Bowers & Wilkins PI5 vs. AirPods Pro: Which noise-cancelling earbuds should you buy?
Bowers & Wilkins PI5 vs. AirPods Pro: Which noise-cancelling earbuds should you buy?
This Bowers & Wilkins PI5 vs. AirPods Pro comparison analyzes two of the all-time noise-cancelling earbuds in the aforementioned cost class, helping you decide which pair best suits your needs.
The Bowers & Wilkins PI5 is the company'southward entry-level model, with the PI7 serving as the more powerful (and pricier) flagship. Despite lacking its sibling's advanced audio specs, these buds manage to deliver some of the finest sound and active noise cancellation in the category. They also come up in a strikingly handsome blueprint and accept longer bombardment life than the PI7's.
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A superlative seller that continues to extend its shelf life with almost every iOS fourteen update, the AirPods Pro is the ideal iPhone or iPad companion, with adaptive sound, excellent call quality, impressive ANC, and unbeatable iOS integration. Virtually importantly, Apple fixed the AirPods' biggest result, fit, which is at present customizable, thanks to bundled ear tips and special software that checks if a proper seal has been established.
Different features, similar toll, these are two great items that offer their own unique listening experiences. Then, which is the superior model? Our B&Westward PI5 vs. AirPods Pro breakdown will inform you of the better ANC earbud investment.
Bowers & Wilkins PI5 vs. AirPods Pro: Specs compared
| Bowers & Wilkins PI5 | AirPods Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $249 | $249 |
| Wireless Charging Case | Yeah | Yes |
| Scrap | Qualcomm QCC5126 | Apple H1 |
| Battery Life (Rated) | 4.5 hours (ANC on), 24.5 hours (with charging case) | iv.v hours (ANC on), v hours (ANC off), 24 hours (with charging case) |
| Water Resistance | IP54 | IPX4 |
| Example Size | ii.3 x 1.1 x 2.2 inches | one.8 x 0.9 x ii.4 inches |
| Case Weight | 1.6 ounces | 1.half dozen ounces |
| Special features | Active noise cancellation, 2-level ambient listening mode, aptX Adaptive support, Soundscapes | Agile noise counterfoil, transparency fashion, adaptive EQ, spatial audio, automatic switching, customizable fit, audio sharing, appear messages with Siri, "Hey Siri" voice-activated assist |
Bowers & Wilkins PI5 vs. AirPods Pro: Price
There is no difference here – both the PI5 and AirPods Pro are sold for $249 brand new. Where some brands sell a wireless charging version for a premium, Apple tree and B&Westward include the feature as part of their packages.
The AirPods Pro is ofttimes on sale with some retailers having dropped the cost downwards to equally low equally $180. Nosotros're likewise anticipating a markdown for Amazon Prime Day 2021, but don't concur u.s. to that prediction. Being the newer release, the PI5 likely won't see a toll drib anytime presently, but that doesn't mean it isn't worth every penny.
For all of the latest Apple and B&Due west headphones deals, be sure to bookmark our best cheap AirPods deals and best headphones deals pages.
Winner: Tie
Bowers & Wilkins PI5 vs. AirPods Pro: Pattern
B&W sound products usually expect stunning and the PI5 is no dissimilar. Matte plastic and sturdy aluminum give these buds a premium presence. Build quality is superb and you won't fright scratching or breaking them. An IP54 rating too ensures they're protected from splashes, sweat, and dirt. Details like the protruding cylinder are distinctive and deed equally a multi-function capacitive push button. Then there are the silicone tips that have a mesh barrier to prevent earwax build upwards for optimal acoustic performance.
Apple tree has implemented changes on the AirPods Pro compared to the standard Apple AirPods, shrinking the stems and adding black vents for a more than distinguishable appearance. The all-plastic frame is tougher than what was used on the regular AirPods, and you're getting IPX4 certification for sweat and water resistance. Merely, if we're being honest, the design isn't as exciting as what nosotros've seen on many of the best wireless earbuds.
The charging cases may come up in different forms, simply they are notwithstanding meaty and pocket-friendly. Equally sleek equally the PI5 case looks, it doesn't provide the same sturdiness equally the earbuds, nor does it feel as durable as the AirPods Pro example. Another difference is that Apple tree has its pairing push button on the dorsum, whereas B&W chose to inconveniently place it on the inside.
