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amazon B&O Beoplay EX reviews
B&O Beoplay EX is a true wireless headset of very good quality. It has a beautiful design, a comfortable wearing experience, excellent sound quality, fast wireless connectivity, long battery life, and highly effective noise cancellation.
Design and wearing experience
In terms of design, Beoplay EX has an eye-catching appearance and stands out more than its two brothers, Beoplay EQ and Beoplay E8 Sport. Although possessing a form similar to Apple’s Airpods Pro headset, Beoplay EX offers a much better wearing experience.
The housing part with an oval design provides a perfect fit when wearing the Beoplay EX on the ear. The tapered and compact design allows the sound tube to go deep inside the listener’s ear without causing discomfort. Comes with the headset will have 5 pairs of eartips including 4 pairs of silicone eartips (XS/S/M/L) and 1 pair of B&O Comply eartips. Through practical experience, these tips bring comfort and certainty when used.
The entire outer shell of the headset will be made of matte aluminum and undergoes alumite treatment to limit oxidation over time while enhancing scratch resistance. To create a highlight for B&O Beoplay EX, the faceplate of the headset will be covered with a layer of PVD tempered glass. When the light shines on, the glass will change color and look very eye-catching. Surrounding this glass is a shiny aluminum ring.
Similar to the headset part, the B&O Beoplay EX’s charging case also has an outer shell made of matte aluminum and undergoes alumite treatment. The charging box part uses a clamshell opening and closing mechanism with the lid embossed with the “Bang & Olufsen” logo. The front will have an LED indicator that shows the battery status, and the Type-C charging port is located on the back of the charging case.
With the IP57 waterproof standard, being exposed to rain or sweat will not affect the Beoplay EX too much. The headset will have three color options: Anthracite Oxygen, Gold Tone, and Anthracite.
The only downside in the design of Beoplay EX is that the glass on the faceplate is easy to stick to fingerprints. Therefore, users need to clean the headset regularly.
Outstanding Features
Each Beoplay EX headset will be equipped with a driver with a diameter of 9.2mm. This is the largest driver cluster ever used by Bang & Olufsen on true wireless headset models. With this upgrade, the audio performance will be significantly improved, the sound bands will have better detail and dynamics.
Using the Bluetooth 5.2 standard and supported by the SBC, ACC & aptX Adaptive series of codecs, the wireless connection on the B&O Beoplay EX has excellent accuracy and responsiveness. The sound latency is very low and the obstacles in the room will not affect the connection quality much.
The battery life of Beoplay EX is very impressive when it can play music continuously for 6 hours with ANC on and increases to 8 hours with ANC off. The charging case will give the headset another 10 to 12 hours of music playback. In addition to the fast charging feature, the Beoplay EX’s charging box is also equipped with Qi-standard wireless charging with a full charge time of about 2 hours.
Each Beoplay EX headset is equipped with 3 microphones that improve realism, clarity, and sharpness when talking.
Although the passive noise cancellation on B&O Beoplay EX is not good. However, with the help of the ANC feature, the noise in the outside environment such as the howling wind or the chatter of people around is eliminated. You can fully adjust the noise canceling effect flexibly through the Bang & Olufsen app. There are 5 modes for you to choose from Optimal, Sport, Commute, Clear, and Podcast.
Comes with ANC is also the familiar Ambient Mode feature that allows users to both enjoy music and hear the voice of the opposite person.
Sound quality
The sound of the B&O Beoplay EX is vibrant and the volume is louder and clearer than the Beoplay EQ and E8 Sport. This is completely understandable because the driver cluster on Beoplay EX is much larger.
The tonal ranges are reproduced in detail and sharp by Beoplay EX, especially the vocals have very good volume and represent the nuances of the original music. The timbre in the treble and bass ranges sounds very natural, while the image is highly detailed and has a relatively good layering ability. The bass range is lively, rich in internal force, and very powerful, however, the soundstage does not have wide.
The Beosonic feature on the Bang & Olufsen application allows users to flexibly choose between 4 different sound modes: Bright, Energetic, Warm, and Relaxed. Beoplay EX fully meets all audiophile’s music enjoyment needs.
The launch of B&O Beoplay EX is a big step for Bang & Olufsen in the market for true wireless headphones. With a large driver cluster, intensely attractive appearance, many smart features, and high vivid sound quality, Beoplay EX is well worth the money you spend.
Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
The Beoplay EX features advanced active noise cancellation (ANC) technology, which effectively reduces ambient noise and allows for an uninterrupted listening experience. The ANC performance is impressive, capable of blocking out a wide range of external sounds, from the hum of an airplane engine to the chatter of a crowded café. This makes the earbuds ideal for travel, commuting, and other noisy environments.
The transparency mode, also known as ambient mode, is equally effective. By using the built-in microphones, the earbuds can let in external sounds when needed, allowing users to stay aware of their surroundings without removing the earbuds. This is particularly useful for situations where situational awareness is essential, such as walking in busy streets or having a quick conversation.
The transition between ANC and transparency mode is seamless, and users can easily switch between modes using the touch controls on the earbuds or the B&O app. The app also allows for customization of the ANC levels, giving users the flexibility to adjust the noise cancellation according to their preferences and the surrounding environment.
