Bowers & Wilkins P7 Wireless Review

It's been interesting to watch Bowers & Wilkins tweak its audio lineup in recent years. The company has gradually added Bluetooth versions of its wired headphones, and generally speaking, it has done a fantastic job. The new, over-ear P7 Wireless is a $399.99 alternative to the wired P7 ( at Amazon) , and its high price will be a deal breaker for some. If the handsome pair is in your budget, however, rest assured that its audio performance is top-notch, with superb bass response and clear definition in the high-mids and highs. There's almost nothing to complain about aside from price, so the P7 Wireless earns our Editors' Choice award. DesignThis circumaural (over-the-ear) P7 Wireless ( at Amazon) looks quite similar to its wired predecessor, which is to say, it looks stunning. Available in black, the pair features a soft leather-lined headband, as well as leather-lined earcups and earpads. Where there isn't leather, there's aluminum; the P7 Wireless looks a little like the inter...

The beautifully designed Bowers & Wilkins P7 Wireless delivers a rewarding Bluetooth listening experience.

Powerful, vibrant audio performance with excellent bass response and clarity in the highs; Lovely, luxurious design; Includes a cable for passive listening

Very expensive; Headband can feel a tad uncomfortable on long listening periods; Cable has no inline remote or mic

Bowers & Wilkins P7 Mobile Hi-Fi Headphones Review

Bowers & Wilkins was one of the first luxury/hi-fi audio brands to begin offering more affordable speakers and headphones. Of course, "more affordable" is a relative term—B&W's in-ear and on-ear options start at about $175, and rise steadily through the models. The new P7 is the company's first over-the-ear (circumaural) headphone pair, and at $399.99 (list) also its most expensive. The design exudes luxury, the fit is exceedingly comfortable, and, most importantly, the audio performance is fantastic. The price may be a dealbreaker for some, but the P7 doesn't disappoint otherwise, and it earns our Editors' Choice award. DesignStyled similarly to its cousin, the on-ear (supra-aural) B&W P5, the P7 is reminiscent of the leather interior of a luxury car. Practically every surface that isn't aluminum is covered in soft black leather. We're not knocking the visual effect, as it looks stunning, but one does wonder how much of the $400 price tag goes toward the cosmetic materials alone...

The Bowers & Wilkins P7 headphones combine top-notch audio performance with a luxurious design, and despite a high price, earn our Editors' Choice.

Superb sound at normal listening levels; Luxurious black leather and aluminum design

Distorts slightly at top volumes on tracks with intense sub-bass content