Audio T Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 combines an engaging, detailed sound with premium construction, effective noise cancellation and a slimmer design that is comfortable enough for extended listening.
Its 40mm bio-cellulose drivers, dedicated digital processing and amplifier/DAC architecture provide impressive clarity, bass control and musical scale. aptX Lossless offers excellent wireless performance with compatible equipment, while USB audio supports playback up to 24-bit/96kHz.
Thirty hours of battery life, a seven-hour fast-charge boost, multipoint Bluetooth and clear physical controls make the Px7 S3 a strong all-round choice for home listening, commuting, travel and working across several devices.
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones
The Px7 S3 is a pair of high-performance closed-back over-ear headphones designed for premium wireless and wired listening.
Each earcup contains a 40mm full-range bio-cellulose drive unit supported by high-performance digital signal processing, dedicated amplification and digital-to-analogue conversion.
Bluetooth 5.3, aptX Lossless, adaptive Active Noise Cancellation, eight microphones, USB audio and the Bowers & Wilkins Music app provide a flexible listening experience across compatible phones, tablets and computers.
40mm Bio-Cellulose Drive Units
The Px7 S3 uses one 40mm dynamic bio-cellulose driver in each earcup.
Bio-cellulose combines low moving mass with useful rigidity, helping the diaphragm respond quickly while controlling unwanted flexing and resonance.
This allows the headphones to reproduce fine detail, voices and instruments clearly while retaining the bass weight and dynamic impact required by modern recordings.
Dedicated DSP and Amplifier/DAC Architecture
The Px7 S3 uses high-performance digital signal processing together with dedicated amplification and digital-to-analogue conversion.
This integrated architecture gives Bowers & Wilkins control over the complete signal path, including Bluetooth decoding, noise cancellation, equalisation and the signal delivered to each driver.
Careful coordination between these stages helps the headphones maintain clarity, tonal balance and control at different listening levels.
True 24-Bit Audio Connection
The Px7 S3 supports a true 24-bit audio connection with compatible equipment.
Connection quality will depend on the source device, selected Bluetooth codec, source material and surrounding wireless conditions.
For the highest supported wired resolution, the headphones can receive USB audio at up to 24-bit/96kHz from a compatible computer, phone or tablet.
Source Compatibility Matters
aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive and aptX HD require a transmitting device that supports the same codec.
Devices without aptX support can still connect using another mutually supported codec, such as AAC or SBC.
aptX Lossless Wireless Audio
aptX Lossless is the highest-quality Bluetooth codec supported by the Px7 S3.
With a compatible source and suitable wireless conditions, it is designed to preserve more information from the original audio signal than conventional compressed Bluetooth connections.
The headphones also support aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX Classic, AAC and SBC, providing broad compatibility across Android, Apple and computer products.
aptX Adaptive
aptX Adaptive adjusts its operation according to the content and quality of the wireless connection.
This can help balance sound quality, stability and delay when switching between music, video and other compatible applications.
The headphones and source device negotiate the appropriate codec automatically rather than requiring it to be selected on the Px7 S3 itself.
Active Noise Cancellation
The Px7 S3 uses multiple microphones and digital processing to reduce unwanted environmental noise.
Active Noise Cancellation can help reduce distractions from transport, offices, aircraft cabins and other busy surroundings while preserving the dynamics and tonal balance of the music.
A consistent seal between the ear cushions and the listener’s head is important. Hair, glasses and an uneven fit can reduce noise-cancelling effectiveness.
Ambient Pass-Through
Ambient Pass-Through uses the built-in microphones to allow external sounds into the listening experience without removing the headphones.
This can be useful when listening for travel announcements, speaking briefly with another person or becoming more aware of the immediate surroundings.
The Quick Action button can be configured to cycle between Active Noise Cancellation, Pass-Through and environmental processing switched off.
Remain Aware of Your Surroundings
Pass-Through can improve awareness but is not a replacement for normal attention and judgement.
Remove the headphones whenever complete awareness is required, particularly near traffic, machinery, railway platforms or other potential hazards.
Eight-Microphone System
The Px7 S3 contains eight microphones, with four positioned within each earcup.
