Bowers & Wilkins PX5From real comments

Verdict distilled from 22 mentions across 12 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment62%
PROS 62%
CONS 38%

Rank based on 22 mentions across 12 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want on-ear comfort instead of bulky over-ear cups
  • You listen to hi-res audio and want detailed, studio-like sound
  • You can snag it at a discounted price like £119-150

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need rock-solid long-term reliability without earcup failures
  • You rely on seamless dual-device Bluetooth switching
  • You want easy access to spare parts and a durable carrying case

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
Apple AirPods Pro 2
Transparency ModeNoise CancellationSound QualityiOS/Apple Ecosystem Lock-inDurability/Crackling ConcernsHigh Price
Apple AirPods Pro 2
Transparency Mode
Noise Cancellation
Sound Quality
iOS/Apple Ecosystem Lock-in
Durability/Crackling Concerns
High Price
2Mid
Skullcandy Crusher
Signature haptic bass slider
Skullcandy Crusher
Signature haptic bass slider
3Premium
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro
Exceptional comfortStrong for gaming and imagingImprovement over HD 650/6XXIrritating L/R lettering inside padsBuild/pad quality issues reportedHigh price relative to alternatives
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro
Exceptional comfort
Strong for gaming and imaging
Improvement over HD 650/6XX
Irritating L/R lettering inside pads
Build/pad quality issues reported
High price relative to alternatives
4Mid
Sennheiser HD 25
Exceptional durabilityBalanced, quality soundFully repairable/modularCable-to-driver cutout issuesStrong clamping forceUnconventional cable entry side
Sennheiser HD 25
Exceptional durability
Balanced, quality sound
Fully repairable/modular
Cable-to-driver cutout issues
Strong clamping force
Unconventional cable entry side
5Mid
Philips SHP9500S
Exceptional comfort
Philips SHP9500S
Exceptional comfort
Best value
6Premium
Denon AH-D9200
Smooth, detailed treble and clarityStrong perceived value and end-game satisfactionTight, deep bassHigh price pointSibilant or fatiguing treble for sensitive earsTight fit for larger ears
Denon AH-D9200
Smooth, detailed treble and clarity
Strong perceived value and end-game satisfaction
Tight, deep bass
High price point
Sibilant or fatiguing treble for sensitive ears
Tight fit for larger ears
7Premium
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
Excellent Call and Mic QualityAll-Day ComfortIndustry-Leading Noise CancellationHigh Price PointInconsistent Call Clarity in Certain EnvironmentsBluetooth Pairing Problems
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
Excellent Call and Mic Quality
All-Day Comfort
Industry-Leading Noise Cancellation
High Price Point
Inconsistent Call Clarity in Certain Environments
Bluetooth Pairing Problems
8Premium
Shure SRH1540
Neutral, accurate soundExceptional comfortGreat detail and resolutionPerceived as 'boring' by some listenersElevated mid-bass/sub-bass not fully neutralSound highly dependent on seal and source
Shure SRH1540
Neutral, accurate sound
Exceptional comfort
Great detail and resolution
Perceived as 'boring' by some listeners
Elevated mid-bass/sub-bass not fully neutral
Sound highly dependent on seal and source
9Budget
Philips SHP9500
Exceptional value for moneyOutstanding comfortDetailed, neutral sound signatureLight or rolled-off bassCheap-feeling build qualityPerceived treble grain/sibilance
Philips SHP9500
Exceptional value for money
Outstanding comfort
Detailed, neutral sound signature
Light or rolled-off bass
Cheap-feeling build quality
Perceived treble grain/sibilance
10Budget
Apple EarPods
Excellent Sound Quality for PriceComfortable for Extended UseNo Charging RequiredLimited Noise IsolationBuild Quality ConcernsNot Secure for Active Use
Apple EarPods
Excellent Sound Quality for Price
Comfortable for Extended Use
No Charging Required
Limited Noise Isolation
Build Quality Concerns
Not Secure for Active Use
You are here
31Mid
Bowers & Wilkins PX5
Comfortable on-ear designExcellent sound qualityGood value at discounted pricesWeak customer serviceCup rattle noiseDual-device Bluetooth stuttering
Bowers & Wilkins PX5
Comfortable on-ear design
Excellent sound quality
Good value at discounted prices
Weak customer service
Cup rattle noise
Dual-device Bluetooth stuttering

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Sound quality wins over many listeners, especially with hi-res sources. Multiple commenters call the PX5's sound outstanding and gorgeous, with one describing unbelievable results when driven through a portable DAC with hi-res files. Others note a slightly bassy, V-shaped signature that can be tamed with EQ. One demo listener, however, found them bloated and weird sounding, showing reactions aren't universal, but the majority of hands-on owners praise the audio as a highlight worth the price.

The compact on-ear design is a deliberate draw for a specific audience. Several buyers explicitly chose the PX5 because they dislike bulky over-ear designs, find on-ear headphones more comfortable in heat or humidity, and appreciate that it doesn't pinch glasses the way the PX7 reportedly does. Fans also like that it's smaller than Sony and offers switchable noise cancellation that Bose's QuietComfort lacks, making it a rare well-regarded on-ear ANC option on the used market.

Durability and support complaints undercut the positive first impressions. Owners report a common fault where one earcup stops working entirely, describing the unit as unrepairable and Bowers & Wilkins as unhelpful, only offering a discounted upgrade. Another user cites distorted sound after six months, displacing foam pads, and bad customer service, vowing not to buy the brand again. Additional gripes include cup rattle on bumpy commutes, Bluetooth stuttering with two connected devices, a poor carrying case, and difficulty finding spare ear pads.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?