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  1. Home
  2. Headphones
  3. Compare

Apple AirPods Max 2 vs Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2

Which Headphones Are Better?

    Top
    Main Differences
    Sound
      Sound ProfileFrequency Response ConsistencyRaw Frequency ResponseBass Profile: Target ComplianceMid-Range Profile: Target ComplianceTreble Profile: Target CompliancePeaks/DipsStereo MismatchCumulative Spectral DecayPRTFHarmonic DistortionElectrical AspectsTest Settings
    Design
      StyleComfortControlsPortabilityCaseBuild QualityStabilityHeadshots 1Headshots 2TopIn The Box
    Isolation
      Noise Isolation - Full RangeNoise Isolation - Common ScenariosNoise Isolation - Voice HandlingANC Wind HandlingLeakage
    Microphone
      Microphone StyleRecording QualityNoise Handling
    Active Features
      BatteryApp Support
    Connectivity
      Wired ConnectionBluetooth ConnectionWireless Connection (Dongle)PC CompatibilityPlayStation CompatibilityXbox Compatibility
    Comments

Products

Apple AirPods Max 2
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2

Tested using Methodology v2.3

Updated Jun 23, 2026 02:11 PM

SEE PRICE
Apple.com

Tested using Methodology v2.3

Updated Jun 23, 2026 06:00 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon
Apple AirPods Max 2 Picture

Track

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Picture

Track

TypeOver-ear
Noise CancellingYes
EnclosureClosed-Back
Bass Amount
Slightly Emphasized (2 dB)
WirelessYes
Treble Amount
Slightly Underemphasized (-3 dB)
MicYes
Sound Signature
Warm
TypeOver-ear
Noise CancellingYes
EnclosureClosed-Back
Bass Amount
Very Emphasized (5 dB)
WirelessYes
Treble Amount
Balanced (-1 dB)
MicYes
Sound Signature
≈ V-Shaped
  1. Recommended in 1 article:
  2. Apple

Our Verdict

Apple AirPods Max 2

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 and the Apple AirPods Max 2 are both relatively expensive headphones, but they target different segments of the premium over-ears market. The Apple are the better choice if you're deep in Apple's ecosystem, since many of their features are only available when paired with an Apple device. If that's you, then the Apple headphones are the better pick, as they offer stronger ANC and better audio reproduction accuracy than the B&W. On the other hand, the B&W's companion app is supported on both iOS and Android, and they also have a longer battery life than the Apple, along with a proper hard case. 

GIFT THIS COMPARISON

0 

Variants

  • AirPods Max 2 (Blue)
  • AirPods Max 2 (Midnight)
  • Px8 S2 (McLaren Grey)
  • Px8 S2 (Onyx Black)

Review

See Apple AirPods Max 2 Review
See Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Review
11 
6 

Check Price

Blue
AirPods Max 2
SEE PRICE
Amazon
McLaren Grey
Px8 S2
SEE PRICE
Bowers & Wilkins
Midnight
AirPods Max 2
SEE PRICE
Apple.com
Onyx Black
Px8 S2
SEE PRICE
B&H
Orange
AirPods Max 2
SEE PRICE
Amazon
Warm Stone
Px8 S2
SEE PRICE
Amazon
Purple
AirPods Max 2
SEE PRICE
Amazon
 
Starlight
AirPods Max 2
SEE PRICE
Amazon
 

Main Differences for
Sports And Fitness

Threshold 

0.10

Sports And Fitness 
 

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Full Comparison

Sound

Sound Profile 
 

Sound Profile  

Apple AirPods Max 2 Sound Profile Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Sound Profile Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Normalization Frequency 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

Bass Amount 
 

Locked
Locked

Treble Amount 
 

Locked
Locked

Sound Signature 
 

Locked
Locked

Frequency Response Consistency 
 

N/A
N/A

Consistency L  

Apple AirPods Max 2 Consistency L Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Consistency L Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Consistency R  

