Bowers & Wilkins P3

Portable, folding on-ear headphones with in-line remote and microphone (Black)

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Item# 749P3B

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Accessories

Our take on the Bowers & Wilkins P3

by Dave Bar

Lightweight portables with full, natural sound

Leave it to Bowers & Wilkins to create elegant-yet-sturdy headphones capable of providing remarkably natural, detailed sound for listening on the go. The B&W P3 slimline headphones fit lightly and snugly on your head, then fold up to stow away in your pocket or inside the included protective carrying case. Their featherweight design makes them a joy to take with you everywhere.

Newly designed from the ground up

The P3's acoustically damped, laminate mylar drivers and powerful neodymium magnets easily deliver high-impact sound with virtually any portable music player. Their soft, breathable fabric-coated earcups use memory foam to conform to the shape of your ears for hours of listening comfort. The noise-isolating, closed-back design keeps the outside world where it belongs while allowing just enough ambient sound in to keep you in touch with your surroundings. And because the noise reduction is passive, no batteries or active electronics are ever needed.

Built-in controls for iPod®, iPhone®, and iPad®

A remote built into the headphone cable lets you conveniently control music playback without having to dig your iPod® or iPhone® out of your pocket. You can even take calls on your iPhone hands-free, thanks to the in-line microphone. The removable headphone cord attaches to just one earcup, so you won't have to deal with tangles.

From the review Bowers & Wilkins P3 headphones: from skepticism to enthusiasm

"On the whole, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed wearing these headphones, and just how convenient and low-impact they were... I was thoroughly enjoying listening to my music on the P3s. The Bowers & Wilkins P3 headphones are a clear winner for those who like to enjoy their music while on the move."

— Woody Sherman, Crutchfield A/V Writer

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Highlights:

folding portable on-ear headphones with closed back, noise isolating design
in-line remote to control playback and adjust volume on iPod, iPad, and iPhone
built-in microphone on remote for receiving calls on an iPhone
custom-made, ultra-light acoustic fabric earpad covers
30mm Mylar® diaphragms and ultra linear neodymium magnets for clear, detailed sound
frequency response: 10-20,000 Hz
impedance: 34 ohms
sensitivity: 111 dB/V at 1kHz
2 cables included:
- detachable straight cord with stereo mini plugs (3.5mm on player end, 2.5mm on headphone)
- detachable mic/remote control cord with stereo mini plugs (3.5mm on player end, 2.5mm on headphone) for use with iPod, iPhone, and iPad
protective carrying case included
weight: 4.6 ounces
warranty: 2 years
Our 60-day money-back guarantee

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Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

Features and specs chart | What’s in the box? | In-depth notes

Features and Specs

General
Fit Style Loading...	On-ear
Earcup Type Loading...	Closed
Noise-canceling Loading...	No
Bluetooth Loading...	No
Frequency Response Loading...	10-20k Hz
Sensitivity Loading...	111 dB
Impedance Loading...	34 Ohms
Weight Loading...	4.6 ounces
Cord Length Loading...	48"
Airline Adapter Included Loading...	No
iPod Control Loading...	Yes
Volume Control Loading...	Yes
Built-in Microphone Loading...	Yes
Parts Warranty Loading...	2 Years
Labor Warranty Loading...	2 Years

Product Research

What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

On-ear headphones
Detachable 4' headphone cable with in-line remote and mic terminated by a male 3.5mm connector on one end and two male 2.5mm connectors on other end (installed)
Detachable 4' headphone cable with two male 2.5mm connectors on on one end and a male 3.5mm connector on other end
Carrying case
Instruction booklet
Quickstart
Safety Instructions/Warranty

Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

Features

Mylar Diaphragms w/ Neodymium Magnets: Behind the Bowers & Wilkins P3's natural sound are specially developed ultra-linear neodymium magnets and highly optimized Mylar diaphragms to keep music sounding rich, pure, and incredibly detailed; with no need for artificial adjustments.

Closed Back Design: A closed-back design, with rigid metal faceplates and bespoke fabric covered ear pads, ensures that all the detail and dynamic range of your music is kept intact, while preserving just enough ambient sound to give you a sense of place.

