A breakdown of the review per specifications

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ip54

Ultimate Ears Drops ✗

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

Scoring IP54, the Bowers & Wilkins PI7's rating for solids indicates 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 number of 4 means that they can withstand low pressure spray similar to that of a shower head when tilted at 180° for 10 minutes.

Weight

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 50g

Ultimate Ears Drops ✗

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have a weight of 50g . We prefer a lower weight best for the reason that lighter devices are easier to move with.

Has No Wires Or Cables

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

Ultimate Ears Drops ✓

For a device to be true wireless it must have no wires connecting any part of the device together, Ultimate Ears Drops are true wireless for this matter since they have no cables. This is a key distinction since wireless earbuds have wires connecting the pair of earbuds together.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 also is true wireless because it has no cables connecting the two earbuds .

Wingtips Included

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✗

Ultimate Ears Drops ✓

The Ultimate Ears Drops come with wingtips, these are commonly used for earbuds for workouts and are usually an optional add-on to the separate silicone ear tip for a better fit.

Sweat Resistance

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✗

Ultimate Ears Drops ✓

Ultimate Ears Drops are resistant to sweat

Is Dust Proof And Water-Resistant

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✗

Ultimate Ears Drops ✓

Ultimate Ears Drops are both dustproof and water-resistant.

Has Stereo Speakers

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

Ultimate Ears Drops ✓

Ultimate Ears Drops have stereo speakers, what this means is that Ultimate Ears Drops's speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better listening experience.

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 also have stereo speakers

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
See price on Amazon

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

Ultimate Ears Drops ✗

Active noise cancellation utilises more advanced kind of tech to actively counter noise. How it works, it studies the sound pattern of incoming noise and inverts the soundwaves to counter it. Simply put, it's like having +1 (sound from your surrounding) and producing -1 (counter sound by the device) to make 0 which results in a reduced level of noise.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have ANC allowing you to listen at lower volume levels, good for your ears since you don't have to crank up the device volume to outcompete background sounds.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

Ultimate Ears Drops ✓

Ultimate Ears Drops sit tightly in place, creating a sound covering that tones down your environment sounds and also prevents the earbuds voice audio from leaking out at the same.

Both Bowers & Wilkins PI7, and Ultimate Ears Drops have passive noise reduction which implies that both limit ambient noise instead of actively using ANC to cancel it out.

Driver Unit Size

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 9.2mm

Ultimate Ears Drops 9.2mm

Ultimate Ears Drops driver unit is 9.2mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, therefor producing better bass. A driver unit is the component that makes sound in the device, the unit size dictates the loudness of the device.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 driver unit is 9.2mm in diameter, making both devices similar in how loud their sound can get , a common assumption 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 are capable of generating louder sound, but this does not mean that they produce better quality sound.

Lowest Frequency

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 10hz

Ultimate Ears Drops 20hz

Ultimate Ears Drops's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio device generates low frequencies that can be heard, and if it makes any changes to 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 Ultimate Ears Drops

Highest Frequency

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 20,000hz

Ultimate Ears Drops 20,000hz

Ultimate Ears Drops's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response shows how well a particular audio component generates high recognizable frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal while at it.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this implies that both devices can produce equal treble

Sound Pressure Level

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✗

Ultimate Ears Drops 110db/mw

The sound pressure level, is the pressure level of sound, measured in decibels, dB, Ultimate Ears Drops's measurement is 110dB/mW. Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source.

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Battery Life

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 4.5hours

Ultimate Ears Drops 6hours

Ultimate Ears Drops's battery life is 6 hours, these last longer than 5 hours of listening which is considered average for a single charge. A device's battery life is usually given by the manufacturer, and with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and requires fewer chargings.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7's battery life is less than that of Ultimate Ears Drops by 1.5 hours . Every time you recharge your device, they get a little less playing time. The effect is not noticeable at first, but over time, your wireless earbuds will no longer play for long like they used to.

Battery Life Of Charging Case

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 18hours

Ultimate Ears Drops 9hours

This is given by the manufacturer, and the Ultimate Ears Drops's case has a charge of 9 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, more than that of Ultimate Ears Drops by 9 hours

Charge Time

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 3hours

Ultimate Ears Drops ✗

It takes 3 hours to fully charge the Bowers & Wilkins PI7's battery. It is recommended to charge fully the battery before using the earbuds when they have been in storage for extended periods.

Has Wireless Charging

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

Ultimate Ears Drops ✓

The Ultimate Ears Drops, the device supports wireless charging. To charge the device, you just place down on a compatible charging pad.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 also support wireless charging, always look out for the charging standard of the earbuds.

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

Ultimate Ears Drops ✓

Ultimate Ears Drops have a battery level indicator, an indicator alerts you when the device has a low battery. Its lights show the charging status of your earbuds and charging case.

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

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
See price on Amazon

Has Usb Type-C

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

Ultimate Ears Drops ✓

Ultimate Ears Drops use USB TYPE-C, a standard connector for transmitting both data and power through a single cable.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too use USB TYPE-C. This USB-C plug is part and parcel of most current electronics.

