Best Wireless Headphones 2025: Sony WH-1000XM6 or Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3?

When it comes to premium wireless headphones in 2025, two models consistently dominate the conversation: the Sony WH-1000XM6 and the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3. Both deliver exceptional sound, modern features, and stylish design, but which one is truly the best choice for you? We’ve spent extensive time with both models to break down how they stack up across the board from active noise cancellation and sound profile to comfort, build quality, and value.

What You Get

Look & Feel

While the WH-1000XM6 features a lot of great upgrades to its construction, the PX7 S3 is all about style. Both headphones are ergonomic and comfortable to wear, but in terms of build, the PX7 S3 uses more quality materials than the XM6. he PX7 S3 features refined aluminum detailing, smooth earcup textures, and a more high-end feel. It feels like a more premium design than the XM6. If you’re looking for  headphones that can fold in though, the XM6 is the only one of the two that can do that.

Design & Functionality

Comparing the PX7 S3 and XM6 in terms of loudness, the PX7 S3 comes out on top, but nearly all other areas of functionality goes to the XM6. Noise canceling is the most obvious feature that the XM6 excels with, so if you’re choosing between the two and prioritize ANC, the XM6 is the clear winner. Not only is its noise isolation more advanced, but its touch controls leave more room for interaction than the PX7 S3’s physical buttons. You might perfer more simplified playback controls, but using the XM6’s touch sensors is very resposnign and gives you more control options. Sony also packs more features in their app compared to the Bowers and Wilkins app, like a better EQ, and spatial audio integration.

Bluetooth

Both the XM6 and PX7 S3 both use Bluetooth 5.3 and have simialr levels of stability. They both offer plenty of CODECs to choose from, including Sony’s LDAC for the XM6 and the PX7 S3 supporting aptX Lossless. What gives the XM6 a leg up on the PX7 S3 is its multipoint connection, which the PX7 S3 is lacking.

Battery Life

The XM6 is slightly better than the PX7 S3, but there’s almost equal as far as ANC use is concerned. You can enjoy both headphones with ANC on for around 30 hours, but the XM6 has faster charging.

Soundstage

Although the WH-1000XM6 has an enhanced soundstage do to its spatial audio features, the PX7 S3 has better stereo imaging and width. In terms of immersion, the XM6 will probably offer more for you, but the PX7 S3 is better at communicating accuracy and depth within a stereo field. The PX7 S3 has better separation and dimensional layering, but the effect of the XM6’s spatial soundstage is strong and engages you with the spaciousness of the recordings in an exciting way.

Low End

Sony’s 1000x series has always focused on its bass response as one of its major attributes. Bowers & Wilkins has also put a focus on their bass response with both their PX7 and PX8 models, but in a different way. If you prefer a thick, engulfing tone where you don’t mind a bit of muddiness, the XM6 will speak to you more than the PX7 S3. However, if you’re looking for that clarity and tightness, then you’ll want to go for the PX7 S3. Both headphones pack a lot of punch, but the PX7 S3 brings everything under control. I think most people will have more fun with the XM6’s bass, though, and it features a bit more versatility with its EQ options.

Mids

Both the XM6 and PX7 S3 feature a V-shaped midrange that is highly enjoyable in terms of surface-level instrumentation. They both feature good musicality, with the XM6 spotlighting better warmth and the PX7 S3 exhibiting a more balanced response with more note definition to bite on.

Highs

Neither the XM6 nor the PX7 S3 will disappoint here. If you like your highs smooth but still present, then both of these headphones will have the sound signature you’re looking for. The PX7 S3 is a bit more elevated than the XM6, featuring a stronger glisten and airiness from the top end. You have a more reserved high-end timbre with the XM6, but frequencies can still be crisp.

Summary

If you’re looking for the most well-rounded wireless headphone, the WH-1000XM6 continues to dominate the market with class-leading active noise cancellation, tons of smart features, intuitive app support, and a fun, energetic sound signature that suits everything from commuting to casual listening. It’s especially ideal for tech-savvy users who want to tweak and personalize their listening experience.

On the other hand, if sound quality and premium craftsmanship are your top priorities, the PX7 S3 makes a strong case for itself. Bowers & Wilkins delivers an elegant design and a sound profile that leans closer to wired audiophile tuning, offering clarity, balance, and a wide soundstage that feels more refined. While its ANC and features aren’t as advanced as Sony’s, the PX7 S3 compensates with superior materials and a rich, expressive audio experience.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 are available at Audio46 and Audio46 Express.