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Editors' note: This review is for the 2021 Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition. A new model was released in 2024. For the latest information, check out our review of the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (2024).

The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, despite the fancy name, is a simple device. It's exactly the same as the fifth-generation Kindle Paperwhite, but it costs $40 more and has four upgrades: 32GB of memory (up from 16GB), wireless charging, an automatically adjusting front light, and no ads.

Since we already established that the standard Paperwhite is a great Kindle but also an e-reader, the focus of this review is simple: To figure out whether these four improvements are worth the extra money.

SEE ALSO: We tried every Amazon Kindle to find the best for every bibliophile A thoroughly great e-reader

My colleague Alex Perry reviewed the regular fifth-gen Paperwhite, but here are my basic impressions (coming from someone whose primary e-reader before now was a second-gen Paperwhite).

The new Kindle Paperwhite is just the right size and sits perfectly in my hand. It's also beach-ready, with an IPX8 rating, which is a big deal to me, especially when compared to my iPad mini, which officially isn't water-resistant at all.

The USB-C charging port on the bottom was a much-needed upgrade from the microUSB port on previous Paperwhites. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

I have only one beef with the device's design, and that's the fact that Amazon moved the power button to the bottom from the top, which took some getting used to. (It's worth noting that this change happened on a previous iteration of the Paperwhite.)

The new Paperwhite is a lot faster than my old model, but it could be faster still, especially when browsing through menus. The battery lasts forever, and having a USB-C port instead of the old microUSB connector is a blessing.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Kindle Rewards So, what do you get for that extra $40? Compared to my ancient, 3rd generation Paperwhite, the new one is shaped a bit more like a typical book, which isn't a bad thing. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

One thing you won't get on this Kindle is ads. Compared to ads on certain other devices, advertisements on the Kindle's homescreen aren't nearly as intrusive, but I still prefer zero ads on something I paid for. You can remove the ads from the base model Kindle for an extra $20, but then the price difference between the two is a mere $20, which means you should really look at the other extras you get with the Signature Edition.

You know what they say about memory: More is always better. That said, unless you're a voracious reader or you constantly send a bunch of periodicals to your Kindle, you won't need more than 8GB. The Kindle Paperwhite SE has 32GB, which is overkill, but it is comforting to know you'll never have to worry about storage.

When this review was originally published, the Kindle Paperwhite cost $139.99 for 8GB of storage. That configuration is no longer offered, and the current base model includes 16GB for $149.99. So, there's an even smaller price gap between the standard model and Signature Edition now at $40 compared to the previous $50, making these bonus features even more worth the upgrade.

Whether wireless charging will be worth it for you depends entirely on whether you normally use it in other scenarios. All Kindles have great battery life, so you won't be charging them very often. I do have wireless chargers in my car and scattered all around the house, so the ability to just toss the Kindle onto them and have it charge is a nice, if marginal, improvement.

The MagSafe isn't the best way to charge your Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, but it works! Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Fun fact: I tried to charge the Kindle Paperwhite SE using Apple's MagSafe magnetic charger for the iPhone, and not only does it work, but the charger sticks (though just barely) to the Kindle like it does to the iPhone. Pretty great.

The display, automated

The last big improvement on the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is the display.

The 6.8-inch, 300ppi display is sharp, crisp, beautiful to look at, and won't tire your eyes even after long reading sessions. The bezels on the sides and top of the device are far smaller than on the previous iteration, but there's still enough room to rest your fingers without accidentally flipping the page.

The display now makes brightness adjustments on its own. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Now for the big difference between the regular and the SE version of the Paperwhite: Automatically adjusting front light. The best way to explain the importance of this feature is to think of smartphones: Literally every single modern smartphone has this feature. You don't think about it much, but if someone took the feature away, you'd definitely notice.

It's similar on the Paperwhite. The display automatically sets brightness depending on the amount of light in your environment. I like reading in very dim light, and the Kindle set the screen's brightness pretty much as I would do. The device supports dark mode (bright text on dark background), and if I switched to that, it readjusted the brightness accordingly. I love the feature, and though I could live without it, I'd be slightly annoyed about having to adjust brightness manually again.

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition battery life

A single charge should have the Kindle Paperwhite lasting up to 10 weeks. While we didn't run the e-reader for 10 weeks until it died, we can say it had excellent battery life based on our usage.

