Overview

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Eleven sit at the sharp end of the premium wireless earbud market, competing directly with the best from Sony and Bose while carrying B&O's unmistakable design identity. Crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum and toughened glass, these B&O earbuds feel genuinely luxurious in hand — not just expensive-looking. The target buyer isn't hunting for a bargain; they want audio quality and aesthetics that match their standards. Expectations should be set honestly: you're paying for refined sound character and build quality, not necessarily the most aggressive noise cancellation numbers in the category.

Features & Benefits

At the heart of this premium wireless set is a 9.2mm dynamic driver covering 20 to 22,000 Hz — wide enough to reproduce both the subtle texture of acoustic instruments and the punch of electronic bass. Active noise cancellation has been meaningfully upgraded compared to earlier B&O earbuds, and the call experience benefits from a larger microphone inlet with wind filtering, which makes a real difference outdoors. Bluetooth 5.2 keeps the connection stable, touch controls handle playback intuitively, and IP57 certification means rain and gym sessions aren't a concern. Battery runs to roughly 6 hours with ANC on, and the wireless charging case extends that to around 20 hours total.

Best For

These B&O earbuds make the most sense for a specific kind of buyer. Audiophiles who care as much about how their gear looks as how it sounds will appreciate the aluminum construction and considered design — this isn't a utilitarian product. Frequent commuters and travelers will value the ANC and call clarity across long transit stretches, while the IP57 rating gives active users solid protection for workouts in unpredictable weather. Office professionals dealing with open-plan noise will find them practical too. If you're already familiar with B&O's sound tuning philosophy — warm, detailed, with strong low-end presence — this premium wireless set is a natural fit rather than a gamble.

User Feedback

Buyers consistently praise the sound richness and depth of the Beoplay Eleven, particularly the bass texture and tonal character that rewards attentive listening. Comfort during extended wear earns positive marks, with the angled stem and silicone tips suiting most ear shapes well. Where opinions get more measured is around ANC — several users note that Sony's WF-1000XM5 delivers noticeably stronger isolation at a comparable price. Call quality in real-world conditions is generally solid, though wind filtering isn't perfect in very gusty settings. The app draws mixed views, with some buyers wanting broader EQ options. Most owners conclude the value proposition holds — but primarily if the design pedigree genuinely matters to you.

Pros

  • Rich, detailed sound with satisfying bass weight that rewards attentive listening across genres.
  • Aerospace-grade aluminum and toughened glass construction feels genuinely premium, not just expensive.
  • IP57 water and dust resistance handles workouts, rain, and daily wear without any special care needed.
  • Wireless charging case extends total listening time to around 20 hours, practical for full travel days.
  • Bluetooth 5.2 delivers a stable, drop-free connection even in crowded wireless environments like airports.
  • Call quality in indoor and moderate outdoor settings consistently earns positive feedback from recipients.
  • At just 6g per earbud, extended wear stays comfortable without the fatigue heavier earbuds cause.
  • Four silicone tip sizes plus a COMPLY foam option means most ear shapes find a secure, isolating fit.
  • Touch controls are well-mapped and responsive, covering daily playback needs without reaching for a phone.

Cons

  • ANC falls behind Sony WF-1000XM5 and Bose rivals in genuinely loud environments like airplane cabins.
  • Six hours of ANC-on battery is competitive but trails the best-in-class figures at this price tier.
  • No quick-charge feature means a dead earbud requires a full wait, not a 10-minute top-up.
  • App EQ options are limited — users wanting granular sound tuning will find the software frustrating.
  • The charging case is not IP-rated, so it needs protection in wet bags despite the earbuds being waterproof.
  • Wind noise filtering on calls breaks down in genuinely gusty outdoor conditions.
  • Case surfaces show fingerprints and minor scratches faster than the premium price tag would suggest.
  • Accidental touch activations when adjusting fit are a recurring minor complaint among daily users.
  • Multipoint device switching works but lacks the polish and speed of competitors with more refined software.

Ratings

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Eleven has been put through its paces by verified buyers across commutes, gym sessions, open-plan offices, and long-haul flights — and the scores below reflect that full range of real-world experience. Our AI has analyzed confirmed global purchases, actively filtering out incentivized and bot-generated feedback, to surface what genuine owners actually think. The results are honest: where these B&O earbuds shine, the scores show it; where they fall short against stiff competition, that's reflected too.