The microphone array supports both Active Noise Cancellation and voice calls, allowing the system to analyse environmental sound while capturing the wearer’s voice.
Careful microphone positioning helps maintain call clarity without requiring a visible boom microphone.
ADI Pure Voice Call Processing
Bowers & Wilkins uses ADI Pure Voice processing to improve the clarity of calls and online conversations.
The system is designed to separate the wearer’s speech from surrounding noise so voices remain easier to understand in everyday environments.
Final call quality will still depend on the connected device, application, mobile network and level of background noise.
Slimmer Over-Ear Design
The Px7 S3 introduces slimmer earcups and a refined headband compared with the preceding Px7 S2e.
The redesigned profile reduces visual bulk while retaining a full over-ear fit that surrounds rather than rests directly upon the ears.
The earcup padding and headband should be adjusted so the headphones sit securely without excessive pressure.
Finding the Correct Fit
Extend each side of the headband evenly until both earcups completely surround the ears.
The headband should rest centrally across the top of the head, with the ear cushions forming a consistent seal around each ear.
An uneven fit can affect bass response, stereo balance and noise cancellation. Wearers of glasses may need to make small adjustments to improve the seal around the frames.
Physical Earcup Controls
The Px7 S3 uses tactile physical controls rather than relying entirely on touch-sensitive surfaces.
The controls provide access to:
- Power
- Bluetooth pairing
- Volume adjustment
- Music playback
- Track selection
- Call answering and ending
- Noise Cancellation and Pass-Through
- Voice Assistant access
Physical buttons can be particularly useful while travelling, wearing gloves or operating the headphones without looking at them.
Customisable Quick Action Button
The Quick Action button can be configured through the Bowers & Wilkins Music app.
It can provide rapid access to the environmental modes or activate the Voice Assistant available through the connected device.
Select the function most frequently required, then use the Music app whenever a less common adjustment is needed.
Enhanced Wear Sensing
Wear sensors allow the Px7 S3 to respond when either earcup is lifted away from the listener’s ear.
Playback can pause automatically when an earcup is lifted and resume when it is returned to position.
Removing the headphones can also place them into a lower-power state, helping preserve battery life when they are not actively being used.
Wear sensing can be enabled, disabled or adjusted through the Bowers & Wilkins Music app.
Adjust Wear-Sensor Sensitivity if Required
Glasses, hair and individual head shape can affect how reliably the sensors detect that the headphones are being worn.
Use the Music app to alter the sensitivity or switch the feature off if playback pauses unexpectedly.
Bluetooth 5.3
Bluetooth 5.3 provides the principal wireless connection between the Px7 S3 and compatible source devices.
The headphones enter pairing mode automatically when first switched on. Further devices can be added by holding the power switch in its Bluetooth pairing position.
The Px7 S3 can remember several previously paired products, allowing regularly used devices to be reconnected without repeating the complete setup process.
Multipoint Connectivity
Bluetooth multipoint allows the Px7 S3 to remain connected to two devices simultaneously.
This can be useful when working across a phone and computer, allowing music to play from one while remaining available for calls from the other.
Only one connected device can play audio or handle a call at a time. Pause playback on the first device and begin playing from the second to change source.
Incoming Calls Take Priority
If a call arrives on the second connected device while music is playing from the first, playback will pause and the call will be routed to the headphones.
Current and previously paired devices can be managed through the Bowers & Wilkins Music app.
Google Fast Pair
Google Fast Pair can simplify setup with compatible Android devices.
Switch the Px7 S3 on and place it close to the unlocked Android phone or tablet, then follow the pairing prompt that appears on screen.
Conventional Bluetooth pairing remains available for Android products that do not support Fast Pair.
Made for iPhone
The Px7 S3 supports Apple Made for iPhone operation and can connect to compatible iPhones, iPads and Macs using Bluetooth.
Apple devices normally use the AAC Bluetooth codec rather than the aptX family.
For higher-resolution playback from a compatible Apple device, USB audio may provide an alternative where the required connection and operating-system support are available.
Bowers & Wilkins Music App
The Bowers & Wilkins Music app is available for compatible iOS and Android devices.
