The true wireless market has witnessed substantial growth in recent years, largely driven by Apple‘s AirPods. This has led to increased competition, with brands ranging from budget-friendly to high-end vying for market share. Consequently, the current selection is more diverse and advanced than ever before. Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), a respected name among audio enthusiasts, has entered this arena with two true wireless, in-ear headphone models: PI5 and PI7. After thorough testing of the flagship PI7 over several weeks, we’ve determined them to be a noteworthy audiophile option, albeit with a premium price. The question is: do they justify the investment?
First Impression
The PI7 arrives in an aesthetically pleasing case (white in our review unit), housing earbuds that, similar to Technics‘ flagship EAH-AZ70, project a sense of premium quality through their materials and construction. A selection of silicone ear tips in various sizes is included. As is standard practice, selecting the largest size that fits comfortably is recommended for optimal bass response. The fit is secure, though not exceptional. While the earbuds offer a more balanced feel than Panasonic’s slightly heavy RZ-S500W, they don’t quite match the comfort of Creative Labs Outlier Gold (now Air V2). Ultimately, the fit will depend on individual ear anatomy.
Initial setup proved somewhat challenging. The companion app, while offering similar functionality to competitors (with the notable exception of EQ settings), including feature configuration and firmware updates (which are recommended), presented difficulties during the primary pairing process, requiring multiple attempts. However, once successfully paired with our reference phone, the connection remained stable.
Sound Quality B&W PI7
Approaching the PI7 with high expectations, we initiated playback using our reference tracklist at the highest available quality. With a price point around 4,000 SEK, the PI7 positions itself among the more premium TWS options available. However, the rationale behind the pricing becomes apparent upon listening. Drawing parallels with B&W’s loudspeaker engineering (specifically the Diamond 800 series), the PI7 utilizes a multi-driver system. B&W refers to this as a hybrid-drive configuration, employing a dedicated tweeter alongside a substantial 9.2 mm full-range driver. This architecture results in a broad soundstage, enabling the headphones to handle both fast bass frequencies and complex musical arrangements with numerous instruments across different registers effectively. Listening to Scarlet Pleasure‘s What a Life (from the film Another Round) exemplifies this capability. Acoustic performances also excel, as demonstrated by Susan Wong‘s rendition of Sound of Silence, where the guitar strings exhibit clarity and intimacy, complementing her vocals. Switching to upbeat pop, such as Master KG‘s Jerusalema, characterized by its prominent bass and distinct percussion, reinforces the initial impression: the PI7 approaches the ideal of a versatile in-ear headphone. While the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 remains a strong contender and may exhibit slightly greater clarity in certain scenarios, the PI7 ultimately excels in overall breadth and sonic fidelity when paired with high-quality source material.
The PI7 incorporates a 24 bit, 48kHz audio processor (Quad-core with DSP) and supports aptX, including the high-resolution aptX HD, LL, and aptX Adaptive codecs, providing high-fidelity audio for compatible devices (excluding iPhones, which currently lack support).
The touch controls offer a generally positive experience, although achieving the optimal balance between responsiveness and accidental activation prevention remains a challenge. While some users might find the lack of on-device volume control via touch a drawback, we find that such implementations often lead to unintended actions, making its absence a non-issue. The app includes a “soundscapes” feature, offering pre-recorded ambient sounds such as forest, waterfall, and rain. While unconventional, it provides a quick means of relaxation.
The headphones feature ANC (active noise cancellation), including an automatic mode designed to recognize and prioritize “important” ambient sounds, such as announcements. This feature functioned effectively in testing, though its reliability may vary in complex environments, such as crowded streets.
Similar to the EAH-AZ70, the PI7 incorporates six microphones: four dedicated to ambient noise reduction and two for voice capture. Call quality is generally good; however, as with most TWS headphones, performance in noisy environments can be challenging due to the microphone’s distance from the mouth. Adjustments may be necessary depending on the surrounding conditions.
The PI7 offers approximately four hours of battery life on a full charge, which is adequate. The charging case provides an additional four charges, ensuring sufficient power for a full day of use. Fast charging via USB-C is also supported. Notably, the case can function as a transmitter, connecting to devices lacking Bluetooth connectivity (e.g., older iPods or portable game consoles via a 3.5″ connector) to stream audio to the headphones. This unique feature provides a means to revitalize older devices that typically require wired connections, a functionality not natively available with TWS headphones.
Summary Bowers & Wilkins PI7
The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 are a remarkable product, delivering exceptional sound quality that ranks among the best and most versatile we have experienced in the true wireless category. While the price of 4,300 SEK represents a significant investment, it aligns with the level of finish and, more importantly, the audio performance offered. Despite minor shortcomings, such as occasional app instability and potential fit concerns (which are subjective), the PI7 delivers what is arguably the best audio quality currently available in the true wireless space. While more affordable options exist that provide good sound for the price, achieving top-tier performance typically requires a greater financial commitment. In our assessment, the B&W PI7 are a worthwhile investment for discerning audiophiles.
Consider the PI7 as a premium audio experience, especially as the holiday season approaches. They are a new reference point for high-end TWS at our editorial office!
