If you want a high-tech, noise-canceling solution that adapts to your environment and lets you sleep comfortably on your side without pressure points, choose Bowers & Wilkins FP39691; if you need an open-back audiophile experience with natural soundstage and premium wood construction for critical listening at home, choose MEZE Audio.
• Bowers & Wilkins FP39691: Offers best-in-class adaptive noise cancellation and smart sensors that pause music when removed, but lacks the open-air acoustic freedom of true hi-fi designs. Ideal for travelers and commuters who prioritize silence and battery life.
• MEZE Audio 105 Silva: Delivers rich, detailed sound with walnut wood ear cups and fully serviceable components, but requires a wired connection and offers no active noise cancellation. Perfect for stationary listeners seeking an immersive, vintage-inspired aesthetic.
The Bowers & Wilkins FP39691 is engineered for the modern listener who refuses to compromise between mobility and audio fidelity. Its standout feature is the adaptive noise cancellation system, which actively adjusts to your surroundings, whether you are on a plane, walking down a busy street, or sitting in a quiet office. This isn't just about blocking out noise; it's about curating your auditory environment so you can focus entirely on the music. The headphones utilize drive units derived from their legendary P9 Signature series, subtly angled to create a more natural stereo perspective. This design choice ensures that the sound feels less like it is coming from a box around your ears and more like it is filling the room around you.
For those who struggle with comfort while lying down, this model addresses the specific needs of side sleepers. The over-ear design features soft gold padding and rounded earpieces that distribute weight evenly, reducing the pressure that typically causes discomfort when sleeping on one's side. The "PX Responds to You" technology adds a layer of convenience that feels almost intuitive; simply lifting an ear cup pauses the audio, and placing the headphones down puts them into a power-saving sleep mode. This intelligent interaction means you don't have to fumble for buttons when you want a quick break or need to hear someone speak nearby.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-24 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
However, this device is not for everyone. If you are an audiophile who demands the absolute widest soundstage possible, the closed-back, noise-canceling nature of these headphones might feel slightly confining compared to open-back alternatives. Furthermore, while the battery life is impressive—offering up to 22 hours with both Bluetooth and ANC active—the reliance on firmware updates via a dedicated app means you must be willing to engage with software to get the full performance out of the hardware. It is a fantastic choice for anyone who values smart features and isolation, but it may not satisfy purists who prefer a purely analog, passive listening experience.
The MEZE Audio 105 Silva appeals to the listener who views headphones as a piece of art and a tool for deep immersion rather than a gadget for travel. Its design is deeply rooted in Mid-Century Modern aesthetics, fusing vintage charm with contemporary engineering. The ear cups are crafted from walnut wood, creating a look that never truly ages, while the headband combines stamped manganese spring steel with soft PU leather. This isn't just about looks; the use of walnut and cast zinc alloy hardware contributes to a build quality that feels substantial and timeless. The inclusion of velour ear pads is a significant detail for long listening sessions, as they are far softer and more breathable than leather, preventing the sweat and overheating that often plague synthetic materials during extended use.
Acoustically, the 105 Silva is tuned for musicality and refinement. It boasts a dual-focus sound signature that balances clarity with richness, ensuring that transients are fast and articulate. The frequency range extends impressively from 5 Hz to 30 kHz, allowing the treble to extend gracefully while keeping the bass tight and well-controlled. Unlike the active models on the market, these rely on the physics of an open-back design to deliver a natural sense of ease. The result is a soundscape that feels alive and organic, where every note unfolds naturally without the artificial compression sometimes associated with digital processing.
This product is strictly for those who value sound quality above all else and do not mind being tethered to a source. With no built-in battery or wireless connectivity, the 105 Silva is designed for stationary use in a quiet environment. The fully serviceable nature of the headphones is another major selling point; there is no glue, only nuts and bolts, meaning every component from the earcups to the drivers is replaceable. This commitment to longevity makes it a sustainable choice for buyers who want equipment that lasts decades. However, the lack of noise cancellation and the requirement for a wired connection mean it is not suitable for noisy environments or for those who need the freedom of movement that wireless technology provides.
• Best for side sleepers → Bowers & Wilkins FP39691, due to its over-ear cushioning and smart pause sensors that prevent pressure points.
• Best hifi stereo open ear headphones for side sleepers → Neither is perfect, but the MEZE Audio offers a more natural soundstage for critical listening if you are already lying down in a quiet room.
• Best for battery life → Bowers & Wilkins FP39691, offering up to 50 hours in wired/no-ANC mode and 22 hours with full features active.
• Best for durability and repairability → MEZE Audio, with its nut-and-bolt construction and replaceable parts.
• Best for noisy environments → Bowers & Wilkins FP39691, thanks to its adaptive noise cancellation.
• Best for music detail and soundstage → MEZE Audio, with its open-back design and 5Hz–30kHz frequency response.
• Best for portability → Bowers & Wilkins FP39691, featuring Bluetooth 4.1 and aptX-HD support for hi-res streaming on the go.
• Best for vintage aesthetics → MEZE Audio, with its walnut wood finish and radial grille design.
I would buy the Bowers & Wilkins FP39691 because it solves the most common problem for headphone users today: how to maintain high-quality audio in a world that is constantly loud and distracting. The adaptive noise cancellation and smart sensors make it the superior choice for daily life, especially for those looking for the best gaming headset for side sleepers or simply wanting to block out the chaos of a commute. While the MEZE Audio 105 Silva is a stunning piece of engineering with unmatched warmth and openness, its lack of wireless capability and isolation limits its utility outside of a dedicated listening chair. For a versatile, reliable, and comfortable experience that fits into a real-world lifestyle, the Bowers & Wilkins option is the clear winner.
The Bowers & Wilkins FP39691 is designed with over-ear cushions that minimize pressure, making it suitable for side sleepers, whereas the MEZE Audio's rigid wood ear cups may cause discomfort when lying down.
While they can work with standard sources, their 42-ohm impedance and open-back design benefit significantly from a dedicated DAC/amp to fully realize their dynamic range and control.
No, the MEZE Audio 105 Silva is a wired-only device with no Bluetooth capabilities, requiring a direct connection via the included 1.8m Kevlar OFC cable.
It offers unique adaptive noise cancellation and smart sensors that pause playback automatically, features that distinguish it from competitors that require manual button presses.
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