Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX: A Comprehensive Review of Luxury and Performance

When it comes to premium headphones, Bang & Olufsen (B&O) has long been synonymous with luxury, craftsmanship, and exceptional sound quality. The Beoplay HX is no exception, offering a blend of Scandinavian design, cutting-edge technology, and immersive audio performance. But with a price tag of $500, is it worth the investment? In this in-depth review, we’ll explore every aspect of the Beoplay HX, from its design and comfort to its sound quality, noise cancellation, and battery life. Whether you’re an audiophile, a frequent traveler, or someone who values style and substance, this review will help you decide if the Beoplay HX is the right choice for you.

Design and Build Quality: A Masterpiece of Craftsmanship

Premium Materials and Aesthetic Appeal

The Beoplay HX is a testament to Bang & Olufsen’s commitment to luxury. The headphones feature a combination of recycled aluminum, lambskin leather, and memory foam, creating a tactile and aromatic experience that exudes sophistication. Available in four elegant colorways—Sand, Black Anthracite, Timber, and Maroon—the HX is designed to appeal to those who value aesthetics as much as performance.

The aluminum headband is both lightweight and durable, while the lambskin ear pads provide a plush, comfortable fit. The circular ear cushions are designed to fit a wide range of head sizes, though some users with larger ears may find them slightly snug.

Ergonomics and Comfort

Weighing just 285 grams, the Beoplay HX is lighter than many competitors, making it comfortable for extended use. The memory foam padding on the headband and ear cups ensures a snug yet gentle fit, while the minimal clamping force reduces pressure on the ears and head.

However, the round ear pads have been a point of contention for some users. While they fit most people comfortably, those with larger ears may experience discomfort due to pressure on the ear cartilage. For this reason, some users might prefer the oval ear pads found on B&O’s flagship H95 model.

Portability and Durability

One area where the Beoplay HX falls short is portability. Unlike many competitors, the HX is not fully collapsible, which makes it less convenient for travel. Additionally, the ear pads are screw-on rather than magnetic, making them more difficult to replace or clean.

The included carry case is sturdy and well-padded, but its bulky design can take up significant space in a backpack. While it offers excellent protection, it’s not as compact or travel-friendly as the cases provided with some competing models.

Sound Quality: A Balanced and Immersive Experience

Audio Performance

Photo by Totte Annerbrink on Unsplash

The Beoplay HX is equipped with custom 40mm drivers featuring neodymium magnets, delivering a sound profile that is both detailed and immersive. The headphones excel in reproducing vocals and treble, with a wide soundstage and tight, controlled bass.

• Soundstage: The HX offers a spacious soundstage, making it ideal for genres like classical, jazz, and acoustic music.
• Bass: While the bass is punchy and well-defined, it’s not as dominant as in some competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM4. This makes the HX better suited for listeners who prefer a neutral sound profile.
• Mids and Treble: The mids are clear and detailed, while the treble is crisp without being overly harsh.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Sound Quality

One notable aspect of the Beoplay HX is that its sound quality is best with ANC turned off. When ANC is enabled, the soundstage narrows slightly, and the bass loses some of its resonance. While the ANC is effective at canceling lower-frequency sounds like airplane engines or traffic noise, it struggles with higher-frequency sounds such as voices or clattering dishes.

For audiophiles who prioritize sound quality over noise cancellation, the HX is a strong contender. However, if ANC is a priority, you might find better performance in models like the Sony WH-1000XM4 or Bose NC 700.

Battery Life: Long-Lasting Performance

One of the standout features of the Beoplay HX is its impressive battery life. With 35 hours of playback with ANC on and 40 hours with ANC off, the HX outperforms many competitors, including the AirPods Max (20 hours) and Bose NC 700 (20 hours).

The headphones also support quick charging, providing 4 hours of playback with just 15 minutes of charging. A full charge takes approximately 2-3 hours via the included USB-C cable.

Connectivity and Controls: Seamless and Intuitive

Bluetooth and Codecs

The Beoplay HX supports Bluetooth 5.1 and is compatible with aptX Adaptive, SBC, and AAC codecs. This ensures robust, low-latency audio streaming, particularly on Android devices. The headphones also support multi-device connectivity, allowing you to switch seamlessly between two devices, such as a laptop and smartphone.

Touch Controls

The right ear cup features a touch-sensitive control panel for play/pause, volume adjustment, and track skipping. While the controls are intuitive, some users have noted that they require slightly more pressure than typical touchpads, which can take some getting used to.

The HX also includes wear sensors that automatically pause music when you remove the headphones and resume playback when you put them back on.

Noise Cancellation: Effective but Not Class-Leading

The Beoplay HX uses hybrid ANC technology, which combines feedforward and feedback microphones to cancel out ambient noise. While the ANC is effective at reducing low-frequency sounds, it struggles with higher-frequency noises.

The transparency mode is natural-sounding, with minimal hissing, making it ideal for situations where you need to be aware of your surroundings, such as crossing a busy street or having a conversation.

Microphone Performance: Clear and Reliable

The Beoplay HX features four dedicated microphones that utilize beamforming technology to enhance call clarity. The microphones excel at separating your voice from background noise, making the HX an excellent choice for phone calls and video conferences.

Pros and Cons: Is the Beoplay HX Worth It?

Pros:

• Luxurious design and premium materials.
• Excellent sound quality with a wide soundstage and detailed mids/treble.
• Impressive battery life (35-40 hours).
• Comfortable fit with minimal heat buildup.
• Superior microphone performance for calls.

Cons:

• ANC performance is average compared to competitors.
• Round ear pads may cause discomfort for some users.
• Non-collapsible design and screw-on ear pads are less convenient.
• High price tag ($500).

Verdict: Who Should Buy the Beoplay HX?

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX is a premium pair of headphones that excels in design, comfort, and sound quality. It’s an excellent choice for those who value luxury and aesthetics and are willing to pay a premium for a refined listening experience.

However, if noise cancellation or bass-heavy sound is a priority, you might find better options in the Sony WH-1000XM4 or Bose NC 700. Similarly, if you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, the Sennheiser Momentum 3 or Bowers & Wilkins PX7 offer comparable performance at a lower price.

Ultimately, the Beoplay HX is a lifestyle product that combines style, comfort, and performance. If you’re willing to invest in a pair of headphones that look and feel as good as they sound, the Beoplay HX is a worthy contender.

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