Bowers & Wilkins introduces its best wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation, aiming to compete with the Apple AirPods Pro. These earbuds offer exceptional sound quality, thanks to carbon drivers and Qualcomm aptX Lossless. Additionally, they come with an innovative streaming charging case. The Pi8 will be available alongside the more affordable Pi6, which lacks some of the Pi8’s features.
The new true wireless earphones feature a redesigned form for better comfort, along with several technical upgrades.
First and foremost, the adjustable noise cancelling earbuds feature much larger 12-millimeter carbon drivers combined with an improved DSP that can theoretically process 32-bit sound. In practice, Qualcomm limits aptX Adaptive to 24-bit. The Pi8 is Bowers & Wilkins’ first true wireless earbuds to support aptX Lossless. It means you can stream music to the earphones in CD quality—16-bit at 44.1 kHz—without any loss.
Also see: Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Review: New Design and AI Take Center Stage
Bluetooth Multipoint allows a connection to two devices at the same time. Each earbud features three microphones for clear phone calls and effective active noise cancellation (ANC). An IP54 certification promises protection against rain and sweat. One of the Pi8’s greatest features is the charging case, as this allows sources to be connected via USB-C or via a 3.5 mm jack with a cable, and the sound to be streamed wirelessly to the earbuds – practical for connecting an airplane’s entertainment system to the Pi8, for example.
Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 & Pi6 price and release date
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 is due to hit the market “soon” for a recommended retail price of $399, the Pi6 will be available for $249. The Pi8 can already be pre-ordered on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk, and according to the retailer, delivery will start on August 28th.
The best wireless earbuds with active noise cancelling offer a battery life of 6.5 hours with ANC on or up to 20 hours with the charging case. You can charge the case via USB-C or a Qi charging pad. The cheaper Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 use a similar design but lack aptX Lossless, replacing the carbon drivers with bio-cellulose drivers. The new design also omits the streaming charging case and wireless charging. At least the Pi6 already has Bluetooth Multipoint, aptX Adaptive, and ANC.
