McLaren F1’s latest collab is one of the year’s top wireless headphones

The recently launched Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 cans were already strong contenders for the best wireless headphones of the year. B&W took its premium build, refined sonics and solid noise-cancelling chops and gave them a proper polish with improved internals and more advanced streaming support.

Now, in its latest collab with McLaren, B&W made some design tweaks to add some extra flair. And you know what? The Px8 S2 McLaren Edition might just be one of this year’s top headphones.

• Read more: The Stuff Gadget Awards 2025: our headphones of the year

The regular Px8 S2 headphones are already an easy recommendation. They offer high-res audio support via aptX Adaptive and Lossless, an impressive 30-hour battery life, and a luxurious design finished with Nappa leather. Plus, you get all the customisation you’d expect through the Bowers & Wilkins Music app – including EQ controls and that very handy Quick Action button. Physically, they’re stunning. Sonically, they’re even better.

Now Bowers & Wilkins has gone full supercar with a design refresh inspired by its long-standing partnership with McLaren. The result is as slick as you’re imagining. They sport an Anthracite Grey chassis with McLaren Papaya highlights. You’ll find subtle Speedmark branding on the cups and headband, which will let everyone know how much of an F1 fan you are.

While this McLaren Edition is mostly a cosmetic overhaul, these headphones are still the Px8 S2 underneath. And that’s a very good thing. You’re still getting angled Carbon Cone drivers which elevate clarity and imaging and B&W’s upgraded components for richer, more spacious sound. These headphones offer killer ANC performance without the vacuum effect some rivals suffer from.

The McLaren tie-in isn’t a new thing for Bowers & Wilkins, but this is easily the brand’s most desirable headphone to date. Interested? The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 McLaren Edition is available now for $899/£729/€829. You can pick them up directly from Bowers & Wilkins and other retailers.

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Connor Jewiss

About

Connor is a former Stuff contributor. He has attended the biggest tech expos, including CES, MWC, and IFA, and been interviewed as a technology expert on TV and radio by national news outlets including France24. Connor has experience with most major platforms, though does hold a place in his heart for macOS, iOS/iPadOS, electric vehicles, and smartphone tech. Connor is also involved in the startup and venture capital scene, which puts him at the front of new and exciting tech.

Areas of expertise

Mobile, macOS, EVs, smart home