Connectivity and Controls
The Beoplay EX uses Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless connectivity, ensuring a stable and reliable connection with minimal latency. The earbuds support SBC, AAC, and aptX adaptive codecs, providing high-quality audio streaming across various devices. Pairing the earbuds with a smartphone, tablet, or laptop is a straightforward process, and the connection remains strong even in busy environments with multiple wireless signals.
The touch controls on the Beoplay EX are intuitive and responsive, allowing users to manage playback, volume, calls, and ANC modes with simple gestures. The touch-sensitive surface on each earbud is easy to use, and the controls can be customized through the B&O app. This level of customization is a welcome feature, as it allows users to tailor the controls to their specific needs and preferences.
The B&O app also provides additional functionality, such as EQ settings and firmware updates. The EQ presets are well-designed, offering a range of sound profiles to suit different listening preferences. Users can also create custom EQ settings, further enhancing the versatility of the Beoplay EX.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor for true wireless earbuds, and the Beoplay EX performs admirably in this regard. The earbuds offer up to 6 hours of playback with ANC turned on and up to 8 hours with ANC off. The charging case provides an additional 14 hours of battery life, bringing the total to 20 hours with ANC on and 28 hours with ANC off. This ensures that users can enjoy extended listening sessions without frequent recharging.
The charging case supports both USB-C and wireless charging, offering flexibility and convenience. A quick 15-minute charge provides up to 1.5 hours of playback, which is useful for those times when you need a quick boost before heading out. The LED indicator on the case provides a clear indication of the battery status, so users always know when it’s time to recharge.
Call Quality and Microphone Performance
The Beoplay EX is equipped with high-quality microphones that deliver excellent call clarity. The earbuds feature beamforming technology, which focuses on the user’s voice while minimizing background noise. This ensures that calls are clear and intelligible, even in noisy environments. The earbuds also support dual-microphone noise reduction, further enhancing call quality by filtering out ambient sounds.
Users have reported positive experiences with the call quality on the Beoplay EX, noting that their voices are heard clearly on the other end of the line. The transparency mode can also be activated during calls, allowing users to hear their own voice naturally and maintain a more comfortable conversation.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is a key consideration for any pair of earbuds, and the Beoplay EX excels in this area. The ergonomic design and lightweight construction make the earbuds comfortable to wear for extended periods. The variety of ear tips included in the package ensures a secure and personalized fit, catering to different ear shapes and sizes.
The earbuds stay in place during various activities, including workouts and running, thanks to their snug fit. The IP57 rating adds to their versatility, making them resistant to sweat and water. This makes the Beoplay EX a reliable choice for users who need earbuds that can handle both daily use and active lifestyles.
Software and App Experience
The B&O app is an integral part of the Beoplay EX experience, offering a range of features and customization options. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and provides a user-friendly interface for managing the earbuds’ settings.
Key features of the app include:
- EQ Customization: Users can choose from several EQ presets or create their own custom settings to tailor the sound to their preferences.
- ANC and Transparency Mode Settings: The app allows users to adjust the levels of noise cancellation and transparency mode, providing flexibility based on the surrounding environment.
- Touch Control Customization: Users can customize the touch controls on the earbuds, assigning different functions to various gestures.
- Firmware Updates: The app ensures that the earbuds are always up to date with the latest firmware, improving performance and adding new features over time.
The app’s intuitive design and comprehensive functionality enhance the overall user experience, making it easy to get the most out of the Beoplay EX.
where can you get a B&O Beoplay EX online
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX – Wireless Bluetooth Earphones with Microphone and Active Noise Cancelling, Waterproof, 20 Hours of Playtime: Buy it now
Value and Conclusion
The B&O Beoplay EX is undeniably a premium product, and its price reflects that. However, the combination of exceptional sound quality, luxurious design, advanced features, and comfortable fit makes it a compelling choice for audiophiles and discerning consumers. The Beoplay EX excels in delivering a rich and immersive audio experience that stands out in the crowded true wireless earbud market.
While the Beoplay EX is priced higher than many of its competitors, the added value in terms of build quality, design, and sound performance justifies the investment for those seeking a top-tier audio experience. The earbuds are versatile enough to cater to various listening preferences, from bass-heavy tracks to delicate acoustic performances, making them a well-rounded choice for a wide range of users.
In conclusion, the B&O Beoplay EX is a standout product in the true wireless earbud category. Its premium design, outstanding sound quality, effective ANC, and comprehensive feature set make it a worthy investment for anyone looking to elevate their listening experience. While there are other excellent options available, the Beoplay EX offers a unique blend of luxury and performance that is hard to match, solidifying its place as a top contender in the market.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros:
- Exceptional sound quality with a balanced and detailed sound signature
- Luxurious design and premium build quality
- Comfortable and secure fit with multiple ear tip options
- Effective active noise cancellation and transparency mode
- Comprehensive touch controls and customization via the B&O app
- Long battery life with convenient charging options
Cons:
- Premium price point may be a barrier for some users
- Charging case is not waterproof
- ANC performance, while excellent, is slightly behind industry leaders like Bose
Final Thoughts
The B&O Beoplay EX is a testament to Bang & Olufsen’s commitment to delivering high-quality audio products that combine form and function. These earbuds offer a truly immersive listening experience, backed by cutting-edge technology and a design that exudes luxury. While they come with a premium price tag, the Beoplay EX justifies the cost with its top-notch performance and exquisite craftsmanship. If you’re in the market for high-end true wireless earbuds that don’t compromise on any aspect, the Beoplay EX should be at the top of your list.