC heavyweights from Bose (QuietComfort Ultra Headphones), Sony (WH-1000XM5), and Sonos (Ace). It’s a completely different, much more immersive noise-blocking experience that many of us have waited years to enjoy.

Price Point: Are the PX7 S3 Worth It?

Currently, the retail price for the PX7 S3 is about $600, a slight increase from the PX7 S2e launched in 2023. This is a solid investment for headphones, but when you stack them against competitors in the same price range, the value becomes clear. For context, Apple’s AirPods Max are around $150 more expensive.

What Sets PX7 S3 Apart From Its Predecessors?

The PX7 S3 introduces several key updates that distinguish it sharply from the previous models:

• New colors: Anthracite Black, Canvas White, Indigo Blue
• ‘Annular Guard’ design: A ring of almost gear-like perforations around the ear cups that help block wind noise
• More microphones: Significantly improved ANC performance
• Sleeker profile: Thinner ear cups without compromising comfort

While the PX7 S2e was a solid midpoint update, the leap to PX7 S3 feels monumental. The slimmer profile and refined fit show Bowers & Wilkins' commitment to comfort and style. The “Annular Guard” isn’t just a design flourish — it serves a practical purpose by eliminating wind noise and optimizing microphone pickup for ANC.

Thanks to an increased number of microphones, these headphones sift through more environmental data, making noise cancellation not just better, but smarter.

At their core, the PX7 S3 run on the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound chip, supporting aptX Adaptive for lossless audio playback up to 24-bit/96 kHz, a leap up from previous models. This chip also brings a wider dynamic range and reduced distortion, especially noticeable at lower volumes.

New colors replace the old Ocean Blue and Cloud Grey, injecting fresh vibes into the lineup.

Comfort and Controls: How Do They Feel?

Comfort-wise, the PX7 S3 are a joy to wear. The ear cushions are made of vegan PU leather, offering a soft touch without using animal products—a thoughtful choice compared to the natural leather found on some other models like the PX8.

• Replaceable ear cushions and, for the first time, a replaceable headband
• Right ear cup houses three physical control buttons
• Left ear cup features an ANC control and Bluetooth switch

I practically lived in these headphones, even dozing off on flights while wearing them. The clamping force strikes the perfect balance — no uncomfortable squeezing, yet no sound leakage thanks to their snug fit. Each ear cup extends smoothly for size adjustments, locking securely in place.

That said, they can shift slightly during movement — be it walking or working out (yes, I tested them during exercise, partly madness, partly dedication!). This mild shifting might require a quick adjustment to keep the seal optimal.

Still, I’m willing to overlook this minor quirk because the overall comfort is exceptional. The padded headband and ear cushions feel like a cozy embrace, letting me wear them for hours without fatigue.

Control-wise, separating the Bluetooth toggle and ANC button from the volume and play controls makes navigation easier and more intuitive. But don’t expect swipe gestures or haptic feedback here — it’s all physical button action. You can also tweak sound profiles via a 5-band graphic equalizer in the companion app, which offers an extra layer of personalization.

ANC Performance: A New Benchmark

The headline feature of the PX7 S3 is their vastly improved noise cancellation:

• aptX Adaptive 24-bit/96 kHz support (lossless where available)
• 40mm bio-cellulose dynamic drivers (same as PX7 S2e)
• ANC modes: active, transparency, off (requires power on)
• USB-C charging with up to 30 hours battery life

The first time I put these on, I was genuinely blown away by the sound transformation powered by ANC. With noise cancellation active, you feel wrapped in a sonic cocoon, which amplifies the bass impact to new immersive heights. If you’re like me, you’ll keep ANC switched on most of the time.

I wasn’t a big fan of the transparency mode as it emphasizes too many midrange frequencies from the outside world, producing a hissing sound that can be distracting. There’s no real-time adaptive tuning in this mode either, so for me, the headphones truly shine with ANC engaged.

