Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX: Is It Worth It?
So, you're eyeing the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX, huh? You're probably wondering if these premium headphones are worth the hefty price tag. Well, let's dive deep and explore everything this headset has to offer. We'll break down the design, comfort, sound quality, features, and overall value to help you make an informed decision. Are they the perfect headphones for you? Let's find out!
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to design, Bang & Olufsen rarely misses the mark. The Beoplay HX continues this tradition with its sleek, minimalist aesthetic. These headphones are crafted with premium materials like lambskin leather, memory foam, and recycled aluminum. The combination not only looks luxurious but also feels incredibly durable. You can tell that these headphones are built to last. The earcups are generously padded and covered in soft lambskin, providing a comfortable fit even during extended listening sessions. The headband is also well-cushioned and wrapped in fabric, ensuring a snug yet gentle grip. The overall construction feels solid and refined, befitting the Bang & Olufsen name. The Beoplay HX are available in a range of stylish colors, allowing you to choose a pair that matches your personal taste. From classic black to sophisticated grey and even bolder options, there's a Beoplay HX for everyone. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the design, from the seamless integration of the earcups to the subtle branding. These headphones are a statement piece that exudes elegance and sophistication. The carrying case is also well-designed and provides excellent protection for your headphones when you're on the go. It's a hard-shell case that is covered in fabric, with dedicated compartments for the headphones and accessories. The case is compact and easy to carry, making it ideal for travel. Overall, the design and build quality of the Beoplay HX are exceptional. These headphones are a testament to Bang & Olufsen's commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is king when it comes to headphones, especially if you plan on using them for long periods. Thankfully, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX excels in this area. As we mentioned earlier, the earcups are luxuriously padded with memory foam and wrapped in soft lambskin leather. This combination creates a plush and comfortable seal around your ears, effectively blocking out external noise and providing a comfortable listening experience. The headband is also well-cushioned and distributes the weight evenly across your head, preventing any pressure points or discomfort. The clamping force is just right – firm enough to keep the headphones securely in place but not so tight that they become uncomfortable. The earcups also have a good range of motion, allowing them to adjust to the shape of your head and provide a personalized fit. Even after hours of listening, the Beoplay HX remain comfortable and enjoyable to wear. One thing to note is that the lambskin leather can get a little warm after prolonged use, especially in warmer climates. However, this is a common characteristic of leather headphones and is not a major issue. Overall, the comfort and fit of the Beoplay HX are excellent. These headphones are designed to be worn for extended periods without causing fatigue or discomfort. Whether you're commuting, working, or simply relaxing at home, the Beoplay HX will provide a comfortable and immersive listening experience. Bang & Olufsen truly nailed the ergonomics of these headphones.
Sound Quality
Alright, let's talk sound! The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX boasts a well-balanced and refined sound signature that caters to a wide range of musical genres. The 40mm custom-designed drivers deliver a clear and detailed sound with a touch of warmth. The bass is present and punchy without being overwhelming, the mids are clear and articulate, and the highs are crisp and detailed. The overall sound is very balanced, making these headphones suitable for a variety of music genres. Whether you're listening to classical music, rock, pop, or electronic music, the Beoplay HX will deliver a satisfying listening experience. The soundstage is also surprisingly wide for a closed-back headphone, creating a sense of space and immersion. You'll be able to pick out individual instruments and vocals with ease, and the sound will feel like it's coming from outside of your head. The Beoplay HX also supports a variety of codecs, including SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive. This ensures that you're getting the best possible audio quality from your source device, whether it's an iPhone, Android phone, or computer. The active noise cancellation (ANC) is also very effective at blocking out external noise, allowing you to focus on your music without distractions. Whether you're on a noisy airplane or in a busy office, the ANC will create a peaceful and immersive listening environment. Overall, the sound quality of the Beoplay HX is excellent. These headphones deliver a balanced, detailed, and immersive sound that will appeal to a wide range of listeners. Bang & Olufsen has once again proven their expertise in audio engineering.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The Beoplay HX features adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC), which automatically adjusts the level of noise cancellation based on your environment. This is a fantastic feature that ensures you're always getting the optimal level of noise cancellation, whether you're in a quiet room or a noisy airplane. The ANC is incredibly effective at blocking out a wide range of noises, including traffic, airplane engine noise, and chatter. It's not quite as strong as the ANC on some of the top-tier noise-canceling headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, but it's still very good and provides a noticeable reduction in background noise. One of the great things about the ANC on the Beoplay HX is that it doesn't significantly affect the sound quality. Some noise-canceling headphones can sound muffled or unnatural when the ANC is turned on, but the Beoplay HX maintains its clarity and detail even with the ANC engaged. The Beoplay HX also has a transparency mode, which allows you to hear your surroundings without taking off the headphones. This is useful when you need to be aware of your environment, such as when you're walking on a busy street or waiting for an announcement at the airport. You can easily switch between ANC, transparency mode, and off using the buttons on the earcups. The adaptive ANC technology really sets these headphones apart. It intelligently analyzes the ambient noise and adjusts the noise cancellation accordingly. This ensures that you're always getting the best possible noise cancellation performance without compromising sound quality.
