Home Wireless Earbuds Apple Airpods Pro (2Nd Gen) Vs. Bowers & Wilkins Pi7

A Review By Comparison of the Apple Airpods Pro (2Nd Gen) Vs. Bowers & Wilkins Pi7

Last updated on Apr 12, 2023   8 min read
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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

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Reasons why you might like the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

Overall Score 6.4 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IPX4
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 6 hours
  • Number Of Microphones of 6 only
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode
VS
Bowers & Wilkins PI7

Bowers & Wilkins PI7

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Reasons why you might like the Bowers & Wilkins PI7

Overall Score 6.4 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IP54
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 4.5 hours
  • Has Usb Type-C
  • Number Of Microphones of 6 only
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode

A summary of the review by feature comparison

Category Features Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) Bowers & Wilkins PI7
DESIGN ingress protection (ip) rating IPX4 IP54
weight 10.6g 50g
has no wires or cables
sweat resistance
has stereo speakers
SOUND QUALITY has active noise cancellation (noise control)
has passive noise reduction
driver unit size 11mm 9.2mm
lowest frequency 20Hz 10Hz
highest frequency 20000Hz 20000Hz
POWER battery life 6hours 4.5hours
battery life of charging case 24hours 18hours
charge time 1hours 3hours
battery power 49.7mAh
has wireless charging
has a battery level indicator
CONNECTIVITY has usb type-c
bluetooth version v5.3 v5
maximum bluetooth range 10meters 10meters
has aac
has aptx adaptive
has aptx hd
MICROPHONE number of microphones 6only 6only
has a noise-canceling microphone
EXTRAS has ambient sound mode
has in/on-ear detection
has find earbuds feature
supports fast charging
multipoint count 2only
has a mute function
control panel placed on a device
has voice prompts
travel bag is included
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A breakdown of the review per specifications

Design

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) IPX4
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 IP54

IP ratings is the rank of protection offered by an enclosure, against dust and liquids. The letters 'IP' are followed by two values The first value of the IP rating refers to protection against solids say dust, followed by the one that refers to resistance against liquids (sweat).

Scoring IPX4, the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)'s rating for solids indicates that no data available to specify a protection rating, and of liquids that they can withstand low pressure spray similar to that of a shower head when tilted at 180° for 10 minutes.

Compared to the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have a rating of IP54 meaning that ingress of dust is not totally prevented but dust does not enter in harmful quantities to interfere with the correct operation or impair safety and that of liquids is that, they both have the same rating against liquids

Weight

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) 10.6g
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 50g

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have a weight of 10.6g . We consider a lower weight best because lighter devices are more comfortable to move with.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7, at 50g are heavier than the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) by of 39.4g

Has No Wires Or Cables

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Bowers & Wilkins PI7

True wireless devices have no wires linking any part of the device together, Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) are true wireless for this case since they have no wires. This is a major distinction as some wireless earbuds have wires linking the pair of earbuds .

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 also is true wireless since it doesn't have wires linking the pair of earbuds together.

Sweat Resistance

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Bowers & Wilkins PI7

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) are resistant to sweat

Has Stereo Speakers

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Bowers & Wilkins PI7

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have stereo speakers, what this means is that Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)'s speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better listening experience.

Both Bowers & Wilkins PI7 and Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have stereo speakers

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
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Sound Quality

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Bowers & Wilkins PI7

Active noise cancellation utilises advanced technology to reduce unwanted ambient sounds. ANC works when, it studies the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and generates a mirror signal to cancel it out. Simply put, it's like having +1 (noise) then producing -1 (counter sound by the device) to make 0 resulting in a reduced level of noise.

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have ANC allowing you to listen at lower volume levels, good for your ears since you don't need to crank up the device volume to outcompete background noise.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too have Active Noise Cancellation which makes either of the earbuds ideal for plane rides and morning commutes. Each work with different noise cancellation types, pick the mode that suits your commute or that suites your chill time.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Bowers & Wilkins PI7

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) sit well in place, creating an acoustic covering that tones down your environment noise and also prevents the earbuds music from leaking out at the same.

Both of these devices have passive noise reduction which means that both reduce ambient noise without using ANC to cancel it out.

Driver Unit Size

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) 11mm
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 9.2mm

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) driver unit is 11mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, and can produce better bass. A driver unit is basically a mini speaker that produces sound in the device, the unit size dictates the loudness of the earbuds.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 driver unit is 9.2mm in diameter, which implies that they have a smaller driver unit than that of Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) by 1.8mm , many people have a misconception that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.

However, large drivers usually have difficulty producing high frequencies so yes, larger drivers can generate louder sound, but this does not mean that they produce better quality sound.

Lowest Frequency

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) 20Hz
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 10Hz

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)'s lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response inidcates how well a particular audio component generates low frequencies that can be heard, and if it alters the signal while at it.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7's lowest frequency is at 10Hz, this implies that Bowers & Wilkins PI7 produce a juicier bass than the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

Highest Frequency

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) 20000Hz
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 20000Hz

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)'s highest frequency is at 20000Hz, high-frequency response shows how well an audio device generates high audible frequencies and if it changes to the signal while at it.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7's highest frequency is at 20000Hz, this implies that both devices can produce equal treble

Power

Battery Life

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) 6hours
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 4.5hours

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)'s battery life is 6 hours, these last longer than 5 hours of listening which is considered average before recharge. A device's battery life is given by the manufacturer, and with more battery hours, you get to use it for longer and requires fewer chargings.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7's battery life is less than that of Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) by 1.5 hours . Every time you recharge your earbuds, they get a little less listening time. The effect is not noticeable at first, but over a few years, your wireless earbuds will no longer play for long like they used to.