Trying them in a Dublin hotel room, I noticed how bold and confident the sound signature had become. It’s the classic Bowers & Wilkins brilliance, dialed up with this powerful ANC engine—truly a game changer.

Technically, the PX7 S3 surpass the previous PX7 S2e with their 24-bit/96 kHz ceiling for lossless audio, provided you have compatible source material and a player (spoiler: most iPhones won’t reach this).

Even if you don’t use the full high-res potential, the sound quality remains outstanding—these headphones excel at delivering a wide frequency range with crystal-clear detail. The bass is deep and textured, perfect for those late-night downtempo podcasts or tunes.

Vocals, especially midrange, feel alive and expressive, capturing every nuance of the singer’s emotion. The increased ‘density’ of the soundstage thanks to enhanced ANC makes listening feel like a rich, enveloping experience.

“Vocalists are given every chance to shine—the headphones convey so much information that the singer sounds like a distinct personality capable of clearly expressing emotions.”

Could This Have Been a New Product Line?

With upcoming features like Spatial Audio support expected in September 2025 and potential LE Audio (Auracast) firmware updates later, these headphones feel fresh enough to be a brand-new offering rather than a third iteration.

These changes made me wonder: why call them PX7 S3 at all? They feel like an entirely different beast, one that could attract a broader audience.

I get that Bowers & Wilkins want to lean on their heritage and audio mastery cultivated through previous models. The PX7 S3 don’t abandon the classic sound, but they expand and elevate it — stepping boldly into the realm of serious ANC competitors.

In fact, these aren’t just upgrades for longtime fans; they mark the brand’s true entrance into the ANC arena.

Though the Spatial Audio feature is a welcome future addition, I wonder why the launch wasn’t delayed to include it right away. Still, it’s clear Bowers & Wilkins are listening and adapting to a changing market and audience.

While the PX7 S3 name might not scream “new era” to all potential buyers, glowing reviews and word-of-mouth buzz might just do the job. I’m already loudly championing these headphones.

Final Verdict: PX7 S3 Takes the Crown

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 are more than just a step up from the PX7 S2e—they’re a quantum leap. This overhaul proves the brand has finally cracked serious active noise cancellation without compromising their signature sound.

With a sleek new design, vastly improved ANC, authoritative audio, app-based customization, and long battery life, the PX7 S3 undergo a metamorphosis that borders on a rebirth.

There’s little to fault here, and with Spatial Audio just around the corner, they’re poised to become even more commanding players in the premium headphone market.

Bose, Sony, and others better watch out—Bowers & Wilkins is coming for your crown with sound quality that’s simply a cut above. Despite the familiar name, the PX7 S3 bring a fresh, game-changing perspective for 2025.

What About Other Options?

Price and timing always influence choices. The previous PX7 S2e model is now much cheaper and still offers great sound—though its ANC is nowhere near as powerful, so skip it if noise cancellation is your top priority.

For the ultimate ANC and travel headphones, Bose QC Ultra Headphones remain king, delivering superb isolation and excellent audio quality.

And if you want ultra-comfort for long home listening sessions, Sonos Ace is a cozy contender—though their soundstage isn’t as advanced as the other heavyweights.

FAQ

• What makes the PX7 S3’s ANC better than previous models? The PX7 S3 uses more microphones and the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound chip, which improves noise cancellation and sound clarity significantly.
• Are the PX7 S3 comfortable for long wear? Yes, thanks to a balanced clamping force, padded vegan leather ear cushions, and an adjustable headband, they’re great for hours of use.
• Do PX7 S3 support lossless audio? Yes, they support aptX Adaptive up to 24-bit/96 kHz lossless audio with compatible devices.
• What new design features do PX7 S3 offer? They showcase a thinner profile with ‘Annular Guard’ perforations to reduce wind noise and improve microphone input for ANC.
• Will PX7 S3 get future updates? Yes, Spatial Audio support is expected by September 2025, with possible LE Audio (Auracast) updates later via firmware.

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