Noble Audio FoKus Prestige Encore vs Bowers & Wilkins Pi8
Introduction
The FoKus Prestige Encore and Pi8 are premium TWS offerings from Noble Audio and Bowers & Wilkins, designed to deliver high-resolution sound and convenient wireless features on the go. We go over key differences in design, sound, features, and price to help you pick the right TWS for your audio needs.
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FoKus Prestige Encore vs Pi8 Price Comparison
The FoKus Prestige Encore and Pi8 are flagship TWS models from Noble Audio and Bowers & Wilkins. Here are their respective prices:
The FoKus Prestige Encore comes in at $699.00.
The Pi8 comes in at $399.00.
The price difference is significant between the FoKus Prestige Encore and Pi8, with the Prestige Encore costing $300 more than the Pi8.
Let's dive deep into the specs, design, sound signatures, and features of these Noble Audio TWS so you can get a better idea of what each brings to the table.
The Noble Audio FoKus Prestige Encore
The FoKus Prestige Encore is Noble Audio’s flagship next-gen TWS. It upgrades the original Prestige with a more advanced tribrid driver system, improved wireless tech, and a lighter, more ergonomic CNC-machined wood design.
Noble Audio FoKus Prestige Encore Features:
- Precision CNC-Machined Solid Wood Earbuds and Charging Case
- Tribrid Driver System (Dynamic + Balanced Armature + Planar)
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling + Transparency Mode
- High-Resolution Wireless Codecs (aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, LDAC)
- Dual-Mic cVc Noise Suppression for Calls
- Multipoint Pairing + TrueWireless Mirroring
- Audiodo Personalized Sound Calibration
- Custom EQ, Touch Control Remapping, and Firmware Updates via App
- Wizard-Tuned Signature with Improved Detail and Imaging
Noble Audio FoKus Prestige Encore Specs:
Driver Configuration: 1× 8mm Dynamic Driver, 2× Balanced Armature Drivers, 1× 6mm Planar Driver
Chipset: Qualcomm QCC3091
Bluetooth: 5.4 with Multipoint
Codecs: aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, LDAC, AAC, SBC
Noise Control: Hybrid ANC + HearThrough
Call Tech: Dual-Mic Qualcomm cVc
Battery Life: Up to 10 hours (ANC Off), 7 hours (ANC On), approx. 35 hours total with case
Charging: USB-C, Qi Wireless Charging, 10-minute fast charge ≈ 2 hours playback
Body/Case: Precision CNC-Machined Solid Wood
Touch Controls: Yes
Sound Signature: Wizard Tuned
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 is a premium TWS known for its exceptional sound quality, luxurious design, and high-tech features.
Pi8 Features:
- Carbon Cone dynamic drivers for high-resolution audio
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with six microphones for enhanced clarity
- High-performance DSP with dedicated DSP and DAC/Amp
- 5-band customizable EQ + TrueSound Mode
- Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Adaptive and lossless codec compatibility
- Charging case with retransmission capabilities for wireless use with wired sources
- Fast Charging
Pi8 Specs:
Driver Configuration: 12mm Carbon Cone Drivers
Bluetooth Version: 5.4
Supported Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX Classic, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
Battery Life: Up to 6.5 hours with ANC on. 13.5 hours from charging case
Charging: 2 hours. 15-minute charge = 2 hours playback. Wireless charging compatible.
Design and Build Quality
The Noble Prestige Encore and Pi8 feature completely different design goals. The Noble Audio FoKus Prestige Encore leans into a bold, IEM-style handcrafted build for audiophile performance, while the Bowers & Wilkins PI8 opts for a sleeker, more refined everyday design focused on luxury and comfort.
The FoKus Prestige Encore uses CNC-machined solid wood shells and a matching wood case, giving each set a unique grain pattern that adds a premium, handcrafted feel. The earbuds are slimmer than the previous model, and their more ergonomic shape improves long-term comfort while keeping the bold Prestige aesthetic of the original model.