Sound Quality
93%
The 9.2mm driver delivers a richly textured soundstage that audiophiles consistently call out as the standout reason they chose these over rivals. Bass is weighty without bleeding into the mids, and high-frequency detail holds up well at moderate and high volumes during commutes or focused listening sessions.
Some buyers note a slight warmth bias in the tuning that can soften the upper midrange on vocals, which may not suit listeners who prefer a more neutral or analytical sound profile. Those coming from studio-grade monitors may find the coloration a touch too pronounced.
Active Noise Cancellation
74%
26%
ANC is meaningfully improved over previous B&O earbuds and handles consistent background drone — air conditioning, train engines, office hum — reasonably well. For everyday commuting environments, most users find the isolation sufficient to stay focused without constantly raising volume.
Against Sony WF-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra at similar or lower price points, the ANC falls noticeably short in high-noise environments like airplane cabins or busy city streets. Several buyers specifically flagged this gap as a frustration given the premium investment.
Build Quality & Materials
96%
The aluminum and toughened glass construction draws near-universal praise — buyers describe them feeling substantial and refined in a way that plastic-bodied competitors simply do not replicate. The case also feels premium, with tight tolerances and a satisfying magnetic close.
A small number of users noted that the glossy surfaces on the case pick up fingerprints and micro-scratches faster than expected for the price tier. The aluminum earbuds themselves hold up well, but the case finish may disappoint those expecting scratch-resistant longevity.
Comfort & Fit
83%
The angled stem design and four silicone tip sizes mean most buyers find a secure, fatigue-free fit relatively quickly. Extended wear over two to three hours is generally comfortable, and the low per-earbud weight keeps pressure minimal even during light exercise.
A minority of users with smaller ear canals report that even the smallest tips create pressure during long sessions. The COMPLY foam option helps, but it adds bulk that slightly changes the fit geometry, and not all buyers find the adjustment intuitive.
Call Quality
79%
21%
In typical indoor and moderately noisy outdoor settings, call recipients consistently describe voice clarity as clean and natural. The larger microphone inlet makes a real difference compared to older B&O earbuds, and background noise handling on calls is solid in controlled environments.
Wind noise remains a weak point in genuinely gusty conditions — not unusual for earbuds, but notable at this price. A handful of users on business calls outdoors reported that wind artifacts occasionally broke through, which undercuts the otherwise strong microphone performance.
Battery Life
71%
29%
Six hours of ANC-on playback is reliable and consistent with advertised figures, which buyers appreciate after years of inflated marketing claims from other brands. The wireless charging case topping that up to around 20 hours is genuinely practical for a full travel day.
Six hours is competitive in the mid-range segment but trails some rivals that push eight or more hours at this price tier. Heavy ANC users who forget to charge the case mid-trip may find themselves short, and there is no quick-charge feature to recover quickly in a pinch.
App & Software Experience
63%
37%
The Bang & Olufsen app is clean and well-designed visually, letting users switch between sound modes and manage touch controls without confusion. For buyers who just want things to work out of the box, the default configuration requires minimal fiddling.
EQ customization options are limited compared to what Sony and Bose offer at this price point, and several users wanted more granular control over their sound profile. Software update frequency has also drawn criticism, with some features feeling underdeveloped relative to competitors who iterate more aggressively.
Touch Controls
77%
23%
The touch interface is responsive and well-mapped for daily use — play, pause, volume, and ANC toggling all work reliably without needing to look at a phone. Most buyers adapt to the gesture logic within a day or two.
Accidental touch activations during adjustment or re-seating of the earbuds are a recurring minor complaint. In cold weather when wearing gloves, touch sensitivity becomes unreliable, which is a practical frustration for winter commuters.
Connectivity & Stability
88%
Bluetooth 5.2 delivers a notably stable connection across typical use — no drop-outs reported during gym workouts, and the 10-meter range handles room-to-room movement without issue. Multipoint connection works cleanly for buyers switching between laptop and phone.
Initial pairing with certain Android devices drew a few isolated complaints about setup friction, though this appears rare. A small number of users also noted occasional audio sync lag when watching video, though this is more a Bluetooth category limitation than a product-specific flaw.
Water & Dust Resistance
91%
IP57 certification gives buyers genuine confidence for workouts, rainy commutes, and travel in unpredictable weather. Multiple users specifically called out using them in heavy rain and during sweaty gym sessions with no performance issues at all.
The IP57 rating applies to the earbuds only — the charging case is not rated, which means it needs protection in wet bags or pockets. This is a common industry limitation but worth noting for buyers who expected full kit resistance.
Value for Money
66%
34%
For buyers who specifically value the B&O design language and sound character, the price feels justified — they are getting a genuinely premium product, not just an expensive one. Long-term build quality also supports the investment for those who expect to use them for several years.
Objectively measured against rivals at similar or lower prices on ANC depth, battery hours, and app features, the value equation is hard to defend on specs alone. Several honest reviewers acknowledge they paid a design premium, which is fine if that is the intention but a real concern for pure-performance buyers.
Portability & Case Design
87%
The case is compact enough for a jacket pocket without bulk, and wireless charging support means one less cable to carry for those already in a Qi ecosystem. The earbuds seat securely in the case with satisfying magnets that prevent accidental opening in bags.
The case is slightly larger than the most compact rivals in the category, which may matter to minimalist travelers. A few buyers wished for a lanyard loop or clip attachment option given the premium price, as losing the case would be a costly mistake.
Microphone Wind Filtering
68%
32%
In calm to mildly breezy outdoor conditions, the wind filtering noticeably cleans up background interference on calls — an upgrade that regular outdoor callers will appreciate compared to budget earbuds. Indoor office calls consistently draw positive feedback from call recipients.
In genuinely windy conditions — cycling, walking along exposed streets, or waiting at outdoor transit stops — the filtering is not fully effective. Buyers who primarily take calls outdoors in variable weather may find this a more consistent frustration than occasional users.
Packaging & Unboxing Experience
89%
The unboxing experience matches the premium positioning — thoughtful packaging, well-presented accessories, and a sense of occasion that buyers at this tier expect. Included accessories like COMPLY foam tips and a USB-C charging cable are practical rather than token additions.
There is no carry pouch or protective sleeve included, which some premium buyers consider a baseline expectation at this price. A few users noted that the packaging, while attractive, generates more waste than a sustainably minded brand at this level should probably be producing.