Condolement and fit are two areas where the AirPods Pro excel. The buds easily insert into your ears with the silicone tips making a earth of difference by creating a tight seal and latching onto the canal. These characteristics as well put the AirPods Pro among the best sports headphones out there. You lot should exist able to wear the buds for long stretches, though listeners with low pain thresholds might notice some discomfort after i.5 hours of use.
Apple went a stride further and developed its ain Ear Tip Fit Test that not only calibrates the AirPods Pro to make up one's mind the best tips for proper fitting, but likewise helps to attain the best possible sound quality and noise cancellation. The results are adequate.
We notice the PI5 to be moderately comfortable. Only be mindful that it can cause fatigue after about an hr of use with the elongated sound port pinching the front end part of your ear. In add-on, it requires try to properly twist and lock the buds in place, otherwise, they'll fall apartment onto the concrete. At least the tips have a potent grip to keep the buds stabilized when on the go.
Winner : Bowers & Wilkins PI5
Bowers & Wilkins PI5 vs. AirPods Pro: Controls
Apple's Force Sensor controls and "Hey Siri" vocalism activation is a winning combination that delivers on the operational front in every way. The sensors register presses accurately and produce great tactility to ensure users of intended commands. On-ear detection is on point likewise, automatically pausing music when removing the buds and resuming playback when placed dorsum on the ears. If there'south anything to complain almost, it is the limited number of controls that can exist assigned to each bud.
Those who are heavily committed to Apple tree'southward ecosystem will view "Hey Siri" as their virtual BFF. The feature works flawlessly and activates the moment y'all utter the primal phrase, opening the door to thousands of hands-costless commands, which it executes in swift succession. Android users won't have access to "Hey Siri", but tin can enable the digital banana role on their devices through third-party apps similar Assistant Trigger.
B&Due west programmed touch controls, on-ear detection, and voice aid into the PI5, though the results vary. Siri and Google Assistant won't disappoint, as the PI5's mic assortment demonstrates dandy mic intelligibility. It's everything else that acts up. Multi-tap gestures are frequently dislocated for i some other, and motility detection is imprecise, pausing music half the time when taking the buds off.
Winner: AirPods Pro
Bowers & Wilkins PI5 vs. AirPods Pro: Sound quality
The PI5 doesn't share the same high-end specs as its sibling, the PI7, including the likes of total aptX support, bigger drivers and audio retransmission via charging case. Still, B&Due west flexed its technology muscle to give the PI5 tiptop-tier sound. Each bud has a 9.2mm Dynamic Drive Unit that feeds your ears spacious, well-balanced audio. Lows, mids, and highs all blend well and have a strong presence on orchestral tracks.
Apple did meliorate its audio profile by creating an adaptive EQ for the AirPods Pro that enhances bass and clarity. The low end has more kick to it and vocals sound sharp on virtually songs. Highs don't exactly stand up out and you won't hear some of the subtle nuances in complex recordings much like you would on the PI5. However, the AirPods Pro has a special fox that the PI5 doesn't: spatial sound. This mode adds immersive surround audio to video content and Apple Music.
Winner: Bowers & Wilkins PI5
Bowers & Wilkins PI5 vs. AirPods Pro: Agile noise cancellation
When information technology comes to racket neutralization, the PI5 and AirPods Pro perform equally well. The PI5'south ANC technology handles common indoor distractions like family chatter, household appliances and loud TVs with finesse. and is resilient at blocking out wind and humming sounds. It likewise performs well in busy environments similar grocery stores and shopping districts. Apple's two-mic noise-cancelling assortment is no slouch either and tin combat the same ambience noises as its rival. We've found the AirPods Pro nigh useful on commutes, droning out disturbances similar airplane engine humming and talkative subway riders.
Blaring, high-frequency sounds are unavoidable, no thing what model yous choose, but the expert news is that the PI5 and AirPods Pro reduce these ambient noises at a very high level. Crying babies and auto horns aren't equally transparent as on other wireless ANC earbuds.
Speaking of transparency, these models accept their ambient listening modes that come in handy for increasing awareness in your surroundings. The AirPods Pro version is fine for hearing other people'due south conversations and traffic, but we appreciate the PI5's version more than, since it can alloy with ANC to brand ambience noises sound more distinguishable and less harsh on your ears.
Winner : Bowers & Wilkins PI5
Bowers & Wilkins PI5 vs. AirPods Pro: Special features and apps
The AirPods Pro crushes the PI5 in extra features, and does so even without the need of a companion app. Apple tree's commitment to optimizing hardware by introducing new features via firmware updates is an ideology that several other headphones manufacturers are adopting. Apple's H1 chip comes with exclusive perks that you won't detect on other earbuds.
