Наушники — B&W (Bowers & Wilkins) Pi6

The Pi6 is a true wireless earbud from Bowers & Wilkins, introduced on 21 August 2024 together with the Pi8 and on sale from early September 2024 at USD 249. The shape of the earpiece came out of a company research project into how ear form varies across gender and ethnicity, with the aim of a comfortable fit for most users. It is offered in Cloud Grey, Storm Grey, Forest Green and Glacier Blue.

Key specs that matter

Each earbud carries a 12 mm drive unit with a bio-cellulose cone, a material taken from the cones of the Px7 S2e over-ear headphones. A Qualcomm QCC3081 chipset provides Bluetooth 5.4, which the company says brings better energy efficiency and link reliability, with aptX Adaptive at up to 24-bit and 96 kHz, plus aptX Classic, AAC and SBC. Battery life is up to 8 hours per charge with noise cancellation on, and the case holds 16 hours more, for 24 hours in total. A 15 minute top-up gives 2 hours of use, and a full charge of the lithium-ion cells takes 2 hours over USB-C. Each earpiece weighs 7 g and the case 46 g, the latter measuring 65 x 29 x 52 mm. The earbuds are rated IP54.

Engineering and use context

Three microphones in every earbud handle calls and active noise cancellation, which uses the same noise-rejection platform as the earlier Pi7 S2. Noise cancellation settings can be changed in the Bowers & Wilkins app. Multipoint lets the Pi6 hold connections to two devices at once, and it carries Made for iPhone certification and Google Fast Pair support. A two-band equaliser in the app adjusts bass and treble. The IP54 rating means the buds tolerate dust and splashes, so they can be worn during workouts. The case charges only by cable, as there is no wireless charging, and it lacks the audio retransmission feature of the more expensive model. Four ear tip sizes from XS to L come in the box with a 60 cm USB-C cable. Compared with the Pi8, the Pi6 does without Carbon Cone drivers, aptX Lossless, dedicated DSP, DAC and amplification, and the five-band equaliser.

Pairing

Android phones with a recent Qualcomm Snapdragon platform can use the aptX Adaptive link for the 24-bit connection, while iPhones connect over AAC. Laptops and tablets pair through standard Bluetooth, and with multipoint a phone and a computer can stay connected together.

Alternatives

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 costs USD 399 and adds Carbon Cone drivers, aptX Lossless, wireless charging and a retransmitting case.