Bang & Olufsen Noise Cancelling Headphones Review: The Ultimate Guide
You know that feeling when you put on a pair of headphones and everything just clicks? The world fades away, the music sounds perfect, and you forget you’re even wearing them.
That’s the Bang & Olufsen promise. These Danish audio legends have been crafting beautiful sound for nearly a century, and their noise cancelling headphones are no exception.
But here’s the million dollar question: Are they worth the premium price tag, or should you save your money for something else?
Key Takeaways:
- Premium Build Quality: Bang & Olufsen headphones feature genuine leather, aluminum, and lambskin materials that set them apart from plastic competitors. These aren’t just headphones; they’re handcrafted accessories that age beautifully with time.
- Outstanding Sound Performance: The 40mm titanium drivers deliver exceptional clarity across all frequencies. You’ll hear details in your favorite songs that you never noticed before, with rich bass that doesn’t overpower the mids and highs.
- Industry Leading Noise Cancellation: The adaptive ANC technology automatically adjusts to your environment, whether you’re on a plane, in a coffee shop, or walking down a busy street. It rivals top competitors like Sony and Bose.
- Impressive Battery Life: Most B&O models offer 30 to 42 hours of playtime with ANC and Bluetooth activated. That’s enough for multiple international flights without reaching for your charger.
- Luxury Price Point: These headphones range from $499 to $2,200 depending on the model. You’re paying for premium materials, exceptional craftsmanship, and that distinctive Bang & Olufsen sound signature.
- Modular Design Innovation: Some models like the H100 feature replaceable parts and upgradeable components, making them a more sustainable choice for long term use.
Beoplay H95: The Flagship Experience
The Beoplay H95 represents everything Bang & Olufsen knows about premium headphones. These are the flagship model, the ones that showcase the absolute best the company can offer. They come in a gorgeous protective carrying case that feels more like a jewelry box than a tech accessory.
What makes the H95 special? Start with the titanium drivers. These 40mm powerhouses deliver sound that’s both powerful and nuanced. The bass hits hard when it needs to, but never muddies the midrange. Vocals sound clear and present, like the artist is right there in the room with you. High frequencies sparkle without being harsh or fatiguing.
The adaptive noise cancellation is truly exceptional. It analyzes your environment 4,000 times per second and adjusts accordingly. On a plane, it crushes engine noise. In a cafe, it filters out chatter while letting important sounds through. The transparency mode works beautifully too, letting you have conversations without removing the headphones.
Build quality is outstanding. The aluminum frame feels solid but not heavy. Genuine leather covers the headband and ear cups, providing comfort that improves with age. The ear cushions use memory foam wrapped in lambskin, creating a seal that’s both effective and comfortable for hours of wear.
Battery life clocks in at an impressive 38 hours with ANC enabled. That’s more than enough for the longest flights and multi day trips. When you do need to charge, USB C makes it quick and convenient.
Beoplay HX: The Best Value Pick
If the H95 feels too expensive, the Beoplay HX offers much of the same experience at a more accessible price point. These headphones prove that Bang & Olufsen can compete in the mid premium category without sacrificing their core values.
The HX uses similar 40mm drivers to the H95, though they’re not titanium. The sound signature remains distinctly Bang & Olufsen, with rich bass, clear mids, and detailed highs. Most listeners won’t notice a dramatic difference in sound quality between these and their more expensive siblings.
Active noise cancellation works excellently here too. It may not be quite as refined as the H95’s adaptive system, but it handles typical noise situations with ease. Plane engines, traffic noise, and office chatter all get reduced to manageable levels. The transparency mode lets you stay aware of your surroundings when needed.
Comfort is a standout feature. The memory foam ear cushions distribute pressure evenly, and the adjustable headband adapts to different head sizes effortlessly. Many users report wearing these for entire workdays without discomfort. The lighter weight compared to the H95 helps with extended wearing sessions.
Battery performance is actually better than the flagship. You get 30 hours with both ANC and Bluetooth active, but the real magic happens when you turn ANC off. In that scenario, battery life extends dramatically. The headphones also feature smart power management, pausing automatically when you take them off.
