Bowers & Wilkins Pi6: Crafted for audiophiles but priced for everyone

Long respected in hi-fi circles and professional studios alike, Bowers & Wilkins has built a reputation for some of the most precise and powerful audio gear around in its seven decades in the business. Indeed, the British brand’s speakers are found in the iconic Abbey Road Studios as its Speaker Partner of Choice.

With the Pi6 In-ear True Wireless earbuds, Bowers & Wilkins brings its renowned level of engineering prowess to the true wireless category.

Developed by the team behind its acclaimed over-ear headphones, the Pi6 combines studio-inspired sound with modern practicality – offering a refined, high-performance alternative to the usual wireless earbud fare.

Comfort and design

A snug, secure fit is essential when it comes to in-ear headphones – and Bowers & Wilkins has completely redesigned the shape of the Pi6. Based on real-world data, the new form fits more naturally, and four eartip sizes (including a new extra-small option) mean you’re more likely to find the perfect fit.

The design is as refined as you’d expect from Bowers & Wilkins: minimalist, durable, and rated IP54 – which means protection against dust, sweat and splashes. So whether you’re commuting, working out or just walking the dog, they’ll handle it.

The Pi6 comes in four finishes – Storm Grey, Cloud Grey, Forest Green and Glacier Blue – all of which look sleek without being showy.

Audio quality

At the centre of the Pi6 is a 12mm bio-cellulose driver – a lightweight, rigid speaker component usually found in over-ear models. It delivers deep, punchy bass, clear vocals and detailed mids, creating a soundstage that feels wide and immersive. Whether you’re streaming your favourite album or catching up on a podcast, the Pi6 handles it all with clarity and confidence.

They also support aptX Adaptive – a type of wireless audio tech that allows for high-resolution streaming (up to 24-bit/96kHz, if you’re into the details). In simpler terms, your music sounds fuller, cleaner, and more faithful to the original recording – even over Bluetooth.

Noice cancellation and calls

Active noise cancellation is now a must-have feature – and the Pi6 delivers it without fuss. Using repositioned microphones and upgraded processing, the earbuds reduce external noise while keeping your audio crisp and undistorted. It works well on public transport, in noisy offices, or wherever you need to focus.

Alongside this feature, the Pi6 comes with a handy Pass-Through mode, which allows you to still pick up ambient sounds while still enjoying your music. This really comes into its own when you’re in a noisy space such as a café and want to hear the people in close proximity to you but also block out the background noise.

Call quality also benefits, with clear voice pickup and less background interference, so you can take work calls or catch up with mates without having to shout into the mic.

Pairing and connectivity

Pairing and switching devices has never been easier. The Pi6 supports Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint connection, meaning you can stay connected to your phone and laptop at the same time – no need to manually switch between them. Pairing itself is simple too: tap and hold the buds to enter pairing mode, or connect via the Bowers & Wilkins Music app.

That same app gives you easy bass and treble controls, so you can tweak the sound to your liking without navigating complicated equaliser settings. And with support for both Apple’s Made for iPhone (MFi) and Google Fast Pair, the Pi6 plays nicely with all your tech.

Charging and battery life

Battery life is solid – up to 8 hours of listening time with active noise cancellation switched on, plus an extra 16 hours from the charging case. That’s 24 hours in total, enough for a full day (and then some). Need a top-up in a rush? A 15-minute quick charge gives you an extra two hours of playback.

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The charging case has also been redesigned with a sturdier, more premium feel – complete with a metal hinge that adds durability (and a satisfying snap when closed).

Verdict

At £219, the Pi6 strikes an impressive balance between high-end audio performance and everyday usability. It brings the detail and richness of Bowers & Wilkins’ over-ear models into a streamlined, in-ear design – with just enough smart features to make daily life easier, not more complicated.

If you care about how your music sounds – and want headphones that do it justice – the Pi6 is well worth a listen.

Shop the Pi6 now at John Lewis.