Apple AirPods Max 2 Consistency R Sample

SAMPLE

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Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Consistency R Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Std. Deviation 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Raw Frequency Response 
 

Raw FR L  

Apple AirPods Max 2 Raw FR L Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Raw FR L Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Raw FR R  

Apple AirPods Max 2 Raw FR R Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Raw FR R Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Bass Profile: Target Compliance 
 

N/A
N/A

Bass Profile: Target Compliance  

Apple AirPods Max 2 Bass Profile: Target Compliance Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Bass Profile: Target Compliance Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

RMS Deviation From Target 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

Low Bass 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid Bass 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

High Bass 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid-Range Profile: Target Compliance 
 

N/A
N/A

Mid-Range Profile: Target Compliance  

Apple AirPods Max 2 Mid-Range Profile: Target Compliance Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Mid-Range Profile: Target Compliance Sample

SAMPLE

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RMS Deviation From Target 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low Mid 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid-Mid 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

High Mid 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Treble Profile: Target Compliance 
 

N/A
N/A

Treble Profile: Target Compliance  

Apple AirPods Max 2 Treble Profile: Target Compliance Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Treble Profile: Target Compliance Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

RMS Deviation From Target 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low Treble 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid Treble 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

High Treble 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Peaks/Dips 
 

N/A
N/A

Peaks/Dips Graph 
 

Apple AirPods Max 2 Peaks/Dips Graph Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Peaks/Dips Graph Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Peaks 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Dips 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Stereo Mismatch 
 

N/A
N/A

Frequency Response Mismatch  

Apple AirPods Max 2 Frequency Response Mismatch Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Frequency Response Mismatch Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Phase Response Mismatch  

Apple AirPods Max 2 Phase Response Mismatch Sample

SAMPLE

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Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Phase Response Mismatch Sample

SAMPLE

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Weighted Amplitude Mismatch 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Weighted Frequency Response Mismatch 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Weighted Phase Mismatch 
 

Lock°
Lock°

PRTF 
 

N/A
N/A

PRTF  

Apple AirPods Max 2 PRTF Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 PRTF Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

PRTF Accuracy (RMS Deviation) 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

PRTF Size (Avg.) 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

PRTF Distance 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Harmonic Distortion 
 

N/A
N/A

Harmonics Levels  

Apple AirPods Max 2 Harmonics Levels Sample

SAMPLE

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Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Harmonics Levels Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

THD Ratio  

Apple AirPods Max 2 THD Ratio Sample

SAMPLE

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Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 THD Ratio Sample

SAMPLE

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WHD @ 94 dB SPL 
 

Lock%
Lock%

WHD @ 104 dB SPL 
 

Lock%
Lock%

Electrical Aspects 
 

Impedance  

Apple AirPods Max 2 Impedance Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Impedance Sample

SAMPLE

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Sensitivity @1kHz-1V 
 

N/A
N/A

Bluetooth Max SPL 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Test Settings 
 

Firmware 
 

Locked
Locked

Power 
 

Locked
Locked

Connection 
 

Locked
Locked

Codec 
 

Locked
Locked

Test Instrument  

Locked
Locked

EQ 
 

Locked
Locked

ANC 
 

Locked
Locked

Tip/Pad 
 

Locked
Locked

Microphone 
 

Locked
Locked
Design

Style  

Design Picture 2  

Apple AirPods Max 2 Design Picture 2 Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Design Picture 2 Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Type  

Locked
Locked

Enclosure  

Locked
Locked

Wireless  

Locked
Locked

Transducer  

Locked
Locked

Comfort 
 

N/A
N/A

Comfort Picture  

Apple AirPods Max 2 Comfort Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Comfort Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Weight  

Lock lbs
Lock lbs

Clamping Force 
 

Lock lbs
Lock lbs

Controls 
 

N/A
N/A

Controls Picture  

Apple AirPods Max 2 Controls Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Controls Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

