Bowers & Wilkins Solved the Most Annoying Problem With In-Flight Movies
I’ve been chasing the “perfect” pair of true wireless headphones for years, but most of the ones I tried fell short. Either the sound was average, the software buggy, or the fit didn’t feel secure. So when I finally got to test Bowers & Wilkins’ flagship PI7, I went in with cautious optimism. This is a brand known for taking its time, and instead of rushing into the TWS hype, they waited until the tech could really deliver. After living with the PI7 for a while, I can say the wait was worth it.
Design & Build
The pair I tested came in the white-bronze finish, and honestly, they look beautiful. The matte case doesn’t collect dust or fingerprints, and the bronze lid has a soft springiness when opening and a satisfying “click” when closing it, which immediately reminded me of a Zippo lighter. Small detail, but it sets the tone of premium craftsmanship.
The case feels compact and practical with a USB-C port framed by a bronze strip. On the front, a large oval button and LED strip handle pairing and status updates. It’s functional, yet elegant in its understated black and white style.
The earbuds themselves are neat and stylish, mixing rounded contours with flat bronze washers that double as touch panels. At first, I was skeptical of the short sound guide it looked like they’d fall out the moment I moved — but once in, they stayed put. I even ran up a few flights of stairs, and they didn’t budge. I managed more than three hours of continuous listening before any ear fatigue set in, which is impressive for me since most TWS models start bugging me after an hour.
The included silicone tips also deserve a mention. I stuck with the medium pair, which fit me just right, and I liked the built-in sponge filters that help keep things clean while subtly affecting the sound. Even during a sweaty gym session, they stayed snug and secure.
Features That Stand Out
What sets the PI7 apart is the case. Beyond charging, it acts as an audio retransmitter. Using the included USB-C to 3.5mm cable, I plugged the case into a plane’s seatback system and suddenly, I was watching movies wirelessly with zero lag. I even tried it with my old game console and was surprised at how playable it felt, with barely any delay. That little trick makes the PI7 feel unique compared to most TWS headphones.
Another neat option: the case can transmit to other Bowers & Wilkins headphones at the same time. I couldn’t test that myself, but knowing it’s possible makes the PI7 feel like part of a bigger ecosystem.
Moisture protection is also solid at IP54. I wore them in the rain and during workouts without worry. The only downside is that the case itself isn’t protected, so you’ll want to be careful there.
Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation depends a lot on fit, but in my case, the PI7 performed really well. Walking along a busy street with construction nearby, they cut out almost everything, even when a bus roared past, I only felt the rush of air, not the sound. It’s impressive, though a little dangerous when you forget what’s happening around you.
Voices were handled well, not completely erased but pushed far enough into the background that they disappeared under music. In the supermarket, I could barely hear announcements or chatter once music was playing.
Sharp sounds, like sirens or sudden gusts of wind, still broke through, but that’s expected with ANC. Overall, I felt like I was slipping into a quiet bubble, which is exactly what I want.
The adaptive ANC, however, felt inconsistent. Sometimes it switched modes abruptly, even flipping into transparency mode when I didn’t want it. It works, but I mostly prefer setting ANC manually in the app.
Controls & App
Controls are standard:
- Single tap = play/pause
- Double-tap = next track
- Triple tap = previous track
- Long press = toggle ANC/transparency or call the assistant
They’re reliable for the most part, though I found triple taps less consistent than single or double taps.
The app adds a few extras, like enabling auto-pause when removing an earbud (though pulling out both caused playback to resume, which was odd). It even includes background “soundscapes” like forest and rain noise. Cute idea, though I didn’t really use it.
One thing missing: customizable controls. I would have loved to reassign gestures, especially to control volume directly from the earbuds. Hopefully, a firmware update brings that later.
Sound Quality
This is where the PI7 truly shines. Thanks to its hybrid design — a 9.2mm dynamic driver plus a balanced armature for the highs — the sound is detailed, clean, and balanced. Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX Adaptive support means they can handle high-res streams up to 24-bit/48kHz, and you can hear the difference.
The first track I queued up was Madder by Groove Armada, and I immediately caught myself nodding along. The bass was lively without being overwhelming, and the vocals blended seamlessly into the mix. Tool’s Schism was equally impressive — the layering of drums, guitars, and vocals felt spacious and powerful.
What I loved most was how versatile they were. Whether it was the textured waves of industrial and neurofunk, the atmospheric build of post-rock, or even orchestral game soundtracks like God of War, the PI7 delivered a consistently clear and engaging performance.
They’re not overly bass-heavy, but the low end has enough punch to stay exciting. Highs are smooth, though I sometimes wished for just a little more sparkle. Poorly mastered tracks, however, were exposed quickly — Nymphetamine by Cradle of Filth, for example, sounded messy and harsh. These are headphones that reward good recordings.
Switching from compressed MP3 streams to FLAC was eye-opening. Even on a simple track like Wilkinson’s Take You Higher, the difference was instantly obvious — detail, depth, and dynamics all improved dramatically. That’s when it clicked: the PI7 aren’t just wireless convenience, they’re built for serious listening.
Battery Life
This is the weak spot. With ANC on, I got around 4 hours per charge, which is short compared to competitors. With the case, total playback stretches to around 20 hours. Thankfully, quick charging helps 15 minutes in the case gives you about 2 extra hours of playback. For my routine, it worked, but heavy users may find themselves charging often.
Final Thoughts
The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 aren’t perfect; the battery life is modest, and the app could use more polish. But when it comes to sound quality and unique features, they stand out in the crowded true wireless market.
For me, they’ve been a joy to use. I wore them on commutes, at the gym, even in the rain, and they never once felt like a compromise. Most importantly, they made me excited to explore my music library again. I dug into albums I hadn’t touched in years, just to hear how they’d sound on these earbuds.
At their price, they’re clearly aimed at listeners who put sound first. If that’s you, and you want true wireless headphones that get as close as possible to audiophile ideals, the PI7s are absolutely worth it.
What I Liked
- Beautiful, premium design
- Superb sound clarity and balance
- Unique case-as-transmitter feature
- Solid noise cancellation
- Comfortable fit with good stability
- IP54 protection (great for workouts and rain)
What Could Be Better
- Average battery life
- Adaptive ANC can feel inconsistent
- No customizable touch controls
- Case not water-resistant
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 – Specifications
- Type: True Wireless In-Ear Headphones
- Drivers:
- Dual-driver design (9.2mm dynamic driver + balanced armature)
- Each earbud has its own amplifier
- Bluetooth Version: 5.0
- Supported Codecs: aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, AAC, SBC
- Audio Resolution: 24-bit / 48kHz (wireless)
- Frequency Response: 10Hz – 20kHz
- Noise Cancellation: Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Transparency Mode: Yes (Ambient Pass-Through)
- Microphones: 3 microphones per earbud (for calls + ANC)
- Battery Life:
- Up to 4 hours of playback per charge
- 16 additional hours via charging case (20 hours total)
- Quick charge: 15 minutes = 2 hours playback
- Charging Case:
- Wireless charging supported
- Unique “Audio Retransmission” feature: case can connect to a wired source (e.g., in-flight system, TV) and transmit wirelessly to earbuds
- Water Resistance: IP54 (splash and dust resistant)
- Weight:
- Earbuds: 7g each
- Case: 61g
- Controls: Capacitive touch controls
- Colors: Charcoal, White, Midnight Blue
