Is the B&W Pi8 Worth the Price? Honest Review After 30 Days
By 8mm Audio Experts | 30-Day Hands-On Review
At 8mm.in — India’s destination for premium audio — we spent 30 full days using the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 True Wireless Earbuds as our daily driver. Commutes, work calls, music sessions, travel days, and casual listening.
This is one of the most detailed Pi8 reviews written specifically for Indian audiophiles.
Short answer: the Pi8 is one of the best-sounding true wireless earbuds available today. But whether it’s worth the price depends entirely on what you value most — sound quality, ANC performance, battery life, or ecosystem features.
Quick Verdict
The B&W Pi8 delivers the best audio quality we have heard from true wireless earbuds. The new 12mm carbon cone driver, aptX Lossless support, and PX8-inspired tuning produce exceptional clarity, detail retrieval, and soundstage width.
ANC is solid but not class-leading, and battery life is respectable rather than exceptional. If pure music performance is your priority, the Pi8 stands at the top of the category.
Overall Score: 4.6 / 5
Pros
- Outstanding sound quality
- aptX Lossless & aptX Adaptive support
- Premium aluminium design
- Charging case with USB-C DAC re-transmitter
- Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint
- LE Audio Auracast support
Cons
- ANC weaker than Bose QC Ultra or Sony XM5
- Average call quality
- No adaptive ANC strength adjustment
- No “Find My Earbuds” feature
- Premium price
Who Are the Pi8 Earbuds For?
Bowers & Wilkins is a British audio company with over 60 years of engineering history. Their speakers and headphones are used in places like Abbey Road Studios and Skywalker Sound.
The Pi8 succeeds the Pi7 S2, which received mixed feedback. For the Pi8, B&W redesigned the entire acoustic platform — borrowing technology from their PX7 S2e and PX8 headphones.
If you care about mixing detail, accurate vocals, tight bass, and wide soundstage, the Pi8 is clearly aimed at you.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing you notice when opening the Pi8 is the premium construction. The earbuds feature an elegant oval housing with aluminium faceplates and a full-width microphone grille.
Available colour options include:
- Anthracite Black
- Dove White
- Midnight Blue
- Jade Green
The design feels closer to luxury jewellery than typical earbuds.
The charging case has also been redesigned — smaller, slimmer, and easier to carry.
- USB-C charging
- Qi wireless charging support
- Secure magnetic lid
The earbuds are rated IP54, making them safe for workouts, light rain, and everyday use.
Fit and Comfort
The Pi7 series was sometimes difficult to fit. The Pi8 solves this by using a more ergonomic oval shell that sits naturally in the ear.
Four ear-tip sizes are included:
- XS
- S
- M
- L
In our testing, the Pi8 remained comfortable for listening sessions exceeding three hours.
Wear sensors automatically pause music when an earbud is removed, and resume playback when placed back in the ear.
Sound Quality
The biggest reason to buy the Pi8 is sound performance.
The earbuds use a 12mm carbon cone driver, replacing the smaller driver used in the Pi7 S2.
Carbon drivers are stiffer than conventional materials, which means:
- Lower distortion
- Better high-frequency extension
- Improved transient response
Sound Signature
- Bass: Tight and controlled, never bloated
- Mids: Natural and slightly forward
- Treble: Extended and airy without harshness
- Soundstage: Wide and layered for an in-ear design
Across genres — jazz, classical, EDM, Bollywood, and podcasts — the Pi8 consistently delivered impressive clarity and separation.
Codec Support
The Pi8 supports several advanced codecs:
- aptX Lossless
- aptX Adaptive
- Bluetooth 5.3
- LE Audio Auracast
With compatible Android devices, aptX Lossless enables CD-quality wireless audio without compression artifacts.
The charging case also functions as a USB-C DAC transmitter, allowing wired devices to send higher-quality audio to the earbuds.
ANC Performance
Active Noise Cancellation performs well against low-frequency noise like airplanes, trains, and air-conditioning hum.
However, compared to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Sony WF-1000XM5, the Pi8 allows slightly more voices and high-frequency sounds through.
The standout feature is that enabling ANC does not alter the sound signature, which is rare among wireless earbuds.
Transparency Mode
The ambient passthrough mode is excellent and sounds natural during conversations.
Battery Life
Battery performance is solid but not class-leading.
- 6.5 hours with ANC on
- 8 hours with ANC off
- Up to 28 hours total with charging case
- 15-minute quick charge provides around 2 hours of playback
In real-world testing we averaged around 5–5.5 hours per charge with ANC active.
TrueSound App and Controls
The Bowers & Wilkins TrueSound app allows users to customize the listening experience.
- 5-band EQ adjustment
- ANC control
- Firmware updates
- Multipoint device management
The Pi8 uses physical buttons rather than touch panels, making controls precise and reliable.
Pi8 vs Competitors
Pi8 vs AirPods Pro 2
- Pi8 wins in sound quality and codec support
- AirPods win in ecosystem integration and ANC
Pi8 vs Sony WF-1000XM5
- Pi8 delivers superior sound fidelity
- Sony offers stronger ANC and longer battery life
Pi8 vs Bose QC Ultra
- Bose leads in noise cancellation
- Pi8 leads in sound quality and build materials
Is the B&W Pi8 Worth Buying in India?
The Pi8 is one of the finest true wireless earbuds available in India today for music lovers.
With aptX Lossless support, carbon cone drivers, premium materials, and exceptional tuning, it clearly targets audiophiles who prioritize sound above everything else.
If you are looking for the best luxury true wireless earbuds in India or the best earbuds for audiophile listening, the Pi8 is one of the strongest options available.
At 8mm.in, we offer genuine Bowers & Wilkins products with official warranty and expert guidance.
Buy the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 True Wireless Earbuds →
FAQ
What is the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 price in India?
The latest Pi8 price is available on the product page at 8mm.in.
Does the Pi8 support aptX Lossless?
Yes, aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive are supported on compatible Android devices.
Is the Pi8 water resistant?
Yes. The Pi8 has an IP54 rating for sweat and splash resistance.
Can I buy the Pi8 in India?
Yes. You can purchase genuine Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 earbuds from 8mm.in.
Is it worth upgrading from the Pi7 S2?
Yes. The Pi8 introduces a new carbon driver, improved fit, aptX Lossless support, and better battery life.