Features and Functionality
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX is packed with features that enhance the overall listening experience. These headphones connect wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.1, providing a stable and reliable connection with a range of up to 30 feet. They also support multipoint pairing, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously. This is a convenient feature that allows you to easily switch between listening to music on your phone and taking calls on your laptop. The Beoplay HX also has a built-in microphone for making calls and using voice assistants. The microphone quality is excellent, and your voice will sound clear and natural to the person on the other end of the line. The headphones are also compatible with Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa, allowing you to control your music, answer calls, and get information using your voice. The Beoplay HX has a long battery life of up to 35 hours with ANC turned on, and up to 40 hours with ANC turned off. This is more than enough to get you through a full day of listening, and you can easily recharge the headphones using the included USB-C cable. The Beoplay HX also has a proximity sensor that automatically pauses the music when you take the headphones off and resumes it when you put them back on. This is a convenient feature that ensures you never miss a beat. The Bang & Olufsen app allows you to customize the sound profile of the headphones to your liking. You can choose from a variety of presets or create your own custom EQ settings. The app also allows you to update the firmware of the headphones and access other features. Overall, the Beoplay HX is a feature-rich headphone that offers a lot of value for the price.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor for any wireless headphones, and the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX delivers impressive performance in this area. You can expect up to 35 hours of playtime with active noise cancellation (ANC) enabled, and up to 40 hours with ANC turned off. This is more than enough to get you through a full day of work, travel, or leisure activities. Even with heavy use, you likely won't need to charge the headphones more than once or twice a week. When the battery does run low, the Beoplay HX supports fast charging. A quick 15-minute charge will give you several hours of playtime, which is perfect for those times when you're in a hurry. The headphones also come with a USB-C charging cable, which is a welcome addition. USB-C is the latest standard for charging cables and is more durable and versatile than older micro-USB cables. You can also use the headphones while they're charging, so you don't have to interrupt your listening session. The battery life indicator is easy to read and provides accurate information about the remaining battery level. You can check the battery level in the Bang & Olufsen app or by pressing the power button on the headphones. Overall, the battery life of the Beoplay HX is excellent. These headphones will easily last you through a full day of listening, and the fast charging feature is a lifesaver when you're in a pinch.
Price and Value
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: the price. The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX sits firmly in the premium headphone category, and their price reflects that. But are they worth the investment? That depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you're looking for the absolute best noise cancellation on the market, there are other options that might be slightly better, such as the Sony WH-1000XM5 or the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. However, the Beoplay HX offers a more balanced package, combining excellent sound quality, luxurious design, comfortable fit, and a comprehensive set of features. The Beoplay HX also has a more refined and sophisticated design than many of its competitors. If you value aesthetics and craftsmanship, you'll appreciate the premium materials and attention to detail that went into the design of these headphones. Ultimately, the value of the Beoplay HX comes down to your personal preferences and budget. If you're willing to spend a premium for a pair of headphones that offer a combination of excellent sound quality, luxurious design, comfortable fit, and a comprehensive set of features, then the Beoplay HX is definitely worth considering. However, if you're on a tight budget or prioritize noise cancellation above all else, there are other options that might be a better fit. Consider what aspects are most important to you and choose based on those aspects.
Final Verdict
So, are the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX worth it? In our opinion, yes, absolutely. These headphones offer a compelling combination of luxurious design, exceptional comfort, balanced sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and a comprehensive set of features. While they may not be the absolute best in any single category, they excel in nearly every aspect, making them a well-rounded and highly desirable choice for discerning listeners. If you appreciate premium craftsmanship, refined aesthetics, and a truly immersive listening experience, the Beoplay HX are definitely worth considering. They're an investment that will provide years of enjoyment. Of course, the high price point may be a barrier for some. But if you're willing to splurge on a pair of headphones that truly delivers on all fronts, the Beoplay HX is a fantastic option. They're a testament to Bang & Olufsen's commitment to quality and innovation. So go ahead, treat yourself! You deserve it! Just make sure you consider all the factors we've discussed before making your final decision. Happy listening!