On-Ear Fit w/ Adjustable Headband: The P3 headphones fit lightly and snugly on your head thanks to its on-ear design and adjustable headband.

Detachable Headphone Cables: The P3s are supplied with two cables, one of which provides extra functionality for select Apple iPod and iPhone models. The ear pads are magnetically attached, and can be quickly removed to swap the supplied cables (one cable with in-line iPod/iPhone remote, one cable without remote). The included cables feature a male 3.5mm connector and are compatible with any device with a 3.5mm headphone output.

iPod/iPhone Control: The Bowers & Wilkins P3 headphones feature an iPod/iPhone-approved cable with an in-line remote and microphone, for easy speech and device control. The "Made for iPod/iPhone" cable allows easy control of an iPod (these include track switching and volume control), and the microphone facilitates calls on an iPhone.

iPod/iPhone Model	Generation	Audio Playback	Music Control	Mic	Phone Control
shuffle	1st	Y	N	N	N
	2nd	Y	N	N	N
	3rd	Y	Y	N	N
	4th	Y	Y	N	N
dock connector	3rd	Y	N	N	N
clickwheel/color screen	4th	Y	N	N	N
mini	1st	Y	N	N	N
mini	2nd	Y	N	N	N
video	5th	Y	N	N	N
classic	80GB	Y	N	N	N
	120GB	Y	Y	Y	N
	160GB	Y	Y	Y	N
iPod nano	1st	Y	N	N	N
	2nd	Y	N	N	N
	3rd	Y	N	N	N
	4th	Y	Y	Y	N
	5th	Y	Y	Y	N
	6th	Y	Y	Y	N
iPod touch	1st	Y	N	N	N
	2nd	Y	Y	Y	N
	3rd	Y	Y	Y	N
	4th	Y	Y	Y	N
iPhone	2G	Y	N	N	N
	3G	Y	N	N	N
	3GS	Y	Y	Y	Y
	4	Y	Y	Y	Y
	4S	Y	Y	Y	Y
iPad	1	Y	Y	Y	N
iPad	2	Y	Y	Y	N

Note: Requires latest iPod/iPhone software update. The remote and mic are supported by iPod nano (4th/5th/6th gen), iPod classic (120/160GB), iPod touch (2nd/3rd/4th gen), and iPhone (3GS/4/4S). The remote (only) is also supported by the iPod shuffle (3rd/4th gen). Volume controls are not compatible with the iPhone (2G/3G). Audio is supported by all iPod models.

Foldable Design: The P3 headphones fold up to stow away in your pocket or in the included hard-shell carrying case.

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Reviews for the Bowers & Wilkins P3

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11 people say:

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5 Star: (4)

4 Star: (3)

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3 out of 5

Great Headphones With A Big BUT

Written By Daniel A, Hoboken, NJ on Thursday, April 04, 2013

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

I often wear headphones to block out my surroundings while working on my notebook PC at coffee shops. I love my Bose AE2 because it is so lightweight, comfortable and superb sounding. But I noticed that my ears do get sweaty after hours of use because the headphones cups my entire ear. So I decided to purchase the P3 as a replacement after reading so many great reviews about them. The design and build quality is top-notch. The sound isn't as great when compared with my Bose AE2 because voices are drowned out by the heavy bass. I actually had to play with my PC's equalizer to boost the treble, which greatly improved the quality of the sound. I was a little upset at first because I never had to play with the equalizer. But I got over it.

I truly want to love the P3 because the design is so sexy. Here's the big BUT. It clamps onto my head so tightly that it hurts after only 30 minutes of use. Not a good sign at all. I'm hoping that they loosen up over time, but I doubt it because the headband is so durable... too durable. I'm currently contemplating on returning and exchanging it for the Bose OE2. Not something I really want to do because while Bose headphones sound great, they look so flimsy when you put them side-by-side with the P3.

Pros:

Top-notch design and build quality. Good sound after playing with the equalizer.

Cons:

Clamps onto my head too tightly. Flimsy wire.

