Overview
This review compares the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones to the Bose NC700 and Bose QC45, focusing on design, comfort, technical features, and travel suitability. The review highlights strengths and weaknesses for each model, helping users choose the best headphones for their needs.
Design and Build Quality
- PX7 S2 has a premium, sturdy build with fabric and brushed metal elements, offering an elegant appearance.
- Bose NC700 features a metal headband with silicone padding and plastic ear cups.
- Bose QC45 is primarily plastic, looks traditional, and is more inconspicuous.
- PX7 S2’s case is high-quality but larger; Bose cases are smaller, with QC45 having the most compact but less premium case.
Comfort and Fit
- Bose QC45 is the lightest (234g), loosest, and most comfortable, suitable for long wear and larger heads.
- PX7 S2 is heavier (307g) and has a firmer fit but is also "big head approved" and not uncomfortably heavy.
- NC700 has a fit between the other two.
- Bose ear pads are more spacious and stay cooler than PX7 S2’s.
- All earpads are spacious but PX7 S2's have more surface area contact.
Battery Life and Connectivity
- PX7 S2 offers 30 hours ANC battery life, outperforming both Bose models.
- NC700: 20 hours ANC battery life (below average for the segment).
- QC45: 24 hours ANC battery life; cannot turn ANC off completely.
- All models support multipoint connectivity (two devices simultaneously); PX7 S2 supports higher-quality codecs (AptX, AptX HD, AptX Adaptive).
- PX7 S2 uses USB-C for wired connections (no 3.5mm jack); both Bose models use 2.5mm audio jacks.
Sound Quality
- All models have neutral, vocal-focused sound signatures with limited bass physicality.
- PX7 S2 offers more open sound with better instrument separation and optional bass boost.
- Bose headphones emphasize mids/treble, with instrumentals sometimes lost during vocals.
- PX7 S2 is more flexible for varying listener preferences.
Controls and Features
- NC700 uses a touchpad (small but accurate, may miss inputs); PX7 S2 and QC45 use physical buttons.
- PX7 S2 includes wear sensors for auto play/pause, though they respond slowly and can be unreliable.
- NC700 has conversation mode for quick ambient awareness; not present in QC45 or PX7 S2.
Active Noise Cancellation & Ambient Mode
- QC45 offers the best ANC performance and comfort (low cabin pressure), making it ideal for travel.
- NC700 blocks slightly more noise than PX7 S2, both with less cabin pressure.
- All have ambient modes, but only NC700's is adjustable; NC700 also has a unique “conversation mode.”
- QC45 and NC700 block more noise than PX7 S2.
Microphone Performance
- PX7 S2 has the best microphone for clarity and noise pollution reduction.
- NC700 offers better clarity than QC45 but still lets in more background noise.
- QC45’s microphone is the weakest of the three.
Recommendations
- For premium build, elegant design, and best sound separation: PX7 S2 is the top choice.
- For travel and comfort: Bose QC45 is recommended due to ANC performance, light weight, compact case, and long-term comfort.
- NC700 is outperformed by QC45 in comfort, ANC, and battery life; a new version is anticipated.
Decisions
- Recommend Bose QC45 for frequent travelers and best overall ANC/comfort.
- PX7 S2 recommended for premium feel and superior sound if ANC is not top priority.
- NC700 less recommended given current alternatives and price.