Why the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 Headphones Won Our Best Headphones of the Year Award and Why It Was One of the Easiest Decisions I Made in 2024.
The new 'Pi' headphones from B&W are almost ideal in the premium segment.
The distinction for the best headphones of 2024 has been awarded to the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 model. This choice was made after an exhaustive evaluation that spanned the entire year, and it has been one of the easiest decisions made in a long time. Although it was presented at the end of August, the late launch does not seem to have been a concern for the renowned British brand, which opted to perfect its headphones rather than rush their production.
While the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones were recognized as the "best wireless headphones," the Pi8 stands out as the overall winner for reasons that go beyond well-known names. Throughout the evaluation process, it was observed that the headphones that truly excel are those used in everyday life, and in this case, the Pi8 has become the favorite choice.
The Pi8 offers a completely redesigned look compared to its predecessor, the Pi7 S2, which had some shortcomings. Bowers & Wilkins addressed these issues with attention to detail, completely reformulating the driver casings and improving internal components like the DAC and amplifier, allowing for superior audio quality.
In terms of noise cancellation, the Pi8 is on par with the best options on the market. They incorporate technology inherited from their over-ear models, ensuring that ambient noise is effectively minimized. Moreover, they now feature volume controls on the headphones, something that had been criticized in previous versions.
Another notable feature is their case, which allows users to connect them to audio sources with a cable via a USB-C port. This transforms the headphones into a high-quality audio transmitter without the need for Bluetooth, which is a considerable advantage in certain scenarios.
Although they lack certain features such as spatial audio with head tracking or ear fitting tests, the B&W Music app provides a pleasant experience for managing various playlists. Bowers & Wilkins’ philosophy seems focused on delivering pure and unadulterated sound.
In conclusion, the Pi8 is now as comfortable physically as it is detailed in sound quality, reinforcing the effectiveness of its noise cancellation. While their price is not the lowest on the market, they are regarded as the best wireless option of 2024.