Suitable for:

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Eleven is built for a specific kind of buyer, and that buyer will love them. If you care deeply about how your audio gear sounds and looks — and you're willing to pay a premium for both — these earbuds deliver a sound character and material quality that few rivals match. Frequent commuters and business travelers will appreciate the combination of solid ANC for transit noise, reliable call clarity for back-to-back meetings on the go, and an IP57 rating that handles rain and humidity without a second thought. Open-plan office workers who spend hours on calls will find the microphone performance more than adequate in controlled environments. Active users who want earbuds that survive gym sessions, morning runs in drizzle, and weekend travel without treating them like fragile items will feel well served. If you already own other B&O products and value the design consistency and ecosystem familiarity, these slot in naturally and feel like a considered purchase rather than an impulse.

Not suitable for:

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Eleven will disappoint buyers who are primarily shopping for the strongest possible noise cancellation per dollar spent. In that specific comparison, Sony and Bose both offer more aggressive ANC at comparable or lower prices, and no amount of premium build quality changes that practical reality for someone who regularly flies in loud cabin environments or commutes on chaotic urban transit. Pure-performance buyers who want deep EQ customization, longer than six hours of ANC-on playtime, or a feature-rich companion app will find these earbuds underdeveloped on the software side compared to rivals who update their platforms aggressively. Budget-conscious shoppers or those indifferent to design heritage are paying a significant premium they won't fully value. If your priority is specs-per-dollar rather than craftsmanship and audio character, the honest advice is to look elsewhere before committing.