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Beoplay H100: The Ultimate Luxury Statement
The Beoplay H100 takes everything to the next level. These are Bang & Olufsen’s most expensive headphones ever, and they’re designed to justify that price tag. If the H95 is luxury, the H100 is ultra luxury.
What sets the H100 apart is its modular design philosophy. Parts can be replaced and upgraded over time. The ear cushions, headband padding, and even some internal components are user replaceable. This means your investment can last much longer than traditional headphones that become obsolete or wear out.
Sound quality reaches new heights with optimized Dolby Atmos support. The spatial audio experience is genuinely immersive, creating a three dimensional soundstage that competitors struggle to match. Music sounds expansive and detailed, with instruments occupying distinct positions in space.
The noise cancellation technology here is next level ANC. It adapts more quickly and accurately than previous models, creating what Bang & Olufsen calls a “silence bubble” around your ears. Wind noise gets filtered better, and the system handles sudden loud sounds without that jarring adjustment delay.
Materials are even more premium. The lambskin leather feels softer and more supple. The aluminum construction uses more advanced alloys. Everything about the H100 feels crafted rather than manufactured. You’re holding art that happens to produce incredible sound.
Sound Quality: The Heart of the Experience
Sound quality is where Bang & Olufsen truly shines. These headphones don’t follow the overly bass heavy trend that dominates consumer audio. Instead, they aim for a balanced, natural sound signature that lets music breathe.
The low frequencies have weight and depth without overwhelming everything else. Electronic music fans will appreciate the tight, controlled bass that can still shake your skull when the track demands it. But switch to classical music, and that same bass sits properly in the mix, supporting rather than dominating.
Midrange clarity is exceptional across all B&O models. Vocals sound natural and present, guitars have texture and detail, and orchestral instruments maintain their individual character. This is the frequency range where most headphones make compromises, but Bang & Olufsen gets it right.
High frequencies sparkle and extend beautifully. Cymbals shimmer, strings have air and space, and subtle details emerge from the mix. Yet there’s no harshness or fatigue, even during long listening sessions. The treble balance walks that perfect line between detailed and comfortable.
Soundstage presentation is wider than most closed back headphones manage. Instruments occupy distinct positions rather than bunching together in the center. The sense of space and separation makes complex recordings easier to follow and more engaging to explore.
Noise Cancellation Technology Deep Dive
Bang & Olufsen’s approach to active noise cancellation combines multiple technologies. External microphones capture ambient sound, internal microphones monitor what reaches your ears, and sophisticated processing neutralizes unwanted noise before it disturbs your listening.
The adaptive nature of their ANC system is key. Rather than using fixed noise cancellation curves, these headphones constantly analyze your environment and adjust in real time. On a plane, they emphasize low frequency cancellation for engine noise. In a cafe, they target mid frequency chatter.
Wind noise reduction is particularly impressive on newer models like the H100. Many ANC headphones struggle outdoors because wind creates turbulence around the microphones. Bang & Olufsen’s algorithms detect and filter this effectively, making these headphones usable for outdoor walking and running.
Transparency mode deserves special mention. Rather than just turning off ANC, it actively amplifies external sounds in a natural way. You can have conversations, hear traffic, and stay aware of your surroundings without removing the headphones. The implementation feels more sophisticated than most competitors.
The system works without introducing hiss or artifacts at normal volumes. Some ANC headphones create a subtle pressure sensation or add background noise. Bang & Olufsen’s implementation feels clean and transparent, letting you forget the technology is working.
Comfort and Fit for Long Sessions
Comfort is where premium materials make a real difference. The memory foam ear cushions on B&O headphones conform to your head shape gradually, creating a custom fit over the first few wearing sessions. They’re thick enough to fully encompass most ears without touching.
The genuine leather and lambskin materials breathe better than synthetic alternatives. Your ears stay cooler during extended use, reducing that clammy feeling common with cheaper headphones. The leather also becomes softer and more comfortable over time rather than degrading.