OS Compatibility 
 

Locked
Locked

Ease Of Use  

Locked
Locked

Feedback  

Locked
Locked

Call/Music Control  

Locked
Locked

Volume Control  

Locked
Locked

Microphone Control  

Locked
Locked

Channel Mixing 
 

Locked
Locked

Noise Cancelling Control  

Locked
Locked

Talk-Through 
 

Locked
Locked

Additional Controls  

Locked
Locked

Portability 
 

N/A
N/A

Portability Picture  

Apple AirPods Max 2 Portability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Portability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

L  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

W  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

H  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Volume  

Lock in³ (Lock cm³)
Lock in³ (Lock cm³)

Transmitter Required  

Locked
Locked

Case 
 

N/A
N/A

Case Picture  

Apple AirPods Max 2 Case Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Case Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Type  

Locked
Locked

L  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

W  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

H  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Volume  

Lock in³ (Lock cm³)
Lock in³ (Lock cm³)

Build Quality 
 

N/A
N/A

Build Quality Picture  

Apple AirPods Max 2 Build Quality Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Build Quality Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Stability 
 

N/A
N/A

Stability Picture  

Apple AirPods Max 2 Stability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Stability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Headshots 1  

Angled Picture  

Apple AirPods Max 2 Angled Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Angled Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Side Picture  

Apple AirPods Max 2 Side Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Side Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Headshots 2  

Front Picture  

Apple AirPods Max 2 Front Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Front Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Rear Picture  

Apple AirPods Max 2 Rear Picture Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Rear Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Top  

Top Picture  

Apple AirPods Max 2 Top Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Top Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

In The Box  

In The Box Picture  

Apple AirPods Max 2 In The Box Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 In The Box Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Isolation

Noise Isolation - Full Range 
 

N/A
N/A

Noise Isolation - Full Range Graph  

Apple AirPods Max 2 Noise Isolation - Full Range Graph Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Noise Isolation - Full Range Graph Sample

SAMPLE

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Noise Cancelling  

Locked
Locked

Overall Attenuation 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Bass 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Treble 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios 
 

N/A
N/A

Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios Graph  

Apple AirPods Max 2 Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios Graph Sample

SAMPLE

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Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios Graph Sample

SAMPLE

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Airplane Noise Attenuation 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Airplane Noise Isolation Audio 
 

Join Now
Join Now

Office Noise Attenuation 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Office Noise Isolation Audio 
 

Join Now
Join Now

Street Noise Attenuation 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Street Noise Isolation Audio 
 

Join Now
Join Now

Noise Isolation - Voice Handling 
 

Female Voice 1 
 

Join Now
Join Now

Male Voice 1 
 

Join Now
Join Now

Female Voice 2 
 

Join Now
Join Now

Male Voice 2 
 

Join Now
Join Now

ANC Wind Handling 
 

ANC Wind Handling Graph  

Apple AirPods Max 2 ANC Wind Handling Graph Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 ANC Wind Handling Graph Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

ANC Wind Noise 
 

Join Now
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Leakage 
 

N/A
N/A

Leakage  

Apple AirPods Max 2 Leakage Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Leakage Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Leakage Audio 
 

Join Now
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Overall Leakage @ 1ft 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Microphone

Microphone Style 
 

Integrated 
 

Locked
Locked

In-Line 
 

Locked
Locked

Boom 
 

Locked
Locked

Detachable Boom 
 

Locked
Locked

Mic  

Locked
Locked

Recording Quality 
 

N/A
N/A

Microphone Frequency Response  

Apple AirPods Max 2 Microphone Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

Join Now

for pictures & test results

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Microphone Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Recorded Speech 
 

Join Now
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LFE 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

FR Std. Dev. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

HFE 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

Weighted THD 
 

Lock
Lock

Gain 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Noise Handling 
 

N/A
N/A

SpNR  

Apple AirPods Max 2 SpNR Sample

SAMPLE

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Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 SpNR Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

