Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX

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80%
20%
93%
Comfort & Fit
78%
Active Noise Cancellation
86%
Sound Quality
91%
Battery Life
89%
Build Quality & Materials
67%
Microphone & Call Quality
74%
App Experience
81%
Connectivity & Range
94%
Design & Aesthetics
83%
Portability & Case
63%
Value for Money
72%
ANC Transparency Mode
76%
Water & Dust Resistance
77%
Controls & Usability
More

Overview

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX are a pair of premium over-ear headphones that sit firmly at the intersection of Scandinavian craftsmanship and practical daily use. These B&O headphones are not just built to sound good — they are designed to be worn for hours, carried confidently through airports, and admired sitting on a desk. The target audience is clear: professionals, frequent travelers, and listeners who care as much about how their gear looks as how it performs. With second-generation hybrid ANC on board, this over-ear set marks a meaningful step forward from earlier B&O offerings, though the asking price makes this very much a considered purchase.

Features & Benefits

At 285 grams, the Beoplay HX feel noticeably lighter on the head than their build quality would suggest. The hybrid noise cancellation performs well in real-world environments — office air conditioning, train rumble, airplane drone — without producing that uncomfortable pressure sensation some ANC headphones create. Battery life is a genuine strong point: up to 30 hours per charge means most people can go several days between top-ups. A detachable audio cable means listening continues even when the battery runs dry, a practical detail that often goes unnoticed until you need it. The Beosonic EQ in the companion app lets you shape the sound profile to personal taste without navigating complex menus.

Best For

These B&O headphones are a natural fit for anyone whose day involves long hauls — cross-continental flights, extended train commutes, or back-to-back video calls in a noisy open office. The all-day battery and effective ANC make them especially appealing to frequent travelers who want one pair that handles both work and leisure without compromise. They also suit people who are simply tired of headphones that look purely utilitarian. If you tend to keep headphones on for four or five hours at a stretch and find most over-ears uncomfortable by hour two, the lightweight build and cushioned ear cups make a real difference. Listeners who prefer balance over bass will feel right at home here.

User Feedback

Owners of this over-ear set tend to agree on a few things. Comfort earns consistent praise — people who wear them through long work days report minimal ear fatigue, which is not always the case with heavier or stiffer designs. The ANC handles office hum and airplane cabin noise well enough that most users are satisfied. Where some honest criticism appears is around the microphone: functional for calls, but not a standout. A handful of reviewers also feel that at this price tier, the noise cancellation should be more aggressive compared to certain rivals available for considerably less. The companion app earns positive marks overall, and the included protective case is widely appreciated as a thoughtful finishing touch.

#Over-Ear Headphones
#Headphones & Earbuds
#Headphones, Earbuds & Accessories
#Electronics

Pros

  • Exceptional wearing comfort that holds up across four, five, or even eight hours without pressure or fatigue.
  • Up to 30 hours of real battery life means most users charge these B&O headphones only once or twice a week.
  • Hybrid ANC handles office hum, airplane drone, and train noise reliably for daily commuting and focused work.
  • Balanced, natural sound tuning suits podcasts, vocals, jazz, and acoustic music particularly well.
  • The Beosonic EQ in the companion app gives genuine flexibility to shape your preferred sound profile.
  • Materials feel premium and proportionate to the price — the hinge mechanism and headband flex inspire confidence.
  • IP53 rating provides meaningful reassurance during light rain or dusty commuting environments.
  • The included hard-shell carry case is well-built and protective, not an afterthought.
  • A detachable analog cable means you can still listen wired when the battery is flat, useful on long flights.
  • Minimalist Scandinavian design draws consistent compliments and pairs well with professional and casual dress alike.

Cons

  • Microphone clarity drops noticeably in windy or loud environments, which is a real limitation for frequent callers.
  • Multi-device switching between a laptop, phone, and tablet feels less polished than some rival implementations.
  • Touch controls have a learning curve and occasional accidental inputs during headband adjustment are common.
  • Leather ear pads can trap heat during physical activity or warmer environments, making them uncomfortable for gym use.
  • No quick-charge feature means a forgotten overnight charge cannot be quickly recovered before a long trip.
  • ANC performance against sudden or irregular noise — voices, traffic bursts — trails what some cheaper rivals manage.
  • Leather cushion surfaces show visible wear after several months of intensive daily use.
  • The carry case adds real bulk to a minimal backpack, which matters on budget airline carry-on restrictions.
  • Buyers paying this price primarily for audio specs alone are likely overpaying compared to alternatives.
  • Bluetooth pairing inconsistencies when switching devices surface often enough in user feedback to be a genuine annoyance.

