In the fast-paced world of wireless earbuds, Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 stands out as a shining example of high-end audio excellence. This third-generation release promises substantial improvements over its predecessors, addressing past flaws while enhancing sound quality, design, and features. If you’re an audiophile looking for the perfect blend of sonic detail, comfort, and functionality, the Pi8 is likely to catch your attention.
In this review, we’ll provide a comprehensive analysis of the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 earbuds, discussing their standout features, pricing, sound quality, design, and overall value. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of why the Pi8 is positioned as a top-tier contender in the wireless audio market.
Why Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 Stands Out
Bowers & Wilkins, a brand long synonymous with top-tier sound equipment, has brought a wealth of experience from its over-ear headphones into the wireless earbud space. The Pi8 is the result of this innovation, offering new features that make it more than just a simple upgrade from its predecessor, the Pi7.
Key improvements in the Pi8 include:
- Superior sound quality, with advanced noise-cancellation (ANC) and crystal-clear detail.
- Enhanced design for better comfort and longer wear times.
- New features like on-ear volume control and a case retransmission function for seamless audio streaming without Bluetooth.
Price & Release Date
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 was unveiled on August 21, 2024, with a retail price of $399 / £349 / AU$599. This price places it in the premium segment, directly competing with other top-tier models like Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and Technics EAH-AZ80.
While the price is on the higher end, it’s important to note that Bowers & Wilkins has not increased the cost compared to its earlier Pi7 model, despite a significant improvement in both design and technology.
Specs at a Glance
- Drivers: 12mm carbon cone
- Battery Life: Up to 6.5 hours (buds), up to 20 hours total
- Noise-Cancellation: Yes
- Weight: 7g per earbud
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.5 with aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
- Waterproofing: IP54
- Other Features: Multipoint connectivity, case retransmission in aptX Adaptive quality
Sound Quality: A Masterclass in Audio Performance
The Pi8 delivers a near-unmatched level of sonic precision and clarity. Whether you’re listening to music on a low-bitrate Spotify stream or enjoying a high-fidelity Qobuz playlist, the Pi8 adapts seamlessly, producing rich textures across a broad frequency range.
Bass and Mids: The earbuds excel in bass response, offering deep and resonant tones without overpowering the mids. This balance ensures that vocals and instruments come through clearly, allowing for a full appreciation of the music’s finer details.
Highs and Treble: The treble is sharp without being overly piercing, and the Pi8’s noise-canceling feature doesn’t negatively impact the clarity of higher frequencies, which is a common issue with many ANC earbuds.
ANC Performance: Bowers & Wilkins has borrowed technology from their flagship PX8 over-ear headphones to enhance the noise cancellation in the Pi8. The result is a highly effective ANC system that isolates the listener from external noise without creating uncomfortable pressure in the ear.
Design and Comfort
Bowers & Wilkins has made significant strides in the design of the Pi8, addressing many of the criticisms directed at earlier models. The Swiss watch-like embellishments of the Pi7 have been replaced with a more minimalist aesthetic that emphasizes comfort and practicality.
Comfort: One of the most notable improvements is in the fit. With four different sizes of silicone ear tips provided, you can easily find a size that works for your ear shape. Despite their slightly heavier build (7g per earbud), the Pi8’s weight is well distributed, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods.
On-Ear Controls: The Pi8 introduces on-ear volume control for the first time. While this is a welcome feature, it does come with a compromise—you have to choose between volume control and the ability to toggle through ANC modes or activate voice assistants. This may be a slight inconvenience for users who want full control at all times, but it’s a step in the right direction for Bowers & Wilkins.
Durability: With an IP54 rating, the Pi8 is water-resistant, making it a suitable option for workouts or use in less-than-ideal weather conditions. The earbuds are built with premium matte plastic, which gives them a luxurious feel while maintaining durability.
Features: What Makes the Pi8 Stand Out
Beyond sound and comfort, the Pi8 is packed with advanced features that distinguish it from the competition:
- Case Retransmission: The Pi8’s charging case allows you to wirelessly stream audio from non-Bluetooth devices like in-flight entertainment systems or gym equipment. This retransmission is done in aptX Adaptive, providing high-resolution audio (up to 24-bit/96kHz), which is a major advantage for audiophiles.
- Multipoint Connectivity: The Pi8 can connect to two devices simultaneously, allowing you to easily switch between listening to music on your phone and taking a call from your laptop.
- App Integration: The Bowers & Wilkins Music App integrates all of your paid streaming services, allowing you to access your music library and curated playlists directly through the app. While some competitors offer more advanced sound customization options, the Pi8 focuses on delivering the best possible sound out of the box, with minimal need for tweaking.
Battery Life: Decent, But Not the Best
Battery life is a crucial factor for any wireless earbud, and while the Pi8 offers solid performance, it doesn’t set any records. The earbuds last up to 6.5 hours with ANC on, with an additional 13.5 hours provided by the charging case. Without ANC, you can stretch the earbuds’ playtime to around 8.5 hours.
Compared to competitors like the JBL Live Beam 3 or Cambridge Audio Melomania M100, the battery life is slightly underwhelming. However, the Pi8 makes up for it with superior sound quality and features like case retransmission.
Value for Money: A Premium Product for Serious Audiophiles
Priced at $399, the Pi8 is certainly a premium product. But when you consider the level of engineering and design that has gone into these earbuds, they offer excellent value for those who prioritize sound quality above all else. If you’re looking for earbuds with cutting-edge noise cancellation, superb sound, and additional features like case retransmission, the Pi8 is hard to beat.
For users who want personalized sound profiles or spatial audio, options like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds or Denon PerL Pro might be more appealing. However, if you value uncompromised audio clarity and premium craftsmanship, the Pi8 is a stellar choice.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8?
Buy Them If:
- Sound quality is your top priority: If you’re an audiophile who values detail, dynamism, and clarity, the Pi8 is one of the best wireless earbud options available.
- You need comfort: The reworked design fits naturally in the ear, making them easy to wear for long periods without discomfort.
- You use high-quality streaming services: The Bowers & Wilkins Music app integrates services like Tidal and Qobuz, ensuring that your premium subscriptions are put to good use.
Don’t Buy Them If:
- You want spatial audio: The Pi8 does not support spatial audio, which might be a deal-breaker if immersive 3D sound is important to you.
- Battery life is a priority: While the Pi8’s battery life is decent, there are other earbuds on the market with longer playtime.
- You need advanced control features: The lack of personalized sound profiles and the need to choose between volume control or ANC toggling may limit convenience for some users.
Conclusion: A Flagship Product That Delivers on Its Promises
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 earbuds represent the pinnacle of wireless earbud technology, combining stellar sound quality, cutting-edge features, and a refined design. While they come with a premium price tag, their performance justifies the cost for serious listeners. Whether you’re using them for daily commuting, traveling, or simply enjoying your favorite music at home, the Pi8 is built to impress.