Nosotros already touched on spatial audio, but there are other cool audio features such as Headphone Accommodations to create a sound profile based on your hearing, audio personalization via EQs in the iPhone settings, and the power to share audio with another pair of Apple or Beats headphones. The AirPods Pro tin perform other tricks like automatic switching, detect misplaced or lost buds, and acquire your daily charging routine to preserve battery health over time.
A companion app is bachelor for the PI5, but its feature set is limited. Outside of basic toggle controls for on-ear detection and listening modes, you lot get battery level indicators at the top, firmware updates and a Soundscapes style to mask ambient noises by reproducing nature sounds. The latter works really well and is arguably the best have on the "added relaxing noise" concept out there.
Unfortunately, the PI5 doesn't benefit from all of the extra bonuses afforded to the PI7, such as 16 levels of adjustable transparency, adjustable ANC, 24-fleck sound, and, once again, sound retransmission.
Connectivity is a game that the AirPods Pro always wins. The H1 lets you instantly pair to iOS and macOS devices. You tin can pair Apple tree's buds to Android devices, though the process is a fleck more strenuous. The PI5 will instantly connect to compatible devices, but information technology's the terribly short range that makes using these buds frustrating at times; to hear sound stuttering when xv feet away from your smartphone or laptop is not good.
Winner: AirPods Pro
Bowers & Wilkins PI5 vs. AirPods Pro: Call quality
The original AirPods was always considered a serviceable calling headset and the Pro is ane of the best headphones with a mic for vocalization and video calls. Voices are clear on both ends and the mics do an admirable job of blocking out external sounds. Blaring sounds will eventually pitter-patter onto calls. Wind resistance is impressive and reduces the whooshing event usually produced when speaking in drafty weather. Having the H1 chip at your disposal also means l percent more than talk time.
Call quality is tenable on the PI5, and then you'll be able to enjoy brief chats as long equally you lot're in only mildly busy settings. Book is louder and air current resistance is stronger on these buds than the PI7, helping reduce cutout and interference when talking exterior. The AirPods Pro merely offers better clarity and blocks out more than dissonance.
Winner: AirPods Pro
Bowers & Wilkins PI5 vs. AirPods Pro: Battery life
Battery life on both models is underwhelming, rated at four.5 hours with ANC on, which is beneath the industry standard set by the regular AirPods: five hours. There are competitors that bruise the PI5 and AirPods Pro in playtime, including the Master & Dynamic MW08 (x hours) non-ANC models like the Beats Powerbeats Pro (9 hours). However, the AirPods Pro has longer listening times with ANC off (5 hours), speedier quick charging (5 minutes for 1 hour versus 15 minutes for 2 hours), and superb battery management.
The wireless charging cases aren't all that different, except that the PI5 instance holds 30 minutes more when fully charged. That doesn't brand much deviation in the grander scheme of things, equally high book, streaming, and running multiple features in the background at the same fourth dimension will drain battery life quickly on either set of buds.
Winner: AirPods Pro
Bowers & Wilkins PI5 vs. AirPods Pro: Overall winner
Our previous face-off between the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 vs. AirPods Pro proved that Apple can crush all promising newcomers, and the end result is no unlike in this boxing. The AirPods Pro has more going for it in terms of functionality and special features. The level of noise cancellation and audio you're getting, both from a listening and calling perspective, is outstanding. Nosotros become that the design has overstayed its welcome and battery life should be top priority regarding the rumored AirPods Pro 2, but Apple's porcelain noise-cancellers requite you more your money's worth in overall performance. Period.
| Bowers & Wilkins PI5 | AirPods Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Toll and value (5) | 4 | 4 |
| Pattern (15) | thirteen | xi |
| Controls (10) | 6 | nine |
| Audio quality (20) | xviii | 17 |
| Active noise counterfoil(20) | 18 | 17 |
| Special features and apps (fifteen) | viii | xiii |
| Call quality (5) | 4 | 5 |
| Bombardment life (10) | 6 | 7 |
| Full score (100) | 77 | 83 |
The PI7 and PI5 brand huge statements with their incredible audio, robust ANC, and gorgeous designs. Neither comes cheap, but the PI5 is more attainable and a must-buy for audiophiles that want something more premium than any Apple wireless earbuds. Had B&W opted to give the PI5 some of the extras reserved for the higher-priced PI7, this face-off might have been closer.
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Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/face-off/bowers-and-wilkins-pi5-vs-airpods-pro
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