- The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX headphones stand out for their highly detailed and powerful sound, featuring 9,2mm drivers and an advanced equalizer for demanding audiophiles.
- Their premium design with materials such as aluminum and glass, IP57 certification and good fit make them suitable for daily use and sports, although they are not the most compact.
- Noise cancellation and transparency mode work, but they fall short of models like AirPods Pro 2 or Sony WF-1000XM4, and the app can be somewhat unstable.
- Priced at around €399, they offer high value if you prioritize sound quality and build quality over absolute comfort and smart features.
If you're looking for a high-end wireless headset and have your eye on the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EXYou probably want more than just the typical spec sheet. These headphones come with the promise of top-notch sound, premium build quality, and advanced features like active noise cancellation, but it's also worth knowing how they stack up against serious rivals like the AirPods Pro 2, Sony WF-1000XM4 or Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3.
Below you will find a In-depth analysis of Beoplay EX By gathering and reorganizing all available information—specifications, design, comfort, sound quality, battery life, app, strengths, real shortcomings, and direct comparisons with other popular models—the goal is that, by the end of this article, you'll know whether these Bang & Olufsen headphones fit your needs or if another option would be a better fit.
Technical specifications and key features of the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX
The Beoplay EX are Bang & Olufsen's most complete fully wireless offering to date, with a set of specifications designed for a demanding user who prioritizes soundBut it doesn't want to give up on design or modern features.
- Type: truly wireless (TWS) in-ear headphones with a cane design.
- Controllers: 9,2mm neodymium drivers (the largest used by the brand in TWS).
- Noise Cancellation: Active adaptive ANC + transparency mode.
- Microphones: 6 microphones in total (3 in each earpiece) for calls and noise cancellation.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint support and fast synchronization with Google, Apple, and Microsoft.
- Audio codecs: AAC, aptX Adaptive and SBC for a high quality audio on different devices.
- Headphone battery: 70 mAh per earphone, with up to 6 hours of playback with ANC active and up to 8 hours without ANC (according to Bang & Olufsen).
- Case Battery: 380 mAh, offering an additional 20-21 hours of listening time, for a total of around 21 hours of combined battery life.
- Load: via USB-C and wirelessly with Qi standard; fast charging that provides approximately 1,75 hours of playback with just 20 minutes of charging.
- Resistance: IP57 certified against water and dust, suitable for rain and sports.
- Makings: combination of aluminum, polymer, silicone and tempered glass on the touch surface.
- Controls: Touch panels to manage playback, volume, calls and sound modes.
- Weight: about 6 grams per earphone, despite the size of the driver.
- Colors: Finishes in black, gray/blue (Anthracite Oxygen) and gold with black, all with a very careful aesthetic.
- Introductory price: unos 399 € in Europe, and around 9.990 kroner in Nordic markets (with occasional promotions that lower the price).
Design, materials and feel in hand
Bang & Olufsen has abandoned its classic circular button-style format in the EX line, opting instead for a AirPods-style "stick" designThe result is a more recognizable earphone, with a narrow stem and a somewhat bulky in-ear capsule housing the 9,2 mm driver.
The combination of aluminum, polymer and materials tempered glass in the touch area It gives them a very premium look. The glass panel reflects light strikingly, so the logo and finish clearly convey that this is a high-end product. Furthermore, a small LED is integrated into the touch area to indicate pairing and status.
The available colors (black, gold, and a gray-blue mix called Anthracite Oxygen) reinforce that air of Stylish and minimalist headsetIt's not a completely discreet design, but it is very refined, closer to a technological jewel than a simple gadget.
Charging case: size, construction and ergonomics
The Beoplay EX case also opts for a sober aesthetic, with a finish in dark gray and the Bang & Olufsen logo at the top. The front includes several LEDs that show the charging status, while the USB-C port is located at the rear.
In hand, the box is somewhat larger than that of other rivals on the market, so It's not the most compact case that you'll find. Even so, it remains perfectly portable in a jacket or trouser pocket. The construction feels solid and in line with the price range, although some users may find it a bit bulky to carry around all the time.