Metal-reinforced, triple-vented nozzles enhance durability and airflow for a more stable seal and consistent sound. Overall, the FoKus Prestige Encore delivers a luxurious build that looks unique and while also offering enhanced comfort and durability for day-to-day use.
The Pi8 features a premium design created in partnership with London-based design consultancy Goodwin Hartshorn. The earbuds have a compact oval shape without stems, weighing just 7g each. The outer surface has a high-gloss finish with the B&W logo prominently displayed, creating an elegant appearance.
You get four color options: Anthracite Black, Dove White, Jade Green, and Midnight Blue with gold accents. The materials feel premium throughout with smooth curves and solid construction. The charging case has a sleek, pebble-shaped design with a matte finish, though it's prone to showing scratches over time. It supports both USB-C and Qi wireless charging.
Overall, the Pi8 delivers luxury aesthetics with thoughtful design and premium materials that justify its flagship positioning.
Sound Signature
You're probably looking to see how these TWS IEMs stack up in terms of sound. We'll share our thoughts here, although keep in mind this information tends to be anecdotal and subjective.
FoKus Prestige Encore Sound Signature
The FoKus Prestige Encore uses a hybrid three-way driver system with a balanced, warm-neutral sound signature. It features an 8mm dynamic driver, dual Knowles balanced armatures, and a 6mm planar-magnetic driver working together to give you a refined, full-spectrum sound with wide soundstage and precise imaging.
Bass
The dynamic driver delivers controlled, weighty low end with good texture and detail. It's got solid punch and depth without being overpowering. Kick drums and basslines hit with impact but stay refined and precise, sitting nicely behind the mids without dominating the signature.
Midrange
The balanced armatures handle vocals and instruments with clarity and natural texture. This is where the Encore really shines. Guitars, pianos, and voices come through articulate and lifelike, with that transparent quality that makes everything feel present and real.
Treble
The planar driver gives you airy, extended highs with speed and micro-detail. Cymbals and hi-hats sparkle with a clean, defined quality without any harshness or fatigue. The treble has just enough air and extension to keep things open and spacious.
Best Genres for the Prestige Encore
The Prestige Encore handles pretty much any genre you throw at it. It's incredibly balanced and dynamic, so you can do serious analytical listening or just kick back and enjoy your music. It really excels with vocal-heavy tracks, acoustic music, jazz, and classical where that transparency and detail shine.
Rock, pop, EDM, and orchestral tracks sound great too, with the controlled bass and wide soundstage keeping everything engaging and immersive.
Pi8 Sound Signature
The Pi8 uses a single 12mm carbon cone dynamic driver per side with a fun, bass-forward sound signature that leans warm and engaging. These drivers are derived from the ones in B&W's flagship Px8 over-ear headphones, paired with an upgraded 32-bit DSP to deliver exceptional detail and clarity in a wireless package.
Bass
The carbon cone driver delivers powerful, deep bass with impressive texture and control. It's got strong sub-bass extension and punchy mid-bass that adds serious weight and presence to tracks. Kick drums hit with authority and impact, giving music a solid foundation without getting muddy or bloated. The bass is bold and fun, but it stays refined enough to avoid drowning out the other frequencies.
Midrange
The mids are clear and detailed with good presence despite the strong bass emphasis. Vocals come through articulate and natural, while guitars, pianos, and strings maintain their texture and realism. The upper midrange has nice definition, ensuring instruments and voices don't get lost in the mix even when the low end is working hard.
Treble
The highs are crisp and well-defined with good sparkle and air. Cymbals and hi-hats cut through clearly with nice extension and detail, adding brightness without harshness or sibilance. The treble complements the warm, bass-heavy signature by keeping things from sounding dull or muffled, maintaining that sense of openness and clarity.
