Home Wireless Earbuds Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 Vs. Sony Linkbuds S

A Review By Comparison of the Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 Vs. Sony Linkbuds S

Last updated on Mar 14, 2023   8 min read
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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
VS
Sony LinkBuds S

Sony LinkBuds S

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Reasons why you might like the Sony LinkBuds S

Overall Score 6.2 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IPX4
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 6 hours
  • Has Usb Type-C
  • Number Of Microphones of 6 only
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode

A breakdown of the review per specifications

Design

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 IP54
Sony LinkBuds S IPX4

IP ratings is the level of protection given by a casing, against solids and liquids. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value represents protection against solids say dust, while the second refers to resistance against liquids (sweat).

Having a value of IP54, the Bowers & Wilkins PI7's rating is read as, the first number of 5 denotes 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 the second value of 4 means that they can withstand low pressure spray similar to that of a shower head when tilted at 180° for 10 minutes.

In comparison to the Bowers & Wilkins PI7, Sony LinkBuds S have a rating of IPX4 meaning that no data available to specify a protection rating and that of liquids is that, they both have the same rating against liquids

Weight

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 50g
Sony LinkBuds S 9.6g

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have a weight of 50g . We prefer a lower weight best because lighter devices are easier to carry.

The Sony LinkBuds S, at 9.6g are lighter than the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 with a difference -40.4g

Has No Wires Or Cables

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Sony LinkBuds S

True wireless devices have no cables linking any part of the device together, Bowers & Wilkins PI7 are true wireless for this case since they don't have wires. This is an important difference as some wireless earbuds have cables connecting the two earbuds together.

Sony LinkBuds S also is true wireless since it has no cables linking the pair of earbuds .

Sweat Resistance

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Sony LinkBuds S

Sony LinkBuds S are resistant to sweat

Has Stereo Speakers

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Sony LinkBuds S

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have stereo speakers, devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from separate channels on both left and right sides, this creates a richer sound and a better listening experience.

Both Sony LinkBuds S and Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have stereo speakers

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
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Sound Quality

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Sony LinkBuds S

Active noise cancellation makes use of advanced technology to reduce ambient sounds. ANC works when, it detects and analyzes the sound pattern of incoming noise and then generates a mirror signal to counter it. Simply put, it's like taking +1 (sound from your surrounding) and adding -1 (counter sound by the device) to make 0 resulting in a reduced level of noise.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have Active Noise Cancellation allowing you to listen at lower volume levels, good for your ears since you don't have to crank up the earbuds volume to outcompete background noise.

The Sony LinkBuds S too have ANC making either of the earbuds ideal for plane rides and morning commutes. The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 and Sony LinkBuds S work with different noise cancellation modes, pick the setting that you prefer for commute or that enhances your chill time.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Sony LinkBuds S

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 sit well in place, this creates an acoustic seal that tones down background sounds well as preventing the earbuds sound from leaking out .

Both Sony LinkBuds S, and Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have passive noise reduction this means that they reduce ambient noise instead of actively using ANC to cancel it out.

Driver Unit Size

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 9.2mm
Sony LinkBuds S 5mm

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 driver unit is 9.2mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, and can produce better bass. A driver unit is the component that produces sound in the earbuds, its size dictates the loudness of the device.

Sony LinkBuds S driver unit is 5mm in diameter, which means that they have a smaller driver unit than that of Bowers & Wilkins PI7 by 4.2mm , as many tend to believe that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.

However, large drivers find it difficult to produce high frequencies so yes, larger drivers can generate louder sound, but this does not imply that they produce better quality sound.

Lowest Frequency

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 10Hz
Sony LinkBuds S 20Hz

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7's lowest frequency is at 10Hz, low-frequency response inidcates how well a particular audio device generates low audible frequencies and if it alters the signal on its way through.

Sony LinkBuds S's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this implies that Bowers & Wilkins PI7 produce a juicier bass than the Sony LinkBuds S

Highest Frequency

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 20000Hz
Sony LinkBuds S 40000Hz

Bowers & Wilkins PI7's highest frequency is at 20000Hz, high-frequency response shows how well a particular audio device makes high recognizable frequencies and if it makes any adjustments to the signal while at it.

Sony LinkBuds S's highest frequency is at 40000Hz, this means that Sony LinkBuds S can produce a clearer and crispier treble than the Bowers & Wilkins PI7

Has A Neodymium Magnet

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Sony LinkBuds S

Sony LinkBuds S have neodymium magnets, when used in audio devices produce a higher sensitivity and substantial sound output using less power to do so. They can help generate music at quite a high SPL, with the use of high magnetic flux.

Power

Battery Life

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 4.5hours
Sony LinkBuds S 6hours

Bowers & Wilkins PI7's battery life is 4.5 hours, a device's battery life is given by the manufacturer, and with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and requires fewer chanrgings.

Sony LinkBuds S's battery life is more than that of Bowers & Wilkins PI7 by 1.5 hours . Each time you recharge your device, they get a little less playing time. The effect is barely noticeable at first, but over a few years, your wireless earbuds will have shorter listening time.