It provides guided setup, direct access to supported music services and control over the headphones’ principal features.
Available settings include:
- Active Noise Cancellation
- Ambient Pass-Through
- Environmental processing switched off
- Five-band equalisation
- TrueSound mode
- Quick Action button assignment
- Wear-sensor settings
- Bluetooth connection management
- Battery information
- Standby and power settings
- Product renaming
- Firmware updates
Basic Bluetooth and wired listening remain possible without the app, but installing it provides access to the complete feature set and future software updates.
Five-Band Customisable EQ
The Music app includes five-band equalisation for adjusting the tonal balance of the Px7 S3.
This provides greater control than a simple bass and treble adjustment, allowing modest changes across several areas of the frequency range.
Begin with the controls in their neutral positions and make small adjustments. Excessive equalisation can reduce headroom or make recordings sound unnatural.
TrueSound Mode
TrueSound bypasses the user’s equaliser settings and returns the Px7 S3 to the tonal balance intended by Bowers & Wilkins.
This provides a useful reference when comparing EQ changes or moving between recordings with very different production styles.
TrueSound does not alter the quality of the Bluetooth or wired source connection.
USB-C Digital Audio
The supplied USB-C-to-USB-C cable can carry digital audio directly from a compatible computer, phone or tablet.
USB audio supports playback at up to 24-bit/96kHz, allowing the headphones’ internal DAC and amplifier to receive a high-quality digital signal without using Bluetooth.
When connected to a computer for the first time, it may be necessary to select the Px7 S3 as the operating system’s audio-output device.
USB Audio Depends on the Source Device
The connected phone, tablet or computer must support USB audio output through its USB-C connection.
An adaptor may be required for devices that use USB-A, Lightning or another connection. Not every adaptor supports digital audio.
Analogue Wired Listening
The supplied USB-C-to-3.5mm cable allows the Px7 S3 to connect to a conventional analogue headphone output.
This is useful with Hi-Fi equipment, televisions, aircraft entertainment systems, portable players and computers that provide a 3.5mm socket.
The headphones must contain sufficient battery charge and remain switched on because the incoming analogue signal is processed and amplified internally.
No Completely Passive Listening Mode
The Px7 S3 does not operate as a conventional unpowered passive headphone through the supplied analogue cable.
Even when connected to a 3.5mm source, its battery, processing and internal amplification remain part of the audio path.
Keep the headphones charged before a long journey if wired analogue listening will be required.
Using the Headphones While Charging
The Px7 S3 can continue operating while connected to a suitable USB power source.
This can be useful during an extended computer-listening session or if the battery is low shortly before use.
Allow sufficient ventilation around the headphones and charging connection, and stop using them if the cable or connector becomes damaged.
Thirty-Hour Battery Life
The rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to 30 hours of playback under the manufacturer’s test conditions.
The published figure includes listening with Active Noise Cancellation enabled at a moderate volume level.
Actual battery life will vary according to volume, codec, calls, environmental processing, wired use, temperature and the age of the battery.
Seven Hours from a 15-Minute Charge
A 15-minute fast charge provides up to seven hours of additional playback.
This is particularly useful before a commute, flight or working day when there is not enough time for a complete charge.
Fast-charge performance can vary according to the USB power source, temperature and condition of the battery.
Charge Before Long-Term Storage
Rechargeable batteries should not be left completely discharged for extended periods.
Charge the headphones periodically while they are in storage and avoid leaving them in very hot, cold or damp locations.
Travel and Carry Case
A protective carry case is supplied with the Px7 S3.
The case provides storage for the headphones and supplied cables while helping protect the earcups, headband and controls during travel.
The case measures 177mm wide, 60mm deep and 234mm high.
Switch the headphones off before storing them and make sure the cables are positioned so they cannot press against or scratch the earcups.
Using the Px7 S3 for Calls and Meetings
The built-in microphone system allows the Px7 S3 to operate as a wireless headset for calls and compatible online meeting applications.
Windows computers may present separate stereo and hands-free Bluetooth profiles. Select the appropriate microphone and output devices within the meeting application or operating system.
For the best results, keep the headphones’ firmware and the calling application up to date.