Bluetooth Version

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 v5

Ultimate Ears Drops v4.2

Ultimate Ears Drops have Bluetooth version of 4.2, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data transfers between devices placed in range, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 has a Bluetooth version of 5, newer than that of Ultimate Ears Drops . Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 10meters

Ultimate Ears Drops 10meters

The Ultimate Ears Drops have a 10meters distance to connect via Bluetooth.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have a maximum range of 10meters, equal to that of the Ultimate Ears Drops

Has Aac

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

Ultimate Ears Drops ✓

Ultimate Ears Drops support AAC, a codec used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Because it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it provides better results than other codecs at a similar bit rate.

Being the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Ultimate Ears Drops will work fine with your MacBook. 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

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

Ultimate Ears Drops ✓

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

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 support APTX Adaptive as well which means both can adjust the bit rate for different scenarios, such as reducing interference from other devices.

Has Aptx Hd

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

Ultimate Ears Drops ✗

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).

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Number Of Microphones

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 6only

Ultimate Ears Drops 2only

The Ultimate Ears Drops have 2 microphones.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 microphones are 6, more than that of Ultimate Ears Drops by 4 . More microphones result in better sound quality and help the device to filter out noise.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

Ultimate Ears Drops ✗

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 use a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are intended to reduce background sounds from the desired sound.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7
See price on Amazon

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

Ultimate Ears Drops ✓

Ultimate Ears Drops support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to pass through ambient sound to still be heard even when wearing the earbuds

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, for example when you’re having a run but would still want to hear traffic.

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

Ultimate Ears Drops ✗

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 have in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the device can detect when they are removed from your ears .

Has Find Earbuds Feature

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

Ultimate Ears Drops ✓

When lost in a room, or can't be found in your bag, Ultimate Ears Drops support the find earbuds feature.

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 also have the find earbuds feature. Simply use the earbuds app on your smartphone to play a sound from your device to locate them.

Supports Fast Charging

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

Ultimate Ears Drops ✓

The Ultimate Ears Drops support fast charging. Usually, technologies like MediaTek’s Pump Express, are used to reduce the time it takes to charge a device.

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

Multipoint Count

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✗

Ultimate Ears Drops 2only

The Ultimate Ears Drops support multipoint of 2 connections, this feature allows you to link to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. Say, you can switch calls from one device to another without manually disconnect and reconnect.

Has A Mute Function

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

Ultimate Ears Drops ✓

Ultimate Ears Drops have a mute function, they have the option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device.

The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too support this function. It means that you unilaterally turn off the earbuds' microphone, but still hear the other party's voice.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

Ultimate Ears Drops ✓

With the Ultimate Ears Drops, so you can easily access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever features are supported on the device.

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

Has Voice Prompts

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

Ultimate Ears Drops ✓

Ultimate Ears Drops support voice prompts. With voice prompts, you receive information via audio messages, say if there is an issue with the connection.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too support voice prompts .i.e the earbuds will notify you when the battery is running low, and it's time to recharge the device.

Travel Bag Is Included

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 ✓

Ultimate Ears Drops ✓

The Ultimate Ears Drops come with their own special pouch. Carrying earbuds without a case, or placing them in your bag without a casing may easily damage them.

Bowers & Wilkins PI7 too have a case included, which is useful for safe transportation.

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Category	Features	Bowers & Wilkins PI7	Ultimate Ears Drops
DESIGN	ingress protection (ip) rating	ip54	✗
	weight	50g	✗
	has no wires or cables	✓	✓
	wingtips included	✗	✓
	sweat resistance	✗	✓
	is dust proof and water-resistant	✗	✓
	has stereo speakers	✓	✓
SOUND QUALITY	has active noise cancellation (noise control)	✓	✗
	has passive noise reduction	✓	✓
	driver unit size	9.2mm	9.2mm
	lowest frequency	10hz	20hz
	highest frequency	20,000hz	20,000hz
	sound pressure level	✗	110db/mw
POWER	battery life	4.5hours	6hours
	battery life of charging case	18hours	9hours
	charge time	3hours	✗
	has wireless charging	✓	✓
	has a battery level indicator	✓	✓
CONNECTIVITY	has usb type-c	✓	✓
	bluetooth version	v5	v4.2
	maximum bluetooth range	10meters	10meters
	has aac	✓	✓
	has aptx adaptive	✓	✓
	has aptx hd	✓	✗
MICROPHONE	number of microphones	6only	2only
MICROPHONE	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	✓	✓
		See price on Amazon

A Review By Comparison of the Ultimate Ears Drops Vs. Bowers & Wilkins Pi7

Reasons why you might like the Bowers & Wilkins PI7

Reasons why you might like the Ultimate Ears Drops

A summary of the review by feature comparison

A breakdown of the review per specifications

Design

Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating

Weight

Has No Wires Or Cables

Wingtips Included

Sweat Resistance

Is Dust Proof And Water-Resistant

Has Stereo Speakers

Sound Quality

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Driver Unit Size

Lowest Frequency

Highest Frequency

Sound Pressure Level

Power

Battery Life

Battery Life Of Charging Case

Charge Time

Has Wireless Charging

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Connectivity

Has Usb Type-C

Bluetooth Version

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Has Aac

Has Aptx Adaptive

Has Aptx Hd

Microphone

Number Of Microphones

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Has Find Earbuds Feature

Supports Fast Charging

Multipoint Count

Has A Mute Function

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Has Voice Prompts

Travel Bag Is Included

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