Inside the package, in addition to the case and headphones, are included Replacement pads in various sizesIt includes a USB-C cable and basic documentation. The packaging isn't particularly eye-catching; the box is fairly standard, white with an image of the product and the main specifications. Considering the price, they could have put more effort into the unboxing, but ultimately, what matters is what's inside.
Comfort and fit for everyday wear
As for the fit, the Beoplay EX are in-ear headphones with a stem, and their body is slightly bulkier than other TWS earbuds. This makes the fit a bit more secure. quite stable and safe, especially useful for running or exercising, but it can also mean that not everyone will feel equally comfortable in them.
There are conflicting opinions: on the one hand, there are users who point out that They stay in place wonderfully and hardly need readjusting.even while running; on the other hand, an audio engineer who compared them directly with Sony WF-1000XM4, Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 and Apple AirPods Pro commented that, for him, the comfort was "good, but not excellent", and that both the Sennheiser and the AirPods Pro were more comfortable to wear for many hours.
The choice of ear pads plays an important role. Bang & Olufsen includes several sizes to help achieve a proper seal, which influences both Comfort, sound quality, and noise cancellationIf you find the right size, the passive isolation is quite good and the earpiece doesn't move, but if your ear is more sensitive to bulky headphones, you might notice the presence of the earpiece more than you'd like.
Sound quality: the great strength
If there's one area where the Beoplay EX headphones truly shine, it's undoubtedly audio quality. Several reviews agree that they offer a Very clean, powerful and dynamic sound, in a league superior to many "mainstream" TWS.
The 9,2mm driver translates into a wide and very clear soundstage. One user who compared them directly to the Sony WF-1000XM4, Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 and AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd gen) He was very clear: for him, the Beoplay EX headphones sounded the best of them all, by far. As an audio engineer and music lover, he emphasized that this aspect was crucial, and that the resolution and tonal balance of the EX headphones were superior to the rest.
As for the sound signature, the bass is forceful but very controlledWith the right equalization, you can achieve a very present bass without the sound becoming muddy. Compared to other models like the Jabra Elite 85t, it's noticeable that with those, when the bass is boosted too much, the entire audio becomes dark and loses definition, while with the Beoplay EX the sound remains clear, with reinforced bass but without muddying the mids and highs.
The media plays with good presence, making the main vocals and instruments sound close and detailedThis is especially noticeable in podcasts, vocal music, and spoken content. For this purpose, the Bang & Olufsen app even includes a specific mode called "spoken word," more suitable for audiobooks and podcasts if you don't want such a musical sound.
In the high frequencies, the EX maintain an interesting balance: crisp highs with enough sparkle to provide air and definition, but without being harsh. The overall result is a pair of headphones with a A very enjoyable profile for all kinds of musicFrom electronic music with powerful bass to jazz or classical, where the spaciousness and separation of instruments is appreciated.
Bang & Olufsen equalizer and app
Sound control is managed through the official Bang & Olufsen app, available for mobile devices. From there, you can select various options. preset sound modes and also adjust a more advanced equalizer. Here, the experience depends largely on what you expect.
On the one hand, some people highly value the equalizer's versatility and consider it one of the points that justify the price, as it allows Fine-tune how you want the headphones to soundYou can adjust the response to boost bass, prioritize vocal clarity, soften treble, etc., and the result is clearly noticeable when listening.
On the other hand, some users point out that the equalizer interface is somewhat "vague" or unclear: by not showing frequency ranges or specific values, it is difficult to understand exactly how it works. What are you uploading or cutting?This can be frustrating if you're coming from more traditional equalizers with clearly labeled frequency bands.
Furthermore, the app can sometimes cause problems: there have been reports intermittent connection problems There are issues with the headphones and glitches during firmware updates. It's not constant, but it happens often enough to warrant mentioning. Overall, the app is useful for pairing, updating, adjusting sound, and managing listening modes, but the user experience could be more polished.