1 out of 1 people found this helpful

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4 out of 5

Quality Sound on the Go

Written By Dig Dug ATX, Austin, TX on Saturday, February 02, 2013

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

The b&w P3s delivered exactly what I needed:

1. portability 2. light weight 3. quality sound 4. comfort

I have used these with a laptop, samsung tablet, and denon receiver. The volume level and quality were great on all devices when watching movies/tv with an AC3 audio track. Music through the denon receiver was very pleasant at low and high volumes using a lossless audio format and high bitrate mp3s. Using these on a plane required a slightly higher volume level, as these are not noise cancelling headphones. NOTE: the lower score for noise reduction does not mean this is a bad product; it just isn't designed for noise cancelling.

All in all I am very satisfied with the product, though I wonder if I should have gone for the p5 instead for increased quality. Would definitely recommend for anyone looking for a quality wired headphone with travel being a main use.

Pros:

portable compact light weight quality sound comfortable carrying case

Cons:

flimsy wires

2 out of 2 people found this helpful

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4 out of 5

P3headphones

Written By Cindy, Haslett, MI on Monday, December 31, 2012

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Great sound and a comfortable size.

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3 out of 5

Bowers & Wilkins P3

Written By David W, Los Angeles on Sunday, December 02, 2012

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

Although lovely to look at, these headphones were rather uncomfortable to wear and offered little noise reduction to the experience.

1 out of 2 people found this helpful

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4 out of 5

Great Phones - superb sound

Written By Hobiemike, Little rock, AR on Sunday, September 23, 2012

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

I did a side by side comparison of the P3s with Dr. Dre's Beats Solo HD. I use an iPad. For me, the P3s had far superior sound. I'm not an audiophile, but I enjoy a variety of music and know what I like. The lows were deep and rich without being over powering, the mid-range was full and the highs clear and crisp without being tinny. The Beats are good phones, but the sound seemed a bit muddied with too much bass. The Beats were more comfortable and looked, well, cool. The P3s were stylish, but the construction seemed less rugged than the Beats. The cord is thin and hopefully won't fail from heavy use. The Beats cord was thicker and the angled plug fit the iPad better. The P3s come with a hard case, the Beats a soft case. The over ear style of both phones don't block all sound, but that was my preference. The P3s are a superb set of headphones for their sound. They are not as comfortable and don't have as solid a feel as the Beats, but I don't plan on mishandling them either.

Pros:

Superb sound quality Style

Cons:

Construction doesn't feel rugged enough to withstand moderate abuse during normal use.

2 out of 2 people found this helpful

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3 out of 5

Not For Android

Written By George, Chicago, IL on Monday, September 10, 2012

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

These headphones might be great if you have an IPhone but for my new Samsung Galaxy S3 I could not get the inline controls to work. I will be returning them. The sound quality is just fine but I wanted a set of portable headphones that I could easily switch to an incoming phone call.

1 out of 3 people found this helpful

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5 out of 5

Solid

Written By harperville, Charlottesville, VA on Monday, August 27, 2012

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

These feel so amazing while sitting on my head and my ears. They feel so solid, when handling them and wearing them. It's quite impressive. Mind you, these are the first of this type of quality I've ever purchased but I'll happily buy these again and again.

Pros:

Packaging, feel, look, sound, materials.

Cons:

The cable is too short. I'm trying to sit at my desk and have the headphones plugged into my laptop and they don't reach when I sit straight up. I'd feel sorry for someone with a desktop on the floor. The cable won't reach. I think it's about 3' in length. These are replacing some Sennheiser headphones and that cable is 6' long, which was actually quite nice. I could route it around my computer and out of my way. This cable, however, is above my keyboard, and just in my face & in the way!

1 out of 1 people found this helpful

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3 out of 5

Bowers & Wilkins P3 Headphones

Written By revsin, Charlotte, NC on Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

I really love these headphones except for the sound with boomy bass and a muffled sound. I thought I might get used to the sound, but after going back to my PSB headphones for comparison I realized I had to return them to Crutchfield.

Pros:

Beautiful and elegant design and build quality.

Cons:

Sound quality doesn't cut it for me.