Specifications

  • Driver: Each earbud houses a 9.2mm dynamic driver tuned to B&O's acoustic signature for balanced, full-range audio reproduction.
  • Frequency Range: The earbuds cover a frequency range of 20 Hz to 22,000 Hz, supporting both deep bass and extended high-frequency detail.
  • Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.2 provides stable wireless connectivity with improved efficiency and reduced latency compared to older Bluetooth standards.
  • Wireless Range: Reliable wireless range extends up to 10 meters under typical real-world conditions with no obstructions between device and earbuds.
  • Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation is included and represents B&O's most advanced ANC implementation in an earbud product to date.
  • Battery (Earbuds): Each earbud delivers up to 6 hours of continuous playback with ANC enabled on a single charge.
  • Battery (Total): Combined playtime with the wireless charging case reaches up to 20 hours of ANC-on listening across multiple charges.
  • Charging Time: The earbuds reach a full charge in approximately 1.5 hours via the included USB-C cable or wirelessly through the case.
  • Water Resistance: The earbuds carry an IP57 rating, meaning they are fully dust-tight and can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes; the case is not rated.
  • Earbud Weight: Each individual earbud weighs 6 grams, keeping the total in-ear mass low for extended comfort during long listening sessions.
  • Controls: All playback, volume, and ANC functions are managed through capacitive touch controls built into the earbud stem.
  • Ear Tips: Four sizes of silicone ear tips are included alongside a COMPLY foam medium tip for users who prefer a deeper, more isolating seal.
  • Materials: Earbuds are constructed from aerospace-grade aluminum, specialized toughened glass, polymer, and medical-grade silicone for the in-ear contact surfaces.
  • Microphone: An enhanced microphone inlet with wind filtering is integrated into each earbud to improve voice capture clarity on calls in outdoor conditions.
  • Charging Port: The charging case uses a USB-C port for wired charging and supports Qi-compatible wireless charging pads for cable-free top-ups.
  • Connectivity: The earbuds support multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, allowing simultaneous pairing with two devices such as a laptop and a smartphone.
  • Compatibility: Designed to pair with smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart speakers across both iOS and Android ecosystems.
  • In-Box Contents: Package includes the earbuds, wireless charging case, COMPLY medium foam tips, silicone tips in four sizes, a 0.5m USB-C to USB-C charging cable, and a user manual.
  • Dimensions: Each earbud measures 2.3 x 3.5 x 2.7 cm, with a slim angled stem profile designed to sit close to the face during wear.
  • Recommended Uses: Officially rated for sport, travel, commuting, office work, cycling, running, and general music listening across a wide range of environments.

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FAQ

It handles consistent low-frequency drone — like train engines or air conditioning hum — reasonably well, but it does not match the outright isolation depth of Sony or Bose at this price point. For most commuting environments it is more than adequate, but if you are specifically buying for frequent long-haul flights in loud cabins, you should factor that comparison in before deciding.

Yes, confidently. The IP57 rating means the earbuds are both dust-tight and water-resistant enough to handle rain, splashing, and sweaty workouts without any concern. Just keep in mind the charging case does not carry an IP rating, so you will want to keep that in a dry pocket or bag.

Most users find them genuinely comfortable for extended wear thanks to the low 6-gram per-earbud weight and the angled stem that reduces pressure on the ear canal. If you have smaller ears, experimenting with tip sizes early is worth the time — the right fit makes a real difference over a long listening session.

They work well straight out of the box with sensible default settings. The B&O app adds sound mode switching and some control customization, but if you are hoping for deep EQ adjustment or the level of software control you get from Sony or Bose apps, you may find it a bit limited. It is functional, just not particularly feature-rich.

Yes, multipoint Bluetooth is supported, so you can stay connected to two devices simultaneously. Switching between them works, though the transition is not always as instant as on some competitors with more polished firmware implementations.

In calm to mildly breezy conditions the wind filtering does a solid job, and most call recipients report clear, natural voice quality. In genuinely gusty conditions — cycling or standing in exposed areas — some wind noise does break through, which is a known limitation. Indoors and in sheltered outdoor spots, call performance is very good.

The gesture logic is straightforward and most users adapt within a day or two. Accidental activations when you re-seat or adjust the earbuds are a minor recurring complaint, particularly while exercising. It is not a dealbreaker but worth knowing if you are fidgety with your earbuds.

Yes, the case supports both Qi wireless charging and wired USB-C charging. Charging the earbuds to full inside the case takes around 1.5 hours, which is fairly standard for this category.

Fully compatible with both ecosystems. They pair over standard Bluetooth 5.2 with smartphones, tablets, and laptops regardless of platform. The companion app is available on both iOS and Android as well.

Honestly, it depends on what you value. The sound quality and build materials are legitimately exceptional — this premium wireless set is not just expensive-looking, it is well-engineered. Where the value equation gets harder to defend is on ANC performance and software depth compared to rivals at similar prices. If design pedigree and audio character matter to you, the price is justifiable. If you are optimizing purely for specs and features per dollar, there are more efficient options out there.