Head-to-head · Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Ultra vs Bowers & Wilkins Px8

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.2 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about Discerning listeners prioritizing luxury materials and high-fidelity sound — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #5 in Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

4.2

$429as of Apr 22

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones deliver top-tier noise cancellation and exceptional comfort, making them a strong upgrade for daily travelers and commuters. However, the lack of water resistance and the premium price tag may deter some buyers, alongside minor reports of audio channel inconsistencies.

Strengths

— Industry-leading Active Noise Cancelling with CustomTune calibration
— Exceptional comfort with soft padding and a lightweight 253g design
— Supports high-quality audio codecs including aptX Adaptive and Snapdragon Sound

Watch-outs

— No IP rating for water or sweat resistance
— High retail price point compared to competitors
— Some users reported occasional channel matching issues

$429 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

Bowers & Wilkins Px8

4.4

$699as of Apr 22

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 delivers exceptional audio clarity and a luxurious build quality that justifies its premium price for discerning listeners. However, the experience is marred by inconsistent wear detection, a lack of low-volume adjustment in wired mode, and significant weight that can cause discomfort during extended use.

Strengths

— Outstanding clarity with a fast and punchy sonic presentation
— Luxurious build featuring soft Nappa leather and cast aluminium arms
— Angled 40mm carbon cone drivers provide a comfortable fit

Watch-outs

— Sound quality becomes limp at lower volume levels
— Wear-on/wear-off detection function can be erratic
— Heavy 320g mass causes pressure and heat buildup over long sessions

$699 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

While the Bose QuietComfort Ultra matches the Sony WH-1000XM5 in noise cancellation prowess, it distinguishes itself with superior lightweight comfort that outshines the heavier Bowers & Wilkins Px8. It falls short of the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless in battery endurance and lacks the premium metal construction of the Apple AirPods Max, making it a comfort-first choice rather than a durability or battery king.

Bowers & Wilkins Px8

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 stands out with the most luxurious Nappa leather and cast aluminum build, offering a premium tactile experience that feels more upscale than the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless. Despite its superior clarity, it is the heaviest option in the group, causing more pressure than the lightweight Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and its sound quality drops at low volumes unlike the consistent performance of the Sennheiser.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Bose QuietComfort Ultra	Bowers & Wilkins Px8
Driver Type	Bose custom	40mm carbon cone
Bluetooth Version	5.3	5.1
Weight	250g	320g
Charging Method	USB-C	USB-C
Codecs	AAC, aptX Adaptive	aptX adaptive
ANC	Yes	Yes
Battery Life	24h	30 hours
Driver Size	—	40mm

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