Ratings

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX scores below are generated by AI after systematically analyzing thousands of verified global user reviews, with spam, incentivized, and bot-flagged submissions actively filtered out. The result is an honest, balanced snapshot of where these B&O headphones genuinely excel and where real buyers have run into frustration. Both the highlights and the shortcomings are reflected transparently in every category score.

Comfort & Fit
93%
Users consistently describe extended wearing sessions — four, five, even eight hours — without the ear fatigue or pressure headaches that plague heavier competitors. The 285g weight combined with the cushioned leather ear cups earns praise from office workers and long-haul travelers alike as one of the most comfortable over-ear experiences at this tier.
A small number of people with larger heads report that the headband adjustment range feels slightly limiting after prolonged use. Those who run hot also mention the leather ear pads can trap warmth during intense or active wear.
Active Noise Cancellation
78%
22%
The hybrid ANC handles consistent mid-range noise — airplane cabin hum, open-plan office buzz, train carriages — with real effectiveness. Most commuters and remote workers find it sufficient to stay focused without needing to crank volume to unhealthy levels.
Against sudden or irregular noise like voices or street construction, the ANC shows its limits more clearly. A meaningful share of buyers who compared this over-ear set directly against rivals available at lower prices felt the noise isolation did not justify the premium gap on ANC performance alone.
Sound Quality
86%
The 40mm dynamic drivers produce a well-balanced signature that audiophiles appreciate — nothing feels artificially boosted, and vocals sit naturally in the mix. Listeners who primarily consume podcasts, acoustic, jazz, or classical music find the honest tuning particularly satisfying.
Bass-heavy music fans may find the default sound profile a touch restrained. While the Beosonic EQ app allows customization, users who prefer an immediately punchy low-end out of the box might need time to dial in their preferred settings.
Battery Life
91%
Thirty hours of real-world playback is enough that most users only charge the Beoplay HX once or twice per week. Frequent flyers specifically highlight being able to survive a long-haul return journey without worrying about finding a power outlet at the airport.
Charge time of around three hours is acceptable but not fast by current standards. There is no quick-charge feature, so forgetting to plug in the night before a long trip can leave users scrambling.
Build Quality & Materials
89%
The combination of aluminum, leather, and quality plastics gives this over-ear set a solidity that feels proportionate to its price point. The headband flex and hinge mechanism draw frequent praise for feeling engineered rather than just assembled, and the matte finish resists visible fingerprints well.
Some users flag that the leather ear cushion surfaces show wear marks after several months of daily use. The plastic components, while sturdy, occasionally draw mild criticism from buyers who expected an even higher ratio of premium materials at this investment level.
Microphone & Call Quality
67%
33%
The built-in microphone handles everyday calls in reasonably quiet environments well enough that most remote workers use it for their daily video meetings without complaints from colleagues. It is reliable for basic voice communication tasks.
On windy streets or in noisy environments, the microphone clarity drops noticeably and callers frequently report struggling to hear clearly. For a headphone in this price category, several buyers felt call performance was a genuine weak spot compared to what competing brands offer.
App Experience
74%
26%
The Bang & Olufsen companion app is clean, intuitive, and the Beosonic sound tuning interface is genuinely enjoyable to use. Most users find setting up EQ preferences and toggling ANC modes straightforward, and the app rarely forces unwanted firmware updates mid-use.
A recurring frustration is occasional Bluetooth pairing inconsistency when switching between devices, which some users trace back to the app rather than the headphones themselves. Android users report slightly fewer connectivity hiccups than those on certain iOS versions.
Connectivity & Range
81%
19%
Bluetooth 5.1 provides a stable connection within normal room-to-room distances, and the 10-meter range is plenty for moving around a home or office without the audio cutting out. The presence of a detachable analog cable is a well-regarded safety net, especially on flights.
Multi-device switching — the ability to move fluidly between a laptop, phone, and tablet — is functional but not as polished as some rivals handle it. Users who constantly juggle multiple connected devices report it can feel slightly clunky to re-pair on the fly.
Design & Aesthetics
94%
The minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic is one of the most consistently praised aspects across all feedback categories. Owners frequently mention receiving compliments while wearing these B&O headphones in public, and the restrained Black Anthracite colorway pairs well with professional and casual wardrobes alike.
The design prioritizes looks over practicality in a few minor ways — the touch controls, while elegant, have a small learning curve and can occasionally be activated unintentionally during adjustment. Some buyers would prefer more visible physical button clarity.
Portability & Case
83%
The included protective hard case is routinely called out in user reviews as a highlight — it feels premium, keeps the headphones secure in a bag, and is sized sensibly for carry-on luggage. The headphones fold down compactly enough for daily commuting without feeling bulky.
The case, while well-built, adds meaningful volume to a work bag. Travelers who carry a minimal backpack may find the combined footprint of the case and headphones pushes against packing limits, particularly on budget carrier carry-on restrictions.
Value for Money
63%
37%
For buyers who prioritize design, comfort, and brand heritage equally alongside audio performance, these B&O headphones represent a coherent luxury package where the price reflects a broader experience rather than raw specs alone. Long-term owners tend to report high satisfaction with durability.
The honest reality is that on pure performance metrics — ANC strength, sound detail, microphone quality — competitors exist at significantly lower price points that match or exceed individual categories. Buyers paying the premium here are partly purchasing the B&O identity, and not everyone feels that is worth the gap.
ANC Transparency Mode
72%
28%
The transparency or hear-through mode works naturally enough for quick conversations or navigating a busy station without removing the headphones. Most users find it useful for situational awareness during commutes without the audio feeling artificial.
At higher volume levels, the transparency mode can introduce a faint processing artifact that some listeners find distracting. It is not among the most refined hear-through implementations available in this segment, and audiophile-oriented users notice the difference.
Water & Dust Resistance
76%
24%
The IP53 rating gives commuters meaningful reassurance during light rain and dusty travel environments. Users who have been caught in drizzle or used the Beoplay HX during light outdoor workouts report no functional issues afterward, which adds real-world confidence.
IP53 is not waterproof and falls short of the IPX5 or higher ratings offered by some sport-focused competitors. Buyers hoping to use this over-ear set during workouts in humid gyms or heavier rain should be aware the protection level has clear boundaries.
Controls & Usability
77%
23%
The hybrid touch and physical button control scheme handles volume, playback, and ANC toggling without requiring the user to reach for their phone in most situations. Once the control layout is memorized, day-to-day operation feels smooth and intuitive for most users.
The touch surface is sensitive enough that accidental inputs happen with some regularity, particularly when adjusting the headband fit or removing the headphones. New users typically need a short adjustment period before the controls feel second nature.

