Unveiling the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H100
When it comes to premium headphones, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H100 stands as a monumental testament to luxury audio. Sporting titanium drivers, lambskin leather, and top-tier active noise cancellation (ANC), the price tag of €1700 raises a significant question: Does it justify its cost?
Design and Build Quality
The moment you unbox the H100, it’s clear where your investment has gone. Comprising aluminum, titanium, lambskin leather, cowhide, fabric, and toughened glass, materials typically reserved for luxury watches are utilized here. The build quality is superb, with every detail conveying careful craftsmanship designed for longevity.
Weighing in at 375 grams, the H100 is heavier than models like the Sony WH-1000XM6 yet lighter than the Apple AirPods Max. Although its dimensions (18.8 × 21.0 × 7.7 cm) render it less travel-friendly, the swiveling ear cups allow it to fit into a stylishly designed carry bag resembling a sleek clutch.
Available in three color variants—Infinite Black, Hourglass Sand, and Sunset Apricot—the headphone’s design exudes sophistication. The ear cushions are crafted from plush lambskin, while the headband features a knitted textile covering. The glass on the ear cups serves as a touchpad, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort-wise, the H100 displays a dual nature. Although the clamping force is somewhat high, the soft leather cushions mitigate any discomfort. The ear cups nicely envelop the ears, passively blocking out environmental noise. The tighter fit ensures that even with sudden movements, the headphones remain securely in place. However, wearers with larger ears may experience discomfort, as the cups can sit a bit away from the ears.
Modular Design and Repairability
One standout feature of the H100 is its modular design, allowing users to replace worn-out parts like the headband and ear cushions easily—thanks to magnetic attachments. Even the drivers and battery can be swapped out if necessary. With a five-year warranty under the Beocare program, Bang & Olufsen sets a high bar in terms of repairability in the headphone market.
Technical Features
The H100 is equipped with 40mm titanium drivers, covering a frequency range of 10 to 10,000 Hz in wireless mode and extending to 20,000 Hz in wired hi-res mode. The headphones connect via Bluetooth 5.3, yet the codec limitations—offering only SBC and AAC—mark a significant shortcoming for a device in this price range, especially with promised features like LDAC still missing.
Operation and App Functionality
Operating the H100 is intuitive. It combines physical buttons, touch-sensitive panels, and dual rotating rings that control volume and noise cancellation. The touch surface performs impressively, even responding to wet fingers. However, there is no classic power button; instead, wear detection sensors handle power management.
While the accompanying app is user-friendly, it lacks a multi-band equalizer in favor of a simpler sound adjustment graph, which can feel less precise compared to offerings from competitors.
Sound Quality and ANC Performance
The H100 delivers exceptional audio performance, albeit with a bass-heavy tuning out of the box. Users can adjust the sound via the app, leading to more natural mid and high frequencies. The ANC, featuring ten microphones, offers impressive noise cancellation on par with models like the Apple AirPods Max. The transparency mode also excels, allowing for high-quality audio of ambient sounds, enhancing the listening experience.
Battery Life and Charging
With two lithium-ion batteries of 520 mAh each, the H100 offers up to 32 hours of playback with ANC enabled. Quick charging capabilities allow for five hours of use after just five minutes of charging. However, the absence of a charger in the box is noteworthy.
Final Thoughts
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H100 truly stands as a statement piece in the headphones market. Its premium materials, excellent build quality, and intuitive controls make it a luxurious choice for discerning audiophiles. However, its lack of a hi-res wireless codec and a price four times higher than competitors like the Sony WH-1000XM6 raises questions. While it delivers in craftsmanship and comfort, those seeking unparalleled audio quality at a fair price may not find their expectations exceeded.
