Bowers & Wilkins launches the Px7 S3 headphones and hints at the upcoming Px8 S2.

      Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) has unveiled its newest wireless headphones, the Px7 S3, which offer improvements in sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, and other features. These headphones will come in Anthracite Black, Indigo Blue, and Canvas White, and are being promoted as the brand's most sophisticated wireless model to date. However, this designation may not endure for long, as B&W has announced that its next flagship model, the Px8 S2, is under development and expected to launch later in 2025.

      The rollout of the Px7 S3 has been somewhat influenced by the current tariff situation in the U.S. While the headphones have been fully launched in the U.K., where they can be purchased for £399 (approximately $531), their availability in North and Latin America has not yet been verified. Prospective buyers are encouraged to use the "notify me" feature on the Px7 S3 product page to receive updates once these details are confirmed. Interestingly, the product pages for both the U.S. and Canada display prices of $429 and $599 CAD, respectively, which may change by the time they become available for order.

      Notable Upgrades

      It appears that the Px7 S3 represents a considerable enhancement over the B&W Px7 S2, which were already recognized for their excellent noise-canceling capabilities. B&W has made adjustments to the frame, including slimmer ear cups, a revamped headband, and a reworked arm mechanism that allegedly allows the headphones to sit closer to the head.

      While the addition of magnetically attached ear cushions for easy replacement would have been preferable, B&W states that both the ear cushions and headband can be replaced by certified service technicians.

      Internally, the Px7 S3 is equipped with new 40mm bio-cellulose drivers, featuring upgrades to the chassis, voice coil, suspension, and magnet. B&W asserts that these modifications will lead to reduced coloration and distortion, enhanced resolution, and improved dynamics. Additionally, the headphones feature a dedicated, discrete headphone amplifier — a first for B&W — which the company claims will provide "notably more scale and energy to the sound."

      Support for high-resolution audio has also been enhanced. B&W has substituted its Qualcomm aptX HD codec with the complete lineup of Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound codecs, including aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless, for users with compatible smartphones. The Px7 S3 continues to support USB audio, with lossless decoding capabilities up to 24-bit/96kHz from the built-in DAC.

      Active noise cancellation (ANC) is now facilitated by an eight-microphone system, as opposed to the six-mic array found in the Px7 S2. B&W claims this upgrade will improve the cancellation of ambient sounds, particularly during calls, through the use of ADI Pure Voice technology.

      Battery life remains consistent at a claimed 30 hours, although enhancements have been made to the B&W Music app, which now features an adjustable five-band EQ with saveable settings.

      Notably, B&W has promised that the Px7 S3 will receive further improvements via future firmware updates. Plans for supporting spatial audio and Bluetooth LE Audio with Auracast are reportedly underway. However, a company representative confirmed that the anticipated spatial audio feature will not include head tracking, unlike the capabilities seen in premium headphones such as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and the Apple AirPods Max.