86

Px8 S2 Headphones

Over-ear · ANC · 30h · aptX Adaptive · BT 5.2

$600

MSRP

90

WH-1000XM5 Headphones

Over-ear · ANC · 30h · LDAC · BT 5.2

$300

MSRP

Our verdict

The WH-1000XM5 Headphones takes the performance lead with a 5% higher overall score, driven by its more shader cores, more of memory, and higher TFLOPS of compute power. In gaming benchmarks at 1440p, it delivers roughly 0% more frames per second across demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Alan Wake 2.

However, the WH-1000XM5 Headphones tells a compelling value story. At $300 versus the Px8 S2 Headphones's $600 price tag, it costs 100% less while delivering performance that's only 5% behind. Its of memory is still more than enough for 1440p and even 4K gaming in most titles.

Our recommendation: for the majority of gamers targeting 1440p or even 4K with upscaling enabled, the WH-1000XM5 Headphones is the smarter purchase. The Px8 S2 Headphones only makes sense if you need the absolute maximum performance for native 4K ray tracing, professional 3D rendering, or AI workloads where the extra VRAM and compute power provide a tangible advantage.

Performance winner

WH-1000XM5 Headphones

5% faster overall

Best value for money

WH-1000XM5 Headphones

79% better value per dollar

Px8 S2 Headphones best for

Raw performance

79% better value per dollar

Audio

Driver Size
40mm
30mm
Frequency Response
10Hz - 30kHz
4Hz - 40kHz
Form Factor
Over-ear
Over-ear

Battery

Battery Life (ANC On)
30h
30h
Total with Case
N/A
N/A
Fast Charge
15min → 7h
3min → 3h

Comfort

Weight
320g
250g
IP Rating
None
None
Wireless Charging
No
No

Connectivity

Bluetooth
5.2
5.2
Codecs
aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC
LDAC, AAC, SBC
Multipoint
Yes (2 devices)
Yes (2 devices)

Noise Cancellation

Active Noise Cancellation
Yes
Yes (V1+QN1)
Transparency Mode
Yes
Yes (Adaptive)

Frequently asked questions

Is the Px8 S2 Headphones worth $300 more than the WH-1000XM5 Headphones?

It depends on your needs. The Px8 S2 Headphones scores 90 overall vs 86 for the WH-1000XM5 Headphones. If you need the extra performance for demanding tasks, the premium is justified. For most users gaming at 1440p or below, the WH-1000XM5 Headphones offers better value.

Which GPU is better for 1440p gaming, the Px8 S2 Headphones or WH-1000XM5 Headphones?

The WH-1000XM5 Headphones delivers higher frame rates at 1440p, but both GPUs handle 1440p gaming well. The WH-1000XM5 Headphones provides more headroom for ray tracing and future titles, while the Px8 S2 Headphones still maintains smooth gameplay in current games.

Can the Px8 S2 Headphones handle 4K gaming?

The Px8 S2 Headphones can handle 4K gaming in less demanding titles and with upscaling technologies like DLSS or FSR. For native 4K at ultra settings in demanding games, the WH-1000XM5 Headphones is the better choice with its higher performance ceiling.

Which should I buy, the Px8 S2 Headphones or WH-1000XM5 Headphones?

Choose the WH-1000XM5 Headphones if you want the best value for money and primarily game at 1080p or 1440p. Choose the Px8 S2 Headphones if you need maximum performance, play at 4K, or do professional workloads like video editing and 3D rendering.

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