Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H100 Review: Premium Sound, Exceptional ANC, Worth It?

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H100 Review: Exceptional Sound and ANC

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H100 over-ear headphones are designed with titanium drivers, lamb leather, and top-notch Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). But does this justify their hefty price tag of €1700?

Bang & Olufsen is known for luxury audio products, and the Beoplay H100 sets itself apart in a market where brands like Sony, Bose, and Apple offer premium headphones for a fraction of the price, typically between €400 and €600. The H100 is nearly four times the cost of a Sony WH-1000XM6 and more than three times that of Apple’s AirPods Max. What you get, however, is not just another headphone; the H100 represents a statement of style, featuring materials like aluminum, titanium, and leather that signify craftsmanship and luxury.

Design, Build Quality, and Comfort

Upon unboxing, it becomes clear where the budget has been allocated. The H100 combines aluminum, titanium, lamb leather, cowhide leather, fabric, and toughened glass in its construction—resembling the components of a luxury watch.

Weighing in at 375 grams, these headphones are relatively heavy. They exceed the weight of the Sony WH-1000XM6, which weighs 254 grams, yet remain lighter than the 385 grams of the Apple AirPods Max. With dimensions of 18.8 × 21.0 × 7.7 cm, they aren’t the best travel companions, especially since they do not fold. However, the swiveling ear cups fit snugly into a case that resembles a high-end clutch.

Three stylish color options are available: Infinite Black, Hourglass Sand, and Sunset Apricot. The ear pads are soft to the touch, wrapped in plush lamb leather, while the headband features a knitted textile cover. The outer glass of the ear cups is scratch-resistant and serves as a touchpad, showcasing an overall high-quality design.

Comfort and Usability

Comfort-wise, the H100 exhibits a dual nature. The clamping force is relatively high, but the soft leather helps alleviate discomfort during prolonged use. The ear cups effectively shield ambient noise on their own, and their firm fit ensures they stay in place, even during vigorous activity. However, larger ears might feel pressure against the ear cups, so trying them before purchase is advisable.

A standout feature of the H100 is its modular design, allowing users to easily replace worn components like ear pads and headbands. The battery and drivers can also be swapped out if they fail, with a single screw giving access to the internal components. Coupled with a five-year warranty from the Beocare program, the H100 emphasizes repairability.

Technology and Specifications

Internally, the H100 is powered by 40mm titanium drivers and boasts a frequency range of 10-10,000 Hz, extending to 20,000 Hz in wired high-resolution mode. Bluetooth 5.3 allows for efficient wireless connectivity, but the lack of advanced codecs like aptX or LDAC can be seen as a shortcoming for a high-end product.

In terms of battery life, the H100 offers up to 32 hours of playback with ANC on. Quick charging capabilities provide up to five hours of music playback with just five minutes of charge. The standby mode can last up to 90 days when stored properly, making it an ideal choice for long-term use.

Sound Quality and ANC Performance

Sound quality is where the H100 shines. The bass is pronounced, but tweaking the equalizer can balance the sound profile, revealing a detailed listening experience. Wired connections significantly enhance audio clarity, particularly in the treble frequencies. The headphones support Spatial Audio with head tracking, providing an engaging listening experience.

ANC performance is impressive, powered by ten microphones, enabling efficient ambient noise cancellation similar to top competitors like Apple AirPods Max and Bose QuietComfort Ultra. The adjustable transparency mode offers excellent audio quality, allowing users to perceive surrounding sounds while maintaining natural sound reproduction.

Conclusion: Is It Worth the Price?

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H100 represents the epitome of luxury in headphone design, build, and performance. The audio experience is exceptional but not groundbreaking compared to cheaper counterparts. The price tag reflects its luxury branding rather than entirely unique sonic capabilities.

While the modular design and attractive aesthetics earn the H100 accolades, the absence of high-resolution wireless audio codecs does give room for criticism. If sheer luxury and aesthetic appeal matter as much as sound quality, the H100 is undoubtedly a worthy investment among personal audio choices.