If you’ve followed this blog for a while, you know I’m a sucker for good audio. Whether it’s editing a podcast, zoning out on a flight, or just vibing to lbeats while pretending to work, a good pair of headphones can change everything. Recently, I’ve been switching between two very different but equally impressive sets: the soundcore Space One Pro and the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3.
They’re both excellent. But they’re also for very different people.
The Everyday Hero: soundcore Space One Pro
If you’ve tried the soundcore Space One, you’ll know they were already a great balance of performance and price. The new Space One Pro feels like Soundcore decided to level up everything. The design has had a glow-up: sleeker build, more premium materials, and still ridiculously lightweight. The active noise cancellation (ANC) got a noticeable boost which great for travel or drowning out that one colleague who types like they’re playing CS2. Battery life? Still wild. Around 65 hours with ANC off and solid playback even with it on. Plus, the app lets you fine-tune your sound profile and adjust transparency, little details that make these feel more premium than their price tag suggests.
If you want something that punches way above its price point, travels well, and doesn’t feel fragile, the Space One Pro is your everyday go-to. Perfect for students, commuters, and anyone who wants great sound without the “my bank account cries at night” energy.
The Audiophile’s Treat: Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
Now let’s talk about the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3: the luxury option in this comparison. These are for the people who notice the subtle layering in a song or who want studio-grade detail while watching Dune for the 14th time. The Px7 S3s are beautifully crafted with soft memory foam, tight build, and a design that whispers “premium” instead of screaming it. The sound profile is lush, warm, and balanced in a way that’s hard to describe unless you’ve actually listened. The ANC isn’t as aggressive as the Soundcore, but it’s smarter as it filters just enough of the world out while keeping your music crisp and full. The controls feel more intuitive, the Bluetooth connection is rock solid, and the comfort level? Chef’s kiss.
If you care about how things sound as much as what you’re listening to and you’re willing to invest the Px7 S3s are worth every cent.
Price wise
soundcore Space One Pro — “Best bang for your buck” pick
Price (ZAR): ~ R 3,499 at retailers like Amazon South Africa and Sportsmans Warehouse.
(You might find deals slightly lower or promos, but that’s the ballpark right now.)
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 — the “treat yourself” option
Price (ZAR): ~ R 7,399 (RRP in South Africa via Homemation)
Some sellers list slightly different variants or colors, but that’s the benchmark.
Summary and who’s it for
| Use case / budget | Go with Space One Pro | Go with Px7 S3 |
|---|---|---|
| Budget ~ R3–4k | ✔️ Perfect match | — |
| Want “premium” but not premium pricing | ✔️ Great tradeoff | — |
| Willing to invest in long-term audio gear | Maybe for daily / commuting | ✔️ Yes |
| Want top-tier, detailed sound now | — | ✔️ |
| Travel / commute / casual listening | ✔️ Excellent | ✔️ Also solid, though might be overkill for daily noise masking |