Is the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition worth it?

This may be because I'm biased from reviewing Apple devices — Apple charges an arm and a leg for upgrades and extra features — but I feel like the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is worth it.

For $50, you get no ads (a $20 value), wireless charging, 32GB, and an improved display. None of it is essential, but it does feel like you're getting a decent value for your money.

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $151.99 at Best Buy
$189.99 Save $38 Shop Now Mashable's reviews of the current Kindle line-up

• Kindle Paperwhite 2024: I’ve tried every Kindle and the Paperwhite is the only one you need

• Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 2024: The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is great but is it worth $200?

• Amazon Kindle 2024: Amazon's basic Kindle is the best e-reader on a budget

• Amazon Kindle Scribe 2024: Amazon's Kindle Scribe makes minor improvements but it's not enough

How to make the most of your Kindle

Want to learn more about your Kindle? Read through all of Mashable's guides and explainers and discover how to make the most of your device:

• The best Kindle accessories for reading in luxury

• What is Stuff Your Kindle Day? The best way to fill your e-reader with free books

• I've read hundreds of free Kindle books with Libby. Here's how.

• What is Kindle Rewards? Earn free credits when shopping the Kindle store

• What is Kindle Unlimited? A library of books at your fingertips for just $12 a month

• Where to get free e-books: Load up your e-reader without spending a dime

• Prime members can get a free e-book every month with Amazon First Reads

• How to download EPUB files on your Kindle

• 8 Kindle features you should be using

• How to delete books from Kindle

Featured Video For You Kindle Paperwhite vs. Kobo Clara Colour: Which one is better?

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025:

AcrossPond gunk

• The answer is Scum.

With 8-Across, like an unlimited buffet

• The answer is All You.

See 5-Across

• The answer is Can Eat.

Opponent of Athens in the Peloponnesian War

• The answer is Sparta.

"Keep it down!"

• The answer is Shh.

DownOuts that advance the runner, in baseball lingo

• The answer is Sacs.

Put your hands together

• The answer is Clap.

Bone on the same side of the arm as the pinky

• The answer is Ulna.

Mike who voiced Shrek

• The answer is Myers.

Hippocratic ___ (doctor's pledge)

• The answer is Oath.

State with license plates that read "Greatest Snow on Earth"

• The answer is Utah.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Mini Crossword.

SAVE $11.64: As of Sept. 24 the Pokémon TCG Prismatic Evolutions booster pack is $7.75 at TCGPlayer, the lowest price we've seen since launch.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Prismatic Evolutions Booster Pack $7.75 at TCGplayer
$19.96 Save $12.21 Get Deal

Prismatic Evolutions has hands down been the most popular Pokémon TCG expansion from the Scarlet and Violet era. One booster pack at launch was over $19 thanks to scalpers and The Pokémon Company struggling to print product to meet demand.

Well it seems they're catching up with Prismatic Evolutions print runs, as TCGplayer now has booster packs for $7.75 each. That's a dollar under market value and a sign of availability improving for Pokémon trainers in the west.

SEE ALSO: Where to buy Pokémon cards in 2025 — avoid overpaying or missing out on new sets

Did you know that god packs are floating around too? For those who don't know what I'm talking about, god packs are just a normal booster pack on the outside, but inside it contains every Secret Art rare from the Eeveelution line, including Eevee ex. I've never got one myself, but there's plenty of videos floating around online of trainers pulling banger after banger.

It's something I wish The Pokémon Company would do for every set, seeing as they're that rare it doesn't effect the raw value of single cards on the secondary market.

Most valuable Prismatic Evolutions Pokémon cards Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

If you don't fancy trying your luck with a Prismatic Evolutions booster pack, you can just buy single cards instead. For example, Umbreon ex SIR is a ridiculously hard card to pull, and if you're trying to do just that it could cost a phenomenal amount of money. It's currently going for north of $1,100 right now, so it's not exactly affordable either, but the chances are you'll save money on opening booster packs.

