Let me start by saying that *sound quality* is paramount for me. I tried my wife’s Airpod Pro’s, not expecting stunning sound quality, but hoping that it would be at least “good enough” and that I would purchase a pair due to their flawless integration with all things in the Apple-verse (yeah, that’s my universe). I found the Airpod Pro’s … clear and clean, and effortless to use. But … I really was not thrilled with the sound quality. So began the search for something significantly better - that led me to these Bowers & Wilkins PI7’s.
Like you, reading here, I found contradictory reports. At least one thing in common in almost all reviews was that these sound wonderful (they do!). Unfortunately, some folks reported trouble - difficulty connecting, Bluetooth dropouts, poor signal from the case/transmitter when using them with non-Bluetooth native devices (like an old-era iPod), etc. I almost did not order them, but I’m glad I did.
My observations here are based on using the PI7’s with: an iPhone X, Apple TV HD, MacBook Pro ca. 2016, and, yes, an old click-wheel iPod. First things first, I love the sound quality! As with any in-ear monitor, the *fit* is critical. Without a good seal, you will have poor sound - terribly weak bass and other distortions. I have large ears and I use the largest of the three included ear-tips. I recommend using the largest tip that you find comfortable. The PI7 earpieces themselves are a bit large. I have no problem with them, but if you have particularly small ears … you might find they don’t fit comfortably. The only way to know is to try.
As long as they fit, and you use the proper size ear-tip (to get a good seal), the sound is glorious! Ok, remember, they are wireless bluetooth earbuds. They are not going to dust the best wired headphones you have ever used. But, really, for what they are, they sound awesome!
Any trouble?? A number of folks reported trouble with the sound dropping out. I have not had any such trouble. This may be dependent on the particular devices &/or environment. As long as I stayed close to the broadcasting source, I had *no* dropouts. Now, if I walked across the room, around a corner, etc., then the sound would drop out. Maybe some other earbuds perform better in this respect. But for my use this was a non-issue. Another user reported that when using the case as a transmitter (say with an old iPod), the sound/connection was bad. Again, I have had no trouble here. While typing this I’m listening to a great playlist from my old iPod, being transmitted by the PI7’s case. The sound is wonderful!
I use the PI7’s paired to my Apple TV while I’m on the treadmill (an old & noisy one). Between the good fit/seal and the noise cancellation, the sound is excellent. Does the noise cancellation equal the over-ear Bose headphones I’ve used in the past? Probably not. But it is plenty good enough.
My use with phone calls has not been extensive; so far, callers have sounded very clear and they have said the same about me.
One area where I’ve had a little trouble with the PI7’s is with the Ambient Pass-Through. This is an important feature, allowing external sounds/voices to be “piped-in” with whatever you are otherwise listening to. As other people have commented, you need to use the B&W Headphone App in order to engage this feature. It would be nice if you could trigger it from the earbuds themselves. Additionally, sometimes I found the earbuds “reluctant” to engage the ambient pass-through. I’d have to toggle it a couple times.
All in all, though, I love these earbuds! Their operation may be a tad less good than the refined perfection of Apple’s own devices (in the Apple-verse), and there is room for improvement (quick, reliable, on-device engagement of ambient pass-through), but … if you *really* care about sound quality, these are by far the best wireless earbuds I’ve heard at this time.
Update 11/16/2021: I had complained about the Ambient Pass-Through toggle (in the app) not always working. Lately, I've had no trouble with it. There *is* a slight delay, switching in either direction. Not sure if this had made me feel it was not switching. In any event, no complaints with that now. Also, though I was happy with the fit of the included ear tips, I ordered a set of Comply tips to try. For me, the Comply tips were no more comfortable than the included tips. However, for me, the sound is much better using the INCLUDED TIPS. This may be ear-shape dependent. But I found that the included tips yielded better bass, overall clarity and richness. So, if you find you are happy with the comfort of the included tips - I'd stop there.
Add to your order
-
Coverage for accidental damage including drops, spills, and broken parts, as well as breakdowns (plans vary) -
24/7 support when you need it. -
Quick, easy, and frustration-free claims.
Cover this product:
2 Year Headphones Protection Plan $35.99
3 Year Headphones Protection Plan $48.99
Cover all of your eligible devices:
Asurion Complete Protect: One plan covers all eligible past and future purchases (Renews Monthly Until Cancelled) $16.99/month
Select a plan
Add to your order
- Coverage for accidental damage including drops, spills, and broken parts, as well as breakdowns (plans vary)
- 24/7 support when you need it.