Battery Life Of Charging Case

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) 24hours
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 18hours

This is given by the manufacturer, and the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)'s case is said to have a full charge of 24 hours. A charging case with more battery hours enables you to recharge your earbuds on the go several times before having to recharge the case itself.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7's charging case has a battery life of 18 hours, less than that of Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) by 6 hours

Charge Time

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) 1hours
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 3hours

It requires 1 hours to fully charge the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)'s battery. It is recommended to fully charge the battery before using the earbuds when they have been in storage for extended periods.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 takes 3 hours to fully charge the battery, more than that of Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) by 2 hours

Battery Power

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) 49.7mAh
Bowers & Wilkins PI7

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)'s battery capacity is 49.7mAh, battery power, shows the amount of electrical energy that a battery can store.

Has Wireless Charging

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Bowers & Wilkins PI7

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), the device supports wireless charging. To charge the earbuds, you simply place down on a compatible charging pad.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 also support wireless charging, take note of the charging standard of a device.

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Bowers & Wilkins PI7

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have a battery level indicator, an indicator notifies you when the earbuds has a low battery. Its lights display the charging status of your device and case.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too have a battery level indicator, these enable you to determine the charging state of your earbuds, whether fully charged, or having a low battery.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
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Connectivity

Has Usb Type-C

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Bowers & Wilkins PI7

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support USB TYPE-C, an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power through a single cable.

Bluetooth Version

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) v5.3
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 v5

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have Bluetooth version of 5.3, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data movement between devices placed in range, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 has a Bluetooth version of 5, older than that of Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) . Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) 10meters
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 10meters

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have a 10meters distance to connect via Bluetooth.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have a maximum range of 10meters, equal to that of the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

Has Aac

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Bowers & Wilkins PI7

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) support AAC, a codec that is used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Since it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it provides better results than other codecs at the same bit rate.

Being the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) will work fine with your iPhone. If you are planning on using these with Android , ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well.

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support AAC as well. Designed to be the successor of the MP3 format, AAC generally achieves higher sound quality than MP3 encoders at the same bit rate.

Has Aptx Adaptive

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Bowers & Wilkins PI7

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support APTX Adaptive, an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that are developed by Qualcomm. It has a variable bit rate (between 279kbps and 420kbps).

Has Aptx Hd

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Bowers & Wilkins PI7

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support APTX HD, an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that are developed by Qualcomm. It supports high-quality 24-bit audio (at a bit rate of 576kbps).

Microphone

Number Of Microphones

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) 6only
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 6only

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have 6 microphones.

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 microphones are 6, equal to that of the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) . More microphones record better sound quality and help the earbuds to filter out background sounds.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Bowers & Wilkins PI7

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are made to reduce noise from the earbuds' sound.

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too use a noise-canceling microphone. This is useful in noisy environments.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
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Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Bowers & Wilkins PI7

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to channel ambient sound so that they can still be heard even when wearing them

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support ambient sound mode as well, it’s useful when you want to listen to music but also be aware of your surrounding, say you’re having a run but would still want to hear traffic.

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Bowers & Wilkins PI7

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the earbuds can detect when they are removed from your ears so that the music is paused.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too support in/on-ear detection, automatically pauses your music, or audiobook when you remove earbuds from your ears improving your listening experience.

Has Find Earbuds Feature

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Bowers & Wilkins PI7

If misplaced in a room, or can't be found in your bag, the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) support the find earbuds feature.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too have the find earbuds feature. Use the device app on your phone to play a sound from your earbuds to locate them.

Supports Fast Charging

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Bowers & Wilkins PI7

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) support fast charging. Commonly, technologies like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, are used to lower the time it takes to charge the earbuds.

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too support fast charging. This kind is similar to regular charging, just that the battery is filling up much faster. Say, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery is charged to 50% in just thirty minutes.

Multipoint Count

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) 2only
Bowers & Wilkins PI7

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have a multipoint of 2 connections, this feature allows you connect to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. For example, you can seemlessly switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect.

Has A Mute Function

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Bowers & Wilkins PI7

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have a mute function, they have the option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device.

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 also have this function. The mute function means that you can turn off the earbuds' microphone, but you can still hear the other party talk.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Bowers & Wilkins PI7

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), so you can access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the device.

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 also have a control panel on them.

Has Voice Prompts

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Bowers & Wilkins PI7

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have voice prompts. Automatically receive information through audio messages, like if there is a problem with the connection.

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 also have voice prompts meaning the device will notify you when the battery is running low, and it's time to recharge the device.

Travel Bag Is Included

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Bowers & Wilkins PI7

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) come with a special case. Carrying earbuds without a case, or placing them inside your bag without a casing can easily put them at risk of getting damaged.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too have a case included, which offers safe transportation.

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