Here's the top five most expensive Prismatic Evolutions cards:

1. Umbreon ex - 161/131
   Near Mint Holofoil: $1,155.04
   Market price: $1,012.87
   Most recent sale: $1,200

2. Sylveon ex - 156/131
   Near Mint Holofoil: $373.99
   Market price: $349.45
   Most recent sale: $370

3. Leafeon ex - 144/131
   Near Mint Holofoil: $326
   Market price: $272.14
   Most recent sale: $266.35

4. Roaring Moon ex - 162/131
   Near Mint Holofoil: $245
   Market price: $217.59
   Most recent sale: $299.99

5. Espeon ex - 155/131
   Near Mint Holofoil: $219.49
   Market price: $208.04
   Most recent sale: $73.98

SAVE $11.64: As of Sept. 24 the Pokémon TCG Prismatic Evolutions Surprise Box is $43.70 at TCGPlayer, compared to $57.94 at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Prismatic Evolutions Surprise Box $43.70 at TCGplayer
$57.94 Save $14.24 Get Deal

The promos in the Prismatic Evolutions Surprise Box are pretty overlooked thanks to the army of high-value Secret Art Rares. They're pretty much the standard Eeveelution ex cards with a jazzy Prismatic Evolutions stamp on them, and they're worth more than you think.

For example, the Umbreon ex - 060/131 Prismatic Evolutions Stamp promo card is currently going for $22.26 on TCGplayer right now. So when you factor in the cost of $43.70 for the Surprise Box that includes four booster packs, it's a good deal. Especially when comparing to Amazon's current price of $57.94, it's one of the cheapest ways to get booster packs and a tidy promo card.

SEE ALSO: Where to buy Pokémon cards in 2025 — avoid overpaying or missing out on new sets

Let's not forget how epic Primastic Evolutions is. Granted, the pull rates for chase cards is brutal, but imagine one of those booster packs is a god pack with every Eeveelution Secret Art rare? Even if you pull one Secret Art rare from the Surprise Box it will have paid for itself. Good luck with that though.

Most valuable Prismatic Evolutions Pokémon cards Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

With the sea of Pokéball and Masterball rares flooding this set and the aforementioned harsh pull rates, it's going to be easier on your wallet just throwing down the money for single cards. The top chase cards are a damn sight more expensive than other Scarlet and Violet era expansions, but it's far less of a risk if you're not bothered about opening booster packs.

Here's the five most expensive Prismatic Evolutions Pokémon cards:

1. Umbreon ex - 161/131
   Near Mint Holofoil: $1,155.04
   Market price: $1,012.87
   Most recent sale: $1,200

2. Sylveon ex - 156/131
   Near Mint Holofoil: $373.99
   Market price: $349.45
   Most recent sale: $370

3. Leafeon ex - 144/131
   Near Mint Holofoil: $326
   Market price: $272.14
   Most recent sale: $266.35

4. Roaring Moon ex - 162/131
   Near Mint Holofoil: $245
   Market price: $217.59
   Most recent sale: $299.99

5. Espeon ex - 155/131
   Near Mint Holofoil: $219.49
   Market price: $208.04
   Most recent sale: $73.98

SAVE $11.64: As of Sept. 24 the Pokémon TCG Prismatic Evolutions mini tin is $20.10 at TCGPlayer, compared to $31.74 at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Prismatic Evolutions Mini Tin $20.10 at TCGplayer
$31.74 Save $11.64 Get Deal

Prismatic Evolutions is home to the most valuable Pokémon cards in the Scarlet and Violet era, and it's mostly down to it's focus on Eeveelutions. From Umbreon to Jolteon, they all have their own Secret Art rare including Eevee. It's insane, but there's also a handful of stunning SIRs outside of the fan favorite Eevee family. Cards like Roaring Moon ex SIR absolutely pop thanks to their unique artwork, and their single near mint prices reflect trainer demand.

The issue is no matter how much The Pokémon Company reprints Prismatic Evolutions, it flies straight off store shelves. A bigger worry is big box retailers charging over MSRP and market value on sealed product, which is exactly what we're seeing with the Prismatic Evolutions mini tins.

SEE ALSO: Where to buy Pokémon cards in 2025 — avoid overpaying or missing out on new sets

Prismatic Evolutions booster packs are worth around $8 each at the moment going off market value, so Amazon charging $31.74 for two boosters and a tin isn't a good look. TCGplayer currently has mini tins for $20.10, saving over $11 which could buy an extra booster pack. It's a good deal and a great opportunity to collect the full set of tins, which also feature Eevee and it's evolutions.

