Bowers & Wilkins Pi5 S2 vs Pi6 Comparison Review

Bowers & Wilkins recently updated their TWS line to include the Pi8. This new edition introduced a more refined sound as well as updated technology for their pinnacle TWS product. Now they’re updating the Pi5 line with the Pi6. There are some distinct differences between the Pi5 S2 and the new Pi6. Whether it’s a new price tag (the Pi5 S2 is $299 while the Pi6 comes in at $249, though they can now be found around the web for as low as $129), new tech, or an overhauled sound signature, we’ll compare the two head to head to see which one is right for you. 

What’s in the Box:

Look & Feel 

The two earbuds feature significantly different designs. The Pi5 S2 is more modular looking, with a spherical enclosure protruding off the back of the ear piece. On the other hand, the Pi6 goes for a more integrated look, more similar to the Pi8. The Pi6 and Pi5 S2 are, however, pretty equally thick. The difference lies in the ergonomics of the earbud. While the Pi5 S2 has a smaller earpiece, its spherical enclosure sticks out of your ears like a sore thumb. Meanwhile, the Pi6 has a more streamlined fit, feeling more flush in the ear. They do feel similar in terms of weight – both are quite light and I never felt any discomfort while wearing either of them. 

There are slightly different colorways available for each model as well. Both have a metallic black as well as a white option. But where the Pi5 S2 came in a purple variant, the Pi6 offers two new options: Glacier Blue and Forest Green. 

The cases are also quite different. The Pi5 S2 case is taller but a little bit thinner and has a pairing button on the inside of the case. The Pi6 case is technically smaller overall but is a bit bulkier in how it’s designed. Both seem to weigh out similarly but I think the Pi6 case wins on pocket fit. 

Design & Functionality

The Pi6 received a complete overhaul in terms of drivers and implementation. The Pi5 S2 uses a 9.2mm dynamic driver unit to power its sound while the Pi6 uses a new 12mm Bio-cellulose driver. We’ll get to how the two sound a little later, but it’s important to note that there are some fundamentally different electronics inside the headphone. 

One feature, the IP54 dust and water resistance, stays the same, meanwhile we have an increase in the number of microphones for calls and noise cancellation on the Pi6 from the Pi5 S2. 

Bluetooth

The Pi6 offers a significant upgrade in the Bluetooth department. The Pi6 uses Bluetooth 5.4, and while it doesn’t support AptX Lossless yet, it does support aptX Adaptive, aptX Classic, AAC, and SBC. The Pi5 S2, which is based on Bluetooth 5.0, only supports aptX, AAC, and SBC. Connectivity is strong on both units, no complaints there. 

Battery Life

The battery life of the Pi6 is almost double that of the Pi5 S2. The Pi5 S2 comes in at about 5 hours with ANC off with an additional 19 hours available when used with the charging case. 15 minutes of charging with the Pi5 S2 leads to 2 hours of playback. The Pi6 lasts up to 7 hours with ANC turned on with an additional 16 hours from the charging case. It takes two hours to fully charge the Pi6 and, like the Pi5 S2, 15 minutes of charging adds up to 2 hours of playback as well. 

There is one very key difference between the two here though. The Pi5 S2’s case is compatible with wireless charging. The Pi6, however, is not. So if that’s something important to you, the Pi5 S2 may prove more useful in that regard. 

Sound Impressions

Low End

Both the Pi5 S2 and Pi6 go for a neutral warm tuning. That said, the way in which these earbuds go about implementing that tuning is quite different. The bass response depicts this difference most clearly. The Pi5 S2 is much more assertive with a punchy sub bass and very present mid-bass transitional area. The Pi5 S2 gets its distinctive warmth from its bombastic bass presentation making for a more walloping low end presentation. 

The Pi6 however is a bit more neutral in its tuning, relying on a slight elevation in the midbass to warm it up timbrally. The Pi6 reduces bass quantity, instead favoring a more relaxing and nuanced approach. While it loses some of the dynamic appeal of a less linear presentation, it makes up for it in laid back musicality. 

Mids

The Pi5 S2 and Pi6 find some common ground in the midrange. Both feel accentuated to improve long term listenability, making for more relaxed sounding presentations. This does result in some loss in resolution on both pairs, and might bring up a point in what the Pi8 has to offer at the next tier of this range. The big difference for me between the two is the space that the Pi6 works into its midrange. Part of this has to do with soundstage, but I do think the Pi5 S2 is a bit more intimate with its midrange whereas the Pi6 gives a little bit more room for dynamics to work themselves out. 

Top End

Both the Pi5 s2 and Pi6 round things out with neutral top ends. Neither one is sizzling at the high end of the frequency spectrum, as they once again lean into a more relaxed sound signature. The Pi6 is slightly clearer than the Pi5 S2 with a better focus on detail and resolving abilities. On the other hand, the treble on the Pi5 S2 compliments the dark and aggressive bass response in a way that makes its top end feel a bit more exciting that the Pi6.

Soundstage

Both earbuds go for a warm tonality. But where they differ is the soundstage. The Pi6 represents a significant upgrade in terms of stereo width over the Pi5 S2. Where the Pi5 S2 is a bit more intimate, helping maintain the more aggressive nature of its low end, the Pi6 widens things out, opening up space for a more relaxing listen. It’s not so much a question of better or worse, rather than a difference in approach. Whichever approach is more suitable is for each individual listener to decide. 

Final Thoughts

As far as tech goes, the Pi5 S2 is in some ways behind the Pi6. The Pi5 S2’s battery life and Bluetooth functionality is objectively behind those of the Pi6. But when it comes to sound, it’s really a matter of preferences. If the latest tech is important to you then the Pi6 is the one for you. And on that note, if you prefer a wider and more relaxed sound signature, the Pi6 has you covered as well. But if you prioritize sound and want a more aggressive bass response, then the Pi5 S2 is still a strong contender. 

Both the B&W Pi5 S2 and Pi6 are available at Audio46.