The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 True Wireless Earbuds Are Made for Audiophiles
We judge all headphones and earbuds on a scale of 10, analyzing the categories we think are most important: sound, comfort, design, battery performance, and, if applicable, special features. Here's how the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 wireless earbuds stack up.
The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 are the storied brand’s long-awaited, first-ever true wireless earbuds. The UK-based audio maker unveiled the noise-cancelling earbuds in April, sparking some major excitement from audiophiles for their sound quality.
Sporting a $399.99 sticker, the PI7 earbuds cost as much as the high-tech Bowers & Wilkins PX7 headphones, and more than any pair of wire-free buds I have tested. With such a big price tag, my expectations were really high. While the brand has a history of making great products, I wondered if any wireless earbuds could really be worth $400. Below are my overall thoughts, as well as reasons why you might consider getting a pair for yourself.
SCORES
Sound: 10/10
Comfort: 8/10
Design: 8/10
Battery Performance: 6/10
Overall Score: 8/10
THE BOWERS & WILKINS PI7 AT A GLANCE
Best-in-class sound and stellar noise cancellation
App lacks tools for customizing the sound
Charging case doubles as an audiophile-grade wireless transmitter
4 hours of battery life with active noise-cancellation
IP54 rating for water and dust resistance
SOUND: 10/10
The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 wireless earbuds have the best sound in their class. Each bud packs a duo of high-performance drivers, which have been expertly tuned by the audio wizard behind the luxury Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Diamond speakers, as well as an onboard amplifier.
With the help of sophisticated processing and support for high-fidelity streaming codecs, the audio hardware allows the earbuds to deliver an enchanting sonic experience. In addition to having a perfect harmony between bass, treble, and midrange, their sound is the most detail-rich I have experienced in true wireless earbuds yet.
It’s worth noting that the Bowers & Wilkins mobile app lacks tools for customizing the sound. Considering how amazing the latter is out of the box, I don’t think that this is a dealbreaker.
As far as noise-cancelation goes, the PI7 earbuds will reliably tune out traffic outside your apartment window or passers-by while walking on the street. I like that the feature has an auto mode (activated via an app), which automatically adjusts the experience depending on ambient noise around you (this feature is available on the PX7 headphones, too). Ambient pass-through mode with customizable intensity is also available.
When it comes to tuning out ambient noise, the product is handily among the best in its class. That said, the Bose QuietComfort earbuds — with their more powerful and highly adjustable noise cancellation — are still the product category’s gold standard.
If you're looking for a pair of wireless earbuds that can work for virtual calls and meetings, the PI7 will deliver. Bowers & Wilkins has equipped each bud with three microphones for voice calls and noise cancellation, which means that you'll sound crisp and clear on the other end without background noise.
Rather impressively, the charging case of the Bluetooth 5 earbuds doubles as a wireless transmitter. The feature is particularly handy for use while traveling — you'll be able to seamlessly use the buds with in-flight entertainment systems. All you need to do to get started is connect the bundled USB-C cable with a standard audio connector to you seat’s audio input.
COMFORT: 8/10
Even though they are packed with impressive tech, the PI7 earbuds weigh a reasonable 7 grams each. Their in-ear fit is comfy and I didn’t feel any fatigue while I tested them.
The product has reliable touch controls for the audio playback and noise cancellation, taking calls, and summoning your preferred virtual assistant. There’s no option to control the volume on the PI7 earbuds — you’ll have to reach for your device for this task.
Strangely, the only way to activate ambient pass-through mode on the earbuds is via their companion app. The feature is important for short conversations and while commuting, so I genuinely hope that a future firmware update addresses its lack. Thankfully, every bud has a built-in wear sensor, so the audio playback will stop if you remove it.
The Bower & Wilkins app also has a soundscapes feature, which I really enjoyed. By offering a selection of calming ambient sounds, like rain and waterfalls, you'll be able to focus better throughout the day, or kick back and relax.
DESIGN: 8/10
The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have sleek housings with contrasting gold accents, making them both stylish and high-tech. Available in white or charcoal, each pair comes with a matching charging case, which features a gold lid.
With an IP54 rating for water and dust resistance, the earbuds are suitable for rainy walks and light exercising. Fitness enthusiasts looking for buds that are as tough as their workout routine should consider other, more durable options.
BATTERY PERFORMANCE: 6/10
The PI7's 4-hour maximum battery life with active noise cancellation leaves a lot to be desired. It’s the lowest that exists in a pair of true wireless earbuds, and proof that this is one of the brand’s early attempts at developing such a product. Disabling the noise-canceling feature will marginally improve the battery endurance.
For comparison, the tinier AirPods Pro have longer battery life of up to 4.5 hours between charges. The Bose QuietComfort earbuds can last up to 6 hours, while the Master & Dynamic MW08 can deliver a whopping 10 hours of playback, all with noise cancellation switched on.
The earbuds’ fast charging case can deliver up to 2 hours’ worth of playback after only 15 minutes, and it holds a quartet of additional full charges. The USB-C accessory is compatible with wireless chargers.
OVERALL: 8/10
The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 earbuds, while far from perfect, are brimming with character and definitely worth considering if sound quality is the most important feature for you in true wireless earbuds. The buds’ sound is exceptional and lives up to the expectations set by their price tag.
If $400 is a little steep for you, we also recommend these alternatives from Bose, Jabra, Master & Dynamic, and Soundcore. They will still offer a great user experience for considerably less. However, the Bowers & Wilkins earbuds’ have superior sound and a smarter charging case that help justify their hefty price.
You Might Also Like