Most valuable Prismatic Evolutions Pokémon cards Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

The problem with Prismatic Evolutions is the amount of Pokéball and Masterball rares flooding the set. It makes pulling top chase cards harder than previous sets from the Scarlet and Violet era, but there's hope thanks again to TCGplayer. Every chase card is south of $400, with the exception of the ever-popular Umbreon ex SIR, at current market values.

Want to skip the gamble of booster packs and snap up your favorite card? Here's the top five from Prismatic Evolutions to get you started:

1. Umbreon ex - 161/131
   Near Mint Holofoil: $1,155.04
   Market price: $1,012.87
   Most recent sale: $1,200

2. Sylveon ex - 156/131
   Near Mint Holofoil: $373.99
   Market price: $349.45
   Most recent sale: $370

3. Leafeon ex - 144/131
   Near Mint Holofoil: $326
   Market price: $272.14
   Most recent sale: $266.35

4. Roaring Moon ex - 162/131
   Near Mint Holofoil: $245
   Market price: $217.59
   Most recent sale: $299.99

5. Espeon ex - 155/131
   Near Mint Holofoil: $219.49
   Market price: $208.04
   Most recent sale: $73.98

While everyone is mad at Disney right now, the company's OG hater has now chimed in as well. Salem Ilese has posted a parody of her viral TikTok hit "Mad at Disney" to protest Jimmy Kimmel being pulled off air, rewriting the lyrics to advocate for free speech.

"I am still mad at Disney, and for a different reason this time," Ilese said in a TikTok video posted Monday.

SEE ALSO: Jimmy Kimmel returns to air, addresses Kirk comments in emotional monologue

Ilese's original 2020 song was about being disillusioned by the reality of romantic relationships after Disney films elevated her expectations in childhood. In a new TikTok video, the singer has rewritten the first chorus and prechorus of "Mad at Disney" to address Kimmel's situation.

"I'm mad at Disney, Disney / They cancelled Jimmy / All for exercising his free speech / Fox News can say whatever / To make Trump look better / But one strike and Kimmel's off TV," Ilese sang in the 30-second video. "First Colbert had to call it quits / Guess talking 'bout politics / Is only okay if Trump is flattered."

Disney subsidiary ABC removed Jimmy Kimmel Live! from broadcast last Wednesday amidst threats from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), sparking widespread concerns about free speech. The Trump administration took umbrage at Kimmel's comments on right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk's death, with FCC chairman Brendan Carr demanding ABC "take action" against the late night host or risk its broadcast license.

Numerous people spoke out against Kimmel's suspension, including his fellow late night hosts and celebrities. Some Disney+ and Hulu users even cancelled their subscriptions in support of Kimmel, and to protest against censorship. Even with Kimmel returning to air on Tuesday, it seems few are willing to forgive or forget that he was removed in the first place.

Ilese is apparently one of many people still mad at Disney about Kimmel's suspension. The singer posted a second "Mad at Disney" parody hours before the late show host's return, accusing Disney for only allowing him to return to air after people began cancelling their streaming subscriptions and affecting the company's bottom line. 

"I'm mad at Disney, Disney / They brought back Jimmy / Only 'cause they couldn't take the heat / It took an open letter / And upset investors / To stand up against the FCC," sang Ilese. "But we posted and unsubscribed / And showed them that we decide / We'll stay impossible to silence."

"kissing my dream of being cast as rapunzel goodbye after this one," wrote Ilese.

Jimmy Kimmel made his return to late night television on Tuesday, his audience loudly cheering and chanting his name. Calling recent events "overwhelming," Kimmel stated that "everyone [he] had ever met has reached out ten or 11 times," giving shout outs to fellow talk show hosts such as Jon Stewart, Seth Meyers, Jimmy Fallon, John Oliver, and Stephen Colbert.

SEE ALSO: Late show hosts react to Jimmy Kimmel being pulled off air

ABC pulled Kimmel off air last Wednesday, seemingly bowing to pressure from the Trump administration. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman Brendan Carr threatened ABC's broadcasting licence mere hours before the announcement, having taken objection to Kimmel's comments about Republicans' reactions to right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk's death. While President Donald Trump and his followers reacted to Kimmel's suspension with glee, many others criticised the decision due to concerns about free speech.