SpNR 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Noise Gate 
 

Locked
Locked

Speech + Pink Noise Handling 
 

0.0
0.0

Speech + Pink Noise Audio Sample  

Join Now
Join Now

Speech + Subway Noise Handling 
 

0.0
0.0

Speech + Subway Noise Audio Sample  

Join Now
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Active Features

Battery 
 

N/A
N/A

Battery Type 
 

Locked
Locked

Continuous Battery Life 
 

Lock hrs
Lock hrs

Additional Charges 
 

Lock
Lock

Total Battery Life 
 

Lock hrs
Lock hrs

Charge Time 
 

Lock hrs
Lock hrs

Power-Saving Feature 
 

Locked
Locked

Audio While Charging 
 

Locked
Locked

Passive Playback 
 

Locked
Locked

Charging Port  

Locked
Locked

App Support 
 

N/A
N/A

App Picture  

Apple AirPods Max 2 App Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 App Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

App Name  

Locked
Locked

iOS  

Locked
Locked

Android  

Locked
Locked

macOS  

Locked
Locked

Windows  

Locked
Locked

Equalizer 
 

Locked
Locked

ANC Control 
 

Locked
Locked

Mic Control  

Locked
Locked

Playback Control 
 

Locked
Locked

Button Mapping  

Locked
Locked

Virtual Surround 
 

Locked
Locked
Connectivity

Wired Connection 
 

N/A
N/A

Cable Picture  

Apple AirPods Max 2 Cable Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Cable Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Analog Audio 
 

Locked
Locked

USB Audio 
 

Locked
Locked

Detachable 
 

Locked
Locked

Length 
 

Lock ft (Lock m)
Lock ft (Lock m)

Connector 
 

Locked
Locked

Latency - Analog 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

Latency - USB 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

Recorded Latency 
 

Join Now
Join Now

Recorded Latency Connection  

Locked
Locked

Bluetooth Connection 
 

N/A
N/A

Bluetooth Version 
 

Locked
Locked

Multi-Device Pairing 
 

Locked
Locked

Quick Pair (Android) 
 

Locked
Locked

Quick Pair (iOS) 
 

Locked
Locked

Latency - SBC 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

Latency - aptX Adaptive (High Quality) 
 

N/A
Lock ms

Latency - aptX Adaptive (Low Latency) 
 

N/A
Lock ms

Latency - LDAC 
 

N/A
N/A

Recorded Latency 
 

Join Now
Join Now

Recorded Latency Codec  

Locked
Locked

AAC Support 
 

Locked
Locked

Wireless Connection (Dongle) 
 

N/A
N/A

Line Of Sight Range 
 

N/A
N/A

Latency - Dongle 
 

N/A
N/A

Recorded Latency 
 

Join Now
Join Now

PC Compatibility 
 

Analog 
 

Locked
Locked

Wired USB 
 

Locked
Locked

Non-BT Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

PlayStation Compatibility 
 

PS5 Analog 
 

Locked
Locked

PS5 Wired USB 
 

Locked
Locked

PS5 Non-BT Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

Xbox Compatibility 
 

Xbox Series X|S Analog 
 

Locked
Locked

Xbox Series X|S Wired USB 
 

Locked
Locked

Xbox Series X|S Non-BT Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

Check Price

Blue
AirPods Max 2
SEE PRICE
Amazon
McLaren Grey
Px8 S2
SEE PRICE
Bowers & Wilkins
Midnight
AirPods Max 2
SEE PRICE
Apple.com
Onyx Black
Px8 S2
SEE PRICE
B&H
Orange
AirPods Max 2
SEE PRICE
Amazon
Warm Stone
Px8 S2
SEE PRICE
Amazon
Purple
AirPods Max 2
SEE PRICE
Amazon
 
Starlight
AirPods Max 2
SEE PRICE
Amazon
 
Back to Top

Apple AirPods Max 2

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2

Comments

  1. Comparison
 • Posted 1 month ago

Apple AirPods Max 2 vs Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2: Main Discussion

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