Reviews for Bowers & Wilkins C5 In-Ear Headphones

If you're looking for headphones (Ear-Buds) that have a perfect in-ear fit that adjust for ultimate comfort, sound so unbelievably clear even when at loudest levels and appearance resembling the future then get Bowers & Wilkins C5 in-ears. Bass is crazy good, noise canceling is surprisingly comparable to over-earphones. The best part is they never need adjusting while running and don't fall out of your ear!!!!

After lots of tryouts - to find the right fit - the headphone provide good sound. That's everything positive about them.

- The fit is globally not good, the headphones hurt your ears after wearing for more then 15minutes. Their system to make them stay in your ear is not convincing and they are also too heavy for in-ear headphones.

- The cables are very stiff; i.e. it's not really possible to wind them up to store them.

- The remote is really badly designed - it is cylindrical!! - but you can only push the cylinder in one way - i.e. you have to perfectly turn it each time you want to press - plus the button doesn't work well - so most of the time it just doesn't work

- The included pouch is ridiculous - there is just no way to put the headphone nicely in it. Seriously there is no way.

- Really bad price/quality value on this product. It feels a lot like "Made in china".

I own other B&W Products and really love them - actually I'm quite a fan of the brand - but the C5 are seriously disappointing. The sound is good but all the rest makes them unusable, just for being badly designed. I strongly recommend you take them in your hands once before buying them. I'm now back using the ones included with my iPod, despite the better sound of the B&W's.

These headphones provide very good clear and clean sound, and have an excellent build quality. They are very comfortable, and secure in the ear once you figure out the correct in ear piece to use. If you are looking for a pair of headphones with good sound but that are easy on the bass tones, these are for you, however if you expect a boomin beat look elsewhere, these won't do the trick.

I tested and reviewed several high end headphones after settling on these. I bought the Shure 435's which are the industry standard for professionals, which cost roughly $300. The Shure's sounded great and were very crisp, but mid-level bass was lacking and they became uncomfortable after 30 mins of usage. I also tried the Klipsich in-ears which cost roughly $100. The bass was overwhelming in these, and you missed a lot of the lows. I previously owned a pair of the iBeats and those are by far the worst and most overpriced headphones. The bass drowned out everything and have poor build quality which caused me to replace them 3 times in 6 months.

I settled on the B&W's because they have the best sound out of all. You will hear things in your favorite music that you didn't even know where there. The bass is great, but not overwhelming where it drowns the low. Top it off, they stay in my ear at the gym, snowboarding, hiking, and even regular usage at the work place. I have not had them fall out once. To make them even better, pick up the Comply foam tips for about $15 bucks for 3 sets and you will never need another pair of headphones.

Also, B&W gives you a 2 year manufacturer warranty so you know you have a solid pair of headphones for at least 2 years.

... but comparing it to my other earphones, this one bags the 5 stars for its sound accuracy and subdued baselines, which i thought at 1st wasn't really what i was hoping for, but after 4 days of use, i really noticed how this was superior in this niche.

I've had my fair share of headphones and the C5 tops the list. It has great clarity, strong and punchy bass, and works with nearly ever genre of music. Highly recommended.

I loved them enough, that I bought a pair of their CM5 bookshelf speakers.

I find the fit very uncomfortable. Also, the 3 button mic is not very easy to use. Though sound is very good, I would not buy again.

I bought two of it !
I first bought in France, sold with plane & stereo adapter included, and a second one in USA, without accessories.
But in both cases the sound and maintain are incredible.
I love its design and the way it fits to my ears.

I love this headset. Great quality.

The two drawbacks of buying this are 1) if you're moving while talking, there is a crackling sound. I tested this. If you're sitting still, there is no crackling. The sound is great.

The second drawback is the ugly case they provide for your headset. It's a half-moon shaped, granny-like felt-covered fabric case with an oversized zipper. In short, hideous and off-brand.

For $180, at least this could come with a better case.

The sound is amazing but not right out of the box. I bought a pair of Comply replacement tips and voila, like a whole different sound with added bass. The problem with the B&W tips is they don't form a seal in your ear so you don't get the rich bass. The Comply tips fixes this and keeps it in your ear. Despite the goofy loop, the right earbud would never stay in place.

Now the reason I bumped it from 4 stars to 3. Doesn't seem to be compatible with the iPhone 5. When I'm plugged in and have them in my pants, the sound occasionally cuts in and out and produces static. Super bummed about this since I really like these earphones. I tested on another iPhone 5 and an iPod touch. The other iPhone produces the same static while the iPod does not.

That said, if you're an iPhone 5 owner, beware. I also know it's not part of Apple's "Compatible Products" list. I had these before the iPhone 5 came out and didn't expect earphone compatibility issues. Gotta find some decent replacements.