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5 out of 5

Happiness

Written By JamalY, Brooklyn, NY on Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

These are my second pair of "decent" headphones. The first were AKG's (Quincy Jones on-ear model). Those had great sound and were tremendously comfortable, but I lost sound on 2 different sets. The B&W P3's are awesome. The headphones look GREAT (distinctive) and sound better. I sampled a wide variety of music to test these: salsa (El Gran Combo), reggae (Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown, Marley), hip-hop (Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, Pharaohe Monche), live recordings of John Coltrane, London Symphony Orchestra, Bill Withers Live, Donny Hathaway Live...all sounded great. Instruments are clear and distinct...same for vocals. Percussions are popping. Bass can be heard and felt without max volume. I've used these with a cell phone, computer, and with a Sonos system. The P3's are great in all settings. The headphones are comfortable, but not in the same way as the plush AKG's. The acoustic padding is cooler on hot days and really surround your ear to provide an over-the-ear sound effect (not sure how they managed that). It takes some getting used to, but I've been able to enjoy them for several hours at a clip. Best purchase I've made in awhile. Glad I did the research and took my time.

Pros:

design, design, design. sound quality; price.

Cons:

still working on that.

3 out of 3 people found this helpful

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5 out of 5

Bowers & Wilkins P3

Written By skorpions67, miami,fl on Wednesday, August 08, 2012

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

"Sound, comfort, and design all come together to create something special; something called the P3."

Cons:

None

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5 out of 5

Superb

Written By Rob, Detroit, MI on Friday, June 29, 2012

The B&W p3's are wonderful. For the size, the sound quality is superb. They are not your ultra high end audiophile headphone, but for 99% of everyone else, these are perfect. They are comfortable, for a while. After a few hours, the tension on your ears causes them to get a little sore, but overall, they are comfortable.

These are impressive to look at let alone to hear. The first thing you notices is the build quality, material execution, and overall solidness of these headphones. Then you put them on and note how comfortable they are. Turn the sound on and they impress, sonically.

Pros:

High end materials Good comfort Deep tight lows Overall exceptional sound quality

Cons:

Highs could be a little brighter You have to shorten the head band to put into case / readjust every time you store them.

3 out of 3 people found this helpful

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1-11 of 11

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Accidental Damage from Handling (ADH) guards you against life's little mishaps, whether you drop your MP3 player on the street or spill coffee on your camera.

ADH must be added to your Care Plan at the time of Care Plan purchase; it cannot be added retroactively. ADH coverage begins on the 31st day after the item's purchase - issues in the first 30 days are not covered.

For a more in-depth review and enhanced detailed information on the Bowers & Wilkins P3, please visit the Crutchfield website product page (/S-WZWVBsPtiaf/p_749P3B/Bowers-Wilkins-P3-Black.html ).

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Bowers & Wilkins P3

Portable, folding on-ear headphones with in-line remote and microphone

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4.5 out of 5: IN STOCK
The Bowers & Wilkins P5 offers:
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- larger 40mm diaphragms for richer sound
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Bowers & Wilkins P3
4 out of 5: IN STOCK
- The Bowers & Wilkins P3 offers:
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4.5 out of 5: IN STOCK
- The Bowers & Wilkins P5 offers:
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$299.99

Black
Closeup detail of earpad
Compact folding design
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Shown with iPad® (not included)
Shown with iPhone® (not included)

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Bowers & Wilkins P3

Portable, folding on-ear headphones with in-line remote and microphone (Black)

Item# 749P3B offer details

Review Summary

By buying this product you'll earn up to 200 Rewards points.

Our take on the Bowers & Wilkins P3

by Dave Bar

Lightweight portables with full, natural sound

Newly designed from the ground up

Built-in controls for iPod®, iPhone®, and iPad®

Highlights:

Shop all Bowers & Wilkins Headphones

Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

Features and Specs

Product Research

Our Product Research Team

Features

Product Reviews

Reviews for the Bowers & Wilkins P3

Average Customer Review:

Review this product:

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Filter by rating:

Great Headphones With A Big BUT

Quality Sound on the Go

P3headphones

Bowers & Wilkins P3

Great Phones - superb sound

Not For Android

Solid

Bowers & Wilkins P3 Headphones

Happiness

Bowers & Wilkins P3

Superb

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