Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX - The IMPERFECT King

Summary

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX earbuds offer Bluetooth 5.2 with SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive codecs, boasting a 34-foot range and multipoint connectivity. They lack active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency mode in single-use mode, but provide solid ANC and a natural transparency mode otherwise. With up to 8 hours of battery life without ANC and a fast-charging case, they are comfortable and have an IP57 rating, making them suitable for workouts. The sound quality is excellent, with well-balanced bass, midrange, and treble. However, at $399, they are pricey compared to competitors like Sony and Bose.

Takeaways

• 💻 The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX features Bluetooth 5.2 with SBC, AAC, and AptX Adaptive codecs, offering a reliable connection up to 34 feet.
• 💵 These earbuds lack active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency mode when used in single usage mode, which is a notable omission.
• 💲 Beoplay EX supports multipoint connectivity, allowing simultaneous connection to two devices, ensuring a smooth and stable experience.
• 📱 The earbuds deliver low latency during video streaming, making them suitable for watching various services like YouTube, Netflix, and Disney Plus.
• 💷 For gaming, the Beoplay EX is adequate for casual games but may not be ideal for competitive play due to the absence of a gaming mode with low latency.
• 💵 Battery life is rated at six hours with ANC on and eight hours with ANC off, plus an additional three charges from the charging case, though testing yielded slightly less.
• 💵 A fast charge feature provides an hour and 45 minutes of playback time after only 20 minutes of charging, enhancing the convenience.
• 💵 The charging case supports both USB-C and wireless charging, and while it's larger than the Beoplay EQ's case, it maintains a high-quality feel.
• 💵 Comfort is reported as excellent, with the Beoplay EX fitting large ears well and providing a secure grip without slippage during various activities.
• 💵 The earbuds are suitable for workouts due to their IP57 rating and secure fit, but side sleepers may find the stems uncomfortable.
• 💵 The Beoplay EX offers full touch controls that are responsive, but they are not customizable via the B&O app, which is a limitation for some users.
• 💵 Sound quality is a strong point for the Beoplay EX, with well-balanced bass, clear midrange, and smooth treble, making them stand out among competitors.
• 💲 The price point of $399 may be considered high compared to other brands like Sennheiser, Bose, and Sony, potentially limiting their appeal to a niche market.

Q & A

What Bluetooth version and codecs does the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX support?

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX supports Bluetooth 5.2 with SBC, AAC, and Aptex Adaptive as the connection codecs.

What is the Bluetooth range of the Beoplay EX earbuds?

The Bluetooth range of the Beoplay EX is approximately 34 feet or around 10.3 meters.

Does the Beoplay EX support multipoint connectivity, and if so, how many devices can it connect to simultaneously?

Yes, the Beoplay EX supports multipoint connectivity, allowing it to connect to two separate devices at the same time.

How is the latency of the Beoplay EX when watching videos or playing casual mobile games?

The latency of the Beoplay EX is minimal when watching videos on platforms like YouTube, Netflix, or Disney Plus, and it's suitable for casual mobile gaming.

What is the battery life of the Beoplay EX with and without noise cancellation?

The Beoplay EX claims six hours of battery life with noise cancellation turned on and eight hours with noise cancellation turned off. In testing, five hours and three minutes were achieved with noise cancellation on, and seven hours and 37 minutes with it off.

Does the Beoplay EX support wireless charging and fast charging?

Yes, the Beoplay EX supports both wireless charging and fast charging, with a 20-minute charge providing an additional hour and 45 minutes of playback time.

How comfortable are the Beoplay EX earbuds, and do they come with different tip options?

The Beoplay EX earbuds are reported to be comfortable, fitting large ears well, and they come with both silicone tips and a set of comply foam tips for added passive noise isolation.

What is the IP rating of the Beoplay EX, making them suitable for workouts?

The Beoplay EX has an IP57 rating, which makes them a good option for people looking for workout earbuds due to their grip and resistance to water and dust.

How do the Beoplay EX perform in terms of active noise cancellation compared to competitors like Sony and Bose?

While the Beoplay EX offers solid ANC performance, it is not on par with what Sony or Bose provides. However, it can be improved with the use of comply foam tips for additional passive noise isolation.

What are the key features of the B&O app that comes with the Beoplay EX?

The B&O app provides battery life information, music controls, ANC and transparency controls with sliders, adaptive ANC toggle, listening modes with EQ presets, call settings, auto standby toggle, and prompts for firmware updates.

How does the sound quality of the Beoplay EX compare to other high-end earbuds in the market?

The Beoplay EX excels in sound quality, offering well-executed bass, a warm and rich midrange, smooth treble delivery, and good soundstage with above average imaging and separation.

What are some areas for improvement in the Beoplay EX according to the reviewer?

The reviewer suggests areas for improvement include adding active noise cancellation and transparency abilities in single usage mode, introducing a low latency or gaming mode, customizable touch controls, and addressing the high price point of $399 US.