Home Listening
The Px7 S3 can be used as a primary private-listening system at home as well as a travel headphone.
USB audio provides a direct digital connection from a compatible computer, while the analogue cable allows connection to conventional Hi-Fi equipment and suitable headphone outputs.
Experiment with Bluetooth, USB and analogue sources, as the preferred connection may depend on the equipment, recording and listening situation.
Listening at a Safe Volume
Over-ear headphones can produce high listening levels directly at the ear.
Begin at a low volume and increase it only until the music is clear and comfortable.
Take regular breaks during extended listening and reduce the level if you experience discomfort, ringing or temporary dullness in your hearing.
Water and Moisture
Bowers & Wilkins does not publish an IP water-resistance rating for the Px7 S3.
Keep the headphones, controls and USB-C connection away from rain, excessive sweat, splashing water and high-humidity storage.
They are not designed for swimming, showering or use in conditions where they may become soaked.
Cleaning and Care
Clean the headphones and case using a soft, clean and dry cloth.
Do not use solvents, alcohol, abrasive materials or household cleaning sprays.
Keep moisture away from the driver openings, microphones, controls and USB-C connection.
Store the headphones in their case when they are not being used, particularly while travelling.
Software Updates
Bowers & Wilkins may release firmware updates that refine performance, resolve issues or add features.
The Music app will provide a notification when an update is available and guide the user through the installation.
Keep the headphones adequately charged and close to the phone while an update is taking place.
Px7 S3 or Px8 S2?
The Px7 S3 uses 40mm bio-cellulose drivers and a premium fabric-led finish.
The higher-level Px8 S2 uses Carbon Cone drivers together with aluminium and Nappa leather construction, placing greater emphasis on reference performance and luxury materials.
Both models support aptX Lossless, USB audio, five-band EQ, Active Noise Cancellation, multipoint and 30-hour battery life.
The best choice will depend on budget, preferred materials, fit and the level of sound quality required. An in-store comparison is recommended.
Finish Options
The Px7 S3 is available in:
- Anthracite Black
- Canvas White
- Indigo Blue
- Frost Blue
- Vintage Maroon
Finish availability should be confirmed when ordering.
Key Features
- High-performance closed-back over-ear headphones
- Wireless Bluetooth, USB and analogue wired listening
- Two 40mm full-range bio-cellulose drive units
- High-performance digital signal processing
- Dedicated amplifier and digital-to-analogue conversion
- True 24-bit audio connection
- USB audio up to 24-bit/96kHz
- Bluetooth 5.3
- aptX Lossless support
- aptX Adaptive, aptX HD and aptX Classic
- AAC and SBC compatibility
- Active Noise Cancellation
- Ambient Pass-Through
- Eight-microphone system
- ADI Pure Voice call processing
- Bluetooth multipoint for two devices
- Google Fast Pair
- Apple Made for iPhone support
- Physical music, call and volume controls
- Customisable Quick Action button
- Enhanced wear sensing
- Automatic pause and resume
- Bowers & Wilkins Music app support
- Five-band customisable EQ
- TrueSound mode
- Up to 30 hours of playback
- 15-minute fast charge for up to seven hours of playback
- Can be used while charging
- USB-C-to-USB-C cable included
- USB-C-to-3.5mm analogue cable included
- Protective carry case included
- 300g net headphone weight
- Five finish options
- Two-year limited manufacturer’s warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the Px7 S3 headphones have Active Noise Cancellation?
Yes. They include Active Noise Cancellation, Ambient Pass-Through and the option to switch environmental processing off.
What drivers do the Px7 S3 use?
Each earcup contains one 40mm dynamic full-range bio-cellulose driver.
Which Bluetooth version is used?
The Px7 S3 uses Bluetooth 5.3.
Which Bluetooth codecs are supported?
The supported codecs are aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX Classic, AAC and SBC.
Does aptX Lossless work with every phone?
No. The transmitting device must also support aptX Lossless. Otherwise, the headphones will use another mutually supported codec.
Can the Px7 S3 connect to an iPhone?
Yes. It supports Bluetooth connection to compatible Apple devices and is listed as Made for iPhone. Apple devices normally use AAC rather than aptX.