Suitable for:

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX is built for a specific kind of buyer, and when it lands in the right hands, it genuinely delivers. Frequent travelers who spend long hours on planes, trains, or in transit lounges will appreciate the all-day battery and effective noise cancellation that handles the monotonous drone of cabin pressure and platform noise without fuss. Remote workers and open-office professionals who keep headphones on from morning standup to late afternoon will find the lightweight build and cushioned ear cups far kinder to their head and ears than most competitors in this category. Design-conscious buyers who treat their accessories as an extension of personal style — and want something that looks as refined sitting on a desk as it does on their head — will feel the aesthetic is worth the investment. Listeners who prefer an honest, balanced sound signature over artificial bass boosting will also feel right at home, especially with the Beosonic EQ available to fine-tune preferences over time.

Not suitable for:

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX is a harder sell if your buying decision hinges purely on technical performance per dollar spent. Buyers who are cross-shopping primarily on ANC effectiveness will find that competing headphones available at significantly lower price points offer noise isolation that is at minimum comparable, and in some cases more aggressive against sudden or irregular sounds. If you make a lot of calls in noisy environments, the microphone performance is serviceable but unlikely to impress — colleagues on the other end will notice the difference in challenging acoustic conditions. Bass-heavy music listeners who want an immediately punchy, room-filling low end without app configuration will find the default tuning too restrained for their taste. Anyone on a strict budget, or who treats headphones as purely disposable tools rather than long-term investments, will likely struggle to justify the premium being asked here.

