Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 McLaren
Bowers & Wilkins Pi8:
Gray
Bowers & Wilkins Pi8:
Gray
According to our earbuds expert
Type of ear cushions | In-ear | |
Noise canceling | ||
Average battery life | 6,5 hours | |
Sound quality according to customers | Standard | |
Carrying comfort according to customers | Excellent | |
Bluetooth | ||
Built-in microphone | ||
Water resistance | Splash proof |
5 stars
5
4 stars
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1 star
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These Bowers & Wilkins earbuds have strong noise cancelling and immersive sound. Unfortunately, I often have to charge the earbuds due to the short battery life.
Sound quality The earbuds have a balanced sound profile. This allows me to hear all three high, mid and low tones clearly. I can hear even the smallest details in music clearly. Think of a bass line in rock music or a background choir in rap. This makes my favourite playlist on Spotify not only sound balanced, but also detailed. In the Bowers & Wilkins Music app, I adjust the sound preferences. I think this app works simply. For example, when I listen to house music, I emphasise the bass, which makes this music style sound more intense and I can fully immerse myself in it.
Noise cancelling Thanks to the in-ear design, I already hear less of my surroundings. I enhance this by turning on noise cancelling. This means that, for example, in a busy office, I hear less of the colleagues talking around me. I like this because it allows me to focus better on my work. Do I want to hear my colleagues? Then I switch on the transparency mode. In this mode I hear ambient noise as if I don't have earphones in. I can also hear my music clearly. This is nice when I'm walking in the city and want to hear the traffic, for example.
Design At 7 grams, these earphones are heavier than those of competitors, but I don't notice this when I use them. They sit firmly in my ears. This is also due to the in-ear design that goes completely into my ears. This allows me to listen to music for a long time without them being annoying. Unfortunately, the battery life of these earphones is short. I often have to charge the earphones in the charging case in between.
Maurits. Audio specialist
7 January 2025
Automatically translated from Dutch
For me, the sound is the main reason for buying these in-ears. The sound is simply unparalleled. This is of course what B&W is also known for. The B&W Signature is all over, let's say. This is the difference between hearing sound and really enjoying what you hear. I have had multiple headphones and in-ears in the same price range, but these have their own category. I only bought these because of the sound. For calling and ANC I have other in-ears. Yes, you can call and when it is quiet, but with some noise in the environment it goes wrong and the other party cannot understand you. My experience is also regular interference, such as links that suddenly do not work, or a strange glitch in between and that is something that is not acceptable in this price range. Also, the occasional and too strong peak in the high frequencies that then comes across as too shrill, are things that are a shame. Fortunately, you can set this in the app. At the moment I don't think they are worth the money, because there are still too many bugs that make even the strong points (sound) not always work well. I hope for an update, otherwise they will go back. It feels like buying a Porsche, where the engine regularly acts strangely, which gives the whole a different experience, while the potential is clearly there for top performance. On the other hand, when the bugs are fixed, these in-ears will really put a smile on your face, for those who enjoy music. These are earbuds, where I noticed that I really wanted to take the time to just enjoy music, so beautiful! I wish that for everyone. But according to B&W I would say, there is still work to be done besides the music quality. The charging box is also functionally not handy and/or premium made. I miss a high-end touch of beautiful materials as well as a flat side so that the box can stand. Now the box can only lie down, which will damage it unnecessarily and quickly. The battery life is also below average, especially in this price range. It may sound like "whining", but I am really a fan of these in-ears and enjoy the sound. But I am writing this for everyone who wants to buy them, so that you know what to expect. While writing this review, I have had 4 malfunctions.... But when they do work well.... fantastic! Bittersweet, let's say.
Stef
30 June 2025
Automatically translated from Dutch
Now more than a week in my possession and they are wonderful. I expected much more sound, especially for a brand like Bowers and Wilkins. Now sound is very personal and concerns my opinion and I am honestly a big fan of this brand. As far as price quality is concerned, in my opinion it is not in proportion and I actually find them much too high priced.
Simon
8 September 2024
Automatically translated from Dutch
Coolblue takes care of everything, from taking out an insurance to repairs
For almost all accidents
More coverage in case of damage than your standard warranty
No deductible
First, add your earbuds to your shopping cart. On the next page, choose one of the Protection Plans below. You always have a 30-day return window and pay no deductible in case of damage or theft.
2-year Protection Plan
€ 83,-
one-time2-year Protection Plan with theft cover
€ 173,-
one-timeProtection Plan - Monthly cancelable
€ 5,68
per monthProtection Plan with theft cover - Monthly cancelable
€ 9,73
per monthProduct number | 963647 |
Manufacturer code | FP45837 |
Brand | Bowers & Wilkins |
Warranty | 2 years |
Processing of your defect | Via Coolblue |
Weight in grams | 7 g | |
Color | Gray | |
Material | Plastic | |
Built-in microphone |
Water-resistant | ||
Water resistance | Splash proof | |
IP certification | IP54 |
True wireless earbuds | ||
NFC | ||
Compatible with applications | ||
Compatible with voice assistant | Google Assistant, Siri |
Bluetooth | ||
Bluetooth version | 5.4 | |
Multipoint pairing |
Type of USB port | USB-C | |
Power supply type | Rechargeable battery | |
Average battery life | 6,5 hours | |
Charging case | ||
Battery life case | 13,5 hours | |
Wireless charging | ||
USB port |
Sound reproduction | Mono, Stereo | |
Hi-Res audio | ||
Sound quality according to customers | Standard | |
Noise canceling | ||
Adjustable noise canceling | ||
Volume limit | ||
Frequency range | 10 - 20000 Hz |
Equalizer |
Headphones wearing method | Earbud | |
Type of ear cushions | In-ear | |
Remote control on ear cups | ||
Physical buttons ear cups | ||
Touchpad ear cup | ||
Volume control ear cup | ||
Carrying comfort according to customers | Excellent |
Earbuds (sleeves) included | ||
Number of earbuds (sleeves) included | 4 | |
Size | L, M, S, XS | |
Headphones adapter included |