Probably the first Bluetooth headphones I’ve tried lately that actually sound good … good enough that I don’t feel the need to switch to IEMs and a DAP.
Bang & Olufsen took a pretty interesting approach with the Beoplay H100, especially codecs wise, as the only ones available are SBC and AAC. That alone tells me how little codecs sometimes matter, and how much difference a proper implementation can make.
I owned the Beoplay H95 (it’s predecessor) a while back and that was already a high-quality pair of bluetooth headphones, both in build and sound, but what about H100
Getting rid of the obvious. The Beoplay H100 is a luxury product and, priced at 1700€, with an impressive build quality, packaging and sound
What’s in the box:
- Beoplay H100 Headphones
- Leder carry case
- Fabric USB-C-zu-USB-C-Kabel, 1,25 m
- Fabric USB-C-zu-3,5-mm-Audio cabel, 1,25 m
- Paperwork
Features:
- Advanced Sound Features
- Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation
- (Total: 10 microphones 2 dedicated Mics for ANC/Transparency function Wind Guard)
- True Transparency™
- 34 hours battery life
Driver Type & Size
- Electro-dynamic Titanium Driver, 40 mm diameter
- Frequency Range
- 10–20,000 Hz
- 10–40,000 Hz (hi-res mode)
- Customizable Sound EQ
- Presets available and fully customisable through the Bang & Olufsen App
- Earsense
After it’s predecessor , H100 takes things a clear step further (imo). I’d describe them as rich, neutral-warm tuned with a detailed, enjoyable presentation that prioritizes musicality, engagement rather than pure technical performance. To be expected, especially for a wireless HP
One minor downside is the app’s integrated EQ. They used the same approach as for every previous Beoplay HP I used in the past. It’s not a traditional * band equalizer, but rather more of a “wheel” with a dot in the middle which can be moved from the center to the sides, tuning the sound towards being warm / energetic / bright / relaxed.
The presets are usable and well thought out, though I’ve mostly stuck with the default tuning, which is just right for my ears out of the box.
They’re very expensive, and arguably too expensive, but the sound quality is top-notch.
Beyond the audio, the build quality is stunning, with many parts being removable and replaceable (including the real leather ear cups and headband). Modularity is the word and is clear that B&O did not only want to create a good sounding product, but they did all they can to make it long lasting and durable
Last but not least, the microphones are good, though not quite on par with the overall sound quality. I use them for work calls, and the feedback I get is that my voice sounds natural and that they handle standard background noise effectively. My voice comes across as slightly distant, but not excessively so.
When I’m out and about, the ANC shifts a little, and my footsteps transmit through the ear pads slightly more than they do with headphones like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Sony XM6.
