Bowers and Wilkins just launched its latest set of headphones, the Bower & Wilkins P3, and we were on hand to get a feel and take a listen. This wasn't just any old listening test, though.

The P3 from Bowers & Wilkins are cheaper than the P5 but aim to offer sound performance as well as a stylish and portable design. Here's our P3 review.

The Bowers & Wilkins P3s represent another triumph in design and comfort. Like the P5s before them, these headphone look incredibly stylish and are quite possibly the most comfortable I've ever worn.

As with all B&W products, the finish is superb. Well crafted, engineered and a joy to use. Even the price (￡170) isn't that excruciating, considering the laughable wedge that can be paid for some premium cans.

Sound reproduction; Foldablity; Lightweight

Tight across the head

Bowers & Wilkins, the hi-fi and pro-audio manufacturer responsible for multi-thousand dollar monitoring systems in recording studios across the world, is now several products into its far more affordable-but still quite expensive-consumer audio line.

Excellent audio performance with pleasantly resonant bass response; Does not distort on deep bass at high volumes; Very comfortable; Folds into compact shape; Built-in iPhone controls

Leaks sound at higher volumes?people nearby can hear; A slightly less-crisp response than some listeners may prefer

There are speaker companies better-known than B&W, but I doubt any has a more enviable reputation. B&Ws have been a fave of audiophiles and recording engineers for decades. But the best indicator of B&W's rep would probably be a walk through an audio show in China, where you'll see no other speaker...

The Bowers & Wilkins P3 headphones' impressive combination of design, sound quality, and features put it near the top of the class for portable headphones in its price range.

The, have an impressive design, strong performance, and an iPhone-friendly integrated microphone/remote; They also come with a hard-shell carrying case and an extra "straight-wire" cable that can be easily swapped in

They're fairly pricey and the integrated; remote isn't compatible with all smartphones; and you'll get some sound leakage from open-back earcup design

The P3s look every bit as stylish and premium as you'd expect from a company like Bowers & Wilkins. They provide a pleasing, balanced sound, which will appeal to fans of folk music. Hardcore bass addicts would be advised to shop elsewhere.

Stylish looks; Portable design; Good sound

Can be light on bass; A little pricey; Cable feels flimsy

Crystal clear highs, spectacular attack and decay, uncongested midrange and bass response sufficient enough for most types of music pairs with sleek design and excellent comfort to make for a superb headphone offering worthy of a $200 price tag.

Spectacular treble response; Open; uncongested midrange; Sufficient bass for most listeners; Excellent comfort; Sleek; modern design

Slight midbass hump overplays heavy bass content; In-line controls lack tactile feedback; Very little passive noise isolation

Lightweight materials, a foldable design and the neat carry case make them great for commuting too. Oh, and they also sound superb – all punch, sparkle and solidity. Bass is deep and weighty but not at the expense of mid-range detail or clarity.