Active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency mode
Bang & Olufsen equips the Beoplay EX with a system of adaptive active noise cancellationIt relies on its six microphones, which also handle calls. On paper, the ANC should be one of its strengths, but in practice, opinions are very divided.
In normal usage scenarios, the ANC system works and significantly reduces constant background noise (typical city, public transport, office hum). Some reviews consider it effective and commensurate with the price point, but other users, especially when comparing them to models like the AirPods Pro or the Sony WF-1000XM4, note that Cancellation is neither that aggressive nor that effective as one might expect. One of the testimonies is quite harsh: it comments that the ANC “was barely noticeable”, falling behind its main rivals.
Transparency mode has even more criticism. The idea is to let in ambient sound so you can talk to other people or move around the street with greater awareness of your surroundings. However, several users point out that the The audio in transparency sounds somewhat artificial.with a slight whistling or hissing sound in the background, and an unnatural feel. One of them even commented that he preferred to take off the earbud rather than activate this mode.
In addition to this, there is an important detail: the Beoplay EX They do not have hearing detection Like other high-end TWS earbuds, these don't automatically pause playback when you remove one. In practice, this means that if you want to talk to someone and take out one earbud, the music will continue playing in the other unless you manually pause it. This is a minor drawback at this price point, especially if you're used to the more intuitive experience of the AirPods Pro.
Call quality and speaking experience
Thanks to its six microphones, the Beoplay EX offers very solid call performance. The other person usually hears a clear and well-isolated voice from outside noise, even on busy streets. Only strong winds can cause significant problems, which is common with most TWS.
However, when you talk to yourself while wearing the headphones, there are some details to consider. One user who compared them directly to the AirPods Pro commented that with the Beoplay EX He perceived his own voice very “inside his head”due to the effect of bone conduction and the isolation. In contrast, with the AirPods Pro it felt more natural, possibly due to the ventilation system that Apple uses in its headphones.
This affects especially those They talk a lot with their headphones on. (continuous calls, video conferences, etc.). In that scenario, even if the other person can hear you clearly, you might not feel as comfortable with the sound of your own voice. The AirPods Pro perform better in this specific area.
Battery life and actual autonomy versus what was promised
According to official data, the Beoplay EX offers up to 6 hours of playback with ANC enabled and up to 8 hours with noise cancellation turned off. Including the charging case, the total battery life is around 21 hours, a competitive figure in the high-end range.
The reality, however, can vary. One of the users who tested them extensively indicates that with ANC turned off, he barely got more than a little more than 3 hours of continuous useThis is far from the advertised figures. It's possible it was a defective unit, very intensive use at high volume, or a combination of factors, but it's worth bearing in mind: real-world range may not always reach the maximum advertised figures.
The 380 mAh charging case provides about three additional full charges, and fast charging is very convenient: about 20 minutes is enough for approximately 1,75 hours of playback. The Qi wireless charging compatibility, something almost mandatory at this price point.
One detail that some people miss is a manual shut-off function or some kind of more advanced power management, as other models do offer (for example, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3, which allow you to completely turn off the headphones to extend battery life in the long run). With the Beoplay EX, you rely more on them entering sleep mode via software, without as much direct control.
Durability, sports use and IP57 certification
One of the strengths of the Beoplay EX is its IP57 certificationwhich makes them dust and water resistant. They're not designed for swimming, but they can easily withstand heavy rain, sweat, and accidental splashes.
In real-world usage tests, the headphones have been wet during training and outdoor activities without suffering damage. Added to a secure fit and the fact that they barely move while running if you choose the right ear pads, the Beoplay EX position themselves as a very serious option for sports, provided the size of the box doesn't bother you when transporting it.
Practical comparison with other high-end headphones
To provide better context, it's worth seeing how the Beoplay EX compares to other well-known models with which it has been directly compared in real-world tests: AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd gen), Sony WF-1000XM4, Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 and Jabra Elite 85t.
