Bowers & Wilkins PI8 Review – Are These the Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds in India?
When it comes to premium audio, few names carry the weight that Bowers & Wilkins does. The British audio giant has been perfecting sound for decades, and their latest offering—the Bowers & Wilkins PI8—is turning heads in the true wireless earbuds market. But with a premium price tag, the big question remains: are these really the best noise-cancelling earbuds you can buy in India right now?
I spent weeks with the B&W PI8 ANC earbuds to find out if they're worth the investment. Spoiler alert: if you're serious about audio quality, you'll want to read every word of this review.
What Makes the Bowers & Wilkins PI8 Special?
The PI8 true wireless earbuds aren't just another pair of expensive earbuds trying to justify their price tag. Bowers & Wilkins has packed these little audio powerhouses with technology that audiophiles will genuinely appreciate.
At the heart of the Bowers & Wilkins PI8 sits a dual-driver system that's almost unheard of in true wireless earbuds—a 12mm dynamic driver for bass and mids, plus a dedicated balanced armature driver for crystal-clear highs.
The result? Sound quality that genuinely rivals wired audiophile headphones. The separation between instruments is incredible, vocals sit perfectly in the mix, and the soundstage feels impressively spacious.
Bowers & Wilkins PI8 Review: Design and Build Quality
Pick up the PI8 earbuds, and you immediately understand where your money is going. The build quality is exceptional, featuring a machined aluminum body with a carbon fiber internal structure. They’re lightweight at 6.8 grams but feel premium and durable.
The charging case features a matte finish with tactile buttons and a unique trick—it doubles as a Bluetooth transmitter. Plug it into airplane screens or gym machines using a 3.5mm jack and enjoy wireless audio. Truly innovative.
Comfort is excellent thanks to five silicone ear tip sizes. Three-hour sessions were comfortable without any ear fatigue.
PI8 ANC Performance: How Good Is the Noise Cancellation?
The B&W PI8 noise-cancelling earbuds excel with a six-microphone adaptive ANC system that adjusts to your environment in real time.
Walking through busy Mumbai streets or sitting on flights, the PI8 blocked noise impressively well. The Natural Passthrough mode felt incredibly natural—unlike the robotic effect many competitors produce.
The Bowers & Wilkins Music app provides three modes: ANC, Natural Passthrough, and Adaptive Mode.
Sound Quality: Where the PI8 True Wireless Earbuds Shine
This is where the PI8 absolutely justifies its price. The dual-driver setup produces deep bass, clean mids, and crisp highs with no harshness. The soundstage is wide, and the detail retrieval is outstanding across genres.
These earbuds support aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless, and AAC—ensuring high-resolution audio for both Android and iOS users.
Bowers Wilkins PI8 vs Sony WF-1000XM5: The Premium Showdown
- Sound Quality Winner: PI8 – superior detail, separation, and soundstage.
- ANC Winner: Tie – both are excellent.
- Features Winner: Sony – more smart features and customization.
- Build Quality Winner: PI8 – premium materials and innovative case.
- Value Winner: Depends on user preference.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The PI8 delivers 6.5 hours of playback with ANC on and around 20 hours total with the case. Fast charging (15 minutes = 2 hours) and wireless charging are included.
Bluetooth 5.4 ensures a strong, stable connection. The only downside: multipoint switching could be smoother.
The Bowers Wilkins PI8 Price in India: Worth the Investment?
The PI8 earbuds are premium-priced, but for true audiophiles, the sound quality alone justifies the investment. These are not casual-listener earbuds—they're built for those who value audio excellence.
Where to Buy: Bowers Wilkins PI8 Buy Online
Looking to buy the PI8 online in India? Your best option is 8mm.in, an authorized retailer offering genuine products with proper warranty and after-sales support.
Real-World Usage: Three Weeks with the PI8
- Commute: ANC handled metro and traffic noise easily.
- Work: Comfortable for long sessions; excellent call quality.
- Gym: Secure fit, IPX54 rating, though a bit premium for rough use.
- Travel: Bluetooth transmitter feature is perfect for flights.
The Verdict: Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds for Audiophiles
If sound quality is your priority, the Bowers & Wilkins PI8 stands at the top. Competitors may offer better battery life or smart features, but few can match the PI8 in pure audio fidelity.
Final Thoughts
The B&W PI8 ANC earbuds showcase what’s possible when decades of audio engineering meet modern wireless technology. While the battery life and multipoint could improve, the sound quality is nothing short of magical.
For the right listener—someone who values rich, immersive sound—the PI8 is worth every rupee.