Specifications

  • Driver: Each ear cup houses a 40mm dynamic audio driver tuned for a balanced frequency response up to 20,000 Hz.
  • ANC Type: Hybrid active noise cancellation combines feedforward and feedback microphones to reduce ambient environmental noise across multiple frequency ranges.
  • Battery Life: The headphones deliver up to 30 hours of continuous wireless playback with ANC enabled on a single charge.
  • Charge Time: A full charge from empty takes approximately 3 hours via the included USB-A to USB-C cable.
  • Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 provides the wireless connection with a practical range of up to 10 meters from the paired source device.
  • Wired Option: A detachable 1.2m audio cable with a 3.5mm jack allows passive wired listening when the battery is depleted or on aircraft.
  • Weight: The headphones weigh 285g, placing them in the lightweight category for full-size over-ear headphones designed for extended wear.
  • Impedance: The rated impedance is 24 Ohm, making these headphones compatible with standard smartphone and laptop audio outputs without requiring an external amplifier.
  • Materials: The construction uses a combination of aluminum, genuine leather, rubber, and high-grade plastic across the headband, ear cups, and hinge components.
  • IP Rating: An IP53 rating provides protection against dust ingress and low-pressure water splashing from any direction, covering light rain and commuting conditions.
  • Controls: Playback, volume, ANC, and call management are handled through a combination of touch-sensitive panels and physical buttons on the ear cups.
  • App Control: The Bang & Olufsen companion app for iOS and Android provides access to the Beosonic EQ tuning interface and firmware update management.
  • Charging Port: The headphones charge via USB-C, and the included cable connects to a standard USB-A power source on the other end.
  • Connectivity: Simultaneous Bluetooth 5.1 wireless and passive 3.5mm wired input are both supported, with the wired cable detachable when not in use.
  • Carry Case: A structured protective hard case is included in the box, designed to safely house the folded headphones and cables during travel.
  • Included Cables: The box contains a 1.25m USB-A to USB-C charging cable and a 1.2m audio cord terminated with a 3.5mm jack on each end.
  • Generation: The Beoplay HX represents the second generation of this model line, featuring an updated hybrid ANC system compared to its predecessor.
  • Compatible Devices: These headphones are compatible with any Bluetooth-enabled device including smartphones, tablets, and laptops, and work wired with any device featuring a 3.5mm audio port.
  • Ear Cup Shape: The ear cups are over-ear in design, fully enclosing the ear rather than resting on it, which contributes to both passive isolation and wearing comfort.
  • Microphone: An integrated microphone is built into the headphones to support hands-free calls and voice assistant activation from the ear cup controls.

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FAQ

Yes, the included 3.5mm audio cable lets you plug directly into an in-flight entertainment system seat jack. Just keep in mind that in wired passive mode the ANC will not be active, so you will be relying on the physical seal of the ear cups for any noise reduction.

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX supports multipoint pairing, but switching between active devices is not always instant or automatic. Most users manually disconnect from one device and reconnect on the other through their device Bluetooth settings. It works reliably once you get the habit down, though it is not as fluid as some competitors handle the same task.

Bang & Olufsen does offer replacement ear cushions as accessories, though availability can vary by region. If you wear these headphones daily, it is worth checking B&O's official accessories section periodically, as the leather pads are the component most likely to show wear after a year or two of heavy use.

No, active noise cancellation requires the battery to be powered on. When you use the detachable 3.5mm cable with the headphones fully powered off, you get passive isolation only from the physical ear cup seal, which still provides a moderate amount of ambient noise reduction.

IP53 covers sweat and light splash exposure well enough for most gym sessions and commutes in light rain. That said, these are not sport headphones by design — the leather ear pads can get warm during intense activity, and submerging them or exposing them to heavy rain is not recommended. Think of the IP53 as practical everyday protection rather than athletic durability.

The right ear cup has a touch-sensitive panel for playback and volume, while physical buttons handle ANC toggling and calls. The touch surface is responsive, which is generally a good thing, but accidental inputs when adjusting the headband or removing the headphones do happen, especially early on. Most users adapt to a more deliberate grip within a few days.

Any device with Bluetooth output or a 3.5mm audio output can work with this over-ear set. For TVs, you would typically need either a Bluetooth transmitter plugged into the TV if it lacks native Bluetooth, or use the wired cable if the TV has a headphone jack. The headphones themselves do not impose any platform limitations.

Most users report battery life landing comfortably in the 25 to 30 hour range with ANC enabled at moderate volume, which is very close to the advertised figure. Heavy ANC use at high volume will bring it toward the lower end, but even then most people find they only charge once or twice a week with normal daily listening habits.

It does, more than many built-in EQ tools. The Beosonic interface uses a spatial grid rather than traditional frequency sliders, which makes adjustments feel more intuitive. The default tuning is deliberately balanced and neutral, so if you prefer more bass or a brighter top end, spending ten minutes in the app will get you meaningfully closer to your preferred sound signature.

In a quiet home office, call quality is fine and colleagues will hear you clearly without complaint. In a busy coffee shop or on a street corner, the microphone picks up more ambient noise than you might hope for at this price level, and callers may ask you to repeat yourself. It is adequate for daily work calls but not a strong point compared to headphones with more advanced noise-rejecting mic arrays.