- Quick, easy, and frustration-free claims.
Cover this product:
Select a plan
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
There is a newer model of this item:
Frequently bought together
$286.95
Get it as soon as Saturday, May 11
In Stock
+
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Compare with similar items
This Item  Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 in-Ear True Wireless Headphones (2021 Model), 6 Built-in Mics, Bluetooth 5.0 Qualcomm aptX & Dual Hybrid Drivers, Adaptive Noise Cancellation, Smart Wireless Charging, Charcoal |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $286.95 | -14% $171.93 List: $199.99 | -33% $166.50 List: $247.99 | $297.99 | -20% $199.52 List: $247.99 | -12% $147.00 List: $167.99 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 11 | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 11 | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 11 | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 11 | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 11 | Get it as soon as Monday, May 13 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sound quality | ||||||
| Noise cancellation | ||||||
| Battery life | ||||||
| Sold By | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Bella Blue |
| connectivity tech | Bluetooth 5.0, VGA | Bluetooth | Wireless, Bluetooth | Wireless, Bluetooth | Wireless, Bluetooth | Wireless, Bluetooth |
| headphones form factor | In Ear | True Wireless | In Ear | In Ear | In Ear | In Ear |
| connector type | wireless | USB Type C | wireless | wireless | wireless | — |
| noise control | active noise cancellation | active noise cancellation | active noise cancellation | active noise cancellation | active noise cancellation | active noise cancellation |
| cable feature | Without Cable | Without Cable | Without Cable | Without Cable | Without Cable | Without Cable |
| control type | Voice Control | Media Control | Voice Control | Voice Control | Voice Control | Voice Control |
| water resistance | waterproof | water resistant | water resistant | water resistant | water resistant | water resistant |
| material | Plastic | Plastic | Plastic | Plastic | Plastic | Plastic |
From the manufacturer
Videos
Page 1 of 1Start OverPage 1 of 1
Videos for this product
0:48
Click to play video
#thisorthat Bowers vs AirPod Pros. Athlete thoughts.
Heidi Leatherby
Videos for this product
1:17
Click to play video
#thisorthat Bowers vs Bose athlete thoughts.
Heidi Leatherby
Videos for this product
1:05
Click to play video
#thisorthat Bowers vs Status for sound and fit.
Heidi Leatherby
Videos for this product
2:30
Click to play video
Absolute best sound, go to buds for my small ears!
Heidi Leatherby
Reviews with images
So not worth the $400 price tag UPDATE: Had to return
Sound is fantastic. However battery life is terrible. Your lucky to get 3 or 4 hours of use. also not sure if its just my set but the right ear dies twice as fast. Battery died in right ear while the other still supposedly had 50% life left. (according to app) Also get a static or ticking sound on and off when noise cancellation is active. Bass fades in and out at times. No consistency. Occasional sound drop assuming bluetooth connection. using note 20 ultra phone in pants pocket. no issues with other headsets so not my phone. and yes latest firmware. Really is a shame. I really enjoy the sound quality. For $400 dollars there really should not be so many issues. If you want quality sound and only use headsets for a short period of time between charges go for it otherwise I would suggest saving your money and look into another brand. Update:Had to finally return headset. Too many bluetooth drop out. The sound and bass drops in ad out too often. Battery life varies too much. Music cuts in and out while phone in pants pocket. Only stays when in top jacket pocket about a foot or so away. Truly is a shame. When working properly the sound is great. Maybe if they can fix the issues with a new model a may revisit.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Top reviews from other countries
Miguel
Excelente calidad de audio.
Reviewed in Mexico on April 3, 2023Style: Pi7Color: WhiteVerified Purchase
YVRVAN
Beautiful, and big Sound!
Reviewed in Canada on September 6, 2022Style: Pi7Color: WhiteVerified Purchase
kamal pandey
Cheap quality product
Reviewed in India on October 5, 2023Style: Pi7Color: BlackVerified Purchase
B. Recktenwald
Bester InEar Kopfhörer mit aptx-Verbindungsmöglichkeit
Reviewed in Germany on October 7, 2022Style: Pi7Color: WhiteVerified Purchase