Compared to Apple AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd generation)
In terms of pure sound, the Beoplay EX have the advantage. One user with a professional audio profile indicates that These are the best sounding headphones Of all the ones he tested, it clearly surpassed the AirPods Pro, especially in terms of musical richness and detail.
However, in terms of overall comfort, ease of communication, and integrated iPhone experience (for example, with an iPhone 13 Pro), the AirPods Pro 2 come out on top. lighter and more ventilated fit This makes them more comfortable during long sessions, and their noise cancellation and transparency system is very polished and well integrated with iOS.
The same user, after thoroughly comparing Beoplay EX, AirPods Pro (1 and 2), Sony WF-1000XM4 and Sennheiser MTW3, ended up choosing the AirPods Pro 2He valued the comfort, the naturalness of speaking without always having to activate transparency mode, and the overall balance of the experience, although he readily acknowledged that the Beoplay EX sound better.
Compared to Sony WF-1000XM4
The Sony WF-1000XM4 headphones are a benchmark in ANC and smart features. However, not everyone is comfortable with their shape, and some users directly they cannot withstand its adjustmentOne specific case indicates that the fit of the Sony headphones was not liked "at all", something that depends a lot on each person's ear.
In terms of sound, the Beoplay EX offer a more refined profile with a greater sense of spaciousness, while the Sony speakers focus their offering on a very powerful noise cancellation and good integration with the Sony app. If ANC is your top priority, the XM4s may still be the better option; if you want the best possible audio within the TWS format, the EXs are a strong contender.
Versus Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3
The Sennheiser MTW3 are another favorite among audiophiles. They offer a Very high quality sound and good comfort for many users. In the direct comparison, it is noted that the Sennheiser fit was more comfortable than that of the Beoplay EX for some people.
In addition, Sennheiser headphones incorporate features such as manual shutdown which help preserve the battery in the long term, something the EX lacks. In terms of sound, preference may come down to personal taste, but the Beoplay EX has an added refinement in the equalizer and bass control, while Sennheiser maintains a very balanced and pleasant signature.
Compared to Jabra Elite 85t
The Jabra Elite 85t headphones are in a lower price range, but they remain a benchmark for their decent ANC and app with a classic equalizer. Comparing them to the Beoplay EX is useful for... assess to what extent the price difference is noticeable.
In terms of audio quality, the Beoplay EX clearly come out on top: when you turn up the bass, the Jabra headphones tend to darken the sound and mask details, while the Beoplay EX headphones do so. The bass frequencies gain strength without the rest of the spectrum becoming muddy.The EX models are also in a different league in terms of materials and design. However, the Jabra models are about half the price, so they can still be a very attractive option if you don't want to spend as much.
Price, perceived value, and promotions
The official price of the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX is around €399 in the European marketand around 9.990 kroner in other countries. It's not exactly a cheap product; it's clearly aimed at users who prioritize sound and design above all else.
In some cases, they have been seen promotions and discount codes They're offering discounts of around 2.000 kroner in certain markets, bringing the final cost down to approximately 7.990 kroner for early adopters. Even with these discounts, they remain high-end headphones, but they become somewhat more competitive against the stiff competition.
Those who have thoroughly tested them usually agree that They justify their price mainly because of the sound. And the build quality, although they acknowledge that they are not perfect: the ANC is not at the highest level on the market, the transparency mode could be improved, the app can be somewhat unstable, and there are absences such as ear detection or the manual power-off function.
Final considerations
For users who prioritize absolute comfort and intensive iPhone use, AirPods Pro 2 may still make more sense, even accepting that the sound won't be quite as exquisite. For those who prioritize audio above all else and value a premium design, the Beoplay EX becomes a very attractive option, even with its minor compromises.
Overall, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX are headphones Clearly aimed at audiophiles looking for a high-end TWS With a luxurious finish, outstanding sound, and good overall performance in calls and sports, assuming that ANC doesn't lead the market, that transparency mode lags behind the competition, and that its high price is only truly justified if you're going to fully utilize its sound quality and advanced equalizer. Share this information and more users will learn about the device.