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

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 deliver stunning sound quality first and ask questions later. Everything else, from the decent ANC to the so-so build, is in service of that incredible audio.

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 are a sound-first pair of wireless earbuds that deliver exactly what you'd hope for from the brand: fantastic audio. They're not trying to be the best at everything, but if your priority is listening to music, these are a serious contender. The one thing to know is that you're paying for that B&W tuning and those 12mm bio-cellulose drivers, which put sound quality in the 98th percentile in our database. Everything else, from the noise cancellation to the build, plays a supporting role to that core strength.

The sound quality is the star, and it's not subtle. The audio performance lands in the 98th percentile, which is genuinely impressive for true wireless buds. What surprised us was the microphone quality scoring in the 91st percentile—calls sound clear, which isn't always a given even on premium earbuds. The ANC is solid, sitting in the 84th percentile, but it's not class-leading. It's good enough for a commute or a busy office, but don't expect it to completely erase the world like some competitors.

At $249, the Pi6 are priced squarely in the premium tier. You're paying a premium for the Bowers & Wilkins name and their specific sound signature. If that's what you want, the value is there. If you just want great wireless earbuds, there are more well-rounded options for the same money.

This is a crowded field. The Sony WF-1000XM5 is the king of noise cancellation and has fantastic sound, making it a better all-rounder for most people. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra are the comfort and ANC champs. The Pi6 fights back with arguably better, more nuanced audio quality than both, especially if you're an aptX Adaptive user on Android. The Technics EAH-AZ80 is its closest rival in pure sound quality, but the Pi6 has the edge in microphone performance. Think of it as the audiophile's choice in a sea of generalists.

If you're looking for a gym companion or need the absolute strongest noise cancellation to survive a loud flight, this isn't it. Go get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra for comfort and ANC, or a dedicated sports model. Also, skip these if you're on a tight budget—there are excellent buds for less that do 90% of this, just with less audiophile flair.

We recommend the Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 if your top priority is sound quality above all else. You're getting a tuned, detailed, and powerful listening experience that justifies the price for music lovers. Just go in knowing the noise cancellation is merely good, the build feels a bit plasticky, and you're buying into a specific audio philosophy. If you need the absolute best ANC or a tank-like build, look at Sony or Bose instead.