Carbon Cone drivers and a case that retransmits audio.
Pi8 gives its charging case a role beyond replenishing the earbuds.
The single Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 product contains two ANC earbuds and a charging case. Its 12 mm Carbon Cone drivers and dedicated DAC/amplifier processing distinguish it from the bio-cellulose Pi6. Pi8 also adds aptX Lossless and a five-band EQ alongside TrueSound mode.
Key features
- ANC earbuds with 12 mm Carbon Cone driver and three microphones per side
- Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless, Adaptive, Classic, AAC and SBC; multipoint
- Case wirelessly retransmits audio from USB-C or 3.5 mm analogue input
- Up to 6.5 hours with ANC plus 13.5 from case; USB-C or wireless charging
- Five-band EQ and TrueSound; IP54 earbuds weighing 7 g each
A case that takes audio
Connect the case to a USB-C audio output or 3.5 mm analogue socket and it can retransmit that signal wirelessly to the earbuds. This helps with sources lacking Bluetooth. The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.4, multipoint, aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX Classic, AAC and SBC; codec availability also depends on the source device.
Battery and portability
With ANC on, the earbuds offer up to 6.5 hours, with another 13.5 hours from the case. A 15-minute charge provides 2 hours of playback. The case takes USB-C or wireless charging; each IP54 earbud weighs 7 g. Three microphones per side serve calls and noise cancellation.
Pi6 lasts longer per ANC charge, but has no case retransmission or Carbon Cone driver. Pi8 McLaren Edition retains Pi8's drivers, codecs, EQ, case and battery figures; its distinction is the collaboration and design treatment rather than a new audio platform.