In his return monologue, Kimmel thanked the audience for supporting him and taking action to protest his suspension, as well as those who don't support him or his beliefs but still spoke up for his right to express them. Kimmel even listed several right-wing politicians and commentators, such as Ben Shapiro, Candace Owens, and Ted Cruz — frequent targets for his jokes in the past.

"Even though I don't agree with many of those people on most subjects, some of the things they say even make me want to throw up, it takes courage for them to speak out against this administration, and they did, and they deserve credit for it and thanks," said Kimmel.

Kimmel then addressed the comments he made about Kirk's death that led to his suspension.

"I do want to make something clear because it's important to me as a human," Kimmel said during his return monologue, getting audibly choked up as he spoke. "And that is [that] you understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. I don't think there's anything funny about it. I posted a message on Instagram of the day he was killed sending love to his family and asking for compassion, and I meant it and I still do. 

"Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what was obviously a deeply disturbed individual. That was really the opposite of the point I was trying to make. But I understand that to some that felt either ill-timed or unclear or maybe both. And for those who think I did point a finger, I get why you're upset. If the situation was reversed, there's a good chance I'd have felt the same way…

"I don't think the murderer who shot Charlie Kirk represents anyone. This was a sick person who believed violence was a solution, and it isn't it, ever."

Kimmel subsequently went on to discuss the free speech concerns that arose after ABC pulled him off air, stating that U.S. citizens' freedom to make fun of those in power is admired by people in other countries.

"This show is not important," said Kimmel. "What is important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this…. Our freedom to speak is what [talk show hosts in other countries] admire most about this country. And that's something I'm embarrassed to say I took for granted until they pulled my friend Stephen [Colbert] off the air, and tried to coerce the affiliates who run our show in the cities that you live in to take my show off the air. 

"That's not legal. That's not American. That is un-American, and it is so dangerous."

He also thanked ABC and acknowledged that it's taking a risk in allowing him back on the air with the FCC's threat still looming. Trump has targeted other talk show hosts as well, also calling for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night with Seth Meyers to be cancelled.

"The president of the United States made it very clear he wants to see me and the hundreds of people who work here fired from our jobs," said Kimmel. "Our leader celebrates Americans losing their livelihoods because he can't take a joke… I hope that if [Fallon or Meyers are pulled off air], or if there's even any hint of that happening, you will be 10 times as loud as you were this week. 

"We have to speak out against this because he's not stopping. And it's not just comedy. He's gunning for our journalists, too. He's suing them. He's bullying them. Over the weekend, his Foxy friend Pete Hegseth announced a new policy that requires journalists with Pentagon press credentials to sign a pledge promising not to report information that hasn't been explicitly authorised for release. That includes unclassified information.

"They want to pick and choose what the news is. I know that's not as interesting as muzzling a comedian, but it's so important to have a free press, and it is nuts that we aren't paying more attention to it."

British audio brand Bowers & Wilkins has announced the launch of its new "flagship statement headphones," the Px8 S2. The wireless headphones feature active noise cancellation, premium materials like Nappa leather and machined aluminum, and a $799 price tag.

I've been testing the Px8 S2 ahead of its official launch, and I'll have a more in-depth review coming soon. In the meantime, I've got all the details on these reference class cans, which truly look incredible, including an early verdict on whether these wireless headphones justify the intimidating price tag.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bowers & Wilkins Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 $799 at Amazon
Shop Now

For now, let me say this: Damn, do they look good.

Introducing the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 were preceded by the award-winning Px7 S3 ($699) and the reference-quality Px8 headphones ($749). We favorably reviewed the former.

Bowers & Wilkins is known for audiophile-worthy devices, and with a $799 price tag, these headphones aren't for the casual music listener. If you don't know how to activate high-res audio on your device, or if you didn't spend several long years waiting for Spotify to finally roll out lossless audio, these headphones will be wasted on you.

A company representative told me the headphones were designed to be true high-fidelity, reference-class headphones that offer the highest possible resolution (24-bit / 96 kHz high-resolution sound, to be precise). The goal — to recreate the original sound of your music as it was meant to be heard. In a press release, Bowers & Wilkins promises they're the "best sounding headphone the brand has ever created."

Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable SEE ALSO: Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 headphones beat Sony XM6 in one key way Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2: Incredible design and comfort

The British audio brand Bowers & Wilkins has a strong reputation among audiophiles, but the brand is also known for its elevated design. The iconic Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin speaker used to be sold in Apple stores, and former Apple designer Sir Jony Ive was reportedly a fan. So, it would be odd if the new Px8 S2 headphones weren't beautiful. But they're not just attractive — they're gorgeous. And, unless I hallucinated at a recent Bowers & Wilkins demo event, they should eventually be available in an even-more-handsome brown.

Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

Honestly, unboxing the headphones at home only left me more enamored with the design. (I promise I'll talk about the sound soon, OK?) I personally prefer audio products like the Apple AirPods Max or Panasonic Techncis AZ100, which use durable materials like aluminum, steel, memory foam, and leather. The Px8 S2 has a truly premium design that features fine, full-grain Nappa leather and aluminum. When you adjust the headphones, the durable aluminum arms look incredible coming out of the leather headband, as does the exposed braided cable that connects to the earcups.

Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

These headphones have a lot of elegant little details that reveal themselves the more you use them. When the light catches the Bowers & Wilkins logo on the earcups, you realize that they have microdetailing that makes them look almost pixelated — a detail that's only apparent when you zoom in extra close on photographs of the headphones. Even the carrying case feels fancy.

Enhance... Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

Compare the handsome design of the Px8 S2 to the all-plastic design of Sony's flagship XM6 headphones, and the latter feel dangerously flimsy. It's going to be hard for me to go back to the XM6s, which have been my daily driver lately.

The metal components do make the Px8 S2 heavier, but I haven't had issues with fatigue so far. In fact, they're quite comfortable. (My partner said the earcups feel like "little hugs on my ears," which says it all, doesn't it?) I'll report back in my full review on whether weight has been an issue with long-term wear.

What do $799 headphones sound like?

There's no denying that these wireless headphones sound incredible. Of course, you have to plug them in to appreciate their true lossless audio benefits, but that's standard. Wired or wireless, they sound phenomenal, which is no surprise. For $799, they better sound amazing. Radiohead, Florence and the Machine, and Michael Jackson all sounded as good as they ever have. I'd rate them alongside the Panasonic Technics AZ100 earbuds in terms of elite audio products, and they're a clear step up from the likes of Sony.

That said, in terms of ANC, Bowers & Wilkins can't quite compete with Sony or Bose, which make the best noise-cancelling headphones I've tested. While their design provides a lot of passive noise-cancellation, Sony's sound engineers have the advantage in cancelling noise. When it comes to spatial audio, these headphones are at an even bigger disadvantage — because they don't have it. Not only that, but like the original Px8, they don't offer LDAC support either.

So, why don't $799 headphones have these two now-standard audio features? Regarding spatial audio, a Bowers & Wilkins rep told me the brand isn't as concerned with this. If you're chasing true reference class sound, adding spatial audio to music that wasn't engineered that way isn't exactly on target, is it? That's fair enough.

But those are two caveats to know before investing in these expensive cans.

Are the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 headphones worth it?

If you're a true audiophile and Bowers & Wilkins fan, they may be worth the investment, but $799 is a lot of money. Truly, I can't afford them. The vast majority of people will be better off with the best headphones from Beats, Sony, or Bose. But then again, the Px8 line wasn't made for the vast majority of people. Is it British elitism, in a good way?

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2: By the numbers Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

Finally, let's break down the key specifications and features of the Px8 S2:

• Drivers: 2 40mm dynamic full-range carbon drivers

• Active noise cancellation: Yes

• Spatial audio: No

• Multipoint pairing: Yes

• Wireless connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Lossless technology

• Bluetooth codecs: aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX Classic, AAC, SBC

• Ports: USB-C (no 3.5mm audio jack)

• Microphones: 8

• Weight: 0.68 pounds

• Carry case dimensions: 177 mm x 60 mm x 234 mm

• Colors: Onyx Black, Warm Stone

Where to buy the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Buy from Amazon Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 $799 Shop Now Buy from Bowers & Wilkins Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 $799 Shop Now