In April 2021, Bowers & Wilkins announced the Pi7 and Pi5 noise-canceling earphones. This was the first time B&W had entered the TWS (True Wireless Stereo) earphone market.
Building on the foundation of those models, B&W has announced new upgraded versions, the Pi7 S2 and Pi5 S2 that are intended to replace their well-received predecessors.
What Both Models Feature
Although a lot remains the same, the Pi7 S2 and Pi5 S2 provide some subtle improvements over the Pi7 and Pi5.
Improved Wireless Connectivity: The Pi7 S2 and Pi5 S2 incorporate upgraded wireless connectivity with a new antenna design that supports increased Bluetooth range (up to 25m).
Improved Battery Life: Both new models provide up to five hours of listening time before needing to be recharged. Also, the 15-minute quick charge function provides an additional two hours of listening time. In addition, the charging cases provide additional battery life (16 hours for Pi7 S2 and 19 hours for the Pi5 S2).
Music App: Pi7 S2 and Pi5 S2 are the latest earphones to be fully integrated with the Bowers & Wilkins Music App. The app provides a seamless user experience that includes set-up, the configuration of noise cancellation modes, wear sensor adjustment, and a range of additional audio settings. The app also supports hi-res streaming direct from your mobile device via Qobuz, TIDAL, Deezer, and other select services. The Bowers & Wilkins Music App also offers additional user adjustments.
One Button Control: Both models include an easy-to-use one-button user interface. The button allows listeners to perform multiple tasks.
Voice Assistance: In addition to one button control, these earphones also provide Siri or Google Assistant voice support, depending on the connected device.
Features on the Pi7 S2
The Pi7 S2 continues to offer Wireless Audio Retransmission, which was introduced in the original Pi7. This enabled users to connect to an external audio source – such as an in-flight entertainment system – and then retransmit audio wirelessly from that source to the earbuds, via the Smart Charging Case.
The Pi7 S2 also continues to provide Qualcomm® aptX™ Adaptive. This allows Hi-res audio to be transmitted from compatible streaming services and devices. 24-bit/48kHz wireless transmission between each earbud is provided.
Pi7 S2 features 9.2mm drive units, joined by a high-frequency “balanced armature” driver, with each of the four drive units (2 for each earbud) actively driven by its own amplifier.
The Pi7 S2 also offers Adaptive Noise Cancellation to automatically monitor, analyze and adapt to its surroundings. That ANC system incorporates six microphones (3 on each earbud). In addition, to supporting ANC, the microphones optimize phone call sound quality.
Model Pi7 S2 Pi7 Core Features True Wireless Technology, True 24-bit Audio Connection, 2-way Drive Design, High-Performance DSP, Adaptive Noise Canceling, Audio Retransmission True Wireless Technology, True 24-bit Audio Connection, Auto ANC, Audio Retransmission Wearing Style In-ear In-ear Bluetooth Codecs aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX Classic, AAC, SBC aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, aptX Classic, AAC, SBC Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, BLE GATT A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, BLE GATT Frequency Band (Transmitter) 2402 to 2480 MHz 2402 to 2480 MHz Frequency Band (Receiver) 2402 to 2480 MHz 2402 to 2480 MHz RF Power Output <10.0 dBm <10.0 dBm Drive Units 9.2 mm Dynamic Drive Units with Balanced Armature 9.2 mm Dynamic Drive Units Microphone 3 per earbud 3 per earbud Battery Type Lithium-ion Lithium Ion Battery Life Up to 5 hours with ANC Off and 16 hours from Charging Case Up to 4 hours (Bluetooth) Fast Charge Yes (15 min = 2 hours) Yes (15 min = 2 hours) USB-C Charging Yes Yes Wireless Charging Yes Yes Waterproof (Earbuds only) IP54 IP54 Accessories USB-C Charging Cable, 3.5mm to USB-C audio cable, Eartips (s,m.l) USB-C Charging Cable, 3.5mm to USB-C audio cable, Eartips (s,l) Charging Case Dimensions (WDH) 61 x 28 x 56 mm N/A Weight 7 g (each earbud), 47 g (charging case) 7 g (each earbud), 61 g (charging case)
Features on Pi5 S2
Although the Pi7 S2 is the flagship, the Pi5 S2 also continues to offer great audio performance with TWS technology and a 9.2 mm driver in each earbud.
The Pi5 S2 supports CD-quality playback with aptX wireless transmission of music from an aptX-compatible mobile device. Pi5 S2 provides user-selectable noise-canceling plus ambient pass-through modes, as well as 2 built-in microphones per earbud for ANC and phone calls.
Model Pi5 S2 Pi5 Core Features True Wireless Technology True Wireless Technology, Auto ANC Wearing Style In-ear In-ear Bluetooth Codecs apt X, AAC, SBC apt X, AAC, SBC Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSPB, LE GATT A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, BLE GATT Frequency Band (Transmitter) 2402 to 2480 MHz 2402 to 2480 MHz Frequency Band (Receiver) 2402 to 2480 MHz 2402 to 2480 MHz RF Power Output <10.0 dBm <10.0 dBm Drive Units 9..2 mm Dynamic Drive Units with Balanced Armature 9..2 mm Dynamic Drive Units Microphone Two per Earbud Two per earbud Battery Type Lithium-ion Lithium-ion Battery Life Up to 5 hours with ANC Off and 16 hours from Charging Case Up to 4 hours (Bluetooth) Fast Charge Yes (15 min = 2 hours) Yes (15 min = 2 hours) USB-C Charging Yes Yes Wireless Charging Yes Yes Waterproof (Earbuds only) IP54 IP54 Accessories USB-C Charging Cable, 3.5mm to USB-C audio cable, Eartips (s,m.l) USB-C Charging Cable, 3.5mm to USB-C audio cable, Eartips (s,l) Charging Case Dimensions (WDH) 61 x 28 x 56 mm N/A Weight 6 g (each earbud), 47 g (charging case) 7 g (each earbud), 47 g (charging case) 
Availability & Pricing
The Pi7 S2 and Pi5 S2 earbuds are available from bowerswilkins.com and select retailers, starting today January 25, 2023 at the following prices:
- Pi7 S2: Satin Black, Canvas White, and Midnight Blue for $399. Check Amazon.
- Pi5 S2: Cloud Grey, Storm Grey, Spring Lilac, and Sage Green for $299. Check Amazon.
Update: These models have been replaced by the Pi6 and Pi8 on September 9, 2024.
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