Headband pressure distribution is carefully engineered. The padded underside spreads weight across a larger area, preventing the hot spot discomfort some headphones create. The adjustment mechanism is smooth and stays in place without gradually loosening during use.
Clamp force strikes a good balance. The headphones stay secure without squeezing too tightly. People who wear glasses report minimal discomfort, as the soft ear cushions accommodate frames without creating pressure points. The seal remains effective for noise cancellation without being uncomfortable.
Weight is noticeable but not burdensome. These are premium materials, so they have some heft compared to plastic alternatives. However, the weight distribution is excellent, and most users adapt quickly. The quality feel actually reassures you that you’re wearing something substantial.
Battery Life and Charging Capabilities
Battery performance varies by model but generally exceeds most competitors. The Beoplay HX leads the pack with up to 30 hours of use with ANC and Bluetooth active. Turn off ANC, and that number climbs even higher for ultra long flights and trips.
The H95 delivers around 38 hours, which is exceptional for a flagship model with powerful drivers and sophisticated ANC processing. Even heavy users can go days between charges. The headphones also have smart power management that extends battery life automatically.
USB C charging is standard across modern B&O models, making it easy to use the same cable you carry for your phone and laptop. Fast charging support means even short charging sessions add meaningful use time. A 15 minute charge can provide several hours of listening.
The headphones provide clear battery status through both voice prompts and app indicators. You’ll always know roughly how much time remains, reducing the anxiety of running out mid flight. The warnings come early enough to find a charger before the battery dies completely.
Power efficiency is impressive. Even with Bluetooth 5.2 or higher maintaining stable connections, the battery drain remains reasonable. Standby time is measured in weeks rather than days, so leaving them in your bag between uses doesn’t mean arriving to dead headphones.
Build Quality and Material Excellence
Bang & Olufsen’s commitment to premium materials is immediately apparent. The aluminum frames aren’t just for show; they provide structural rigidity while remaining light. The metal feels cold to the touch and has a quality heft that plastic can never match.
Genuine leather covers high touch surfaces throughout. This isn’t bonded leather or synthetic material pretending to be real. It’s actual cowhide and lambskin that will develop a patina over time. The leather treatment is excellent, remaining supple and soft through years of use.
Stitching and assembly quality is meticulous. Seams line up perfectly, there are no rough edges, and everything fits together with precision. These headphones feel like they were assembled by craftspeople rather than just stamped out on an assembly line.
The folding mechanism on applicable models is smooth and confidence inspiring. It clicks into place with satisfying precision and shows no wobble or play. The hinges are metal rather than plastic, designed to survive thousands of fold cycles.
Durability testing shows these headphones can handle real world use. The materials age gracefully rather than falling apart. Users report headphones remaining in excellent condition after years of daily use, something uncommon in the disposable electronics era.
Connectivity and Smart Features
Bluetooth performance is rock solid across all models. Connection range extends well beyond typical use cases, and the signal remains stable even with obstacles between source and headphones. You can walk around your home or office without drops or stutters.
Multipoint connectivity lets you pair with multiple devices simultaneously. Switch seamlessly between your laptop and phone, with the headphones intelligently routing audio from whichever source is currently playing. The implementation works more reliably than many competitors.
The Bang & Olufsen app provides extensive customization options. Adjust EQ settings, configure ANC levels, update firmware, and personalize controls all from your smartphone. The interface is intuitive and well designed, matching the premium feel of the hardware.
Touch controls on the ear cups are responsive and customizable. Volume, playback, ANC mode, and assistant access are all available without reaching for your phone. The learning curve is minimal, and the gestures feel natural after a few uses.
Voice assistant integration works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. Activate with a button press or voice command, and the microphones pick up your voice clearly even in noisy environments. The headphones pause audio automatically when you speak to assistants.
Microphone Quality for Calls and Meetings
Call quality impresses with multiple microphone arrays working together. The headphones use beam forming technology to focus on your voice while suppressing background noise. Your voice comes through clear and natural on the other end.
Wind noise reduction for calls is particularly effective. The same technology that helps with ANC also benefits microphone pickup. You can take calls while walking outdoors without sounding like you’re in a wind tunnel.