Best Genres for the Pi8
The Pi8 handles a wide range of genres but really excels with music that benefits from powerful, impactful bass. It's perfect for rock, metal, EDM, hip-hop, and pop where that energetic low end adds excitement and drive.
Jazz, classical, and acoustic music sound great too thanks to the excellent detail retrieval and nuanced soundstage. If you love bass and want fun, engaging sound that still maintains clarity and refinement, the Pi8 delivers.
Price and Value
The Noble Audio FoKus Prestige Encore is the more expensive TWS in this comparison, costing around $300 more than the Pi8. Both TWS pack unique wireless technologies and features you won't get with other wireless earphones in the market.
Prestige Encore Value
At $699, the Prestige Encore sits in premium territory alongside flagship TWS like the AirPods Pro 3, Sony WF-1000XM5, and Bowers & Wilkins Pi8.
What sets it apart is that hybrid tribrid driver setup with the planar tweeter, which you just don't see in most wireless earbuds. You're also getting that full wooden construction on the housings and case, Audiodo personalized sound calibration that is stored directly on the buds, and support for high-res codecs like aptX Lossless and LDAC.
If you're an audiophile who wants serious sound quality without being tethered to a wire, the Encore delivers performance that rivals wired IEMs. It's definitely a luxury purchase, but the craftsmanship, tech, and sound quality back up the price tag.
Pi8 Value
At $399, the Pi8 sits in premium flagship territory alongside the Sony WF-1000XM5, AirPods Pro 2, and other high-end TWS. What sets it apart is that 12mm carbon cone driver technology borrowed from B&W's Px8 over-ears, plus the unique wireless retransmission case that lets you connect to any audio source via USB-C or 3.5mm and stream wirelessly to the buds in high-res aptX Adaptive quality. You're also getting aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive codec support, Bluetooth 5.4, solid ANC, 6.5 hours of battery life with ANC on (20 hours total with the case), and both USB-C and Qi wireless charging.
The sound quality is genuinely exceptional for wireless earbuds, with detail and dynamics that compete with much more expensive gear. The Pi8 is a luxury purchase, and you're paying a premium over Sony and others, but if sound quality is your top priority and you want that signature B&W house sound with rich bass and detailed highs, the craftsmanship and performance back up the price.
Our Thoughts
Each option delivers a different balance of sound quality, features, and value. Whether you prioritize audiophile-grade sound, ecosystem integration, or premium craftsmanship, there's a standout choice for you here.
The Noble Audio FoKus Prestige Encore - Who Is It For?
The Prestige Encore is for audiophiles who want the best wireless sound quality money can buy. You get a unique tribrid driver setup with a planar tweeter, premium wooden construction, personalized sound tuning, high-res codec support, and wired IEM-level performance in a truly wireless package.
At $699, it's competing with flagship TWS but offers something most can't: that refined, balanced signature with exceptional detail retrieval and soundstage. Skip it if you need aggressive bass, long battery life beyond 8 hours, or can't justify spending this much on wireless earbuds. But if sound quality is your top priority and you want the craftsmanship to match, the Encore is one of the best TWS on the market.
The Prestige is perfect if you want bold, exciting sound with powerful bass in a premium wireless package. You get beautiful wooden construction, a hybrid driver setup, expansive soundstage, 10-hour battery life, and that signature warm, bass-heavy Noble tuning.
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 - Who Is It For?
The Pi8 is perfect if you want exceptional sound quality with powerful, controlled bass in a premium wireless package. You get that signature B&W sound with 12mm carbon cone drivers, seamless connection to any audio source, high-res codec support, solid ANC, and beautiful design.
At $399, the Pi8 is ideal for listeners who prioritize audio performance and want that fun, engaging tuning that makes music feel alive and exciting. Skip it if you need the longest battery life, the most advanced smart features like Sony offers, or prefer a more neutral signature without bass emphasis. But if you want some of the best-sounding TWS money can buy with that rich, warm B&W character, the Pi8 is absolutely worth considering.
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