Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 (Onyx Black) review

The Px8 S2 is the newer, separately named model in Bowers & Wilkins' Px8 line. It should not be treated as a color or bundle variation of the original Px8: the current U.S. product page identifies a new model with Bluetooth 5.3, eight microphones, a 310 g listed mass and carbon 40 mm drivers. This is a document-based assessment of the U.S. product page and manual; no unit was personally worn, listened to, measured or tested.

What changes from the earlier Px8

The published figures distinguish the S2 from the original Px8: Bluetooth 5.3 rather than 5.2, eight microphones rather than six, and 310 g rather than 320 g. Both models list carbon drivers and a maximum of 30 hours of wireless ANC-on playback. The S2 also lists aptX Lossless alongside aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX Classic, AAC and SBC. These are documented specification differences—not proof of better sound, better call intelligibility, or a more comfortable fit.

Codec support depends on the transmitting phone or computer and the negotiated connection. An aptX Lossless label on the headphone cannot override a host's capabilities or guarantee lossless delivery under every connection condition. The manual also describes a Bowers & Wilkins app for setup and controls, but buyers should verify compatibility with their own device and software before relying on it.

Two connections do not mean two streams

The manual documents Bluetooth multipoint for two connected devices. Playback or calls are active on one source at a time, with the headphones switching as the user begins playback or answers a call on the other device. It can suit a phone-and-computer routine where the user wants to move between sources, but it is not simultaneous mixed audio. Device memory and active multipoint links are different states.

ANC runtime: a useful ceiling, not a promise

Bowers & Wilkins rates the Px8 S2 for up to 30 hours of continuous wireless media streaming with ANC on at average playback volume. The manual notes that Bluetooth, ANC and Ambient Pass-Through usage affect duration. That rating provides a comparison point but not a guaranteed 30-hour workday or flight; volume, calls, battery age and settings can all change the outcome. The manufacturer also gives a quick-charge figure, but that is not a substitute for checking a particular battery's condition.

ANC is a stated feature, but this desk-based review cannot characterize suppression of a particular engine, voice or wind noise. Fit and seal matter, and the published microphone count does not independently demonstrate call quality. Try the chosen fit within the seller's return policy if personal comfort or noise performance is decisive.

USB and analog are different operating plans

The S2 package includes a USB-C-to-USB-C cable and a USB-C-to-3.5 mm analog cable. The manual describes USB computer audio and states that this connection disconnects Bluetooth. The product page identifies USB-C audio and a true 24-bit connection; to use it, the computer must support the relevant output mode. Do not confuse digital USB audio with an analog 3.5 mm connection simply because the cable plugs into USB-C at the headphone end.

For analog playback, the manual requires sufficient charge and the headset switched on. It is therefore not a passive cable fallback when the battery is empty. The sources reviewed here do not supply a distinct wired ANC-on runtime or clearly confirm ANC operation for the analog route. The 30-hour wireless rating should not be applied to either wired plan.

Choosing the right finish and edition

The U.S. selector lists Onyx Black, Warm Stone, Midnight Blue and Pearl Blue. The image here is the Onyx Black reference model; three finish siblings remain separate catalog entries, not different performance models. The more important identity check is the S2 suffix: this review does not describe the earlier Px8 or the Px8 S2 McLaren Edition that also appears on the maker's category page.

Before buying, verify Px8 S2 on the box or listing, the selected finish and condition, return terms, and whether both cables and the storage case are included. Check the host's codec and USB support if those are central to your use. Read the U.S. Px8 S2 product page and official manual for exact current details.

U.S. finish references

The current U.S. selector also names Warm Stone, Midnight Blue and Pearl Blue. These official images show the selected cosmetic finish on the same Px8 S2 model; they do not indicate a different feature set, package, or performance level.