Review of Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition: a timeless, enhanced reissue
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition: A Sonically Superior Wireless Speaker
The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition has been unveiled, offering significant improvements over its predecessor and setting a new standard for wireless speakers.
The mid-range drivers in the Zeppelin Pro have been revised with an anti-resonance plug, a new motor, and damping systems. These enhancements contribute to the speaker's detailed, spacious, and vigorous sound. A new titanium dome tweeter has also been incorporated, ensuring superior audio performance.
The Zeppelin Pro Edition is a heavier and more sophisticated build compared to the Sonos Era 300. It boasts an amplifier power output of 240W, driving 2x 90mm FST midrange drivers and a 150mm subwoofer for authoritative, room-filling sound.
The speaker is capable of delivering high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/96kHz, with an onboard DAC that supports up to 192kHz. This makes it a smarter, more flexible, and better-sounding upgrade.
New smart features have been added, including adaptive aptX Bluetooth for improved wireless streaming, and compatibility with Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and the Bowers & Wilkins Music app. The app also allows control over a new customizable 15-color downward-firing ambient light.
The Zeppelin Pro Edition comes in two finishes: Solar Gold and Midnight Sky. It retains its premium design and ambient lighting customization, features that have earned it the title of "Best Wireless Speaker 2025."
Priced the same as its last-gen counterpart at £699 / $799 / AU$1,199, the Zeppelin Pro supports a variety of streaming services including Qobuz, Tidal, Amazon Music, Soundcloud, Deezer, Pandora, TuneIn, Last.FM, Dash, NTS, and is Roon Ready and Spotify Connect compatible.
The Zeppelin Pro delivers effortless bass down to 35Hz and can reach considerable volume levels without losing dynamic range or ability. However, it does not have Alexa voice control on board.
While the Sonos Era 300 is less costly, it does not match the scale, visual impact, or finish of the Bowers & Wilkins speaker. The older 'not Pro' Zeppelin, although externally identical, is a fair chunk of change cheaper and offers a voice assistant.
The Cambridge Audio Evo One all-in-one, with its wood-topped finish and display to the front, is a different-looking product that sounds pretty great. The Zeppelin Pro, with its more interesting design, is a more visually appealing option.
The USB-C port on the Zeppelin Pro Edition is for service purposes only and cannot transmit audio data. The front light color on the speaker can be adjusted from within the app.
The Zeppelin Pro delivers aptX Adaptive quality for wireless streaming. However, stock and demand may limit its availability.
[1] Review A: [Link to review A] [2] Review B: [Link to review B] [3] Review C: [Link to review C] [4] Review D: [Link to review D] [5] Review E: [Link to review E]
- The Zeppelin Pro Edition doesn't only excel in its audio performance, but it also blends technology with home-and-garden lifestyle, offering a customizable downward-firing ambient light and smart compatibility with various platforms like Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and the Bowers & Wilkins Music app.
- For those who appreciate gadgets and seek a premium lifestyle experience, the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition would be an excellent addition to their home-and-garden, given its advanced technology features, such as adaptive aptX Bluetooth and high-resolution audio capabilities.
