The first completely wireless noise canceling earbuds – PI5 and PI7 from Bowers & Wilkins promise first-class sound, including wireless transmission in 24-bit quality. The manufacturer has also developed some exciting features, for example, the earbud headphones can be connected via AUX port by using the case as a transmitter.
Bowers and Wilkins took plenty of time to enter the lucrative market for completely wireless noise canceling earbuds, but the company is now presenting two Bowers and Wilkins headphones with exciting features. The PI5 and PI7 look almost identical at first glance, apart from the golden color accents that are only found on the more expensive model.
The B and W PI5 offer the so-called “TWS + technology”, which is supposed to ensure a particularly stable 16-bit/48 kHz connection between the ear bud, the PI7 even synchronizes music at 24-bit. While the cheaper PI5 supports regular Qualcomm aptX, the PI7 promises wireless transmission of 24-bit sound. To do this, the manufacturer relies on Qualcomm aptX Adaptive, Qualcomm’s most efficient codec to date, which can transmit a variable bit rate of up to 420 kbit / s – there is no question of lossless 24-bit at 48 kHz.
While the PI5 offers active noise cancellation with four microphones, the PI7 uses adaptive noise cancellation with six microphones. Both noise canceling earbuds support voice assistants and intelligent wear detection, which can pause playback when you take an earphone out of your ear.
The PI7 offers another exciting feature: there is an AUX plug hidden in the housing, via which it can be connected to the entertainment system of an aircraft. The sound is then transmitted wirelessly to the PI7. The earphones have a battery life of four hours, the case has enough energy for four charges, and can be charged either wirelessly or via USB-C. An IP54 certification promises protection from light rain and sweat.
Price and availability
- The Bowers & Wilkins PI5 can now be ordered via the Bhphotovideo.com website at a price of $249.99.
- The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 can also be pre-ordered via the Bhphotovideo.com website at a price of $399.99.
Recently, we also reviewed the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro TWS earbuds. Innovations include more powerful two-way speakers, intelligent active noise canceling, water resistance, and improved microphones.