Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones vs Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the safer pick for most people: its noise canceling is the benchmark, it is lighter at 8.82 oz, and it folds into a smaller case for travel. The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 wins on sound character, with a forward midrange, controlled bass and aptX Lossless support that suits listeners who care more about music than silencing a plane. Sony owners praise the ANC and comfort but note the non-folding headband; Px7 S3 buyers praise the tuning and build but concede Sony still leads on noise canceling.

• Choose the Sony WH-1000XM5 if you fly often, want the strongest noise canceling, and value a lighter headset with multipoint switching.
• Choose the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 if you listen critically at home or in the office and want a more musical, midrange-forward sound with aptX Lossless.