Unlock the Ultimate Music Experience: Top-Rated Accessories for Music Enthusiasts
Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 Earbuds Review: Sounds Like a Dream, Money Worth It?
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 earbuds are, without a doubt, the best wireless earbuds I’ve had the pleasure of testing this year. For $400, they better be. These premium earbuds are compact, durable, and comfortable, with a companion app that’s a breeze to use. But it’s the reference-grade sound quality that truly sets them apart. Whether you’re listening to music, podcasts, or both, the Pi8 earbuds will transport you to a world of pure sonic bliss.
Design and Fit
Don’t let the Pi8’s charging case’s size fool you – these earbuds are remarkably petite. Weighing just 0.24 ounces, they’re almost as light as some of my all-time favorites, the Sony WF-1000XM5. The earbuds themselves have a sleek, aerodynamic design, with a thin vent separating the two glossy and matte plastics. The tops are shiny, featuring the Bowers & Wilkins logo, while the rest of the housing is matte black with four gold-colored connectors, a sensor, and a mic vent.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fantastic audio quality
- Compact, comfy, and durable design
- Easy-to-use controls and app
- Solid battery life
Cons:
- Substandard call quality
- Lacks find my buds feature
ANC Performance
The Pi8’s active noise cancellation (ANC) is impressive, keeping the hustle and bustle of New York City at bay. You can still hear the outside world, but it’s muted. When music plays, the ANC kicks in, effectively drowning out ambient noise. The passthrough mode is handy for exercising or staying aware of your surroundings.
Sound Quality
The Pi8’s 12mm carbon cone drivers are the real star of the show. They produce a warm, balanced performance, no matter the genre. The soundstage is spacious, with each instrument and sound effect having its own space. The bass is robust, the mids are bright, and the highs are clear.
Battery Life
The Pi8’s battery life is respectable, with an estimated 6.5 hours of use with ANC enabled and 8 hours without. The charging case adds an additional 13.5 hours, bringing the total to 19.5 hours with ANC and 21.5 hours without. While not the longest-lasting earbuds on the market, the Pi8’s battery life is still respectable.
Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 earbuds have their flaws – poor call quality, a lack of find my buds feature, and good but not great active noise cancellation. However, their reference-grade drivers and exceptional sound quality make them a must-have for audiophiles. For $400, they’re a worthy investment. As a reviewer, I can say that these will be my go-to earbuds for at least the first quarter of 2025. It’s up to the other flagships to dethrone them.
