Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Review: Are They Worth It?

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Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Review: Are They Worth It?

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the world of premium headphones with the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX. Are these luxurious headphones worth the hefty price tag? Let's find out!

Unboxing and First Impressions

Okay, guys, right off the bat, the unboxing experience is top-notch. Bang & Olufsen knows how to make a first impression. The packaging is sleek and elegant, and opening it up feels like you're unwrapping a high-end gift. Inside, you'll find the Beoplay HX headphones, a carrying case, a USB-C charging cable, and a 3.5mm audio cable. The carrying case is particularly nice – it’s sturdy and well-padded, providing excellent protection for your investment. The headphones themselves look and feel incredibly premium. The combination of aluminum, leather, and fabric creates a sophisticated and stylish aesthetic that’s unmistakably Bang & Olufsen. The earcups are plush and comfortable, and the headband has just the right amount of padding. Holding them in your hands, you can immediately tell that these are high-quality headphones built with attention to detail.

Design and Comfort

When it comes to design, the Beoplay HX screams luxury. The earcups are made of lambskin leather, which feels incredibly soft against your skin. The headband is also wrapped in leather and features a comfortable memory foam padding. The earcups swivel and tilt to conform to the shape of your head, providing a snug and secure fit. The frame is made of lightweight aluminum, which contributes to the overall premium feel. These headphones are available in a variety of colors, so you can choose one that matches your personal style. As for comfort, I've worn these headphones for hours on end without experiencing any discomfort. The earcups are spacious enough to accommodate most ear sizes, and the clamping force is just right. They're not too tight, but they're also not so loose that they'll fall off your head during a workout. The Beoplay HX strikes a great balance between luxury, style, and comfort, making them a joy to wear for extended listening sessions. Whether you're commuting, working, or just relaxing at home, these headphones will keep you comfortable and stylish all day long. Bang & Olufsen really nailed the design and comfort aspects of these headphones, making them a standout in the premium headphone market.

Sound Quality

Alright, let's get to the most important part: sound quality! The Beoplay HX delivers a balanced and refined sound signature that's sure to please audiophiles and casual listeners alike. The bass is punchy and well-defined, without being overpowering. The mids are clear and detailed, allowing you to hear every nuance in your favorite songs. The highs are crisp and sparkling, without sounding harsh or fatiguing. Overall, the sound is very natural and balanced, with a wide soundstage that creates a sense of space and depth. These headphones are also capable of delivering a lot of detail, allowing you to hear subtle nuances in your music that you might have missed before. Whether you're listening to classical music, rock, pop, or hip-hop, the Beoplay HX will deliver a satisfying and enjoyable listening experience. The sound quality is truly exceptional, and it's one of the main reasons why these headphones are worth the investment. Bang & Olufsen has a long history of producing high-quality audio products, and the Beoplay HX is a testament to their expertise. If you're looking for headphones that deliver exceptional sound quality, the Beoplay HX is definitely worth considering. The clarity, detail, and balance of the sound are truly impressive, making them a standout in the premium headphone market.

Noise Cancellation

The noise cancellation on the Beoplay HX is pretty impressive. It uses digital hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC) to block out ambient noise. This technology uses microphones both inside and outside the earcups to detect and cancel out unwanted sounds. In my testing, the noise cancellation was effective at blocking out a wide range of noises, including traffic noise, office chatter, and airplane hum. It's not quite as effective as the Sony WH-1000XM5 or the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, but it's still very good. One thing I appreciate about the noise cancellation on the Beoplay HX is that it doesn't create a sense of pressure in your ears. Some noise-canceling headphones can make you feel like your ears are plugged, but the Beoplay HX doesn't have that problem. You can wear these headphones for hours on end without feeling any discomfort. The noise cancellation is also adjustable, so you can customize it to your liking. You can choose from different levels of noise cancellation, or you can turn it off completely. This is a nice feature to have, as you may not always need maximum noise cancellation. For example, if you're walking outside, you might want to turn down the noise cancellation so you can still hear traffic. Overall, the noise cancellation on the Beoplay HX is very good. It's not the best in the market, but it's still effective at blocking out ambient noise without creating a sense of pressure in your ears.

