It seems the $500 price point has become the new baseline for luxury wireless headphones. The uptick in pricing has been influenced by Apple’s new AirPods Max, which launched late last year for $549 and have already taken a huge slice out of the market.
Bang & Olufsen have always made stylish premium products, but the previous generation Beoplay H9 were long overdue for an update. To regain a foothold, Bang & Olufsen today introduced a new luxury-class wireless headphone called the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX. This 4th generation model improves digital active noise cancellation (ANC), extends battery life up to 35 hours and should have improved call clarity.
Key Features
- 40mm speaker drivers
- Revamped headband for comfort
- Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation
- Four microphones for calls
- Transparency mode
- 35-hour battery life
- Bluetooth 5.1
- Multipoint
- Microsoft Swift Pair
- Google Fast Pair
- Made for iPhone (MFi)
Sound
Beoplay HX offers a powerful listening experience through two custom designed 40mm speaker drivers with neodymium magnets and bass ports which ensures optimal bass performance. Four dedicated microphones create an impressive call quality by utilizing advanced beamforming technology, while the battery optimization ensures up to 35 hours of play time – the equivalent of five working days of listening experience without having to recharge the battery.
Bang & Olufsen’s signature sound is further enhanced due to improved speech delivery and the listening experience is even finer and more immersive thanks to the introduction of the next generation of Digital Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation technology which cancels unwanted noise without compromising on sound quality. Escape the everyday with Beoplay HX’s enveloping sound that transports the listener to the feeling of being at a concert with the music on full volume. Through Bang & Olufsen’s dedicated app, users can easily change sound profiles, ANC presets, while also accessing the most essential features directly on the refined headphone interface.
Comfort
Beoplay HX has been designed with well-being in mind. They’re lightweight and said to be durable and comfortable. The company says they can be worn all day in total comfort and fit a broad variety of head sizes. This is due to the revamped headband which has a center-relief zone for long-time wear.
The luxury headphones boast memory foam ear cushions wrapped in soft lambskin that adapt to the shape and curves of the ear for all-day comfort. The upper headband is made from cow hide with a smooth grain, while the lower headband is covered in a knitted fabric. Beoplay HX includes a form-fitting fabric case which protects the headphone and its accessories while on the move.
Technology
To further elevate the headphones, Beoplay HX has been created so that it can reach up to 35 hours of playtime which makes it one of the stand-out options in the market. It offers fast, strong, and stable connectivity through Bluetooth 5.1, Microsoft Swift Pair, Google Fast Pair and Made for iPhone (MFi). The product set-up process is convenient on both Android and Apple-devices, leading to a better and more frictionless interaction.
Craftsmanship
Known for refined Scandinavian design and craftsmanship, Bang & Olufsen have used high quality materials for Beoplay HX, incorporating soft leather and polished aluminum for aesthetics, comfort and durability. The arm sliders are made of anodized, pearl blasted recycled aluminium with a light brushed detail in the upper part. The disc is crafted from aluminium with a diamond spin finish which is nestled within a polymer-painted plastic structure, creating contrast between the alternating smooth and matte sensations.
“Our dedication to create the best audio products has resulted in Beoplay HX which delivers an immersive and accurate sound experience, ultimate comfort and a refined user interface to meet our customers habits, values and needs. Whether working from home, traveling for business or pleasure, escape from the noise of everyday life and revolutionize your listening experience with our new headphones.”Bang & Olufsen SVP of Product Management Christoffer Poulsen
Comparison
| Beoplay H9 | Beoplay HX | What’s New | |
| MSRP | Was Now $350 | $499 | – |
| BLUETOOTH | Bluetooth 4.2 | Bluetooth 5.1 | Improved connectivity and audio quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| NOISE ISOLATION | Active Noise Cancellation | Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation | Newest Noise Cancelling technology ensuring better sound isolation |
| MICROPHONE | 2 microphones for speech | 4 microphones for speech | Ideal for online meetings and calls on the go |
| BATTERY LIFE | Up to 25 hours | Up to 35 hours | 30% improvement in battery life |
| CARRYING CASE |  |  | Now including a fabric carrying case |
| WARRANTY | 2 years | 3 years | Register your new headphones and enjoy 3 years of warranty |
| FAST PAIRING CERTIFICATIONS | | Google Fast Pair Made for iPhone (MFi) Microsoft Swift Pair | Ensured frictionless set up process |
Price & Availability
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX wireless headphones are available today, March 25, 2021, for $499 in black anthracite and come with a global three-year warranty upon registration. Sand and Timber colorways will be available from a later date. International pricing is as follows:
- RRP 499 EUR
- RRP 449 GBP
- RRP 3749 DKK
- RRP 549 CAD
In The Box:
- Beoplay Portal headphones
- USB-A to USB-C cable, 1.25 m
- 3.5 mm stereo cable, 1.25 m
- Fabric carrying case
- Quick Start Guide
Accessories
- Fabric carrying case
- Ear cushions (L/R)
- USB-A to USB-C cable, 1.25 m
- 3.5 mm stereo cable (long and short)
- Flight adaptor
For more information visit bang-olufsen.com.
