The Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 and Pi5 were extremely popular, and we just got some new models to succeed them. Since the Pi7 and Pi5 launch in 2021, a lot has changed in the music industry. Earbuds now have smaller cases, higher battery life, lesser charge times, and so much more. The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8s have all of this and are at the top of my list of wireless earbuds.
Review
The charging case of the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 has a new design, it is wider and thinner than the previous models. It has a nice matte finish and comes in Anthracite Black, Midnight Blue, Dove White, and Jade Green. To put the earbuds into pairing mode, you just push the buttons on top of them while they’re in the case. The case is charged via USB-C, and you have a small reset button on the bottom that you can only push with a pin. A small LED on the front of the case will tell you if it’s pairing, connected, or low on battery.
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 can wireless connect to an external audio source, like your PC, or in-flight entertainment systems. This is now available in Hi-Res APTX Adaptive Sound Quality. To use it, you just have to connect the case via USB-C once, and then you can use the earbuds wirelessly.
The earbuds have a very premium feel. They lock into your ears and have a very comfortable fit, and after some time you won’t even feel them. With the right ear tips, the earbuds won’t fall off even when doing the most extreme workouts. The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8s are IP54-rated, which means they can handle dust and water should you decide to take them outside.
The earbuds have a large 12mm driver, and use carbon cone technology to deliver detail and clarity, while also decreasing distortion. They also have a Qualcomm Chipset, that supports aptX Lossless, this will make your data bit for bit exact. Sadly, iPhones do not have support for aptX Lossless, and users won’t be able to take advantage of this feature. However, iPhones do support aptX adaptive, and the differences are barely noticeable between the two aptX versions.
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8s have a No Noise Canceling feature, a Pass-Thru feature that lets you hear sounds from your surroundings, and an Active Noice Canceling feature. You can change these modes with just a tap on your earbuds. The Pass-Thru feature is superb, it allows you to hear sounds comfortably without them being too much of a distraction. The Pi8 can last 6.5 hours with Active Noice Canceling on, and the charging case adds another 13.5 hours of battery.
The Bowers & Wilkins app is easy to use, and the setup takes no time at all. In the app, you can toggle the wear sensor, adjust the equalizer, and log in to your streaming service to stream directly from that app.
Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 is a top-tier choice for wireless earbuds, building on the success of their predecessors with significant improvements. Their sleek design, premium feel, and impressive audio quality make them a standout option in today’s competitive market. The addition of aptX Lossless, large drivers, and advanced noise-canceling features deliver a superior listening experience. While iPhone users may not fully benefit from aptX Lossless, the earbuds still offer excellent sound quality with aptX Adaptive. With strong battery life, easy-to-use controls, and durable construction, the Pi8s are a must-have for audiophiles.
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 retail for US$399, and you can buy them here.