Bowers & Wilkins Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 True Wireless Noise-Canceling Review

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 deliver exceptional, top-tier sound quality in a comfortable true wireless package. Their ANC is good, not great, and the build feels a bit light for the price. Worth it for audiophiles, but others might find better all-rounders.

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 are true wireless earbuds built for one thing: sound. They take the 12mm bio-cellulose drivers from B&W's over-ear headphones and cram them into a tiny earbud, promising a serious audio experience for your commute or daily listening.

They back that up with solid specs like Bluetooth 5.4, aptX Adaptive support for high-quality streaming, and active noise cancellation. But at $249, they're stepping into a ring with some of the biggest names in the game. Let's see if they can hang.

The sound quality is the star here, landing in the 98th percentile in our database. That means it's genuinely excellent, with rich detail and a balanced profile that works for most music. The mic quality is also top-tier (91st percentile), so your calls will sound clear. The ANC is good, sitting in the 84th percentile, but it's not class-leading. The battery life is decent at 8 hours per charge, and the IP54 rating means they can handle a sweaty workout or light rain, but they're not built for heavy-duty fitness use.

At $249, the Pi6 are firmly in the premium earbud price bracket. You're paying for that Bowers & Wilkins audio pedigree. If your top priority is sound quality above all else, the price might be justified. But if you want the absolute best noise cancellation, the most rugged build, or the best value, your money might be better spent elsewhere.

This is a tough crowd. The Sony WF-1000XM5 are the ANC kings, often offering better noise cancellation for a similar price. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra have legendary comfort and solid sound. The Pi6 fights back with arguably better pure audio fidelity and that excellent microphone. The Apple AirPods Pro are the seamless choice for iPhone users. The Pi6 carves its niche as the audiophile's pick in the true wireless space, but it's a trade-off.

Skip these if you're a gym rat or need serious water resistance. The IP54 rating isn't built for that. Also, if your main goal is to completely drown out the world with the strongest ANC possible, you can get better for the money. And if you're on a tight budget, there are fantastic earbuds for $100 less.

Buy the Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 if you're a music lover first and foremost, and you want the best possible sound you can get from a true wireless bud. They're perfect for commuters and listeners who prioritize audio detail over having the absolute strongest noise cancellation. Just know you're making a bit of a sonic trade for other features.