The microphones handle noisy environments well. Coffee shop background noise, traffic sounds, and office chatter get filtered out effectively. Conference calls from busy locations remain professional and easy to understand.
Voice clarity remains consistent across volume levels. Whether you’re speaking normally or raising your voice slightly, the audio processing maintains natural tone without distortion. The dynamic range handling is better than most consumer headphones.
Zoom, Teams, and other video conferencing platforms all work seamlessly. The headphones present as a high quality audio device, and the microphone selection happens automatically. No fiddling with settings or audio routing required.
Price Analysis and Value Proposition
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Bang & Olufsen headphones are expensive. The HX starts around $499, the H95 costs approximately $875, and the H100 reaches $2,200. These prices put them in luxury territory, competing with jewelry and designer accessories.
What justifies these prices? First, the materials are genuinely premium. Real leather, aluminum, and titanium cost more than plastic and synthetic materials. The construction quality exceeds mass market products, with attention to detail that’s immediately apparent.
Second, the sound quality is exceptional. While diminishing returns exist in audio, B&O headphones do deliver noticeably better performance than mid range options. The difference may not justify the price for everyone, but discerning listeners will appreciate it.
Third, longevity matters. These headphones are built to last years rather than months. The materials age well, parts can be replaced, and the timeless design won’t look dated quickly. The cost per year of ownership becomes more reasonable with this perspective.
However, competitors offer 90 percent of the performance at much lower prices. Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra cost half as much and match or exceed B&O in some areas like ANC performance. The extra cost buys design, materials, and brand prestige.
The value proposition makes sense for certain buyers. If you appreciate luxury goods, want the best materials, and can afford the premium, Bang & Olufsen delivers. But if you prioritize pure performance per dollar, excellent alternatives exist at lower price points.
Comparing Against Key Competitors
Sony WH-1000XM5 offers arguably better ANC performance at half the price. The sound quality is excellent, though tuned differently than B&O’s balanced approach. Sony emphasizes bass more heavily and has a slightly warmer overall signature. Build quality uses more plastic but remains solid.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra matches Bang & Olufsen’s comfort and exceeds their ANC in low frequency noise reduction. Spatial audio implementation is comparable. However, Bose uses primarily plastic construction and doesn’t match B&O’s premium materials or distinctive design language.
Sennheiser Momentum 4 provides exceptional battery life and excellent sound quality at mid premium prices. The sound signature is more neutral than B&O, which some audiophiles prefer. Build quality is good but doesn’t reach Bang & Olufsen’s luxury level.
Where Bang & Olufsen wins is design, materials, and brand cachet. These headphones look and feel more expensive than competitors. They’re fashion accessories as much as audio devices. The sound quality is excellent but not dramatically better than top Sony or Sennheiser models.
The choice depends on priorities. For pure performance value, Sony or Sennheiser make more sense. For luxury design with excellent performance, Bang & Olufsen stands alone. For balanced overall quality, Bose remains competitive. Each brand excels in different areas.
Who Should Buy Bang & Olufsen Headphones?
Design conscious professionals who want headphones that match their aesthetic sensibilities will love Bang & Olufsen. These look appropriate in business class, executive offices, and upscale environments where plastic headphones feel out of place.
Music enthusiasts who can hear and appreciate subtle differences in sound quality will value the balanced, natural tuning. If you’ve invested in high quality audio sources and files, these headphones will reveal that quality.
Frequent travelers benefit from the combination of excellent ANC, long battery life, and premium comfort. The protective cases and durable construction survive the rigors of constant travel better than fragile alternatives.
Apple ecosystem users who already own premium devices and accessories will find Bang & Olufsen fits naturally into their collection. The design language and quality level match other luxury tech products.
Fashion forward buyers who view headphones as accessories rather than just tools will appreciate the distinctive styling. These make a statement about taste and priorities that mass market options cannot.