Battery Life Of Charging Case

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 18hours
Sony LinkBuds S 14hours

This is given by the manufacturer, and the Bowers & Wilkins PI7's case is said to have a full charge of 18 hours. A charging case with more battery hours enables you to recharge your earbuds on the go multiple times before having to recharge the case itself.

Sony LinkBuds S's charging case has a battery life of 14 hours, less than that of Bowers & Wilkins PI7 by 4 hours

Charge Time

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 3hours
Sony LinkBuds S 2hours

It takes 3 hours to fully charge the Bowers & Wilkins PI7's battery. It is highly adivsable to fully charge the battery before using the earbuds when they have been unused for long periods.

Sony LinkBuds S takes 2 hours to fully charge the battery, less than that of Bowers & Wilkins PI7 by 1 hours

Has Wireless Charging

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Sony LinkBuds S

Bowers & Wilkins PI7, the device supports wireless charging. To charge the device, you simply put down on a compatible charging pad.

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Sony LinkBuds S

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have a battery level indicator, an indicator shows you when the device has a low battery. The battery indicator lights show the charging status of your earbuds and case.

Sony LinkBuds S too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators enable you determine the charging state of your earbuds, whether fully charged, or the battery is running low.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
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Connectivity

Has Usb Type-C

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Sony LinkBuds S

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have USB TYPE-C, a standard connector for transmitting both data and power in a single cable.

Sony LinkBuds S too use USB TYPE-C. This USB-C plug comes along with most current electronics.

Bluetooth Version

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 v5
Sony LinkBuds S v5.2

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have Bluetooth version of 5, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that enables data transfers between devices placed in range, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves.

Sony LinkBuds S has a Bluetooth version of 5.2, newer than that of Bowers & Wilkins PI7 . Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 10meters
Sony LinkBuds S 10meters

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have a 10meters distance to connect via Bluetooth.

Sony LinkBuds S have a maximum range of 10meters, equal to that of the Bowers & Wilkins PI7

Has Aac

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Sony LinkBuds S

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support AAC, a codec that is used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Because it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it can provide better results than other codecs at a similar bit rate.

Since its the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 will work well with your MacBook. If you are planning on using these with Android you need to pay even closer attention to codec support for if they only have AAC they won't provide the best audio quality possible, ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well.

The Sony LinkBuds S 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 Ldac

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Sony LinkBuds S

The Sony LinkBuds S support LDAC, a codec developed by Sony which allows streaming high-resolution audio over Bluetooth connections at up to 990 kbps at 32 bit/96 kHz. It is capable of a very high bitrate of 990kbps, providing high-resolution audio.

Has Aptx Adaptive

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Sony LinkBuds S

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

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Sony LinkBuds S

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

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 6only
Sony LinkBuds S 6only

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have 6 microphones.

Sony LinkBuds S microphones are 6, equal to that of the Bowers & Wilkins PI7 . More microphones record better sound quality and enable the device to filter out background sounds.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Sony LinkBuds S

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have a noise-canceling microphone, these microphones are intended to filter out background sounds from the earbuds' sound.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
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Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Sony LinkBuds S

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to channel ambient noises to still be heard even when wearing the earbuds

The Sony LinkBuds S support ambient sound mode as well, it’s useful when you want to listen to music but also be aware of your surrounding, for example when you’re having a jog but would still want to hear traffic.

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Sony LinkBuds S

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the earbuds can detect when they are removed from your ears so that the music is paused.

The Sony LinkBuds S too support in/on-ear detection, automatically pauses your music, or audiobook when you remove earbuds from your ears saving battery life.

Has Find Earbuds Feature

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Sony LinkBuds S

If misplaced in a room, or can't easily find them in your bag, Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support the find earbuds feature.

The Sony LinkBuds S also have the find earbuds feature. Use the device app on your smartphone to play a sound from your device to help you find them.

Supports Fast Charging

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Sony LinkBuds S

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support fast charging. Most often, technologies like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, are used to reduce the amount of time it takes to fully charge the earbuds.

The Sony LinkBuds S too support fast charging. This kind is similar to regular charging, just that the battery is filling up much faster. For example, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery is charged to 50% in just thirty minutes.

Has A Mute Function

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Sony LinkBuds S

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have a mute function, they have the option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds.

The Sony LinkBuds S too have this function. The mute function means that you unilaterally turn off the device's microphone, but you can still hear the other party's voice.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Sony LinkBuds S

With the Bowers & Wilkins PI7, so you can easily access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the earbuds.

Sony LinkBuds S too have a control panel on them.

Has Voice Prompts

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Sony LinkBuds S

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support voice prompts. Automatically receive information through audio messages, say if there is an issue with the connection.

Sony LinkBuds S also support voice prompts .i.e the earbuds will notify you when the battery is low, and it's time to recharge them.

Travel Bag Is Included

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Sony LinkBuds S

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 come with a special case. Carrying earphones openly, or placing them in your bag without a cover can easily damage them.

Sony LinkBuds S too have a travel bag included, which offers safe transportation.

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