Unveiling the Bowers & Wilkins Pi6: Premium Earbuds with Exceptional Sound Quality, but What’s Missing?
Bowers & Wilkins Pi6: A Premium Earbud Experience with Some Caveats
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 are a more affordable alternative to their flagship earbuds, the Pi8. While they still offer premium sound quality and impressive noise cancellation, they cut some corners to keep the price lower. In this review, we’ll dive into the details of what makes these earbuds special and where they fall short.
Sound Quality
The Pi6’s sound quality is one of their strongest suits. They deliver a detailed and nuanced soundstage, with clear highs and deep bass. The earbuds are able to pick up on subtle nuances in the music, making them a great choice for audiophiles.
Noise Cancellation
The Pi6’s active noise cancellation is also impressive. They’re able to effectively block out background noise, making them perfect for commuters or those who like to listen to music in noisy environments.
Design and Build
The Pi6’s design is sleek and modern, with a premium feel that’s consistent with Bowers & Wilkins’ brand reputation. The earbuds are lightweight and comfortable to wear, making them suitable for extended listening sessions.
Connectivity and Battery Life
The Pi6’s connectivity options are limited, with only Bluetooth 5.4 available. While this may not be as advanced as some other earbuds on the market, it’s still sufficient for most users. The battery life is also decent, with up to 8 hours of playback time on a single charge.
Where They Fall Short
While the Pi6 are a great option for those looking for a premium earbud experience, they do have some drawbacks. The app is lacking in features, with no spatial audio or hearing profile curation options. Additionally, the pairing process can be finicky, and the connection is not always reliable.
Comparison to Other Earbuds
The Pi6 are comparable to other earbuds in their price range, such as the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods 2. While they may not offer the same level of features as these earbuds, they deliver a similar level of sound quality and noise cancellation.
Final Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 are a great option for those looking for a premium earbud experience without breaking the bank. While they may not offer the same level of features as some other earbuds on the market, they deliver a detailed and nuanced soundstage, impressive noise cancellation, and a premium feel. If you’re looking for a reliable and high-quality earbud experience, the Pi6 are definitely worth considering.
Specifications
- Drivers: 12mm
- Active noise cancellation: Yes
- Battery life: Up to 8 hours (buds), 24 hours (case)
- Weight: 7g (buds), 46g (case)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4
- Waterproofing: IP54
How I Tested the Bowers & Wilkins Pi6
I tested the Pi6 for roughly three weeks, using them in a range of environments including my home, office, public transport, and gym. I streamed music, played games, and watched TV while testing the earbuds to get a sense of their performance in different situations.
Price and Release Date
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 are available for $199 / £219 / AU$449, making them a more affordable option compared to the Pi8. They were released in September 2024, shortly after the Pi8.