Who shouldn’t buy them? Budget conscious shoppers can get 90 percent of the performance elsewhere for half the price. Bass heads who want maximum low end impact should look at consumer tuned alternatives. Rough users who beat up their gear might not appreciate investing in delicate premium materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bang & Olufsen headphones worth the high price?
The value depends entirely on your priorities and budget. If you appreciate luxury materials, exceptional craftsmanship, and distinctive design, then yes, these headphones deliver commensurate value. The genuine leather, aluminum construction, and attention to detail justify premium pricing for those who value such things. However, if you prioritize pure audio performance per dollar, excellent alternatives exist at lower price points that deliver similar sound quality.
How does Bang & Olufsen noise cancellation compare to Sony and Bose?
Bang & Olufsen’s adaptive ANC technology is excellent and competitive with industry leaders. It handles most noise situations effectively, from airplane engines to office chatter. Sony WH-1000XM5 may have a slight edge in pure noise reduction numbers, and Bose QuietComfort Ultra excels at low frequency cancellation. However, B&O’s implementation feels more natural and introduces less audible artifacts. The difference is marginal in real world use.
Can I use Bang & Olufsen headphones for gaming?
Yes, but they’re not optimized for gaming. The Bluetooth latency can cause audio delay issues in fast paced competitive games. For casual gaming and single player experiences, they work fine and sound excellent. The soundstage helps with directional audio cues. However, dedicated gaming headsets or wired connections work better for serious gaming where split second timing matters.
How long do Bang & Olufsen headphones typically last?
With proper care, these headphones easily last five to ten years or more. The premium materials age gracefully rather than deteriorating. Many users report first generation models still functioning perfectly years later. The modular design on newer models like the H100 extends lifespan further through replaceable parts. Battery degradation eventually occurs but typically takes many charge cycles.
Do Bang & Olufsen headphones work well with Android devices?
Absolutely. While the headphones look at home with Apple products, they work perfectly with Android through standard Bluetooth connectivity. The Bang & Olufsen app is available on both iOS and Android platforms, providing full functionality regardless of your phone choice. All features including ANC, transparency mode, and controls function identically across platforms.
Can I replace the ear cushions when they wear out?
Yes, replacement ear cushions are available directly from Bang & Olufsen or authorized dealers. The cushions use a simple attachment system that doesn’t require tools or technical expertise. This extends the useful life of your headphones significantly and allows you to refresh the comfort whenever needed. The H100 takes this further with its modular design philosophy.
How do Bang & Olufsen headphones sound for classical music?
They excel with classical music. The balanced sound signature doesn’t emphasize any particular frequency range, allowing orchestral instruments to maintain their natural timbre. The wide soundstage helps separate sections of the orchestra. Dynamic range handling is excellent, preserving both delicate pianissimo passages and powerful crescendos without compression.
Are these headphones good for exercise and workouts?
Not really. While the wireless design works for exercise, these are premium over ear headphones designed for listening and travel rather than athletic activities. They’re not sweat resistant, and the luxury materials aren’t meant to handle repeated exposure to moisture. Consider Bang & Olufsen’s sport oriented earbuds for workout use instead.
Bang & Olufsen noise cancelling headphones represent the pinnacle of luxury audio. They combine exceptional sound quality, premium materials, and distinctive design in ways that few competitors match. The price tags are substantial, reflecting the use of genuine leather, aluminum, and meticulous craftsmanship. For those who appreciate luxury goods and can afford the investment, these headphones deliver a satisfying ownership experience that extends beyond mere audio performance.
The choice between models depends on your budget and priorities. The HX offers excellent value in the B&O lineup, delivering most of the performance and materials quality at a more accessible price. The H95 represents the sweet spot for many buyers, balancing flagship features with a price that, while high, doesn’t reach stratospheric levels. The H100 is pure luxury, designed for those who want the absolute best regardless of cost.
Competition is fierce in the premium headphone market. Sony, Bose, and Sennheiser all offer compelling alternatives with their own strengths. However, none match Bang & Olufsen’s combination of materials quality, design distinctiveness, and brand heritage. These aren’t just headphones; they’re statement pieces that happen to sound incredible.