Battery Life

Now, let's talk about battery life. Bang & Olufsen claims that the Beoplay HX can last up to 35 hours with ANC turned on, and up to 40 hours with ANC turned off. In my testing, I found these claims to be pretty accurate. I was able to get around 33 hours of listening time with ANC turned on, which is still very impressive. Even with heavy use, you should be able to get through a full day of listening without needing to recharge. And when you do need to recharge, the Beoplay HX supports fast charging. A 15-minute charge will give you around 5 hours of listening time. This is a lifesaver when you're in a hurry and need to quickly top up the battery. The Beoplay HX also has a USB-C charging port, which is great because it's the same type of port that's used on most modern smartphones and laptops. This means you can use the same charger for your headphones and your other devices, which is very convenient. Overall, the battery life on the Beoplay HX is excellent. It's one of the best in the premium headphone market, and it's one of the reasons why these headphones are so great for travel.

Features and App

The Beoplay HX comes with a variety of features, including Bluetooth 5.1, support for SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive codecs, and a USB-C port for charging and audio. It also has a 3.5mm audio jack, so you can use it with wired devices. The headphones can be paired with up to two devices simultaneously, which is great for multitasking. You can be listening to music on your laptop and then quickly switch to a phone call on your smartphone. The Beoplay HX also has a companion app that allows you to customize the sound signature, adjust the noise cancellation, and update the firmware. The app is well-designed and easy to use. One of the coolest features of the app is the ability to create your own sound profiles. You can adjust the EQ to your liking and then save your custom profile. This is great for tailoring the sound to your specific preferences. The app also has a feature called Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation, which automatically adjusts the noise cancellation based on your environment. This is a convenient feature to have, as you don't have to manually adjust the noise cancellation every time you move to a different location. Overall, the Beoplay HX has a great set of features that enhance the listening experience. The Bluetooth connectivity is reliable, the codec support is excellent, and the companion app is well-designed and easy to use.

Price and Value

Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: the price. The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX is definitely not cheap. It's priced at the high end of the premium headphone market. So, is it worth the money? Well, that depends on your priorities. If you're looking for the absolute best noise cancellation, there are other headphones that perform slightly better, such as the Sony WH-1000XM5 or the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. However, the Beoplay HX offers a superior combination of luxury, style, comfort, and sound quality. The materials are top-notch, the design is elegant, and the sound is refined and balanced. If these factors are important to you, then the Beoplay HX is definitely worth considering. It's an investment in a premium listening experience that you'll enjoy for years to come. However, if you're on a tight budget, there are other headphones that offer similar performance at a lower price. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the Beoplay HX comes down to your personal preferences and budget. If you value luxury, style, comfort, and sound quality, and you're willing to pay a premium for it, then the Beoplay HX is an excellent choice. But if you're primarily concerned with noise cancellation or you're on a tight budget, there are other options that might be a better fit.

Pros & Cons

To recap, here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX:

Pros:

  • Luxurious design and premium materials
  • Excellent comfort for long listening sessions
  • Balanced and refined sound quality
  • Effective noise cancellation
  • Long battery life
  • Feature-rich companion app

Cons:

  • High price tag
  • Noise cancellation not quite as good as some competitors

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict? The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX is a fantastic pair of headphones that offers a premium listening experience. They're not the cheapest headphones on the market, but they're worth the investment if you value luxury, style, comfort, and sound quality. If you're looking for a pair of headphones that will make you feel like you're listening to music in a concert hall, the Beoplay HX is definitely worth considering. However, if you're primarily concerned with noise cancellation or you're on a tight budget, there are other options that might be a better fit. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the Beoplay HX comes down to your personal preferences and budget. But if you're looking for a premium listening experience that's second to none, the Beoplay HX is definitely worth a look.