Can it connect to an Android phone?
Yes. It supports standard Bluetooth pairing and Google Fast Pair on compatible Android devices.
Can it connect to two devices simultaneously?
Yes. Bluetooth multipoint allows two devices to remain connected, although only one can play audio or handle a call at a time.
Can the headphones remember more than two devices?
Yes. Several devices can be stored in the paired-device history, but only two can remain actively connected at the same time.
Do they pause when removed?
Yes. Wear sensing can pause playback when an earcup is lifted and resume it when the headphone is returned to position.
Can wear sensing be disabled?
Yes. Wear sensing and its sensitivity can be adjusted through the Bowers & Wilkins Music app.
Do the Px7 S3 use touch controls?
No. They use physical earcup controls for power, pairing, playback, volume, calls and the customisable Quick Action function.
Can the Quick Action button activate a Voice Assistant?
Yes. It can be assigned to environmental controls or Voice Assistant access through the Music app.
Can the sound be adjusted?
Yes. The Music app provides five-band customisable equalisation and a TrueSound mode that bypasses the user’s EQ settings.
What is TrueSound?
TrueSound returns the headphones to the tonal balance intended by Bowers & Wilkins without the user’s equaliser adjustments.
Do the Px7 S3 support USB audio?
Yes. The supplied USB-C cable can carry digital audio from a compatible source at up to 24-bit/96kHz.
Can they connect to a 3.5mm headphone socket?
Yes. A USB-C-to-3.5mm stereo cable is included for connection to a conventional analogue headphone output.
Do the headphones need to be switched on for wired listening?
Yes. The battery, digital processing and internal amplification are used during both USB and analogue wired playback.
Can they operate passively with a flat battery?
No. The Px7 S3 requires sufficient battery charge and must be switched on, including when using the supplied analogue cable.
Can they be used while charging?
Yes. The headphones can continue operating while connected to a suitable USB power source.
How long does the battery last?
Bowers & Wilkins specifies up to 30 hours of playback under its test conditions, including Active Noise Cancellation at a moderate listening level.
How effective is the fast charge?
A 15-minute charge provides up to seven hours of additional playback.
How many microphones are included?
The Px7 S3 contains eight microphones, with four positioned in each earcup.
Can the headphones be used for calls and online meetings?
Yes. The built-in microphones and ADI Pure Voice processing support Bluetooth calls and compatible online meeting applications.
Are the Px7 S3 waterproof?
No IP water-resistance rating is published. Keep the headphones away from rain, heavy sweat, splashing water and submersion.
How much do the headphones weigh?
The Px7 S3 weighs approximately 300g without the carry case.
How large is the carry case?
The case measures approximately 177mm wide, 60mm deep and 234mm high.
Which cables are included?
The package includes a 1.2m USB-C-to-USB-C cable and a 1.2m USB-C-to-3.5mm stereo audio cable.
Which finishes are available?
The manufacturer range includes Anthracite Black, Canvas White, Indigo Blue, Frost Blue and Vintage Maroon.
How does the Px7 S3 differ from the Px7 S2e?
The Px7 S3 has a slimmer redesigned fit, aptX Lossless, eight microphones, updated noise cancellation and calls, five-band EQ and improved digital processing.
How does the Px7 S3 differ from the Px8 S2?
The Px8 S2 uses Carbon Cone drivers and more luxurious aluminium and Nappa leather construction. The Px7 S3 uses bio-cellulose drivers and a premium fabric-led finish at a lower price.
What warranty is included?
Bowers & Wilkins provides a two-year limited warranty for headphones, subject to its current terms and conditions.
Related Bowers & Wilkins Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Bowers & Wilkins headphone demonstrations
- Help comparing Px7 S3, Px8 S2 and Pi8
- Advice on fit, comfort and over-ear alternatives
- Bluetooth codec and source-compatibility guidance
- USB and analogue wired-listening advice
- Bluetooth pairing and multipoint support
- Music app, EQ and wear-sensor setup
- Noise Cancellation and Pass-Through guidance
- Firmware-update assistance
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or compare the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 with other premium wireless headphones.