When a brand tells me they have finally created the “ultimate” product, it makes me both curious and suspicious. To me “ultimate” means the best, the end all be all. I, of course, know that not every product can be the best. It’s my job to test these gadgets and come up comparisons across the board. And when Bang & Olufsen told me the Beoplay H100 were the “ultimate” pair of over-ear headphones, I didn’t believe it—but, now I do.
These Bluetooth headphones are built to last. That much was evident from the first moment I donned my pair of Infinite Black Beoplay H100s—which also come in a tan and apricot colorway. Regardless of the color you choose, your Beoplay H100s come with a gorgeous cowhide leather carrying case.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H100
Cons
- Hard to justify the price, even with all that
Comfort and build quality have always been B&O’s trademark. Each are here in spades, but the H100 steps it up and adds modularity to that formula. Each individual part of the Beoplay H100 headphones can be replaced. The memory foam headband and ear cushions are magnetic, completely removable and replaceable. The battery too is built to be replaced and is covered under the five-year extended warranty. That’s a rarity in a world run by Apple. The promise runs beyond the warranty. B&O has said these headphones are well on the way to receiving “cradle to cradle” certification.
These headphones aren’t just future-proofed, they are futuristic. Housing the twin electro-dynamic titanium drivers are dials on each side. By default, the right dial adjusts volume and the left adjusts noise-cancelling transparency. The latter is a revelation. B&O’s ANC tech is best-in class, but the incremental transparency is (and I don’t use this word unless I mean it) mind-blowing. I’ve experienced zero nausea or pressure issues in the months I’ve been testing.
This physicality extends to the touch pad controls on each side. There is distinct, pleasant feedback for each action. A quick tap evokes a different response from a subtle swipe. Each of these controls, including the dials, can be customized via the Bang & Olufsen app.
As far as apps go it’s a pretty good one. The app makes it easy to adjust EQ and switch between audio modes. I will admit to not always opening the app when I put on my H100s. This can cause issues with some of the headphone’s more advanced features, which I haven’t found to be 100 percent reliable.
Namely, I’m speaking to the auto-pause feature. Whenever you take off the H100s (or simply lift one ear cup) the sound will pause automatically. When you put them back on, it resumes. You can put them down for minutes and pick back up right where you left off. When this works, it’s game changing. And it works most of the time. I’ve just had times where it doesn’t and I don’t’ get to enjoy the rest of the song I was jamming to. No biggie, but a notable stain.
Needless to say, these headphones sound amazing. I won’t bore you with details of how amazing the bass can be or reiterate how much I love the noise-cancelling. It’s simply the best. Still, I hesitate to give this product my full-throated recommendation.
My time with the Beoplay H100 has been an act of cognitive dissonance. Ultimately, my take is straightforward. These are the absolute best over-ear headphones I’ve ever tried. They are also one hundred percent not worth the price of entry—at least not on a salary under six figures. If your mantra is “you can’t put a price on quality” than these are the uncompromised headphones for you. Alternatively, if you are rough on your toys the cradle-to-cradle replacement model may just save you money over time. Would I buy them with my own money? Probably not right now, but that doesn’t mean they don’t speak to a certain customer.
For anyone on the same budget as me, there’s the Beoplay HX. B&O’s “comfortable, do-it-all headphones” that retail for $599. And right now, you can find a pair of the original black model (the color I have) on Amazon for $360. This range is closer what other premium headphone brands are charging for their top-of-line models. B&O says “fuck it” and starts there instead.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX
Over the past couple months, I’ve been trying these out as well. They’re great headphones. They excellent noise-cancelling and the audio quality is nearly on par with the H100. The HX are worth what they cost, but they lack the bells and whistles I’ve come to love from the H100.
The HX doesn’t have dials, for example. Nor are any of the parts replaceable or modular. It still does transparency, but there’s only one setting for it. Adaptive ANC and Windguard are excellent features you’d expect from headphones in this price range, but they pale in comparison to the options the H100 gives.
There is something to be said for the promise of the Beoplay H100. A pair of HX will last years, even a decade if you take care of them, but not your whole life. Batteries die and cushions take a beating. That’s life. The modular approach B&O has taken with the H100 is built to be future-proofed. Spend $1500 once and it lasts forever, instead of $500 ever five years for the next thirty. This is where the value proposition makes the most sense.
And then I remember thirty years ago we were using the Walkman. More than anything, my time with the Beoplay H100 has me thinking about how these headphones will likely outlive the very tech that’s foundational to them working. It’s not going to be a dead battery or worn-down ear cushion that gets you to stop using them, it will be whatever inevitably makes Bluetooth and apps obsolete.
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I’ve spent over a month with both pairs of headphones, using each on an almost daily basis. I have listened to all genres of music on these things, watched hours of video, and even put on some podcasts.
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