High-end Hi-Fi outfit Bowers & Wilkins has launched its first True Wireless earbuds. The PI7 and PI5 enjoy a predictably premium design and support high-res audio and noise cancelling.
Both look impressive, but it’s the high-spec PI7 model, which features an advanced driver configuration and a cool new wireless audio retransmission feature via its Smartcase, which has really caught our attention.
Available in either white or charcoal finishes, both new True Wireless models use Qualcomm aptX Adaptive which supports high-resolution audio.
The flagship PI7 model adds 24-bit/48kHz wireless transmission between each earbud, ensuring 24-bit hi-res audio from source to each earbud.
The PI7 employs a 9.2mm bespoke Bowers & Wilkins drive unit, joined by a high-frequency ‘balanced armature’ driver, with each of the four drive units in the system (two in each earbud) actively driven by its own amplifier.
This Dual Hybrid Drive headphone system is said to work just like high-performance loudspeakers, says the manufacturer, and ensures exceptional control, dynamics and deep bass.
The PI7 also features Adaptive Noise Cancellation, which automatically adapts in real-time to its surroundings to produce the best listening experience. This ANC system is driven by six microphones, three in each earbud, for phone call clarity.
The PI7’s Dual Hybrid Drive headphone system is said to work just like high performance loudspeakers…
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 feature a Dual Hybrid Drive system
The cheaper PI5, which uses TWS+ technology for earbud-to-earbud synchronisation, is built around a single Bowers drive unit, and supports CD-quality playback via aptX from compatible devices. It also has user-selectable noise- cancelling, with an ambient pass-through mode, courtesy of twin built-in microphones.
Developed by the same team behind Bowers & Wilkins world renowned 800 Series Diamond loudspeakers, as used by Abbey Road Studios, both models can be configured using the Bowers & Wilkins companion app, and have a one-button user interface, coupled to voice assistant support via either Siri or Google Assistant.
So far, so impressive. The caveat is conspicuously short battery life. In full flight, the PI5 runs for four and a half hours before it requires a recharge, with four hours for the PI7. Their respective charging cases offer up to four full recharges.
By way of comparison, Panasonic’s RZ-S500W and RZ-S300W boast 6.5 and 7.5 hours of playtime respectively. Doubtless, the designers will argue higher performance demands more juice.
Uniquely though, the PI7 Smart charging case can connect to an external audio source, such as an in-flight entertainment system, by 3.5mm or USB cable and then wirelessly retransmit audio from that source to the earbuds.
This innovation gives the PI7 an edge over rival True Wireless earbuds which typically can’t be used with in-flight entertainment systems. Bowers & Wilkins PI5 and PI7 True Wireless earbuds sell for £199 and £349 respectively.
Bowers & Wilkins has launched a McLaren F1 edition of its flagship PX8 S2 over-ear headphones. The new cans adopt a distinctive palette of Papaya orange and Anthracite Grey, with subtle Speedmark detailing on the headband and earcups. The finish is paired with diamond-cut highlights and Nappa leather cushions, reinforcing the model’s position at the…
Bang & Olufsen is marking a century of design and acoustic innovation with the launch of The Centennial Collection, a trio of special-edition audio products that blend archival detail with modern craftsmanship. The limited series reimagines three of its most recognisable creations: the Beoplay H100 headphones, Beosound A5 portable speaker, and Beosound A9 5th Generation.…
Does the headphone jungle have a new king? Bowers & Wilkins has launched the Px8 S2, its latest flagship wireless headphone, said to set a fresh benchmark for performance, design and comfort in the premium over-ear category. The Px8 S2 replaces the original Px8, first launched in 2022, and has been re-engineered to deliver what…
As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.
The Luxe Review 
High-end Hi-Fi outfit Bowers & Wilkins has launched its first True Wireless earbuds. The PI7 and PI5 enjoy a predictably premium design and support high-res audio and noise cancelling.
Both look impressive, but it’s the high-spec PI7 model, which features an advanced driver configuration and a cool new wireless audio retransmission feature via its Smartcase, which has really caught our attention.
Available in either white or charcoal finishes, both new True Wireless models use Qualcomm aptX Adaptive which supports high-resolution audio.
The flagship PI7 model adds 24-bit/48kHz wireless transmission between each earbud, ensuring 24-bit hi-res audio from source to each earbud.
The PI7 employs a 9.2mm bespoke Bowers & Wilkins drive unit, joined by a high-frequency ‘balanced armature’ driver, with each of the four drive units in the system (two in each earbud) actively driven by its own amplifier.
This Dual Hybrid Drive headphone system is said to work just like high-performance loudspeakers, says the manufacturer, and ensures exceptional control, dynamics and deep bass.
The PI7 also features Adaptive Noise Cancellation, which automatically adapts in real-time to its surroundings to produce the best listening experience. This ANC system is driven by six microphones, three in each earbud, for phone call clarity.
The cheaper PI5, which uses TWS+ technology for earbud-to-earbud synchronisation, is built around a single Bowers drive unit, and supports CD-quality playback via aptX from compatible devices. It also has user-selectable noise- cancelling, with an ambient pass-through mode, courtesy of twin built-in microphones.
Developed by the same team behind Bowers & Wilkins world renowned 800 Series Diamond loudspeakers, as used by Abbey Road Studios, both models can be configured using the Bowers & Wilkins companion app, and have a one-button user interface, coupled to voice assistant support via either Siri or Google Assistant.
So far, so impressive. The caveat is conspicuously short battery life. In full flight, the PI5 runs for four and a half hours before it requires a recharge, with four hours for the PI7. Their respective charging cases offer up to four full recharges.
By way of comparison, Panasonic’s RZ-S500W and RZ-S300W boast 6.5 and 7.5 hours of playtime respectively. Doubtless, the designers will argue higher performance demands more juice.
Uniquely though, the PI7 Smart charging case can connect to an external audio source, such as an in-flight entertainment system, by 3.5mm or USB cable and then wirelessly retransmit audio from that source to the earbuds.
This innovation gives the PI7 an edge over rival True Wireless earbuds which typically can’t be used with in-flight entertainment systems.
Bowers & Wilkins PI5 and PI7 True Wireless earbuds sell for £199 and £349 respectively.
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Bowers & Wilkins has launched a McLaren F1 edition of its flagship PX8 S2 over-ear headphones. The new cans adopt a distinctive palette of Papaya orange and Anthracite Grey, with subtle Speedmark detailing on the headband and earcups. The finish is paired with diamond-cut highlights and Nappa leather cushions, reinforcing the model’s position at the…
100 years in the making: Bang & Olufsen limited-edition Centennial audio collection strikes a pose
Bang & Olufsen is marking a century of design and acoustic innovation with the launch of The Centennial Collection, a trio of special-edition audio products that blend archival detail with modern craftsmanship. The limited series reimagines three of its most recognisable creations: the Beoplay H100 headphones, Beosound A5 portable speaker, and Beosound A9 5th Generation.…
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As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.
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