The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 are among the greatest unrestrained selections on the market and that’s only if you don’t consider the cost of $400. These earbuds are small and low-profile yet provide supreme sound and are well-built and stylish. The app is straightforward to use, ANC is decent enough, and thus they are ideal for music lovers and professionals alike.
A Sound Like No Other, For The Selective Few
The Pi8’s CAD headset is it’s strongest aspect, with sound reproduction on a reference level, it is only fitting that they are called the Pi8. If it is music that you enjoy, or even podcasts, or any content, the earbuds have a balanced sound that suffices for high, mid and low type frequencies. Due to their broad sound stage they offer, much detail and clear sound can be heard, thus they serve as a great option for those who want their sound to be top tier.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Pros:
- Incredible sound performance
- Lightweight, but comfy as well
- Straightforward app and controls
- Good ANC and build quality
Cons:
- Mediocre call performance
- Couldn’t locate earbud through app
- Design and Comfort
The Pi8 earbuds are ergonomically designed, with their weight being just 0.24 ounces which means they will fit firmly in place without making the user uncomfortable. The Anthracite Black is quite classy whereas the other color choices available are Jade Green and Midnight Blue which is more vivid color. The IP54 certification will safeguard users from dust and insignificant contact with water, making them resilient enough to be worn in several circumstances.
The charging case, although has a thicker physique than its rivals but it balances the fashionable physique of the earbuds. Its dimensions, nevertheless, do not affect the overall transportability and functionality.
Usability and Features
The Pi8 has touch controls that are easy to understand spinny, from where one can easily play their music, attend calls, and even switch from ANC to Passthrough. Yes, you will need the app to connect the earphones but it will take just a few minutes so it would not be a problem. Also, the app offers setting up equalizers but comes with the embarrassing omission of Tidal and Pandora. The only bummer is ‘find my buds’ feature which is nonexistent on such an expensive device.
Active Noise cancellation and Pass-through
The Pi8 incorporates three microphones per earbud which provides effective ANC while providing clear Passthrough audio. Although it doesn’t match to the level of noise canceling that industry leaders are like Bose or Sony have, it is still quite effective at providing noise cancellation in most situations. However, the Passthrough feature allows to do the opposite and in doing so makes it easier to listen while doing outdoor activities.
Audio Performance
The Pi8 comes with Miniaturized carbon cone drivers which ensure that the sound while listening is both accurate and also dynamic. The earbuds resistance to complex instrumentals and basslines becomes evident when listening to Jamiroquai’s “Time Won’t Wait”, while the ease with which the vocals flow on Snoh Aalegra’s “Do 4 Love” is a new type of sensation On an overall basis, the way the earbuds are tuned flat helps increase their compatibility with various genres, making them great for people who enjoy a wider range of songs.
Battery Life
With Active Noise Cancellation turned on, the earbuds provide 6.5 hours of audio, which extends to up to 19.5 hours with a charger. In around 21.5 hours of video, ANC consumables are said to be turned off. While it provides a rich experience, it is far less than the amount of time its competitors such as the Sony WF-1000XM5 can provide.
Final Thoughts.
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 earbuds easily rank among the best as they satisfy an audiophile when it comes to sound quality. Their look also reflects their flagship categorization. However, average call quality and poor battery life in comparison to competitors are some of the drawbacks. The average audio call quality does not diminish the fact that the Pi8 offers top notch audio quality which is why someone willing to spend a decent amount of money would have more, but their resale value could make some customers hesitant.
