The McLaren edition is a finish choice within the Px8 S2 family. Buy it for the appearance if you like it. The more consequential decisions are whether the headband suits you for an album or two and whether you will use the digital audio input.
In depth
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 review
Published
Best forListeners who want premium over-ears for both wireless travel and USB listening.
At a glance
- Noise cancellation
- Supported
- Weight
- Approx. 310 g
- Battery life
- Up to 30 h (ANC on)
- Connections
- USB-C audioBluetooth 5.3 multipointsupplied analog-source cable
Pros
- Multipoint and USB audio serve a phone and a music desk.
- Physical controls and five-band EQ provide useful adjustment.
Cons
- Headband pressure can build during a long listen.
- Cancellation is less even through parts of the midrange.
Sound & Noise Cancellation
- 40 mm carbon drivers
- Adjustable ANC
The carbon drivers and active processing are shared features of the Px8 S2. The five-band equalizer lets you change the balance for your own recordings. In its standard Px8 S2 test, SoundGuys found weaker suppression through part of the midrange than at other frequencies. Nearby conversation is thus a different challenge from a steady low rumble. 1
Design & Comfort
- Approx. 310 g
- Physical controls
SoundGuys’ reviewer felt the headband press into the top of their head after a couple of hours. That was one listener’s experience with a standard pair, but it makes a full-length listening session a more useful fit check than a quick try-on. The McLaren finish changes the visual treatment. 1
Connectivity & Charging
- Bluetooth multipoint
- USB-C
- Up to 30 hours with ANC
Plug straight into a compatible USB computer or use the separate cable for an analog source. Multipoint works well as a practical reason to stay wireless when moving between a laptop and phone. For travel, Bowers & Wilkins rates a 15-minute charge for seven hours of playback.
Alternatives
The Px7 S3 supplies the same basic cable choices, a five-band equalizer and a 30-hour playback rating with a lighter 300 g design. Compare the two on fit and familiar music. An original Px8 owner who’s already happy with both has a stronger reason to wait than to upgrade for the new finish.
Verdict
Choose the Px8 S2 if you value its construction, can wear it comfortably through a long session and want its wired options. The standard finishes and McLaren edition belong on the same shortlist; the badge doesn’t establish different sound quality.
About this review
This is a research-based review. The Fasit has not physically tested this product.
Sources & Research
1 reference
Independent sources cited in this article.
- SoundGuysBowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 review (opens in a new tab)https://www.soundguys.com/bowers-and-wilkins-px8-s2-review-an-unlikely-successor-147206/
One listener’s headband-pressure observation and frequency-dependent noise attenuation on the reviewed standard pair.